Beyond the Wall
Stories of LGBTIQ+ spirituality & transformation
Three presenters from diverse faith and life perspectives will share their experience of significant turning points, life-changing/ life-enhancing encounters which give life and meaning to their journey to wholeness as a LGBTIQ+ person. Our presenters are:
Arden Cassie she|her
After affirming her gender in 2018 Arden quickly found her voice as an advocate for the transgender community working with Hunter Gender Alliance and Camp Out. Returning to her passion of working with young people she currently works as a mathematics teacher. Outside the classroom she enjoys hiking, running and roller skating.
Mark Toohey he|him
Mark came out as gay aged 30 after a decade living as a Franciscan Friar where he developed and interest in liberation theology and working for social justice. For the next two decades he worked with marginalised communities in various social work and community development positions. Mark is a founding member of Rainbow Visions - Hunter, a forerunner of Newcastle Pride. He finds spiritual connection in nature, art, classical music and relationships, especially with his husband and partner of 32 years, Lawrie.
Catherine Pepper she|her
Catherine (Peps) Pepper is a trusted environmental sustainability leader who spends a lot of time hanging around the Uniting Church in Australia. She's inspired by the notion that the incarnation is about the reconciliation of all things to God, and that our body and sexuality is fearfully and wonderfully made. Peps has a strong interest in emerging church initiatives and is a regular speaker at Uniting Churches around Newcastle. On a weekday you can find her inspiring change for a sustainable future on Newcastle's urban fringe.
This facilitated workshop will offer participants the opportunity to reflect on their own life-journey with periods of personal reflection and/or facilitated group discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to respond without needing to share their own story (unless they want to).
Our facilitator is Rev Dr Rod Pattenden he|him
Rod Pattenden is an artist and theologian and is an openly gay minister in the Uniting Church.
This inclusive inter-faith event is open to anybody willing to respect diverse spiritualities which may or may not be aligned with a mainstream religious tradition.
Prior registration is required as space is limited.
Participants are invited to stay for lunch at the Spoonbill Café (please order and pay at the café prior to 10:30am).
Proudly supported by:
LGBTIQ Catholic Forum, Hamilton Baptist Church, Adamstown Uniting Church, Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, The Hunter Presbytery of the Uniting Church in Australia.
The Beyond the Wall event is pleased to be part of the Newcastle Pride Festival.
Names and contact details collected are only for use with this event and will be deleted afterwards.
Saturday 29th October 2022. 10:30am -12:30pm
Location
Hunter Wetlands Centre
1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307