LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training for Congregations 

February 11, 2023, from Noon-4pm in Lansing

In the first century, Jesus inspired a movement – a community of people whose lives were centered on Jesus Christ and committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial, and redemptive love. As Episcopalians, we believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan have legacies of inclusion, though not always perfect, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. In our church, all people have access to every level of belonging and leadership, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. 

We believe that God loves all – no exceptions. And, because of this, we believe we have a role in sharing that unconditional love with the world, especially in this time in which our siblings are barraged by a marked increase in harassment, discrimination, and violence.

Join our Office of Evangelism, in partnership with Great Lakes Bay Pride, for an afternoon training for congregational leaders intended to build knowledge about this large and underrepresented demographic, to learn steps to make your congregation’s culture and physical plant more safe for our LGBTQ+siblings, and opportunities to connect in new ways for church growth and the sharing of the Good News. Participants will walk away with increased language, knowledge, and practical tools to implement in their congregation and local community.

There are LGBTQ+ identifying people in every community — this training is applicable to your congregation regardless of your size, age demographics, location, or local politics.

This training is open to all participants and may be of particular interest to clergy, vestry members, communications and evangelism staff and volunteers, welcome teams, and more. 

LOCATION

St. David’s Episcopal Church
1519 Elmwood Road
Lansing, MI 48917

REGISTRATION

This event takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from Noon-4pm. We will begin with lunch. 

The cost for this training has been subsidized by the Office of Evangelism for the dioceses. We will offer this pricing structure for participants to self-select:

  • Individuals – $15/person
  • Groups of three or more from a congregation – $10/person

If this cost is prohibitive, please contact Canon Katie Forsyth at kforsyth@eastmich.org to request assistance. 

The deadline to register is February 5th.