Daring Gathering 2010
A coming event for 11 - 14 June 2010, in Melbourne (Centre for Ministry).
Everyone is welcome!
WHAT IS...WHO IS...DARING?
The Daring Gathering is a once-every-two-years gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people, their families, friends and supporters within the Uniting Church in Australia, who gather together from across the nation to reflect on their journey to date and envision their future. The first gathering was held in Adelaide in 1994, with the theme "Daring to speak - daring to listen". The gathering is open to people of all faiths or no faith who are interested in supporting this journey.
1994: Daring to Listen: Daring to Speak was the first "Daring Conference" and was held in Adelaide, South Australia. It was the first national gathering of its kind of any church in Australia, marking the beginning of the Uniting Network as the work of the Spirit within the Christian community. The Conference was significant for developing spirited dialogue in faith between lesbian, bisexual and gay Christians and their friends and supporters.
1996: Daring to Live: Daring to Move On was held in Melbourne, Victoria. This gathering marked the unity of our spirit and the growth of confidence of Uniting Network as an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their concerns.
1998: Re-imagining Love:Embracing Our Strength was the third "Daring Conference" and gained international attention through the participation of Rev. Dr. Dorothy McRae-McMahon from Australia, Rev. Dr. David Bromell from New Zealand and Rev. Professor Carter Heyward from the United States of America. This gathering of Uniting Network presented a poignant reminder that God's love embraces us in the middle of our ongoing struggle and strengthens us as we re-imagine our own capacity to love.
2000: Living to Liberate:Daring 2000 was the fourth gathering of the Uniting Network. It was held on the weekend of June 9-12th, 2000, in the city of Adelaide. Significant contributions were made by Rev. Dr. Anna Grant Henderson in leading us through liberating biblical studies; Alyson Huntley from the United Church of Canada who shared the Canadian experience of change and acceptance; Julie McCrossin, who shared personal stories of gaining liberation; and diverse members of the Uniting Network who contributed to workshops, worship and social events.
2002: Daring to Celebrate was the fifth gathering of Uniting Network and was held in Melbourne, Victoria during the long weekend of 7th to 10th, June, 2002. This occasion was auspiced by the Justice and International Mission Unit, Synod of Victoria, Uniting Church in Australia. The event was another significant gathering of God's queer people and their friends and supporters, daring to celebrate and affirm their individual and collective gifts and their participation in all aspects of Christian life, faith and ministry. The Daring Statement issued June 10 2002, is available for reading