Mormon Conferences

Excerpt of "5 Mormon Studies Conferences," Jana Riess, ReligionNews

• At the Crossroads Again: Mormon and Protestant Encounters in the 19th and 21st Centuries
• Sunstone Ohio
• "Circling the Wagons" conference for LGBTQ/SSA Mormons, Their Families, and Friends --

Conference: At the Crossroads Again: Mormon and Protestant Encounters in the 19th and 21st Centuries
When: February  24-25

Where: Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

Speakers include: David E. Campbell, Kendall Soulen, Elaine Heath (my author!), Kathleen Flake, Sen. Robert Bennett, Kristine Haglund, and others

Event description:

"This conference will engage the challenge and promise of dialogue between two religious traditions whose historical intersections have at times been characterized by misunderstanding and even condemnation: Mormonism and Protestant Christianity. . . . As both Latter-day Saints and Protestants move forward into the twenty-first century, they stand more ready than ever to engage in thoughtful dialogue and social collaboration."

Conference: Sunstone Ohio

When: March 10-11

Where: Kirtland, Ohio temple

Speakers include: John-Charles Duffy, Steve Taysom, Dan Vogel, John Hamer, and others

Event description:

"We are putting together our FIRST regional Sunstone Symposium in Kirtland, OH, March 10-11, 2012. If you are interested in attending, speaking, or volunteering for the planning committee, contact Mary Ellen at sunstoneme[at]gmail[dot]com for more information!"

Conference: "Circling the Wagons" conference for LGBTQ/SSA Mormons, Their Families, and Friends

When: April 20-22

Where: Washington, D.C. (Community of Christ, 3526 Massachusetts Avenue NW)

Speakers include: Mitch Mayne, Carol Lynn Pearson, and others

Event description:

"The morning will begin with a potluck brunch. Our keynote session will feature Mitch Mayne and the beloved Carol Lynn Pearson. Breakouts and TED-like talks will cover topics such as:

* Authenticity as a Mormon Lesbian
* Navigating homosexuality/SSA while attending church
* What helps (and hurts) when resolving sexual, religious and social conflicts
* A parent's journey to understanding homosexuality/SSA
* Marriage equality and what it means for LGBTQ/SSA Mormons and their families

We'll finish the day with a traditional Mormon Stories "Story Sharing" meeting and a catered Café Rio dinner."

Read the full article here