Affirming Church Series

Documentary screening and discussion. Please note that this event was not recorded due to copyright restrictions, but you can learn more and watch the documentary's official trailer at 1946themovie.com.

Guest speaker and book signing. Amber Cantorna-Wylde, the daughter of an executive at Focus on the Family, shares her story of hurt and rejection by her family and the Church and how she has used her experiences to become an advocate for healing and hope among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. 

What’s it like being a Queer person in the Bay Area? A panel of LGBTQ+ folks will share their stories and experiences.  This event is sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Youth Space in San Jose.

Wondering what all the letters mean? Are you confused about the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity? Why do some people use they/them pronouns and what does that mean? And how does using pronouns on our nametags show love and support? Speaker Carol Heath identifies as a fierce, mama bear ally to the Queer community and leads a group for friends and family members of LGBTQ+ folks.

Amber Cantorna, most widely known as the gay daughter of a 30-year Focus on the Family executive, lost everything when she came out in 2012. This all-too-often narrative has made Amber passionate about dissolving shame, fostering self-acceptance, and generating messages of hope for LGBTQ+ people and their families, especially those from conservative faith backgrounds.

Let’s dig into the scriptures with the Rev. Nancy Brink to discover what the six verses that seem to speak to this topic really have to say. Bring your Bibles and let’s learn together.

Rev. Nancy Brink has been the Director of Church Relations at Chapman University in Orange, CA since January 2009. She leads a group of just over 60 Disciples and UCC students at this Disciples-related university.

People who care about Queer people need to know and care about their legal rights. Whether it’s gay marriage, employment discrimination, or transgender health treatments, the decisions of courts and legislatures have a profound impact on the lives of Queer people. This program will explore the unique legal issues that Queer people face, the advances that have been made in recent years, the challenges that lay ahead, and the role of the Church in protecting these rights.

Rev. Michael Kirby has been a leader in the PC(USA) on issues of marriage equality. He was a practicing lawyer in Texas before entering the ministry. Rev. Kirby will be interviewed by Barry Vickrey, SVPC's Discipleship lead elder and a retired law professor.

Hear stories from five different people in our church who have experienced many different responses from family and from the church as they chose to reveal their authentic selves.

Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, former moderator of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) and current Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, shared about First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto’s journey to becoming an affirming church (and ultimately a More Light Presbyterians church).