SSEAC Responses to the issues of Human Sexuality and Gender Minorities.
Conference Background
The National Council of Churches in India has been working on issues relating to human sexuality and gender identities since the first Study on Human Sexuality in Ooty in 2001. From our experience during our work in HIV and AIDS among the churches, between 2003‐2015, especially under the ESHA program, we came to realize the need to prioritize the issues around the “Key Affected Populations,” particularly those relating to the LGBTI communities. In the current phase of our work, we have been focusing on “greater inclusion among churches and theological colleges,” and in our engagement of the churches and theological colleges in India with the LGBTI representatives, we have found that it is a kairos moment for the churches, whereby we can no longer afford to let this issue which affects all of us, pass by. Being one of the few Church networks engaged in this field globally, we are also looking forward to bring together the learning and experiences of churches and theologians from the South and South East Asian regions.
With the help of our partners in ICCO‐Kirk en Actie, and the ISET Program, of the Ecumenical Christian Center, we are organizing a Two‐day Consultation at the Ecumenical Christian Centre,
Whitefield, Bangalore, from February 7‐9, 2017, entitled South and South East Asian Churches responses to the issues of Human Sexuality and Gender Minorities.
Pearl Wong, Director of Queer Theology Academy was invited to be a part of this historical Consultation.