Creating a Space for Change – ABBI’s foundation and philosophy

CREATING A SPACE FOR A RESPETFUL LGBTQ AND CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

This concept, originally created in 2008, is the foundation of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International’s (ABBI) philosophy and approach. It has been the structure to create a safe space for churches, religious organisations and leaders to engage and learn more about LGBTQ people and their community. Since that time it has become a part of our training in a wide range of relevant contexts.

On Sunday, June 23, 2013, I had the privilege of giving this presentation at Open Doors Church in Long Beach, California, after an unforgettable experience attending the final Exodus International Conference in Irvine, CA.

Examples mentioned are:

A lot has happened since the time mentioned in the video and Hillsong and Brian Houston have been embroiled in scandal. This article, How, when and why Hillsong banned ‘ex-gay’ (conversion therapy) referrals gives you the background spoken about in this video and more.

For more information about Anthony Venn-Brown’s speaking and training, please go to our services page.

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About the Author: Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

Anthony Venn-Brown OAM is one of Australia’s foremost commentators on faith and sexuality. A former Pentecostal leader who preached to thousands weekly in mega-churches like Hillsong, As a young man, Anthony was one of the first in the world to undergo religious conversion "therapy", a practice he has since spent decades successfully fighting to dismantle. He is the author of the bestselling autobiography and Australian gay classic, A Life of Unlearning, founder of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI). He was twice voted one of 'The 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians’ (2007 and 2009) and in 2020, Anthony was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to the LGBTIQ community.