Speakers

August 15, 2007  7:30 pm

http://thecommunityactivist.com

Rev. Jim Merritt is an ordained and licensed clergyperson with Metropolitan Community Church.  Along with his role as a spiritual leader, Rev. Merritt has been a community activist for many years.  He has served as a board member of many organizations including National Stonewall Democrats, Equality Florida, AIDS Manasota, Sarasota AIDS Support, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and many others.  After serving as President for six years, Rev. Merritt is Chair Emeritus of the Florida Democratic Party Gay and Lesbian Caucus. Rev. Merritt also served on the Executive Committee, Central Committee and Affirmative Action Committee of the Florida Democratic Party.  Rev. Merritt describes himself, as "one of the most successful alums" of Exodus International.  Rev. Merritt says, "After two years of serious work with the Exodus movement, I was still gay, just the way God wanted me to be."  Rev. Jim and his friends founded the Sarasota Equality Project and put for non-discrimination legislation for the Sarasota City Charter.  Rev. Merritt served as President of that Corporation which led the campaign for the charter amendment which passed by 73% of the vote.  At the time, The Advocate reported that this was the largest percentage by which one of these ballot measures had passed in the country.  Rev. Merritt is currently a Student at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA.  This summer he is working as a Chaplain at Tampa General Hospital.  He lives in Orlando with his partner, Al Leach, his two dogs, Yato, and Lucy, and his cat Okito.  When asked, "Who is your church?" Rev. Merritt responds, "My church is the people nobody else wants in theirs."  For more information, regular sermons, or to contact Rev. Jim, please visit his website at www.thecommunityactivist.com.

What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality?

April 18, 2007  7:30 pm

May 2007 lectures
http://www.fccwp.org/media/media-158899.pdf

PFLAG Orlando/Central Florida Presents the Rev. Brian Fulwider speaking about his upcoming course, What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality?

Fundamentalist notions what the Bible says about homosexuality have framed many polarizing arguments in our community and around the country. Many of these arguments have been used to justify discrimination and even hate. However, the Orlando/Central Florida chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is bringing a program to the area to help find the facts and locate common ground.  

On April 18, PFLAG will present the Rev. Bryan Fulwider, offering a preview of his presentation, What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality?  This study offers an in-depth review of Biblical texts that are often cited to denounce homosexuality. Through careful and informed biblical and theological review of biblical passages, Fulwider contends that there is no such indictment of homosexuality.

Sept 20, 2006  7:30 pm

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