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www.affirmation.org/saltlake Chapter director: Duane Jennings 801-486-6977 Upcoming Events August 6-9: 2008 Salt Lake Sunstone Symposium Theme: The Spirituality of the Rising Generation 6-9 August, 2008 Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel Students with ID can attend for free.
Event will be held August 10 at 5:00 PM In a meeting to be held jointly with Reconciliation, two members of the executive committee of Affirmation, plus other national leaders, will meet with members of the Salt Lake Chapter, Reconciliation, friends, and allies, for a discussion of Affirmation goals and tactics. Even though LDS Family Services has canceled a meeting with them, which was supposed to follow this meeting, the nature of this meeting will not change. Bring your ideas on how Affirmation can serve its members, be an influence for good in the world, and better engage with the LDS Church and its leaders. The event will be held Sunday, August 10,at the Metropolitan Community Church, 823 South 600 East. Affirmation friends and allies are invited to join us for the discussion. Affirmation's Charter states that "it is our intention to work for the understanding and acceptance of gays and lesbians as full, equal and worthy persons within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The Charter also proclaims that Affirmation is organized to "provide a forum for communication and education for members and leaders of the Church and our peers concerning homosexuality." There are many ways to achieve these goals, but none more obvious than direct discussions between leaders in the two organizations. On August 11, leaders of Affirmation were supposed to meet with LDS officials in an event that Church officials have recently put off. Though this is surely just a potential first step in a long journey, news of the meeting has sparked great controversy in both the gay and Mormon communities. Are these voices the fringe elements, or do they represent the average member? Do you think such a meeting can lead to positive, long-term discussion and greater understanding, or do you believe it is a fruitless or even disrespectful endeavor? Join Affirmation and Reconciliation members, including Affirmation Executive Director Olin Thomas and Senior Assistant Director David Melson, for a thoughtful discussion on our goals, tactics, and hopes for the future. During the same visit to Salt Lake City and on the same weekend, members of the Executive Committee, along with other national Affirmation leaders, will participate in the Sunstone symposium and present a panel discussion. October 10-12 Los Angeles, California Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons' Annual Conference Theme: A Pearl of Great Price Affirmation Salt Lake Chapter (SLC) Affirmation seeks to meet the needs of persons experiencing frustration or alienation from family, friends, and the Church because of their sexual orientation. When the journey of self-discovery, particularly the process of reconciling our gay selves within the context of our Mormon spiritual and cultural heritage, seems almost more than we can handle, Affirmation offers the opportunity of understanding and support by friends who travel the same path. Also included among the membership of Affirmation are many friends and family, Mormon and non-Mormon, gay and straight. Associating with them, and feeling of their love and support, is one of the greatest blessings to be obtained by joining and actively participating in Affirmation. Contact Information: Affirmation Salt Lake Chapter, P.O. Box 521106, SLC UT 84152 Email us 801-486-6977
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www.affirmation.org