Christian Consultation on Boylove 2000
Submitted by Bach and Mark on June 21 2000 21:14:24
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Hi all you CBFers out there, Here is a brief summary of the events last weekend at our Christian Consultation on Boylove 2000 (CCB). This year the CCB met in a church near Washington, D.C. The pastor of a local boylover was good enough to arrange for the use of the church facilities for meetings, meals and fellowship. We gathered through the day on Thursday, June 8, with many participants arriving by airplane and several by car, from all corners of North America. We chatted informally, renewing friendships that had begun, in some cases, at the previous consultation a year before. For those CBFers who haven't had a chance to attend a CCB yet, believe us, the relationships that we have the opportunity to nurture are definitely one of the main reasons these events are so important. We had an introductory session, each member telling a bit about how he/she fit in to the "CBF picture", and how he/she came to be at our consultation. Near the end of this session (at about 10:30 pm) one more boylover participant arrived after a very long (30 hour) drive. The Lord is faithful and all consultation members made it to our gathering safe and sound. Friday morning we began our discussion sessions in earnest. Our discussion, as often happens at BL gatherings, gravitated towards the pro-/anti- sex debate. We discovered that the many different viewpoints on boylove and sexual activity were present and accounted for. Several boylovers explained how they viewed the risks and dangers, as well as the possible good in sexual relationships; they also talked about the rationale for choosing not to have sexual contact with a minor. This session set the stage for the diversity of opinion that was the hallmark of our discussions. We then had a chance to share our stories with one another over a taco salad lunch. The food was plentiful and the chatter affable. The afternoon session focussed in on our theme for this year: support groups. We discussed the theology, planning and implementation of support circles- a group of people to journey with a boylover as he discovers what his sexuality means for his life. The resulting statement is the meat of this discussion. On Friday night we had a time of worship and singing in the sanctuary. Old favorites as well as not-often-sung "boylove favorites" were on the menu. It seems that Christian boylovers often share a love of music and this msucial talent was certainly evident at this year's consultation. Perhaps another time we can plan for a Boylove MusicFest. We had many keyboardists in attendance as well as a guitarist and, not to forget, a harmonica player. Most of the group went off Saturday morning to take part in the local "March for Jesus", which was held around the world on that day. God's love was the centerpiece of this Consultation, and the love demonstrated by the participants to one another is testimony to God's love working in us. The CCB wasn't just one meeting after another. Saturday afternoon we also had some time to ourselves to reflect on what was being discussed. In fact, one really needs a breather after such intense discussions. We had a traditional BBQ supper of hot dogs and hamburgers, along with a homemade potato soup provided by our host pastor. We also had a plentiful supply of deviled eggs courtesy of a local congregation member. God provided for our needs! After our meal, we made our way to a clearing, overlooking a creek, where we sat in silence, reflecting on our own hearts. We then took part in communion together. Again this year, that time of worship was a special moment for each of us. Before departing on Sunday, we went to an Episcopal Church in a nearby town. After the service we enjoyed lunch in a small, friendly restaurant. In fact, we practically took over the place. :) Our young waiter was very personable and the subject of much discussion. We did some brief sightseeing and then it was time for the departures. The Christian Consultation on Boylove is an excellent way to get to know our friends from CBF as well as other Christians who are willing to show compassion and understanding for our situation. Meeting in real life takes courage, but it is an important step in breaking down the barriers of hostility, approaching our brothers and sisters in Christ to begin dialog, and building relationships of trust and confidence with one another. Mark and Bach |
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