What’s it all about?

In this new session of our Learning Communities initiative, we will be engaging what are often called the “clobber passages”—a small number of biblical verses that have frequently been used to condemn or exclude LGBTQ+ people. These passages are often lifted out of their historical, cultural, and literary contexts and treated as definitive statements, rather than as texts shaped by particular times, audiences, and concerns.

Together, we will slow down and do the work of faithful interpretation. We’ll explore what these passages actually say in their original contexts, how language and translation shape meaning, and how the Church has understood and debated these texts over time. We will also ask how we read Scripture through the lens of Jesus’ life, ministry, and command to love.

This learning community is not about dismissing Scripture, but about taking it seriously—reading it carefully, humbly, and in community. Our hope is to equip participants with tools for deeper biblical engagement, offer space for honest questions, and foster conversations rooted in grace, compassion, and the expansive love of God.

All are welcome to join us in this shared journey of learning, reflection, and faithful dialogue.

What is a Learning Community?

A learning community is a group of people from our congregations who commit to one another in a learning experience. Through prayer, skill-building, action and reflection they address their most pressing questions about the future.

Our Learning Communities are held over four sessions that build off one another. We strongly encourage you to attend and participate in all four sessions.

How will my congregation benefit?

• Gain tools for faithful, informed engagement with Scripture, especially passages often used to exclude or harm LGBTQ+ people.
• Equip lay leaders to facilitate thoughtful, compassionate conversations grounded in biblical context and Christian love.
• Deepen your congregation’s spiritual life through careful study, reflection, and shared discernment.
• Build confidence in addressing difficult or divisive biblical texts with humility, clarity, and grace.
• Strengthen connections with other congregations across the diocese through shared learning and dialogue.
• Foster a more welcoming, inclusive community rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus.
• Affirm your congregation’s call to embody God’s expansive love and justice in the world.

2026 Learning Communities sessions – Locations and Dates:

Four sessions will be offered in hybrid format (on-site and online via Zoom for those who cannot attend on-site).

• Philemon:  The Bible and Slavery – Saturday, February 14 (9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.) – St. Matthews – Liverpool
• Romans 1, Leviticus 19:  The Bible and Homosexuality – Saturday, April 18 (9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.) – Ss. Peter and John – Auburn
• Genesis 3 vs from the river to the sea: The Bible, Land, and Nation-states – Saturday, September 19 (9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.) – Trinity Church – Watertown
• Romans 13: The Bible and Submitting to Authority – Saturday, November 21 (9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.) – St. David’s – DeWitt

Make sure to register to secure your spot and get updates. Everyone in the Diocese is welcome to attend any of the sessions, whether you have experience through our previous Learning Communities or not. This is a great experience for growth for individuals or a group from your parish.

Learn more about the 2026 Learning Communities Initiative by watching Canon Megan Castellan’s presentation from the 157th Diocesan Convention:

Videos

Hear what people learned and experienced during their time in Learning Communities.

Becky: Learning to listen

Charles: A sense of call

Jennifer: Discovering what we didn’t know

Brooks: Something big is happening

Resources

Check out some sample resources that were used during our previous Learning Communities.

Handouts & Tools

• Dwelling in the Word Exercise . A simple prayer exercise to do with your congregation or any small group.
• Listening to Others Exercise . An interview exercise to help you learn about the spiritual life of your fellow congregants.
• Community Leader Interview Exercise . An interview exercise to increase your awareness of the life of your town, city, or neighborhood.