Freedom 2b[e] (organization) edit
Freedom 2b[e] is an Australian based network that supports GLBTIQ people from Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical backgrounds . It helps them resolves issues of faith and sexuality and works to promote understanding and acceptance both in the church and within the wider community . Freedom 2b[e] is not unlike many of the other denominational groups that have been created to assist people with resolving issues of faith and sexuality such as Acceptance or Integrity but it accepts both religious and non religious GLBTIQ people and does not promote a particular belief system.
Purpose edit
The stated agenda of Freedom 2b[e] is to offer support , information and the opportunity to share with people who have similar experiences .Freedom 2b[e] offers support to GLTBQ people through face to face meetings and offers information on same sex attraction from a scientific, psychological and biblical perspective . It also promotes dialogue with religious organizations to promote understanding and acceptance.
History edit
Freedom 2b[e] was co-founded in 2005 by Anthony Venn-Brown ( a former Australian Assemblies of God evangelist ) and Phillip Wall and the first meetings were held in Surry Hills in Sydney .[1]
Activities edit
Freedom 2b[e] conducts monthly meetings in a number of capital cities including Sydney and Melbourne and has an online forum where participants can discuss issues relating to faith and sexuality. Freedom 2b[e] has marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since 2007 and recently participated in the 2009 Mardi Gras under the theme of “Choice”. [2]
The organization supports a range of activities within the community that promote awareness and help people reconcile their faith and sexuality . The Australian Broadcasting Corporation recently interviewed a number of members of Freedom 2b[e] members on their experiences of being gay and Pentecostal [3] and several Freedom 2b[e] members were also the subject of a 2009 recent photography exhibition by Iain Wallace entitled “Walking between Worlds”. [4]
Freedom 2b[e] is currently developing a group for young people aged 18-30 . Their aim is to offer a safe place for GLBT youth and young adults from Christian backgrounds.
The current patrons of Freedom 2b[e] are the Hon. Michael Kirby AC, CMG (a former justice of the High Court of Australia) and Reverend Dorothy McCrae McMahon
References edit
- ^ Venn-Brown, Anthony (2005-11-01). "First Global Group for Gay Pentecostals launched". Retrieved 2009-08-09.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Gresham, Ben (2009-04-07). "Freedom 2b[e] march in Mardi Gras 2009". Retrieved 2009-08-08.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Cleary, John (2009-04-19). "Pentecostal and evangelical gay and lesbian Christians". Retrieved 2009-04-22.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ O'Dwyer, Erin. "Love thy Neighbour".
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External Links edit
- Freedom 2b[e] - official website
Category:LGBT religious organizations
Category:LGBT Christians