A Ministry of the Trinity Social Justice Institute, Inc.
"One Heart To offer love"
"Two Hands - One to welcome, one to let go"
Logo by the Rev.
Jan Richardson
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SafeParents
A Ministry of the Trinity Social Justice Institute, Inc. "One Heart To offer love" "Two Hands - One to welcome, one to let go" |
Logo by the Rev. Jan Richardson |
|
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SafeParents provides mentoring support for gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgendered persons and their families.
The SafeParents program is a non-profit ministry of The Trinity Social Justice Institute, Inc. Its function is to provide well-trained, experienced, and supervised mentors (safe parents) to guide and support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and/or their families in the decision of coming out.
The goals of the SafeParents Program are to
provide:
a friendly and
loving place and process for strengthening relationships between
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and their parents
and family,
a mature,
trained, and experienced mentor for one-on-one support before,
during and after the decision to come out, or not to come
out.
speakers and
seminar leaders capable of educating and training concerned
persons in Choice Theory and it application to the event of coming
out, within a religious context.
How do you secure the services of SafeParents?
To find more information or make arrangements for an initial,
confidential interview, call 512-252-4528 and ask for the SafeParents
coordinator.
How much does it cost?
The mentor ministry has no fee. However, volunteer contributions
are welcome to help defray the cost of publicity and training costs.
Such gifts make it possible for SafeParents to continue its ministry
in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community.
What is the theological foundation for SafeParents?
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered has become a
religious issue. Not only does the event of coming out bring
dislocation in secular settings, but it can also bring condemnation
and alienation from traditional sources of spiritual connectedness.
In those cases, church settings that offer supportive and
non-judgmental pastoral care can be uniquely effective in enhancing
spiritual growth. We are dedicate to being a reconciling, faith-based
community, reflecting the grace of God.
How safe is SafeParents?
All
transactions are strictly confidential!
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Bob Parsons, SafeParents Program Administrator |
The Rev. Bob Parsons is a retired United Methodist pastor, who has 40 years of experience in local parish ministry. He holds degrees from Indiana University and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has advanced training in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory and Clinical Pastoral Education. He is currently the president of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG-Austin). Bob and Marilyn are the parents of two grown children and two grandchildren. "As the parent of a lesbian daughter, and from experiences in parish work, I have come to know rather intimately how people respond to a family member coming out of the closet. There are some good ways to do that, and there are some very destructive ways. Deciding on the best actions, while always deeply personal, do not have to be made without help. SafeParents can help." -- Bob Parsons |