Book Discussion: Heavy Burdens

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 posture of care for those who identify as LGBTQ2I+.

In mid-May, we'll be hosting a book study on Heavy Burdens, by Bridget Eileen Rivera. This won't be a place for theological debate, but it will be a place for seeking to understand the history of sexuality and marriage in the church (it's fascinating!) and hearing the stories of LGBTQ Christians, who hold a variety of convictions around sexuality and marriage, some who have remained in the church and others who haven't, but who have graciously shared their experiences in order to help us be the church we hope to be.

This will be taking place simultaneously in two study groups—one online on a weeknight, and one in person after church on Sundays (hopefully over delicious lunches, to be confirmed!). Next week, we'll be opening the sign-up for those two groups.

In addition, if you identify as LGBTQ2I+ and you'd prefer to study this book in a community of other LGBTQ2I+ Christians, there might also be an opportunity for that and you can talk to Pastor Natasha for details, natasha@knoxtoronto.org.

If you're not sure about the book study group, but would really like to read a copy of the book, please let us know! We believe this is a really good resource and is important for our church community at this stage.

Let's grow together as we follow Jesus, love the city, and serve the world.

—Pr . Natasha
With our pastoral staff and elders.