Who is Welcome? | Workshop

The Rev. Dr. Robert Faris (Moderator 147^th General Assembly) and Ms. Sue Senior (Elder, Knox Waterloo), Co-convenors Rainbow Communion, Special Committee of the General Assembly 2017-21.

This interactive workshop utilizing various methods of engagement, will focus on the work of the General Assembly’s Special Committee – Rainbow Communion – as well as provide opportunities for questions and discussion. The hope is to encourage participants to formulate a meaningful response to The PCC’s Confession to God and LGBTQI People (adopted by the General Assembly in 2022) regarding the harm caused by homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and hypocrisy.

At the direction of the 2017 General Assembly, the Moderator (the Rev. Peter Bush) issued a Letter of Repentance (2018) to LGBTQI people and all who have been harmed by homophobia and hypocrisy within and by the church. Throughout the letter, the harms done to LGBTQI individuals were named and followed by, “we are sorry, and we repent”.

Congregations have been encouraged to begin living out this repentance and confession to be a welcoming community of faith. However, many have found themselves ill-equipped to have these kinds of conversations around addressing the harm done – and ensuring that harm does not continue – for those who identify as LGBTQI and/or their families, friends, and allies. This work informs and intersects with how we as a faith community can be inclusive of all marginalized and minoritized people. Our time together will explore ways in which communities of faith can be more welcoming to all.

Light refreshments and a time for fellowship will be available during and after the seminar.

Register at: rhpreschurch@gmail.com or call the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church office at (905) 884-4211.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Faris is also leading worship on Sunday, March 12 at RHPC:

Poster graphic Moderator at RHPC_PDF (1)