This consultation is for Indian Christians, primarily Christians engaged in the HIV/AIDS work in India. The statement of purpose is below. The list of speakers is impressive. Almost all from distinguished local Universities and a few visitors from the U.S. like me. It makes me wonder who we've decided we're listening to in our Anglican Communion listening process. If you are interested in supporting these kinds of conversations, please contact me. We would like to do this annually, all over India.
I will post and/or twitter [wsvarghese] while we're meeting. Please include our meeting in your prayers.
SEXUALITY AND
FAITH: A FAITH-BASED PERSPECTIVE
CONSULTATION
Chennai, India
November 12-13, 2009
Purpose:
The purpose of this consultation is to engage Christians in
conversations regarding Christian faith and human sexuality, with a particular
focus on enhancing sexual health in relation to HIV and AIDS.
Context:
Discussing the relationship between human sexuality and faith proves difficult
in almost any part of the world. Yet if religious leaders are to be both
pastoral and prophetic, education and dialogue are imperative.
As India confronts the world-wide pandemic of HIV and AIDS, certain formerly
taboo topics must be examined. Not only must the sexual orientation and
practices of heterosexual persons be explored openly and candidly, but also the
sexual orientation and practices of other persons, such as men who have sex
with men (MSM) and transgender persons. The latter two groups
are highly stigmatized by both society and religious communities in
India. Their needs are overlooked, even at a time when UNAIDS is
emphasizing that prevention (and other) messages must be specifically targeted
their way.
The recent ruling in the Delhi High Court overturning legal discrimination
against same sex relationships has been met with great hostility by certain
leaders within the Christian community. Often the human rights of
gays and lesbians are totally devalued.
Goal:
This
conference on “sexuality and faith” will provide traditional and alternative
Christian voices and visions of mission and ministry.
Possibly the deliberations will yield a public statement that will provide a
contrasting theological perspective on issues related to human rights and
sexual health.
Persons,
who are generally marginalized and stigmatized in conversations among
Christians, would have an opportunity to share their perspectives. This
consultation would provide an opportunity for persons in the gay, lesbian,
bi-sexual, transgender community of India to speak in a safe understanding
setting, as well as for other Christians who stand in solidarity with them.
Sponsored by: Concern for AIDS
Research and Education Foundation, India
In association with: Center For
the Church and Global AIDS, USA
