University Offers Online Program for Enhancing Spiritual Growth of LGBTQIA+ Communities
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, in collaboration with the Spiritual Life Center, kicked off a program this week focused on enhancing spiritual growth of LGBTQIA+ leaders and communities.
The online program is a space where folks serving as spiritual directors/companions, chaplains and the broader community can congregate to develop better intimacy with the self, others and the divine.
The first session, focused on the role of sexuality and gender identity, was led by panelist Justin Ferko, a spiritual director and former chaplain at Ohio State University. Ferko discussed themes like cultural competence and humility, social location, intersectionality and an introduction to the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I think this workshop is necessary as there are increasing numbers of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills being put forward in many states in the U.S.,” said Ferko in an email to The Well News.
One of the exercises during the first panel involved the use of a journal, a candle, and open heart and mind, asking participants to reflect on their social locations. After reflection, participants were asked to write about whether this location highlights their work as a spiritual director or LGBTQIA+ person, ally, family member or friend.
There will be two future sessions in the panel, which are currently open for registration. Those sessions will be held on March 21 and March 28, and will cover themes ranging from embodiment and intimacy, crisis theory, spiritual trauma, the power of narrative and expanding resources for support.
These panel discussions will help to develop interventions aimed at bettering mental health for this community.
Alexa can be reached at [email protected]
