The Autumn 2018 sessions of Versed, a study program for young adults sponsored by the diocese’s Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministries, will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 2, with the topic “Beyond Inclusion: Queering the Church” at St. John’s Cathedral, 514 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007.
The Episcopal Church has progressed towards full inclusion of LGBTQ people, but what does it mean to advance beyond mere inclusion? This season of Versed will move past defensive theology (just arguing for a space for LGBTQ people in Christianity), and dive into how Queer perspectives enrich the church’s understandings of acceptance, gender, sexuality, bodies, Scripture, identity, and community. According to the course description, “We’re striving to make this a safer space for brave questions and conversations that lead us beyond inclusion in our churches, inviting us to see Queerness – not on the margins – but in the heart of the Gospel message.”
Topics for the meetings are:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 – Self-Acceptance & The Search For Inclusivity
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 – Queer Sex: Taboo & Reawakening
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 – Queer Eye For The Good Book: Scripture & Queer Theology
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – Beyond Binary: Mixed Identities & God
Speakers for the series are:
Candice Czubernat – therapist, founder of The Christian Closet
(pronouns: she/her/hers)
Albert Giang – retreat leader, Future50 Faith Leader
(pronouns: he/him/his)
The Rev. Kelby Accardi-Harrison, Ph.D. – director, USC LGBT Resource Center
(pronouns: she/her/hers)
Haley Compean – affordable housing developer at Clifford Beers Housing
(pronouns: they/them/theirs)
Parking is available in the St. John’s Cathedral lot (on site) and on the street.
Each program will begin with dinner at 7 p.m. and continue with presentations and discussion until 10 p.m. Cost is $40 per person, including dinner. For reservations, click here.
