“Safe Communities” Meeting/Hui

For anyone in the Auckland region (or even further if interested), I’m hosting a meeting/hui/discussion on creating a long term support solution for survivors of religious abuse and conversion practices.

5^th October 2024 – 2pm to 4pm
Auckland Unitarian Church
1a Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn

Open meeting for anyone in the community who wants to participate.

Please RSVP (Facebook Event link or email)

There is a desperate need to support people working through issues of faith and spirituality, while providing safe spaces without biases and agendas. Where they are free to explore their own personal spiritual journey while being supported by a loving community, and it’s OK to ask any questions and still be loved.

The Rainbow Community has experienced incredible amounts of abuse from religious groups over the years. The highest demographic for mental health problems and suicide in the community is in religious contexts.

Many of these survivors have completely lost families and friends along with their broader faith communities. Some manage to find a fully embracing church community that aligns with their faith, but many are so traumatised that they could never set foot in a church or be part of that community again.

Here is an outline of the issues I’d like to present to the community to discuss. If you like, you can even email me with your ideas before the meeting – jim@silentgays.com

1. Provide a centrally located place that has a sense of warmth and purpose.

2. Regular meetings that explore the unique difficulties we’ve experienced and sharing ways to move forward with integrity and freedom.

3. Have the backing of an organisation with credibility and experience in the area of social responsibility and community caring.

4. Explore new and innovative ways of creating communities, support services etc, based on the real needs, inviting people to participate at all levels with a high level of flexibility around the structure as we learn and grow.

5. Practical considerations such as:

   1. Leadership/oversight and finances

   2. Meeting structure and frequency

   3. Social activities

   4. Long term goals

Download the flyer here

Please feel free to contact me at jim@silentgays.com