ENCINITAS, Calif. — Prompted by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signing into law a bill allowing mental health professionals to deny service to prospective LGBTQ patients if it conflicts with their religious convictions, The Centers for Spiritual Living made the decision to cancel a contract with the Sheraton Hotel in Nashville, where it was scheduled to host the Sixth Annual Spiritual Living Convention in 2017.
The Encinitas-based Seaside Center for Spiritual Living is a member of Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL), a global community comprised of 400 spiritual communities, teaching chapters, study groups and other ministries in 30 countries, teaching a New Thought philosophy through the study and practice of Science of Mind, also known as Religious Science. The organization honors all spiritual paths and lifestyles.
“It just feels right to be part of a spiritual community that is willing to stand in solidarity against the legal discrimination of our brothers and sisters in other states.” said Rev. Christian Sorensen, Spiritual Leader at Encinitas-based, Seaside Center for Spiritual Living. “Seaside is an open and inclusive spiritual nexus embracing diversity. Ours is a non-judgmental spiritual community that welcomes the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and we’re committed to providing an atmosphere of unconditional love, acceptance and support through our LGBTQ ministry. We celebrate each individual’s perfect, unique expression with our oneness in God.”
The Centers for Spiritual Living headquarters spokespeople restated in multiple national interviews, that while it is not appropriate to hold a business convention in a state that openly discriminates against LGBTQ community, it is important that there is an exploration to continue the dialogue with their partnerships in Nashville. Centers for Spiritual Living executives, including Spiritual Leader Dr. Kenn Gordon, are exploring the possibility of a Strategic Alliances event in Nashville that would bring together New Thought communities, LGBTQ advocacy groups, civic leaders, as well as divergent voices in order to engage in meaningful dialogue.
For more information on Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, go to www.seasidecenter.org.
