Workshop addresses racism, homophobia in faith communities

LYONS – As issues such as affirmative action and gay marriage remain in the national spotlight, the Leaven Center offers a three-day workshop teaching participants how to challenge racism and homophobia in their local faith communities.
"Crucial Conversations: Working to End Racism and Homophobia in Faith Communities," will be held from 1 p.m. Feb. 6 through 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the center, 7981 Peckins Road. The center, about 35 miles northwest of Lansing, holds retreats and seminars year-round aimed at nurturing the connection between social justice and spirituality.
Participants will explore the connections between racism, homophobia and other forms of oppression under the guidance of co-facilitators Carmen Lane and Melanie Morrison. The group will use historical examples within the Christian church of ways racially and sexually oppressed people were divided from each other, asking how those separations could be repaired and prevented in the future.
"Crucial Conversations," costs $195, which includes meals and lodging. The event, made possible by a grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, is gender inclusive. Partial scholarships are available for this space-limited event.