Rev. Hawkes is not only the Pastor of the renowned Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, but is also well know for championing several Human Rights initiatives, especially benefiting the Gay & Lesbian Community.
Among his many milestones, in 2001 Rev. Hawkes officiated at the first legal marriage of a gay or lesbian couple in the history of the world. He was also appointed to the Order of Canada by the Governor General of Canada for his stand on Social Justice and Human Rights within the LGBT communities, the highest award a country has bestowed on a gay activist.
In 2011, Hawkes officiated over the state funeral for the Honourable Jack Layton, Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition and head of the NDP, and spoke highly of Layton who had touched the lives of millions of Canadians and had been a vocal supporter of AIDS initiatives and LGBT rights. Brent has played a significant role in promoting the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Here in Calgary, Hawkes will be covering the history of gay rights in Canada, from a historical and a spiritual perspective. He has been at the centre of many controversial movements over the last 35 years, and will share some of his personal stories from behind-the-scenes of many of these significant events.
"Brent has been a welcome and needed challenge to the broader ‘church’ to examine important issues such as prejudice against gays and lesbians, inclusive language as well as ordination of women," says Pam Rocker, Affirming Coordinator at Hillhurst United Church. "We are honoured to be able to host an evening with an individual who has lived, worked, and fought through so much, and been a tangible source of hope, justice, and reconciliation for countless individuals and families."
The Journey to Faith and Freedom takes place on Saturday, November 1 at 7:30pm at Hillhurst United Church, including an open Q&A after the presentation. Opening for Brent will be Calgary’s own BarberEllas - a queer group of gals and pals performing a barbershop style musical treat!
Admission is by donation. All are welcome!
http://www.hillhurstunited.com/affirming-events/
