Westlake church to host LBGTA discussion

Dover Congregational Church’s “Sacred Conversations” series will continue on Sunday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. when the Reverends Joe Cherry and Denis Paul will help us consider the continuing concerns of the LBGTA community.

Adults fear that being “outed” may cost them their jobs. Schools, parents and students ponder the use of bathrooms. Many members of the LBGTA community live in fear of physical harm. The display of the rainbow flag becomes divisive.

A native of Detroit, Rev. Joe Cherry is the pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and his Master of Divinity from Meadville Theological School, earning degrees in American History and Gender & Women’s studies. Before entering the ministry Rev. Joe was the project coordinator for an HIV/AIDS project in Chicago, a program with eight clinics in various neighborhoods in Chicago. His husband, the Rev. Denis Paul, serves the East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirtland. Rev. Denis was a home builder turned street minister who worked with queer youth in San Francisco. The Reverends Joe and Denis are the longest standing openly gay male couple to serve in the same denomination.

All are welcome to participate in the conversation. Dover Congregational UCC is located at 2239 Dover Center Road in Westlake. Any questions, please call Keith Stuart, Dover pastor, at 440-871-1050.