I spoke on the weekend at a conference here in Perth entitled Same Sex Marriage and the Future of the Church.
It was informative, centred on Jesus, not that well attended, and, I would say, important.
Four – five actually – very different speakers. Dr John Yates on Trinity and Equality; Dr Augusto Zimmerman, a Commissioner with the Law Reform Commission of WA; Rev Alison Gilchrist from Bassendean Anglican Church, who, along with James Baxter (both spoke brilliantly), have had extensive ministries among homosexual communities in several UK cities and now here in Perth.
And me. My given topic was Culture and the Church (no surprises there), and how the issue of identity is central to the argument.
You can watch the four sessions here if you want, they’re the ones obviously titled Same Sex Marriage Seminar. There’s a bit missing at the start of my talk. I begin by discussing the issue of identity, and how my recent Working With Children’s Check clearance stated that “if you have changed your gender since your last WWC clearance” you must fill in new paperwork.
Thanks to New Life City Church in Kewdale for hosting, videoing and keeping up tea-d and coffee-d.
It’s just a pity there were very few under forties from our church’s leadership at the event. They’re the ones that are going to have to grapple with this issue over the next thirty years. Here’s hoping they are wise and winsome and willing.
Thank you, Stephen. So good of you to fly all the way from Tas to speak at this – I am looking forward to listening to the sessions. Interesting how this is such a taboo subject in church circles. Are Christians ignoring what is happening out of lack of interest, in agreeance with same sex marriage or too afraid?
Thanks Steve, I had the opportunity to go back and watch the video sessions through the week and would agree that more young Christian leaders need to hear this massage. I especially enjoyed hearing Dr John Yates speak because his words where so Jesus centered, soaked in scripture and in line with the things God has been teaching me through the year. Have a fantastic Christmas, Emmanuel has come and His kingdom will never end!
Hi Dan – yes John’s talk was really good – an excellent foundation for the day. He has a depth to him that is quite remarkable. Have a great Christmas too and see you after the hols!