- Emergence International
Emergence International [EI] is a worldwide community of a few former Christian Scientists, their families and friends, that try to provide support for lesbians, gay men, bi-sexuals and transgender people to force change to the Christian Science movement.
Mission and Name
The name derives from a quote by Mrs. Eddy: "Emerge gently from matter into Spirit. Think not to thwart the spiritual ultimate of all things, but come naturally into Spirit through better health and morals and as the result of spiritual growth." ("Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy p. 485)
History
By the late 1970’s, groups of Christian Scientists were meeting in no fewer than six cities in the USA and UK. The first conference for representatives from some of these groups met in Chicago in 1983. Following a second conference in 1985, several participants decided to develop a national identity for gay Christian Scientists and Emergence International was born.
Organization
EI hosts an annual conference where papers, workshops, and a unique worship service are presented. Conferences are held in various cities in the United States.
Further reading
* Bruce Stores. "Christian Science: Its Encounter with Lesbian/Gay America." ISBN 059532620X
Links
* [http://www.emergence-international.org The EI site]
* [http://www.emergencetampa06.com This Years Conference Site]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.