Scholars, pastors, clinicians, and other experts gathered in Oxford to discuss contemporary issues of sex, gender, and sexuality in relation to the Orthodox Church. The conference, part of the Bridging Voices project supported by British Council, provided a respectful, hospitable environment in which a full range of perspectives could be expressed, heard, and discussed.
Update, October 2019—In a video produced by British Council USA, conference participants shared some of their goals, insights, and takeaways from the valuable dialogues that occurred.
An international gathering of scholars, pastors, clinicians, and other experts took place in Oxford from 16th to 19th August, at which contemporary issues of sex, gender, and sexuality were discussed in relation to the Orthodox Church. The goal of the unofficial meeting was to stimulate dialogue among experts in order to help the Church discern responses to urgent pastoral needs that are both truthful and pastorally-sensitive. Participants who strongly support, defend, and adhere to the traditional teachings and disciplines of the Orthodox Church spoke alongside those who find them somehow problematic—and many contributed perspectives along a continuum between these positions. All agreed that dialogue must continue in the same uniquely respectful and gracious tone that characterized this gathering.
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