Victorian Government Forum on LGBTI inclusion in faith communities

From The Star Observer

Victorian Government Forum 

on LGBTI Inclusion in Faith Communities 

Dear Faith and Community Leaders 

As part of the commitments made by the Victorian Government in the 
Victorian. And proud of it. Multicultural Policy Statement, 
you are invited to participate in a Forum on LGBTI Inclusion 
in Faith Communities to be held at: 

Woodward Conference Centre, 
10th floor, Melbourne Law Building (106) 
185 Pelham St, Carlton VIC 3053 

on 

Thursday 17 August 2017, 9:30 am – 3.15 pm

The Forum will build upon discussions held at last year’s Roundtable on LGBTI Youth in Faith Communities, which focused on mental health and well-being and the increased risk of self-harm and suicide experienced by LGBTI Victorians 
(see attached Roundtable report). 

Research conducted among LGBTI people of faith in Victoria has highlighted the need to create safe, welcoming spaces in our communities and places of worship, and to create supportive networks for faith leaders in which to share experiences and learn from each other. 

The Forum will address the role that faith and community leaders play in fostering inclusive environments for LGBTI people of faith. Guest speakers will include Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott MP; Minister for Equality, Martin Foley MP; leaders from diverse faith communities; and LGBTI people of faith. 

Participants will have the opportunity to share best practice approaches, including the provision of pastoral care to LGBTI people of faith, the use of inclusive language and interpretation of scripture. 

We invite you as a faith and/or community leader to contribute to a sensitive and respectful conversation to support positive mental health and well-being outcomes for LGBTI people of faith. 

Please advise of your attendance, including any accessibility and dietary requirements, to shoshana.silverman@dpc.vic.gov.au by no later than 8 August 2017. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Forum. 

Best regards, 

Helen Kapalos                                                              Rowena Allen                                 
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chair                    Victorian Gender and Sexuality Commissioner                 




Shoshana Silverman  | Senior Policy Officer |  Community Resilience and Social Cohesion Branch 
Department of Premier and Cabinet  | Level 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 
T 03 7017 8174 |  www.dpc.vic.gov.au  |  www.vic.gov.au 
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