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Religious leaders of all denominations participate in our work. As conversations on gender and orientation become ever more topical, people of all faith traditions are searching for ways to resolve conflicting beliefs. Powerful dialogue that welcomes all viewpoints is a necessary component for making religious communities safe, inclusive, and supportive for every child and family.
In YES’ Communication Solutions™ , people gain tools for breaking the historic silence on gender and orientation, dissolving fears, and keeping congregations unified. YES Institute has held exclusive Communication Solutions™ courses for Methodist ministers; Catholic clergy at a private school in Miami, Florida; a rural ministerial association in Dahlonega, Georgia - Read more ; an interfaith group of clergy in Jacksonville, Florida; ecumenical clergy and lay ministers in Wilmington, Delaware; the staff of Coral Gables Congregational Church; and Episcopal leaders throughout South Florida and South America - Read more.
We have also trained students and faculty at churches, synagogues, and religious schools throughout South Florida, including: St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Coral Gables Congregational Church, Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School, Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, and Temple Israel. Riviera Presbyterian Church generously hosts YES Institute as a mission project of the church.
If you would like to open a dialogue on gender and orientation in your community, please contact us.To declare your commitment to the spiritual support and nurturing of all youth and families, please sign anAffirming Stand.
YES Institute’s Communication Solutions™ is accredited by South Florida Center for Theological Studies. Theology students can receive continuing education credit for completing this course.
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"Gave me access to listening to and honoring different opinions, which has opened my heart to all the different groups of people who simply want a safe place to worship.” - Bishop Robert Johnson
“Now I see how gender and orientation affect youth as soon as elementary school. This gives me clarity about how to discuss these topics in our school and church.” - Episcopal priest
“YES Institute makes it easy for all to become involved in the single purpose of assuring all our kids may have life in abundance. I feel empowered to put into action the words of Jesus for the well-being of kids.” - Catholic priest at Barry University
“The way to a just and lasting peace will not be by out-maneuvering or converting our adversaries. Rather it will be by identifying our common hopes, then common objectives. YES Institute has set us on the path to making common hopes blossom into astounding win/win results.” - Rev. Tom Davis, Wilmington, DE |