ACQ+E invites LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians to the first National Queer Presbyterian Gathering set for Nov. 18–20
Registration deadline has been extended to Oct. 18
LOUISVILLE — The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E) joyfully invites queer Presbyterians to the first National Queer Presbyterian Gathering.
A first-of-its-kind collaboration among the Interim Unified Agency’s Office of Women and Gender Justice, More Light Presbyterians, the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, ACQ+E and other affirming ministries, the gathering will be held at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky, from Nov. 18–20.
“We will gather for a time of love, restoration and empowerment,” said Rosa Ross, a member of ACQ+E, which was formed by the 225th General Assembly (2022) as the PC(USA)’s standing committee dedicated to queer equity and advocacy. “We'll celebrate, dream together and seek renewal during tough times as both queer people and as people of faith.”
Through interactive workshops, community building, and strategic visioning, queer Presbyterians who are congregants, ruling elders and pastors will work together to help identify needed actions and strategies to advocate for the inclusion of queer voices within PC(USA) congregations and in the life of the denomination.
“We're especially looking forward to opportunities for fellowship, education and celebration,” said Ross. “The schedule is full of outstanding speakers and workshops.”
Registration for the event is $75. The fee is waived for BIPOC and trans/gender-nonconforming participants. The cost for housing is separate, and the deadline for housing registration is Saturday, Oct. 18.
All events will take place in affirming PC(USA) spaces, with staff and organizers dedicated to creating environments that are as safe and inclusive as possible for everyone.
Louisville is home to the Presbyterian Center, where Presbyterian groups can gather at no cost, allowing the gathering’s planners to direct more funding toward scholarships and accessibility for those who need it most.
“Picture Vatican City but gay, Presbyterian and in Kentucky,” Ross said. “It's going to be a fabulous opportunity to connect with these groups and for us to work together on our strategies for advocacy within the PC(USA).”
Anyone who identifies as queer with anxieties about travelling to Kentucky for the first time and is debating on coming is encouraged to reach out directly to ACQ+E member Rosa Ross about what to realistically expect and discuss safety and resources.
“In the first years of ACQ+E,” said Ross, “we have focused on relationship building and listening deeply to the stories of queer Presbyterians. This summer, we launched ‘Shaping Justice: A Listening Survey for LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians,’ which gathered over 300 responses from across the church. Insights from this survey will inform our conversations and visioning at the Gathering. We hope to build on this work so that queer Presbyterians are seen, heard and empowered. Register now to ‘abide in truth and love’ with us!”
Register today to secure a spot!
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