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Convention Report : 2006 BMC ConventionTogether in Toronto: Claiming an Open SpiritJuly 27-30, 2006 Together in Toronto Several hundred lgbt and allied people gathered in Toronto at the end of July to worship, learn, reflect and have fun together. Together in Toronto was a collaborative effort between BMC, Lutherans Concerned North America, and Affirm United of the United Church of Canada. Lively workshops, engaging speakers, awesome musicians, moving worship experiences and lots of playtime, all made for a great conference experience. Some afternoon time was spent in denominational meetings. BMC devoted one afternoon to a town meeting that featured the presentation of a new mission and vision statement. The next afternoon was spent celebrating BMC’s thirty years of existence and bidding on auction items. Greg Lichti was honored for his years of service to BMC, and Shannon Neufeld and the many BMC Canadians who worked on the conference were recognized for all of their hard work. Irene Monroe, a plenary speaker from Harvard University, challenged us to move across boundaries and deal seriously with issues of race, sex and class. “United we can stand as a prophetic people, but divided we fall as petty people,” she said. Martin Brokenleg from the Vancouver School of Theology described the four human needs that we need to help create for each other: to know we are significant, to feel competent, to have personal power, and to feel a sense of our own virtue. He offered encouragement in the struggle and suggested that God’s greatest act is the fact that gay people have any faith at all. BMC was well represented by Anita Fast, President of BMC Canada, who reflected on a hermeneutics of foolishness, and by Katie Hochstedler, who challenged participants to actively work for change within the church. In addition, Svinda Heinrichs offered her talents as a musician; Will Burnfield and Harry Wiebe led a group of lgbt families; Victor and Rebecca Fast met with allies; and Tim Dueck, Mike Lee Poy, Maggie Perquin, Katie Hochstedler and Carol Wise each led a workshop; and Ralph McFadden provided chaplaincy services. Shannon Neufeld, Thom Brown, Jay Thiessen, Mike Lee Poy, Svinda Heinrichs, Jane Reble, Will Burnfield, and Paul Hawkins all had major conference planning roles. The aliveness of a vibrant city and the passion of the gathered community made for a terrific experience. A special thanks to Shannon and Jay for their massive efforts in making it possible! Queering the Bible with a Hermeneutic of Foolishness By Anita Fast Queering the Bible with a Hermeneutic of Foolishness Handout By Anita Fast Working for change within the church By Katie Hochstedler BMC Community Report by Carol Wise |
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