Today was the last day of the conference ending with the banquet which is a highlight of the day. The photo you see with this blog I took of the bear in the exhibit in the Arch Museum. The day started out with the youth (56 in all) in charge of the morning worship service. They did a fantastic job and it is the council's goal to double that number at next year's conference.The "bear" of the day was the workshop I attended following the the worship service. The workshop was entitled, "To the Tune of a Welcoming God: Homosexuality and the Bible." Conducted by Father River Sims. Father Sims is a very unique Catholic priest who is independent of the Roman Catholic Church and is a celibate homosexual man. He lives in San Fransisco and has a homeless, drug addict and "sex worker" ministry on the streets of San Fransisco. Father Sims has been a member of the ICCC for three years now and has been conducting this workshop for all three years.
He explained how we have misinterpreted scriptures concerning homosexuality...from Sodom and Gomorrah to the writings of the Apostle Paul. He has a very calming voice and was open to those who ridiculed him openly during our discussion time. I was amazed at some pastors and lay people who spoke of homosexuality in very hateful terms and voice. I was also sadden to learn from Father Sims that he had a death threat note left under his door the night before for doing this workshop. I was amazed at the depth of his faith when he said, "if I must die to serve a loving and caring God in the name of Jesus Christ...so be it!" Now that my friends is the definition of true faith.
The evening ended with the annual banquet a highlight of the conference. New officers were installed and the annual awards were given out. During the banquet the planning committee members for the 2010 annual conference were announced. I am very honored to serve the council in this capacity since this will be the celebration of our 60th year in existence. The 2010 conference is slated to take place as the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites with the theme being "Embracing Our Heritage: Freedom, Community, Love."
I am looking forward to the drive back home and the old saying is true..."there is no place like home."
