Gays, Faith and God

Sexuality has long been a sensitive subject within Christian churches--especially those in the Bible Belt. But with the Our Family Matters conference held at Second Presbyterian Church, congregation members, organizers and activists hope to shatter the stigma that religion and homosexuality are mutually exclusive. Inspired by filmmaker Luane Beck's documentary God and Gays: Bridging the Gap, the conference will feature speakers such as Peterson Toscano--a survivor of one of the notorious "ex-gay" ministries that seek to "convert" gays to heterosexuality--and a performance from Dove Award-winning Christian singer/songwriter Ray Boltz, who recently came out publicly. Most importantly, the conference organizers wish to show gays, lesbians and their families that Nashville is home to many affirming churches--those that believe homosexuality can be consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ--and that, regardless of their beliefs, there are people who will open their arms to them. Visit ourfamilymatters.org for more information.
Wednesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Oct. 22. Continues through Oct. 25, 2008