Non-affirming Churches - Why we stay

Sat 3:00pm - 3:50pm

Venue: Convo 08

Co-Creators

• Jon-Phil Winter

For many LGBTQ Christians, growing up in a welcoming but non-affirming church is a demanding but challenging journey as they attempt to remain in their church. They enjoy the worship, fellowship, and teaching, except for one thing, the message they receive is, “you're welcome here, we love you, but ...” While some churches are further down the path towards inclusion than others, there are still significant risks when LGBTQ receive the message, “God can change you.” The workshop will examine the characteristics and behaviours of welcoming but non-inclusive churches and reflect on the dangers and outcomes of what happens when they do this. There will be opportunity to share individual stories and explore ways of dealing with being excluded from some or all aspects of worship and church life.