The Unity Dialogue will convene March 28, at St. Francis UMC in Cary. This Saturday morning dialogue is open to all from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For 10 years since it was established by Bishop Marion Edwards, the Unity Dialogue has practiced “holy conferencing.” Meeting at least twice each year, the 20 appointees have reflected together on Christian faith and homosexuality. The group has no authority to shape policy nor any budget to implement programs. The intent of the Dialogue has been to seek understanding of different points of view in this sensitive issue. Faithful Christians have found common ground in the love of God even as they have remained divided over biblical interpretation and the church’s teaching about homosexuality. The conversations have been sometimes painful and typically productive of a climate of mutual respect and trust through grace.
Last fall it was decided that the Dialogue should be expanded to include other persons with interest in the issue. New participants joined the discussion in November when the UD was held at Camp Rockfish.
The March gathering is again an open table. Participants are asked to practice “holy conferencing,” as modeled by the veteran members of the dialogue, respectfully listening to one another, and speaking about the topic presented that day. It is expected that the topic on March 28 will be “Experiences of faith as gay and straight believers.”