Second Annual Academy of Welcome: November 7th & 8th, 2008
One of the primary objectives of our coalition is to provide information and resources for congregations of any faith that wish to make themselves a welcoming place for LGBTQ persons, or expand and build upon their current efforts. In November of 2007, more than 100 persons from a variety of congregations attended our first Academy of Welcome, a half-day event which culminated in an interfaith worship service and featured Harry Knox, then Director of the Human Rights Campaign's Religion and Faith Program, as our keynote speaker. Much of the feedback we received regarding the event was extremely positive, with the most common complaint being a lack of time to attend all of the workshop sessions, or delve deeply into the issues confronting those who wish to welcome all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
So for 2008...
The Academy of Welcome has returned, as a day-and-a-half event with more workshops, greater calls to action, and a format that we hope you will find both accessible and challenging.
Friday, November 7th, we'll begin at 6:30 PM with a viewing of For The Bible Tells Me So, an award-winning film that challenges the assumptions about the 'conflict' between Christianity and LGBTQ persons. Following the film, Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council Convener Emeritus and Kansas City Star columnist Rev. Vern Barnet will lead a panel discussion representing a cross-section of the faiths in Kansas City. There is no charge for Friday night's film and discussion event, though donations are welcome to help defray costs. Registration opens at 6:00 PM; the film is 97 minutes long, and suitable for all ages.
On Saturday, November 8th, we'll open registration at 8:30 AM for a six-hour academy featuring numerous workshops and a keynote address by former KCMO Mayor Pro Tempore and community leader Alvin Brooks. At 3:30 PM, an interfaith worship service will wrap up the Academy and fire you up for the work that comes next! The registration fee of $20 covers all workshops, presentations, a continental breakfast and hot lunch for Saturday. Scholarships and group discounts are available upon request; call Vernon at 816-931-8342 to find out more.
Registration
Online registration is coming soon; for now, please print and return the PDF form below.
See also
- a trifold brochure about the Academy of Welcome (Adobe PDF format);
- a printable registration form for the event, also in PDF format.