Sanctuary Collective Empowerment Project
The Sanctuary Collective Empowerment Project is an ongoing, multi-faceted project to elevate the voices of LGBTQ people in conversations about our lives, bodies, and sexualities. It is an offering of our diverse, deep insight into the Christian faith which we have had to struggle and fight to hold on to from those who would seek to exclude us.
The Sanctuary Collective Empowerment Project is also an invitation and an opportunity for straight people who wish to work in solidarity with LGBTQ people to take specific, concrete actions to actively resist the marginalization of LGBTQ people and our voices within Christianity.
Current Incarnations
Gathering
First proposed by Jules Kennedy, the Gathering will be an event featuring a diverse lineup of LGBTQ speakers and presenters. A key component to solidarity work is to recognize that the voices of LGBTQ people are systematically marginalized from public spaces and that straight people must actively “step back” to create space for LGBTQ voices. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people will “step up” and share our gifts with the church and wider community. The Gathering is important to straight leaders and laypeople too, as those of us who are straight are missing out on the rich perspectives of LGBTQ people. We need this too. The Gathering is an opportunity for straight Christians, especially authors, pastors, and other leaders, to actively support and promote LGBTQ voices.
Learn more about Jules’ vision for the Gathering here »
Read an update from Jules on the formation of the gathering »
Use the form below to take on the challenge and support an LGBTQ-centric gathering.
Synchroblog
Shannon Kearns, Anarchist Reverend, issued another challenge: a synchroblog for people to blog about what queer theology means to them. I want you to share your story of how reading the Bible queerly has changed your life. I want you to talk about how your sexuality or your gender identity has brought you deeper into relationship with God. If you’re straight and interested in solidarity I want you to share how being in relationship with queer people has deepened your faith and spiritual practice.
Spread the word and then join us online on Wednesday August 10 for the #SCEP Synchroblog.
Shannon Kearns writes Queer Theology Synchroblog home.
Brian Gerald Murphy writes “Why Queer Liberation Must Be Queer Led”
Christians for Justice Action write “Imagine the Possibilities Four Years From Now”.
Darrel Grizzle writes “Queer Theology: Outside the Box” at the Blog of the Grateful Bear.
Ken W. writes Queer Theology.
Peterson Toscano writes Lazarus Come Out!
Mike Croghan writes Queer Theology Synchroblog #SCEP.
Cindi Knox writes Queer Theology From a Reluctantly Queer Theologian
Gabe HaMalakh writes The Queerness of Christ: And over Or
Cindy writes Creative Differences in the Image of God (this link opens a PDF)
Jules Kennedy writes Being Queerly Forward
Vincent Cervantes writes Loving Promiscuously: A Queer Theology of Doing It
Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis writes Through a Glass, Queerly
Sonnie writes God Made Me Queer
Allison writes Why I’m queer too
Matt Beams writes A Love That Goes Beyond Welcome