Over the past few years, our denomination and our church's elders have been on a journey of discernment around the theology and practice of sexuality, marriage, and community in the church. We recognize that we are called to be a welcoming, nurturing, loving and supportive community—a true church family.
However, for many LGBTQ2I+ Christians, that hasn't been their experience, both in our church and in the wider Christian community. Practices and attitudes directed towards them have caused deep harm, and it's important for us to understand that damage that has been caused, in order to become the safer and inclusive church that we long to be.
Each of us, with our own unique experiences and beliefs, can grow in this understanding.
Perhaps you're thinking that you don't really know many LGBTQ2I+ Christians and you'd like to understand their stories so that you can grow in compassion.
Maybe your personal beliefs don't closely align with those communicated in the position paper that the elders of Knox recently released, and you want to understand how to find unity as a church body across diverse views.
Or perhaps you're already a support and advocate (or maybe you identify as a queer Christian yourself!) and you want to understand what action steps a church community can take in order to be more Christlike towards those who identify as LGBTQ2I+.
A 6-week book study on Heavy Burdens will be taking place simultaneously in two study groups.
In-person at the church / Sundays at 1:30 (with an optional outdoor lunch gathering before)
May 22, 29, June 5 (after the AGM), 12 (after Knoxapalooza lunch), 19, 26
Online / Mondays at 7:30pm
May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27
If you're not sure about the book study group, but would really like to read a copy of the book, let us know! We believe this is a really good resource and is important for our church community at this stage. Email Pr. Natasha, natasha@knoxtoronto.org.
Let's grow together as we follow Jesus, love the city, and serve the world.