AFFIRMING INTERFAITH SUMMIT AGENDA
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL AFFIRMINGSUMMIT@GMAIL.COM
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Registration / Welcome Breakfast
Enjoy coffee, tea, and light breakfast snacks while you meet fellow participants.
​
Whitford Hall
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Opening & Keynote
11:20 AM - 11:30 AM
Break & Travel to
AM Workshop
Various Locations
11:30 AM - 12: 45 PM
AM Workshop
See descriptions to the right.
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Fellowship Lunch
Whitford Hall
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Plenary Panel
Affirming Faith Leaders Share Their Journey
The path to becoming an open and affirming faith community is long and unique for every faith group. Join the discussion of varied approaches and learn practical lessons from the experience of leaders who are also on the journey.
​
Whitford Hall
2:20 PM - 2:35 PM
Break & Travel to
PM Workshop
Various Locations
2:35 PM - 4:00 PM
PM Workshop
See descriptions to the right.
AM Workshops 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
​
LGBTQ+ 101: What Do All These Letters Mean?
Location: Parlor
Facilitator: KC Buchanan (they/them), MSW, Host Home Program Coordinator LGBTQ Center of Durham
An introduction to the many terms and identities under the rainbow. Feel free to ask questions and get the answers you need!
​
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Lay Leadership
Location: Bradshaw
Facilitator: Kirk Royal (he/him), Parishioner & lay youth minister, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church; Director of Communications, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and guests
Being open and affirming means providing full access to the breadth of opportunities available to members. Explore the importance of having LGBTQ+ laity working visibly as leaders within your group.
The Full Rainbow: Honoring Queer and Trans People of Color in Our Work - FULL
Location: Soul Cafe
Facilitators: Rev. Mykal Slack (he/him), The Clearing and Rev. Clayton Brooks (he/him), advocate & political professional
Justice and equity are universal faith concepts. Come hear from a variety of leaders and advocates about the power of making space for QTPOC within your faith group.
​
LGBTQ+ Pastoral Care and Outreach
Location: Whitford Hall - FULL
Facilitator: Rev. Stuart Harrell (he/him), Associate Director for Clinical Pastoral Education, UNC and guests
For clergy and pastoral care providers. This session is designed to address many important concerns when ministering to LGBTQ+ members and their families.
​
PM Workshops 2:35 PM - 4:00 PM
​
Growing Up Gay: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Location: Soul Cafe - FULL
Facilitator: Alex Barker (they/them), Board Member Safe Schools NC
LGBTQ+ youth are often afraid and anxious about what their futures might hold. Learn how to play a role in instilling hope in the hearts and minds of young people, particularly during these uncertain and unsettling times.
Body, Mind, and Spirit: The Health and Faith Connection - FULL
Location: Parlor
Facilitators: Laura Crosskey, Ph.D., M.Div., clinical psychologist and ordained United Methodist Deacon and Phillip Bass (he/him), M.Div.,Th.M., licensed professional counselor
Hear from medical and faith professionals who are addressing the stigma and sometimes perceived dichotomy between faith and medicine. Discover ways to care for self and others who are engaging in the often stressful work towards becoming more open and affirming.
Unconference: Choose Your Own Adventure
Location: Bradshaw
Facilitators: Tom Nevels, Pride: Durham, NC Faith Liaison
The rules are simple and the topics are up to you!
Rule #1: Whoever shows up are the right people
Rule #2: Whatever happens is fine
Rule #3: Whenever it starts is the right time
Rule #4: It is over when it’s over