Registration is open for the 2013 Progressive Brethren Gathering on the theme, “Holy Longing: This Is My Body.” This sixth annual gathering of progressive Brethren will be held Nov. 15-17 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. The theme reflects the gathering’s ongoing commitment to a church and society that affirms the goodness of the whole body of Christ, said a release.
Sharon Groves, director of the Religion and Faith Program for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), will be the featured preacher and presenter. Her background includes teaching, writing, advocacy, and social service. Prior to her work at HRC, she was managing editor of “The Journal of Feminist Studies” and taught at the University of Maryland.
The gathering will include discussion groups, worship, music, and a screening of “Love Free or Die,” a documentary about Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay priest ordained a bishop in any major Christian denomination. An ecumenical panel discussion featuring local pastors will follow the screening. The gathering will culminate with a banquet and celebration featuring a performance by dAnce.Kontemporary, a Fort Wayne dance company.
“Progressive Brethren are individuals who are wrestling with what it means to be people of faith in this time and setting,” said the release. “Together we embrace the gifts of diversity, hospitality, intellectual pursuit, honest engagement, and creative worship. All are welcomed to join us.”
The gathering is sponsored by the Womaen’s Caucus, the Open Table Cooperative, and the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC). Registration is online at www.progressivebrethren.eventbrite.com . Contact Carol Wise at cwise@bmclgbt.org for additional information.