Good God! Sexuality and Gender Equality in the Church  Impossibility or Imperative?

Saturday 20 July 2019, 10am to 4pm

At St Mark’s Church, Broomfield Road, Sheffield, S10 2SE

This is a day for those who want to see change within the Church of England.

It is an opportunity to spend time together exploring how we can develop a strongly positive theological voice in these areas.

Our lead speaker is Andrew Foreshew-Cain (chaplain of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford) one of the voices behind “Equal”, the campaign calling for an end to the church’s ban on same-sex weddings.

Sue Hammersley (Vicar of St Mark’s) will offer some opening theological reflections. See attached PDF Introduction for Sue’s opening thoughts.

You will have the opportunity to participate in two of these Workshops:

What is gender? led by Lu Skerratt and Frances Gray This interactive session will explore what we mean by gender, gender identity, and how we live as Christians in a gendered world.

Relationship ethics, led by Imogen Clout We will look at a variety of issues which may include: What constitutes sexual ethics? Are all relationships equal? What relationships are appropriate in a changing context?

What does scripture say? led by Janet Morley We will explore several different ways of approaching scripture to find out what it ‘says’ about contemporary issues, then looking at particular passages in detail. Please bring a bible for this workshop.

The politics of power, led by Jeremy Clines First, Jeremy offers a deconstruction of how Church continues to oppress. Second is a facilitated conversation on needed changes for liberation in ecclesial structures.

Equal Opportunities? led by Andrew Foreshew-Cain and Rosalind Rutherford In what ways are the experiences of women in the C of E, and LGBTI+ people similar, and where are there are significant differences? What are key (campaigning) issues at the moment?

Please register on Eventbrite and we will email you about your choices.

If you would like provision for children on the day, please contact office@stmarkssheffield.co.uk quoting Good God!

Please register  go to Eventbrite – https://bit.ly/2DT9ojD

£10 (£5 for students and unwaged), including lunch

We intend that this will be a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people