Creating Sanctuary

Creating Sanctuary is a pioneering resource created to equip churches and faith communities with the resources to engage with the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. Affirm is delighted to have been involved in the development of this essential material.

 

This resource provides a framework in which we can explore our Biblical and pastoral learning about inclusion, through safer and respectful dialogue with each other.

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It encourages us to think about how we treat each other. It promotes respect, love, active listening and empathy.

It includes listening to the stories and experiences of church leaders, their thoughts and reflections on what’s worked well and what with hindsight they wish they’d known and done differently.

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It also includes listening to the stories and experiences of queer people themselves. At times this will involve hearing about the impact and effect of exclusion, and at times mistreatment, whilst also learning from brilliant examples of where differences have been embraced in a more welcoming and diverse Body of Christ.

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The methodology underpinning this resource is intentionally designed using a restorative framework to enable the voices of those who are rarely invited to speak to be really heard alongside other perspectives with which we might be more familiar. It encourages all of us to think about the impact and effect of the expressions of our views.

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For more information on this resource, how to use it, or if you have any questions, please visit: www.creatingsanctuary.org.uk. 

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