Topic #9: Case Study Conversations Regarding LGBT Issues at Christian Institutions of Higher Education and Within Churches and Denominations (March 2016)

Case Study #1: Eastern University

Contributor:

• Julie Morgan, Communication Studies Department, Eastern University

Leading Questions: How has Eastern University engaged LGBT issues? How were LGBT students involved in your conversations and what were the results of their involvement? What lessons have you learned as to ways for Christians to talk respectfully to one another about their disagreements? What worked well? What didn’t work at all?

Case Study #2: Sammamish Presbyterian Church

Contributor:

• Jeff Lincicome, Senior Pastor, Sammamish Presbyterian Church, Sammamish, WA

Leading Questions: How has your church engaged LGBT issues? What are the implications of the results of your engagement for the common distinction between being “welcoming” and being “affirming” of LGBT individuals? What lessons have you learned as to ways for Christians to talk respectfully to one another about their disagreements? What worked well? What didn’t work at all?

Case Study #3: Zion Mennonite Church, Ohio Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA

Contributor:

• Jessica Schrock Ringenberg, Pastor, Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio

Leading Questions: How has your church engaged LGBT issues? How have you navigated denominational expectations as your church has discussed LGBT issues? What are the implications of the results of your engagement for the common distinction between being “welcoming” and being “affirming” of LGBT individuals? What lessons have you learned as to ways for Christians to talk respectfully to one another about their disagreements? What worked well? What didn’t work at all?