This presentation, originally created in 2008, is the foundation of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International’s philosophy and approach.
It has been the vehicle whereby a safe place has been created for churches, religious organisations and leaders to engage and learn more about LGBT people and their community.
Slide 2: Traditionally this is the way the church has interacted with the LGBT community
Slide 3: The same can be said about the way the LGBT community has interacted with the church. Each has seen each other as the enemy etc
Slide 4: There is an invitation, for those who are willing, from either side to let go the adversarial positions and move into a new space of dialogue.
Slide 5: In this space a new set of guidelines of communication are embraced by both parties such as
• A willingness to dialogue
• Treat each other respectfully
• Always act with integrity
• See each other as fellow human beings on a journey of discovery
• Within this space we will find levels of resolution instead of conflict
Slide 6: Gay and lesbian people go through several stages and a process in order to resolve the perceived conflict between their faith and sexuality. Straight individuals , churches and denominations also move through similar stages and process to come to a place of greater understanding about sexuality and gender identity.:
Slide 7: People move from left to right along the continuum. This process may happen over sometime. Events such as a suicide or a close friend or child coming out can accelerate the process.
Slide 8: People have an attitudinal shift and move along the continuum as they become more informed and aware. This learning can happen formally through education, self-learning or experientially. It’s highly unlikely that this change will occur unless there is some personal connection with LGBT people.
For more information about this presentation and how to move into an LGBT/Christianity dialogue feel free to contact us for speaking, consulting and training options. https://www.abbi.org.au/services/