IT is a message that should need no reminding: love one another unconditionally.
But it is a message we need to hear regularly.
Now Montville Village Hall is set to host world-renowned thought leader, Jayne Ozanne, for a very special supper conversation on Shrove Tuesday, February 21 at 6pm.
Jayne is director of the Global Interfaith Commission on LGBT+ Lives and a prominent gay evangelical who works to ensure full inclusion of all LGBTQ+ people, particularly LGBTQ+ people of faith.
She is Director of the Ozanne Foundation, which works with religious organisations around the world to eliminate discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity.
Reverend Deborah Bird, from the Anglican Parish of Maleny said to have such a high calibre speaker such as Jayne share her unique story was a real coup for St. Mary’s at Montville.
Rev’d Bird said she believed this was the first visit to Australia for Ms Ozanne, who has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the World Pride and Human Rights Conference in Sydney March 1-3.
“Thanks to friends in Sydney and the assistance of the Rangebow Festival in Montville, we’ve been able to bring Jayne to the Coast for a pancake supper conversation,” Rev’d Bird said.
“It’s an enormous privilege to have Jayne come to our little church in Montville because while her work is global, its impact is important for people of faith everywhere and especially those of us in the Anglican Church.”
The dinner conversation is being held on Pancake Tuesday, which is also known as ‘Mardi Gras’.
During the evening Ms Ozanne will share her journey from self-acceptance to public advocacy, promoting the sacred call to unconditional love for all.
Rev’d Bird said hosting the event on Mardi Gras was a great opportunity to celebrate Ms Ozanne’s message where unconditional love means safety for LGBTQ+ people and embrace of all beautifully diverse communities.
“It’s a conversation for anyone who needs encouragement as they explore their spirituality and identity, anyone thinking about faith and diversity, and for everyone who knows we all need a bit of help to learn to love each other better,” Rev’d Bird said.
Tickets are $10 donation, available via www.trybooking.com/CFWCU or by contacting Reverend Deb Bird 0457 519 899. Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville.
