June 7, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Strategies Planned for ECWR Conferences

Seattle, WA - ECWR, a pro-gay, pro-Christian ministry, is planning two new exciting conference strategies to reach out to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians. Continuing the success of our annual conference, called Connection, while creating shorter, regional conferences, ECWR plans to increase the number of people currently benefiting from our ministry.

Evangelicals Concerned (EC) is a non-denominational evangelical resource providing a community of fellowship that is a safe place for gay and lesbian Christians to reconcile and integrate their faith and sexuality, and to grow toward Christian maturity. For more information, go to www.ecwr.org.

In addition hosting the four-day ConnECtion retreat every summer on various university campuses in the United States, we are embarking on two new kinds of ECWR conferences that will be regional in focus:

•  A two-day "mini-ConnECtion" held on a weekend, and
•  A one-day "reconciling" conference, held on a Saturday or Sunday

Creating inspiration is the main key to success in these new strategies. To increase the emotional impact for individual attendees from such a short experience, and for this impact to have a lasting effect, participants must leave the conference heartened and encouraged to build on the experience in their own lives.

Mini-ConnECtions have many of the same goals as the annual conference, with an emphasis on bringing together and recognizing regional leaders who could help develop new local EC communities. We will organize "mini-ConnECtions" in locations where already EC has a few contacts - but not enough presence to put together a conference.

The goal of reconciling conferences is to communicate clearly the message that faith and sexuality can be integrated - but to send this message to GLBT Christians who have not yet heard the message. Reconciling conferences would be hosted in areas where there is currently a strong local group presence, so that we would have the necessary resources to organize the event and to provide a supportive place for people after the event.

All of this is intended to connect those who can help with those who need help. ECWR would provide speakers, workshops and most importantly a support network during and after each reconciling conference.

Please join us in participating in these events and encourage others to attend as often as you are able.

EC exposes the routine misconceptions of scripture used to condemn and deny God's grace and love to those who seek a profession of faith. EC is committed to providing a place of ongoing reconciliation to those struggling to integrate their relationship to God with what is also their God-given sexual orientation.

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Evangelicals Concerned Western Region (ECWR) is a nationwide ministry, which encourages and affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians in their faith.  We organize small groups, bible studies, social activities and other events in many North American cities, and we organize national and regional conferences every year.