Reform, Push-back, Repeat

The Social Justice Interfaith Alliance is a group associated with the LGBTQ Ministry at Santa Catalina Parish. They sponsored a presentation at the Oro Valley Library on February 8th featuring Dr. Nell Brownell retired professor of history. Dr. Nell presented three stages of history as regards cultural shifts toward sexuality. Following each stage there was a group discussion. This very interesting presentation/discussion lasted for two hours and everyone was fully engaged and involved. Dr. Nell discussed the historical pattern of cultural shifts and backlashes which have very much influenced how we think about gender roles. She gave the audience much to ponder. Some of the comments were:

• Dr. Nell’s information is a wonderful foundation for a second part on this topic.

• The concept of reform - pushback - repeat was very effective.

• The information on how the term “homosexuality” came into use vs. sexual acts was very enlightening.

• Speaker was fascinating—many new concepts.

• Most effective was the presentation of culture in relationship to religion.

• Really appreciated the statistics from historical views.

• The entire presentation was very effective.

• The effective points were too numerous to mention. It was great to hear academic language.

• WOW!

A future forum at the Library will include an ecumenical gathering of pastors to speak on the attitudes and struggles of their Congregations with the issue of same sex orientation and expression. Watch the bulletin for further details.

Teresita Scully - The LGBTQ Ministry and the Social Justice Interfaith Alliance

You can get information on the Alliance by contacting Millie Padilla:

Email: (sjia.tucson@gmail.com)

Telephone number: (646-340-4370)