Friday and Saturday, March 7th and 8th
at University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
Central Oklahoma faith communities and organizations proclaiming that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin are announcing a two-day "Sexual Identity & Spirituality Conference," to be held March 7 and 8, on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma, in Edmond, OK.
"We support the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the life of all faith communities, and offer this conference to share scholarly interpretations of scriptures making exactly that point," said Rev. Kathy McCallie of Oklahoma City's Church of the Open Arms, UCC, a conference organizer.
The conference begins on Friday, March 7th, at 7:00 p.m., with a keynote lecture by Dr. Deborah Appler, professor of Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) at Moravian College, in Bethlehem, PA. Appler's lecture will be held in the Liberal Arts Building, on the UCO campus.
Workshops and lectures by a host of presenters will meet Saturday, March 8, from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm, also in the Liberal Arts Building. Workshops will offer opportunities to reflect on a wide range of topics including information about scripture, various spiritual and interfaith perspectives on sexuality, and relationship issues for families and couples.
Registration fee for the conference is $15, and some scholarship money is available by application. Childcare will be provided if requested before March 1st. Registration and complete conference details are available on the website: www.PFLAGOKC.org [1].
The public is invited to hear Dr. Appler preach on Sunday morning, March 9th, at 10:45 am, at Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City. Appler's sermon will conclude the weekend's events.
The conference is sponsored by a diverse group of faith communities and organizations including: Cathedral of Hope OKC, Church of the Open Arms, First Unitarian Church, GATE (Gay Alliance for Tolerance and Equality, a student group at UCO), PFLAG-OKC (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
For more information call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525-9555.