Just came across my Facebook stream today about a new national conference happening April 8 -10, 2010, to focus on Spirituality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. Under the direction of Mark Anthony Lord, the conference entitled, Liberation 2010, looks like something you would think that a national organization like Human Rights Campaign would have done with their Religion and Faith Program (though they did interview him)
I applaud Mark for what looks like a unique event. However I also honor the work of groups throughout the United States and the world who have been doing their part to continue to address and awaken the Spirit in LGBT people. One organization of which I’m most acquainted is Seventh-Day Adventist Kinship and their planning for their 26th Kampmeeting this year, a time of fellowship and support with other Seventh-Day Adventist Christians.
With Lord’s background in the New Thought / Unity Church principles as well as a student of Dr. Michael Beckwith of Apage International Spiritual Center, that should make the conference more attractive to people interested in spirituality but not a specific denomination or religion.
The main website is liberation2010.com for more info.
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Frankly, this is an affront to all the faith leaders who have been working very hard with California Faith for Equality as if we haven’t been doing anything. WE don’t charge, you don’t have to pay to come and see us. We offer our services, words, and support for free.
What this is is a marketing campaign for new thought/new age speakers which in and of itself is fine except they are preying on us at a vulnerable time and stating that there is “nothing” being done on a national level “until now”…not so. If you see in the line up there is not one representative from a Methodist, Catholic,Anglican, Buddhist. Hindu, Moslem…or anything other than speakers form the new thougth movement….I have a problem with the way this is being marketed.
Thank you for your comment, Rev. Stock. The only thing I think is new to the national LGBT Spirituality stage about this conference is the gentleman organizing it, Mark Anthony Lord. With that said, I don’t believe it should invalidate any organizations work in California or anywhere else. Coming from the new thought/new age angle could attract people who simply didn’t know about California Faith for Equality. So if it provides an opportunity from people to learn about the resources already available in their state, it’s a win.
This should be marketed as a New Age/New Thought retreat that you have pay for to attend instead of marketing it as an Interfaith Spirituality group that is somehow the first of its kind. It is not. HRC and the respective regional Faith for Equality religious leadership have among its ranks leaders who are Religious Scientists, from Agape and Emerson and the like as well as from the Christian, Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, etcs.. who have dedicated their time, energy and effort to support the LGBT community free of charge.
I will reiterate…the ministers, pastors, rabbis, imams of these groups have given generously of their time and without charge..you can come and be with all of us for free. And if you don’t have a local community of interfaith leadership, HRC or even I will help you put together one…you don’t need to spend a dime. We will be happy to serve.
Dear Rev. Janine,
Thank you so much for your passionate point of view and your helping me see from another angle. I ask that you please forgive any mis-communications and that you know we are genuinely coming from our best intentions. If there is any way you have been offended, please forgive me and us. it was never our intention.
All my best to your work, which I absolutely agree is making a HUGE difference. I so appreciate your dedication and commitment to helping all people know their own divinity.
Blessings to you.
Mark Anthony Lord