This online Teams session will explore the creation of safe spaces, consider barriers to safety and explore diversity.
Course description
You might have heard that some Christians want to ban the Lord’s Prayer! That is, fortunately, fake news. But what do people mean when they talk about inclusive and expansive language? Who is authorised to use it? And are words really enough?
In this training, we will consider the theology and practice of ‘inclusive and expansive’ worship including both verbal language and other means of communication, with a particular focus on language of identity and relatedness.
Drawing on lived experience and biblical scholarship, we will discuss the risks and possibilities of theological language. We will explore resources and try out words. There won’t be a list of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ words. Rather, we will consider what it means to expand, rather than to contract the ways in which we communicate with and about God and each-other.
The sessions are rooted in LGBTQIA+ lived experience intertwined with study of theology and scripture. Both sessions are participative, and are open to all.
Who is this course suitable for?
This session is open to anyone who is interested in creating safe and inclusive spaces in a church setting.
When and where?
Online via Teams. A Teams link is included in your booking confirmation and reminder email.
How to book?
When logged in, click the bright yellow ‘Register’ button on the left hand side and you will be taken to the booking page.
About the course leader
Dr Alex Clare-Young is a facilitator, theologian and writer as well as being an ordained minister of the United Reformed Church. Alex’s ecumenical background, theological training, and experiences working in the EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) industry come together with their lived experiences as a trans and disabled person to inspire a passion for justice and inclusion. Alex is proud to be a patron of the Open Table Network and delighted to partner with the network to facilitate safer and braver communities for all and to share the joys of inclusive and expansive worship.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this course, please contact parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org.