Q Conference and Queer Theology

Reported By: Evania Garlinghouse

Photo Courtesy: Table 14

     Trigger warning: Suicide

     The staff of Table 14, an organization dedicated to providing a community for Queer George Fox University(GFU) students, recently attended a Queer Christian Conference known as the Q Conference. 

     Steve Sherwood, founder of Table 14, noted that a key aspect of the conference was open conversation on the intersectionality of two identities: Queer and Christian. 

     “[I] think the main tragedy in the Queer Christian experience is that people think that you can either be openly one or the other, but not both,” he said. 

     A message about Acts 15 was particularly memorable for Sherwood. Acts 15 is about the Jewish Christians having a hard time accepting uncircumcised Gentiles into their community. These Gentiles didn't fit their preconceived notions of Christians, but Paul encouraged them to accept the Gentiles regardless. The speaker drew comparisons between the treatment of Gentiles and that of Queer Christians today. 

     "We allow theology to negate our experience. What if we allowed our experience to inform our theology?" said Sherwood. 

   Emma Mendoza, part of the staff at Table 14, was moved by many speakers at the conference. One such speaker gave her personal testimony about wanting to go into ministry, but felt the only way she could do so was remaining closeted and celibate. The speaker went on to share that she felt suicidal at times because of her identity and the stigma related to it. 

     Sadly, this is a common story; youth who are members of the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to commit suicide than their peers. However, the speaker came to see her inherent worth as an image bearer of God, and is now married to her partner while still participating in ministry. Her message was that even at your lowest point, you are loved by God and have value. 

     Mendoza also felt that the conference helped reclaim what the Queer Community is often excluded from, like worship music. She was encouraged by one speaker saying "the more Queer people are pushed away, the more it connects us. The more it connects and organizes us to fight against it," said Mendoza.

     Table 14 was built to be a welcoming community for everyone. There is a space for people of all religious and sexual identities. Follow Table 14's Instagram page for more information.