ATLANTA (ABP) – Plans are taking shape for a [Baptist] Conference on Sexuality and Covenant co-sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Mercer University’s Center for Theology and Public Life scheduled April 19-21, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga.
David Gushee, distinguished professor of Christian ethics and director of the Center for Theology and Public Life, said planning is “off to a good start” and shaping toward becoming “a big event.”
Interest is building in the form of a Facebook event page and a group page for those planning to attend billed as “a great space for us to begin the conversation before the conference.” There is also a discussion page on Twitter.
The idea for the conference grew out of a workshop at the 2010 CBF General Assembly titled “A Family Conversation about Same-Sex Orientation.” Due to high interest, CBF leaders decided it was time for a larger conversation. A decision was also made to expand the focus beyond homosexuality into the broader question of Christian sexuality.
CBF Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal wrote recently that the LGBT community will be represented among plenary speakers and “covenant facilitators” to share their stories and perspectives.
"I believe this conference can provide a space for respectful conversation, fervent prayer and serious reflection that will help all of us,” Vestal said.
Vestal said the event’s aim is “conversation” and is not a summit meeting. No statement of public policy will be offered as a result of the conference. Vestal said conference planners “are not of one mind on matters related to sexuality” but “agree that faithfulness requires that churches and Christians courageously explore matters that frustrate the ministry and message of reconciliation.”
This three-day conference will include plenary presentations from differing perspectives followed by “covenant communities” led by trained facilitators. Intended as “a comprehensive reflection on Christian sexual ethics in a changing cultural environment” the conference prospectus lists topics including changing attitudes about the morality of premarital sex, divorce and the increasing percentage of American couples who cohabitate without marriage.
It also will examine generational difference in sexual attitudes. A recent study found a 20-percent gap between adults age 18-29 and those over 65 on gay and lesbian issues.
Registration costs $50, discounted to $25 for seminary students enrolled in one of the CBF ministry partner schools, and can be done online at www.thefellowship.info/conference.
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Bob Allen is managing editor of Associated Baptist Press.