'From Creation to Restoration and Reconciliation
Our transgender, Intersex and non-binary bodies.'
The creation and aims of this theology conference are in recognition that the last few years have seen increased and relentless attacks upon the transgender, Intersex and non-binary community, and increasing attempts to deny basic human rights to us as transgender people.
As a community and individuals we recognize we are carrying trauma. Our hope is that God will bless this conference with their presence and healing as we search deeper into scripture, engage in fellowship, prayer and worship.
Our desire is to help in building community, facilitate increased fellowship and friendships, and help contribute towards a constructive theology that provides hope, understanding and creates the conditions for our flourishing.
Questions? e-mail conference22@saintcolumbas.org
We are planning that this will be an annual conference that will be hosted by different cities over the coming years. This year Oxford, next year Manchester, Sheffield or Leeds? 2024 we hope to be in Cambridge.
Holding the conference over two days allows people to build friendships, to network and share our experiences, stories and resources.
For some people a day of speakers, back to back can be an intense time. We are delighted to have Elizabeth Gray-King with us at the conference to exhibit her paintings, but also to provide a creative space, a space to breathe and relax, a space to draw and reflect. We each find God in many different mediums. Art is one way we can commune with God, both in meditation upon, and in creation of.
Bursaries are available for those with limited financial means, please do not be embarrassed or shy in asking, most of us as transgender have known how hard it can be to simply survive through seasons of our life. Full confidentiality is assured.
There is limited free accommodation, provided by volunteer families and individuals. This will go to speakers and those who apply for bursary, on a first come first served basis, so early registration is advised.
There are many restaurants local to St Columba’s where we can gather in groups for meals in the evening. Some may prefer to eat together in the church building. We want people to be free to choose whatever option they feel comfortable with.
There are several reasonably priced hotels just a few minutes away by taxi, several less then 20 minutes walk away. Please ask for details if you need guidance here.
Our hope it to come out of the Conference with a small profit so that we can provide a better conference with each year that we grow and serve our community. If we catch the vision behind the Conference and each of us contribute in whatever way we can, then we are building a better future for us all, and the generations that follow us.
It would be wonderful if those who can afford to help sponsor those for whom travel, conference fee's and accommodation is beyond their means.
The Conference has been funded and provided for us by the sacrificial giving and vision of St Columba’s United Reformed Church, its Elders and members. Those of us on the Conference organising team want to acknowledge our debt to them, and honour their faith and vision.
The cost of the conference is £40 for both days, £20 for students, Senior Citizens and the unwaged.
£20 for one day, £10 for students, Senior Citizens and the unwaged.
If coming for one day please register which day you are attending.
Please note; without Covid restrictions we can accomadate 80 delegates, but if we are subject to restrictions we are only able to safely host 50 delegates, so places will be on a first come, first served basis. If restrictions are enforced prior to event we will fully reimburse the thirty people who were last to book for the conference.