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LGBT issues in the church to be discussed at Atlanta forum

By Shelia Poole
Aug 9, 2016

Three clergy members give different perspectives on LGBT issues in the faith community during a program from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight at Renovation Church, 120 Ralph McGill Blvd. N.E.

"Elevating the Dialogue on LGBT Inclusion in the Church", is a free program, organized by the Reformation Project, Christian direct action organization that works to promote inclusion of LGBT people by reforming church teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Speakers includes the Rev. Léonce Crump, Jr., senior pastor at Renovation Church; the Rev. Ashley Matthews, Eastside parish pastor at Trinity Anglican Church; and the Rev. Stan Mitchell, senior pastor at GracePointe Church.

Founder and Executive Director Matthew Vines will be in attendance.

Same sex marriage and full LGBT inclusion in the church has divided the faith community for years, but several pastors and organizations are trying to bridge the divide and find common ground.

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About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

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