The
purpose of this conference is to take stock of these developments
in marriage and family under the more general rubric of sexuality
and how it is organized in law, religion, and society. The
first day of the conference will explore the history of sexuality
and its shaping in American history and law, in religion and
psychology, in key branches of Judaism and Christianity, and
in contemporary society and ecclesial life.
The
second day of the conference will focus on the practical implications
of sexuality for congregational and denominational life and
how religious bodies should respond to these developments
in a way that promotes concord over schism. Massachusetts
has been the locus of many recent sexuality debates-- particularly
around same-sex marriage, clergy and Episcopal ordination
-- that have had profound impact on law and politics, as well
as the life of religious denominations and congregations.
We will be inviting key religious leaders from the Boston
area’s Jewish and Christian communities to participate
in panel discussions and break-out conversations.
Conference participants
may elect to take the conference as a part of the course,
“COVENANT, COMMUNITY
AND SEXUALITY,” ANTS INTE 690 (3 credits; open to
Hebrew College & BTI students); Instructors: Rodney Petersen
(BTI) and Sanford Seltzer (ICPL) and the Conference Speakers
and Proceedings, “Covenant, Community and Sexuality”;
course runs from 6/16 – 6/26. See
course syllabus.
