Conference Theme
Introduction:
This Is My Body: Many Parts, One Whole
The phrase “This is my body” carries deep meaning in Christian faith, calling us to reflect on the sacredness of embodiment and community. As we gather for this conference, we do so as many parts of one body—each of us bringing our unique identities, gifts, and perspectives into a shared space of faith, love, and belonging.
Here, you are invited to be fully yourself, however that looks. This is a place where authenticity is not just welcomed but celebrated—a space where we embody the beauty of our diversity together. In Christ, we are called to wholeness, not by erasing difference, but by embracing it, recognizing that each of us is a vital part of something greater.
At the same time, we acknowledge that for many in our community—especially gender-diverse individuals—discussions about the body can bring up deep and complex emotions. For some, the body brings joy and affirmation; for others, it carries experiences of struggle, dissonance, or pain. However you relate to this theme, know that there is space for you here. You are not required to engage with these ideas in any one way—this conference is a place where you can bring your whole self, with all its questions, experiences, and interpretations.
Through worship, conversation, and connection, we will explore what it means to live out our faith in our own bodies and in the collective body of Christ. May this gathering be a testament to the sacredness of each person and the power of community to reflect God’s abundant love.
The theological body is diverse, encompassing myriad expressions of faith and interpretations. We will explore how we can find unity within our theological differences and ensure that he Church is a place that welcomes all people through queer reading of scripture and the spiritual practices of deconstruction and reconstruction.
Workshops in this theme include:
- “Theology 101 – Understanding the clobber verses” presented by Peter Lineham.
- “Queer Theology 201: Reclaiming the Expansiveness of Scripture” presented by Steff Fenton
This theme considers how Christ’s love becomes the model for all relationships, calling us to embody grace, patience, and forgiveness.
Key questions include:
- How can we foster relationships that reflect the inclusive love of Christ?
- What role does platonic friendship play in the church?
- How can we ensure that our connections are equitable and life-giving?
Workshops in this theme include:
- “Connect Well: Creating Healthy, Lasting Relationships as Rainbow People” presented by Nicola Frater
This theme explores how coming out is part of revealing our truth, and reflecting the diversity of God’s creation.
Key questions include:
- How can we embrace and share our truths in ways that honor our journey?
- What role does faith play in the courage and vulnerability required in coming out?
There are diverse gender expressions within the body of Christ. Jesus’ declaration, “This is my body,” is a call to honor and express the fullness of our authentic identities. How does embracing gender expansiveness enrich our understanding of God? What practices can faith communities adopt to affirm and celebrate diverse gender identities? How can we embrace and share our truths in ways that honour our journey? What role does faith play in the courage and vulnerability required in coming out?
Events & workshops in this theme include:
- Keynote: Steff Fenton – A God Beyond All Binaries
- Panel: “Authentically Us: Stories of Gender Embodiment and Faith“
- Workshop: “Understanding Gender Identity: Language, Inclusion, and Allyship” presented by Mace Malcolm
This theme explores how families, churches, and allies can make spaces of unconditional love and support, reflecting the inclusive, nurturing nature of Christ’s love.
Workshops in this theme:
- “Inviting allies on the journey: why knowing our ‘why’ is important” presented by Amanda Pilbrow
Self-care is an essential spiritual practice. “This is my body” calls us to honour our bodies by prioritising holistic care. This workshop explores how we can view self-care as part of embodying faith.
Workshops in this theme include:
- “Love yourself” presented by Kay McCabe
This theme explores how indigenous wisdom and cultural expressions of faith enrich the body of Christ in Aotearoa.
Key questions include:
- How can we honor the indigenous wisdom within our faith communities?
- What does it look like to embody the teachings of Christ in ways that respect and celebrate cultural diversity?
Workshops in this theme include:
- “Te Ao Māori & Decolonising Faith” presented by Geremy Hema
- Panel: “Te Ao Māori: Sharing Stories“
Living out our faith means actively engaging in the world around us. “This is my body” reminds us that we are Christ’s hands and feet, called to work for justice, equity, and compassion.
Key questions include:
- How can we use our voices, votes, resources, and bodies to challenge injustice?
- What does it mean to engage in activism that reflects the radical love of Christ?
Workshops in this theme include:
