“Be ready always to give a reasoned answer for the hope that is within you…” (1 Peter 3:15)
5637 Erie Street
Racine, Wisconsin
(near Milwaukee airport)
The retreat will focus on helping LGBTQ+ believers, their friends, and allies recover a sense of hope. In addition to time for prayer, silence, discussion, and participation in the Sacraments, Fr. James will share a vision of highly positive happenings in the global Church and discuss how growing into truthfulness as LGBTQ+ people and allies is intimately connected to basic Christianity.
Fr. James will also explain how Biblical texts and a theology of natural law have been used to dehumanize LGBTQ+ folks and to bind their consciences. This flawed methodology will be replaced with an enriched account of Scripture and natural law theory to furnish us reason for hope. All of the presentations will include plenty of time for participation, feedback, and sharing.
The retreat will also include prayer services, small group discussions, a relevant film, and Mass.
Starting and Ending Times: The retreat begins on Friday, February 16, with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. The retreat ends on Sunday, February 18, with luncheon that begins at 1:00 p.m.
James Alison is a Catholic theologian, priest and author who has studied, lived and worked in Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the United States as well as his native England.
He is the author of several books which examine theological ideas, and which take LGBTQ+ issues seriously. His books include Faith beyond resentment: fragments catholic and gay, On being liked, and Undergoing God. Most of his more recent writings can be found on www.jamesalison.com
Having lived with the Dominican Order between 1981 and 1995, James works as an itinerant preacher, lecturer and retreat giver. He is currently a Fellow of Imitatio (www.imitatio.org), a network designed to study the consequences of philosopher René Girard’s insights into human behavior and culture.
Over the years James has firmly but gently faced down Church authority on matters gay and lived to tell the tale, including receiving a phone call from Pope Francis in which the pontiff affirmed James’ priesthood.
Location: Siena Retreat Center, 5637 Erie Street, Racine, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee airport)
Registration fee includes overnight accommodations and all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Partial scholarships available before January 5th. Send email explaining the need to [email protected]
Registration by mail: Make checks payable to “New Ways Ministry” and mail with name, address, phone numbers, email, and dietary needs to: New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Cancellation Policy: Prior to January 5th, all but $25 is refundable.
For further information, please call (301) 277-5674.
Friday, February 16
3.00 pm Arrival and check-in to room
5.30 pm Dinner
7.00 pm Unbinding the Hidden Puritanism of the U.S. Catholic Conscience Q&A
8.30 pm Evening Prayer
9.00 pm Social
Saturday, February 17
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Morning Prayer
9.30 am Basic Christianity & LGBTQ+ Issues Q&A
10.30 am Quiet Time
11.00 am Small group discussion
11.30 am Large group discussion
12.00 pm Lunch
1.00 pm Quiet Time
2.00 pm Reclaiming a Truly Catholic Reading of Scripture Q&A
3.00 pm Quiet Time
3.30 pm Small group discussion
4.00 pm Large group discussion
4.45 pm Break
5.00 pm Supper
7.00 pm Evening Prayer
7.30 pm Film and discussion
9.00 pm Social
Sunday, February 18
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Morning Prayer
9.30 am Natural Law Is Our Friend Q&A
10.30 am Break
11.00 am Eucharist
12.00 pm Lunch