From the Press Release:
"An evening of dialogue titled "Coming Out and Keeping the
Faith" will be presented by the local faith coalition, LGBTQ Welcoming Communities of Faith ("Welcoming Faiths") on Wednesday, April 3, from 7-8:30
p.m. at Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill campus.
"The mission of the Welcoming Faiths coalition is to
promote equality and inclusiveness for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and
Questioning/Queer individuals and families, and to reach out and assist those
seeking a spiritual home. The lay-led group has been active since 2011 and
includes 10 member congregations in the Merrimack Valley, representing the
Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Methodist and Jewish
denominations.
"Since religion is the main reason cited when family
members reject their relatives who 'come out', the focus of the program will be
on how faith can help people respond in a positive rather than negative
way, building bridges to greater understanding. A panel
of youth and clergy of various denominations will participate in the
discussion.
"The free event is co-sponsored by the Gay/Straight
Alliance of Northern Essex Community College and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays) of Greater Boston. The Haverhill campus of NECC is located
at 100 Elliott St."
