Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Integrity USA Launches Strategic Storytelling Workshops

Integrity New Orleans hosted a day of both conversation and celebration when members met on Saturday, September 24th at Trinity Church. The Right Reverend Morris Thompson, Bishop of Louisiana, celebrated and preached at the morning Eucharist which was followed by a luncheon and afternoon workshop entitled “Telling Our Stories.”

The day was designed to empower participants to become equality opinion leaders in their churches and communities and to teach the power of strategic story-telling. “Our goal today is to equip Integrity members to change hearts and minds through the power of their stories,” said Communication Director Louise Brooks, who was the featured speaker at the afternoon workshop. “We know that the Holy Spirit is working through individuals to move the Church closer to the full inclusion of all the baptized in all the sacraments and it’s a privilege to be partners in that process.”

Bishop Thompson, who engaged in informal conversation about issues of LGBT equality with the group over lunch, affirmed the impact of personal witness. “It changed everything for me when I was able to put a face on the issue,” he said. “Learning to tell your stories today is a really good thing.”

“Integrity is calling on individuals and congregations to “believe out loud,” continued Brooks. “And gatherings like this one in New Orleans provide the “how to” by equipping participants to use strategic story-telling to be agents of change for equality and inclusion.”

For more information about the “Telling Your Story” workshop – or to arrange to host one in your congregation or community contact Louise at communication@integrityusa.org

No comments: