It would be impossible to put into words how great the first ever Curian Network gathering was last weekend. But here I am using words! Just think: downtown OKC, historic 8th Street Church, world-class presenters in liberation, neurology, leadership, and open and relational theology, and of course, most importantly, many of us were meeting each other in person for the first time. In terms of expansive, forward-thinking, and affirming theology and ecclesiology, honestly, it was probably the most encouraging thing I’ve (Jonathan) been a part of in a very, very long time. You can catch some of our schedule along with last year’s highlights here.
Rebecca said, “I just spend time with an incredible group of people imagining what could be and also discovering the necessity of holding and witnessing grief while we build it. It was an incredible time with the Curian Network!”
Jon said, “This (weekend) was special … for the first time in years I allowed myself to float past the safety of the shallow and trust the waters had the best interst for all of humanity in mind, mine included.”
Dana said, “I haven’t laughed this much in a long time.”
Tori closed our time together with a blessing I want to leave here for you — yes, you. I may not know you personally, but I do know you. You are someone who’s shocked at how the church has treated the marginalized in your community and how, in turn, the church has treated you. You’re someone who’s thought about giving up on the idea of a faith community more times than you can count. You’re someone who grieves the way politics and economics have co-opted entire denominations. And yet… the way of uncontrolling love, embodied in Jesus is still deeply compelling and despite everything, you just haven’t been able to shake the invitation to build something healthier for the generations to come, for this generation, for you. And so, this blessing is for you. Before you read it, just know, that Curian is a safe space, but this is not a safe blessing.
