Our school hosted a 1 day conference day on how Christian schools can create safe and loving spaces for students who have sexual identity issues. It was an intense conference hosted by New Direction, an organization from Ontario and who list Bruxy Cavy and Brian McLaren as their supporters. They came with a generous spirit and a generous orthodoxy. It was so encouraging to have over 40 Christian school leaders committed to listening and learning on an issue in which Christian schools and churches do not have a proud history. Everyone came looking for collective wisdom, and no one came with itchy ears. There were lots of positive conversation. Positive doesn't always mean easy, but it does mean steps were taken forward.
I dont' know if we came looking for an answer to one question--it is much too complex an issue to say it all comes down to this--perhaps this oversimplification has hurt the church and Christian schools in the past. This we know to be true: their needs to be a safe space in our schools for all students, know matter what complicated story they bring to our building each day.
A few questions that have left me thinking tonight: What might a redemptive response look like in this issue? What is the third way on this issue--the only two options can't be a) stop being gay and be with God or b) be gay without God. For too long we have backed too many disciples of Christ into a corner and given them those options--there needs to be a better way forward. What a travesty. What a lack of hospitality. Finally, someone also asked the question "Why do we always talk about homosexuality in the context of brokenness--why do we always use that language?
Lots to ponder. Lot's that left me with a heavy heart. Lots that left me hopeful. With God's grace we will keep the conversation going
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