Chvala-Smiths Present Classes in French Polynesia

Paul E. Morden Seminary Chair in Religion Anthony Chvala-Smith and Seminary Chaplain Charmaine Chvala-Smith traveled to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia June 20-30. They presented classes to Community of Christ leaders and members on the responsible interpretation and use of the Bible. Their sessions focused particularly on questions about the Bible and homosexuality/sexual orientation. They worked through the small handful of biblical passages commonly cited on these questions, demonstrating how these texts are not directly relevant to contemporary issues of sexual identity. The classes were part of a series of gatherings in preparation for a Community of Christ Tahitian national conference on questions of sexual orientation, ordination and same-sex marriage.