BMC NewsNet
Vol. 8, No. 3
May / June, 2008
BMC founder Martin Rock (R) and former BMC Coordinator,
Christian Yoder (L), pose with activist Mandy Carter at
Lambda Legal's 5th Anniversary Celebration of Lawrence v. Texas.
Martin and Christian accepted a plaque given in appreciation
of BMC's support in an amicus brief in that landmark case.
1) Mennonite Church Canada Assembly/People’s Summit Activities
2) Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Activities
3) Go Presbyterians! General Assembly Votes to End Discrimination
4) Many Stories, One Voice Convocation
5) Faithful and Just: Progressive Brethren Speak
6) BMC Gathering: Exploring Your Creative Spirit
7) Go California! Same-Sex Marriage Legal
8) Go Norway! Parliament Approves Gay Marriage
9) SAGE Conference on LGBT Aging
10) Celebrate Pride Month
11) Upcoming Events
1) Mennonite Church Canada Assembly/People’s Summit: July 7-10
As per usual, a positive lgbt presence is not permitted at the Mennonite Assembly venue. However, thanks to the assistance of folks on the ground in Winnipeg, space has been rented at Shaftesbury High School, located directly across the street from the Assembly grounds. Below is a list of events/displays that will be held at the High School unless otherwise indicated:
Off the Record & Outside the Gates - The Postcard Project
What would your church look like if the gates were opened? Come see, explore, and engage with what Mennonites across Canada have to say about becoming a welcoming church to lgbt Mennonites. The Postcard Project is an exciting project initiated by four Mennonite young adults from Winnipeg to provide an opportunity for Mennonites in Canada to express their commitment to dialogue, discernment and restoration. On display will be the numerous, overwhelmingly encouraging responses that have been collected and provide an opportunity for you to add your voice to the call for a truly welcoming church.
Tuesday, July 8 - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9 - 12:00 noon - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 10 - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
BMC Display
For over three decades the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC) has been committed to building an inclusive church and society and providing support for the Mennonite and Brethren lgbt and allied community. Our display in the Shaftesbury High School will feature materials and resources that address issues related to lgbt welcoming theology, biblical interpretation, advocacy, basic information and support. Please drop by for information, conversation, or both.
Tuesday, July 8 - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9 - 12:00 noon - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 10 - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
BMC Luncheon: Priesthood of All Believers? A Conversation with Young LGBT Advocates
Wednesday, July 9, 12:00 p.m.
There are significant shifts in generational attitudes towards lgbt justice and inclusion. This luncheon offers an opportunity to hear from young leaders who are committed to the church and to lgbt inclusion. Three leaders of the Postcard Project: Kirsten Freed, Jacob Quiring and Matt Wiebe, will talk about the project and their vision of a church that welcomes all.
The luncheon is open to all. Individuals may bring a bag lunch or reserve a box lunch through BMC at a cost of $10. Reservations can be made by emailing BMC at bmc@bmclgbt.org or by calling 204-299-7355 and leaving a message. Please indicate whether you would like a turkey or vegetarian sandwich. Reservations must be made by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8th.
Support Group: Monday, July 7, 9:00 - 9:45 p.m.
The General Board is hosting an opportunity for friends and family of lgbt persons to gather for support and conversation. The place of the conversation will be announced at the assembly.
2) Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Activities: July 12 - 16
Picture Witness: Count Well the Cost of Exclusion
Alexander Mack counseled Brethren to “count well the cost” of discipleship. This year, BMC asks the church to “count well the cost” that the church’s practice of exclusion has had upon individuals, families, and the whole body of Christ. BMC will offer a picture witness of Brethren lgbt individuals and their families who may or may not remain part of the COB; and also those supportive allies who have left the church entirely, foregone Annual Conference, willingly or unwillingly curtailed their participation in the church, or regularly experience a deep frustration and disappointment with the COB because of the church’s treatment of lgbt people.
If you fit any of those categories and would like to have your picture included in the witness, please send a digital print to the BMC office at bmc@bmclgbt.org by July 4th. Our goal is to enlarge the photos and have them visible throughout the conference experience, culminating in a more formal act of witness. In addition to the photos, we also need people who are willing to carry a picture either during conference or during the formal witness. Sign up through the BMC office or to get more details, or leave us a message at the VOS booth.
Educational Materials
This year, BMC submitted a booth proposal that focused entirely upon offering educational materials related to hate crimes and civil rights discrimination that is directed against lgbt people; topics specifically named in the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality. Despite the compliance, BMC was still not awarded exhibit space. To make this important information available, BMC has requested assistance from “entitled advocates,” asking them to include materials related to hate crimes and job, housing and legal discrimination directed against lgbt people at their booths. Look for these materials at Conference and express your appreciation to those organizations and institutions that are willing to stand up for human rights and make possible a church that is more just and humane.
Be the Booth
Roger Eberly, a good friend of BMC, recommends that conference goers express their support for lgbt justice by simply being the BMC booth in as many creative ways as possible. So bring your lgbt positive tee-shirts, rainbow umbrellas, hang a sign around your neck, wear your rainbow attire and do whatever you can to make visible your support of lgbt justice in the church and society. Most important, initiate as many conversations with as many different people as you possibly can, sharing why you support the full inclusion of lgbt people within the church.
3) Go Presbyterians! General Assembly Votes to End Discrimination
On June 27 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA, meeting in San Jose, California, signaled their intent to end discrimination and provide spiritual and ordination equality for lgbt Presbyterians by passing the Boston Ordination Equality Overture by a 54-46% margin. The overture strikes down previous anti-lgbt policy statements and rulings. “This is a great moment affirming God’s love for all people. We are thankful to the Commissioners at this Assembly who upheld standards for leadership and service in our Church, and at the same time eliminated categorical discrimination that has denied ordination to lgbt persons based simply on who they are and who they fall in love with,” said Michael Adee, Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians. Congratulations, Presbyterians! To learn more about this exciting historical moment, go the More Light website at www.mlp.org.
4) Many Stories, One Voice Convocation, September 4-7
Registration is now open for this leadership development conference for the ecumenical pro-lgbt movement. This exciting experience will be held in the lively city of New Orleans, will feature Bishop Desmond Tutu and other powerful presenters, and offer numerous engaging and practical workshops. To learn more, go to www.manystoriesonevoice.org. BMC is one of the sponsoring groups of this conference.
5) Faithful and Just: Progressive Brethren Speak, November 7-9
The Northview Church of the Brethren is the site for the first Progressive Brethren Summit. This is an opportunity for progressive members or friends of the COB to come together for worship, learning, sharing and celebration. A host of inspiring presenters and workshop coordinators will engage us in conversations that address the four main themes: A Challenged Church; A Grounded Church; A Welcoming Church; and A Courageous Church. Registration will soon be available on-line by going to the Womaen’s Caucus website at www.womaenscaucus.org.
6) BMC Gathering: Exploring Your Creative Spirit
Reserve the weekend of October 10-12, 2008 and come to the beautiful Pokagon State Park in northern Indiana to join the BMC community for its biennial gathering. The theme of this event is Exploring Your Creative Spirit. Workshops, hikes, games, music, food, worship and plenty of time for conversation and relaxation, will make the experience a rich and rewarding one. To learn more about the event and about the Potawatomi Inn where we will be housed, go to the BMC website at www.bmclgbt.org. If you have ideas about a workshop or suggestions for an activity at the gathering, coordinator Wilma Harder would love to hear from you. Contact the BMC office for Wilma's contact information.
7) Go California! Same-Sex Marriage Legal
In a 120-page ruling issue, the California Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to exclude same-sex couples from the legal institution of marriage, thus joining Massachusetts as the only states in the U.S. with legalized same-sex marriage. On June 17, gay and lesbian couples began applying for marriage licenses as supportive ministers, rabbis and justices of the peace began performing services. This step in the movement toward equality angered some, and a constitutional amendment restricting marriage to a man and a woman has already been approved for the November ballot.
For more information, visit the HRC: http://www.hrc.org/10459.htm.
8) Go Norway! Parliament Approves Same-Sex Marriage
On June 11, the Norwegian Parliament voted to make marriage gender neutral, thus making the country the 6th to legalize same-sex marriage. This law not only allows the Church of Norway to bless same-sex marriages, but also recognizes equal parenthood in a marriage. Way to go, Norway!
Can you name the five other countries that have legalized same-sex marriage? [see bottom of page for correct answer]
9) SAGE Conference on LGBT Aging, October 12-14
Held in New York City, the theme for this year’s SAGE (Service and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) conference is “It’s About Time: LGBT Aging in a Changing World,” and will offer resources, information, tools, insights, and networking opportunities to “effectively address what LGBT aging will look like in the 21st century.” Over 75 insight sessions are being offered, and range from the subject of cultural competency training to advocacy and current research trends. A focus on the particular needs and experiences of lgbt elders is an important part of BMC’s emerging work, and we encourage those who are able to consider participating in this important conference. More information can be found online: http://sageusa.org/specialevents/home.cfm?ID=7.
10) Celebrate Pride Month!
Cities and towns all over the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world are celebrating lgbt pride. Congratulations to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for holding its first Pride Event on June 21st! Find an event near you, and join us in celebrating Gay Pride Day on Sunday, June 29th. Take any pictures at Pride events? Email them for the BMC website: bmc@bmclgbt.org.
11) Donations Needed!
BMC’s fiscal year is coming to a close, and we need you help to end the year in the black. So many exciting things are happening to create real change, and your support is needed to keep it moving forward. We realize that these are challenging economic times, but any financial gift would be greatly appreciated. To make a donation on-line with a credit card, go to www.bmclgbt.org and click on the “donate now” button. Checks may be sent to the BMC office at Box 6300/Minneapolis, MN 55406. Thank you for your support!
12) Upcoming Events
July 7-10 Mennonite Church Canada Assembly/People’s Summit, Winnipeg, MB
July 12-15 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, Richmond, VA
August 11-15 Church of the Brethren National Young Adult Conference, Estes Park, CO
September 1-5 National Older Adult Conference, Lake Junaluska, NC
September 4-7 Many Stories, One Voice (ecumenical welcoming conference), New Orleans, LA
September 19-21 Welcoming Church Training, Winston-Salem, NC
October 10-12 BMC Gathering, Pokagon State Park, IN
October 24-26 Welcoming Church Training, Goshen, IN
November 7-9 Progressive Brethren Summit; Indianapolis, IN
BMC NewsNet is an electronic newsletter produced by Carol Wise and Maggie Miller for the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC). BMC seeks to provide programming, support and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families and friends. For questions, comments or to unsubscribe from this list, contact the BMC office at PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300, USA; bmc@bmclgbt.org; or 612.343.2060.
To donate to BMC, go to our website at www.bmclgbt.org and click on Donate Now. You can also send a check to the BMC office, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Thank you for your generous support!
BMC Staff
Carol Wise – Executive Director, SCN Coordinator
Maggie Miller – Kaleidoscope Coordinator, BMC Volunteer
Randall Friesen – Outspoken Editor
Countries that recognize same-sex marriage: Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Canada, South Africa, Norway. Interestingly, 4 of these countries (Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada) are found on the United Nation’s list of top eight countries in the world in which to live.
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