Sacred worth

“Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals are sacred worth.”

The Book of Discpline of the United Methodist Church, 2000

To contact us:

Email: sacredworth@duke.edu ,

Carlton Rutherford at Carlton.Rutherford@duke.edu , or Carla Gregg  at Carla.Gregg@duke.edu .

The purpose of Sacred Worth is to serve the Divinity School community by increasing awareness of lesbians and gays in the church.  All members of the Divinity School community, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities (that means all!) are invited to            participate.  The group seeks to promote understanding about homosexuality in the church through various opportunities for discussion and dialogue.

 

 We welcome the Divinity School community to struggle together with theological and pastoral questions of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) sexuality through:

 

 

·          brown bag lunches with local clergy

·          hear from Rev. Gayle Felton about the Methodist Annual Conference and its response to homosexuality

·          learn the tools and resources you will need as a pastor to affirm LGBT  persons’ full participation in the life of the church

·          ask what you’ve always wanted to know in a place where no question is too dumb

·          faith journey stories of LGBT and their allies (allies are heterosexuals who support LGBT people)

·          hear the joys and struggles of the Christian walk from an LGBT perspective

·          learn how heterosexual Christians can support their LGBT brothers and sisters

·          ask yourself the hard questions

·          the “Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse” study by Dr. Rembert Truluck

·          hear a different reading of the Bible on Wednesdays from 5-6:30pm, starting September 1st.

·          learn how the oppression of any one group wounds the whole church

·          ask what you can do

 

 We welcome LGBT and those questioning to an off-campus, confidential prayer group where one can talk openly and honestly about both the challenges and celebrations of the call to ministry.  Though “out” students are welcome and encouraged to attend, this is a safe space created particularly for those who feel forced by church and societal structures to remain silent about their sexual orientation.  Know that you are not alone.  Please contact Carlton Rutherford at carlton.rutherford@duke.edu or 220-6738 if you are interested in this group.