All interested LGBT people are invited to attend a worship tomorrow at Auckland's Quaker meeting house, and an upcoming Quaker weekend retreat in Whanganui. Jordan River says he will be preaching ‘Matthew 19 verse 12'. “This is where Jesus acknowledges gay people as being 'born that way',” explains River. “Unfortunately the heterosexist translators of the Bible have used the word eunuch which we take to mean a castrated male. In the time Jesus was speaking, this word meant gay male.” The event starts 7pm, at the Quaker Meeting House, 113 Mt Eden Road, Auckland. The Quakers (also known as the Religious Society of Friends was founded in England in the 17th century as a Christian religious denomination by people who were dissatisfied with the existing denominations and sects of Christianity. Quakers believe that everyone is capable of direct personal experience of what they describe as the Spirit, the Inner Light, or ‘that of God'. They believe in the fundamental and absolute equality of all people, and are therefore willing to accept differing lifestyles. The Quaker Settlement in Whanganui is also opening its doors to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender community next month for a three-day weekend called ‘Walking Into The Light'. Facilitator Tan Shen Elderton says the weekend retreat will feature meditations and discussions. “It is a time of experiential learning and commitment. You are asked to bring your openness, join the journey of adventure to yourself and to the group, with respect for yourself and others. “Come along and share your inner spirituality. Walk into your inner path and lets explore together as friends. Sharing stories and celebrating rituals within our lives.” The weekend includes walking on the beach where some of the movie River Queen was filmed. The weekend starts with an evening meal on Friday 18th May, and finishes with lunch on Monday 21st. More details and a registration form are available at the link below. Ref: Related links: www.quaker.org.nz/events/friends-for-gay-and-lesbian-concerns Ref: Quakers, GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 28th April 2007 - 12:00pm