Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Peace United Church of Christ will Co-host the 7th Annual “Open Our Doors, Open Our Hearts” conference April 27-28. The theme of this year’s conference is “Love One Another.”
“The conference is one way in which Gloria Dei can open its doors to all people in the neighborhood” said Pastor David Carlson.
People of all sexual orientations and gender identities, their allies, and faith communities are encouraged to attend. The main goal of the conference is to assist communities of faith in accepting and welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) persons and their families.
This year’s keynote speaker is Kelly Fryer. Fryer is a well-known writer and leader in Lutheran circles. She has taught at Luther Seminary and is ordained in the Lutheran ministry. Readers have found her book “Reclaiming the L-Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core” insightful, thought-provoking and witty.
Musical group Bread for the Journey present their unique blend of international music Friday 8 p.m. Hailing from Minneapolis, Bread for the Journey offer a spirited repertoire with styles spanning Latin American, African, Asian, Caribbean, and European.
Events such as this focus on full acceptance. They challenge the effort to define who does (or does not) qualify for God’s love at a time when honoring LGBT people, same sex couples, and their families is not a common practice among Christians. “This is what Jesus is calling us to do. We need to reach out to the poor and the outcast; reach out to our neighbors” said Carlson.
In 1998, Gloria Dei became officially recognized as a Reconciling in Christ Church. Reconciling in Christ is a program started by Lutherans Concerned North America and acknowledges Lutheran congregations that welcome lesbian and gay believers. Gloria Dei is the only Lutheran Church in the Northeastern Minnesota synod to have obtained this title.
Everyone is welcome at Gloria Dei. “I feel fortunate to have a welcoming and affirming congregation that sees people as human beings, not just labels” said Carlson.
The event begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The costs are as follows: Friday night and Saturday $20 (includes lunch), Saturday only $15 (includes lunch), Friday night only $10 (includes refreshments), Students both days $5. Gloria Dei is located at 219 N. 6th Ave. East in Duluth. For more information call 218-722-3381 or visit www.gloriadeiduluth.com
