Membership in SDA Kinship, Intl.

We understand what it is like to be a Seventh-day Adventist struggling with issues of sexual orientation, because we each had similar experiences. And we also know that this struggle is often painful, frightening and discouraging. Kinship is here to help and to provide support.

Below are some of the things that are available to the members of SDA Kinship, Intl.

Connection Newsletter—Members receive Kinship's newsletter, Connection, which contains editorials, letters, articles, book reviews, news and announcements. A directory of Kinship officers, including regional coordinators, appears in each issue. In addition to Connection, many Kinship regional coordinators produce their own newsletters for local members.

Online Resources—Kinship provides its members with an online community where members can learn more about Kinship, LGBTI resources and can communicate with other Kinship members. There are several secret Facebook groups where members an communicate with each other and have deep discussions on various topics. Another important feature is the Live Chat feature that is available by logging into the Members Area. Here regular chat times are scheduled for the members of the various groups.

Kinship Kampmeeting—Kinship organizes an annual conference called Kampmeeting. This valuable time together allows members to meet, renew friendships and enjoy activities, worship, music, entertainment and good food, including vegetarian fare. In addition to the annual U.S. Kampmeeting, meetings are also held in Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Regional Activities—Kinship proudly has members throughout the United States and an increasing number of members in other areas of the world. To help communicate and reach out to its diverse membership, Kinship uses a system of regions. Currently there are nine United States regions and organized outreach efforts in Canada, Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Great Britian/Ireland, and Australia. Coordinators and members within these areas help communicate with members and often sponsor meetings, socials, picnics, potluck dinners, workshops, worship and recreational activities. The frequency and type of activities depend largely on the number and proximity of members living within each region.

Outreach Programs—Our outreach programs for young people and our educational programs for pastors, teachers and counselors are intended to provide information, dialogue, counsel and sympathetic understanding. We continue to provide what cannot yet be generally found within the organized Seventh-day Adventist Church: compassionate support for its members who happen to be gay.

Commitment to SDA gays—Kinship hopes to lessen the pain that often accompanies the realization that one is gay and a Seventh-day Adventist. We understand the difficulties faced in reconciling one's sexual orientation and spirituality and extend good news that a happy, fulfilling, healthy and Christian life is possible for openly gay people. Kinship is not a "change" or "ex-gay" ministry.

We invite you to complete a Membership Application and become part of our unique family.