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Affirmation 1983 Conference Report

Excerpts from the November 1983 issue of Affinity and the 1983 Conference Program.

The 5th Affirmation General Convention was held in San Francisco on October 7-9, 1983. Most of the Convention was held at the home of Ron Kershaw and at the Pride Foundation Center. The Convention theme was "Eternally Gay and Lesbian."

The San Francisco Chapter is to be commended for its hospitality in providing housing for the many out-of-town guests. Special thanks goes to Chris, Leon, Don, Ina, Ron, Stella, Mel, Mark, etc. Lots of delectable food was served at the Friday evening reception and the Saturday morning workshops.

Friday

The Convention began with a General Council meeting on Friday afternoon where much important business (including the election of the new General Coordinator, Emery Prickett) was conducted.

The entire membership was welcomed at the social reception held that night at Ron Kershaw's large lovely new home. All chapters were represented except New York-Ontario. Hors d' Oeuvres and refreshments were provided by the San Francisco Chapter.

Saturday

There was a continental breakfast at the Pride Foundation Center on Hayes Street.

There was a general meeting for discussion and presentation of new chapters and chapter leaders. Emery Prickett was introduced as the new General Coordinator, and there was a report on the General Council Meeting.

Saturday morning was held at the Pride Center and consisted of three hours of alternating workshops which expounded on the Convention's theme: "Eternally Gay and Lesbian." The workshops and their leaders were:

Our Gay Family - Ina Mae Murri (SF)
Eternal Life - Ron Kershaw (SF)
Family Relations - Lamar Hamilton, Emery Prickett and Danny Nelson (LA)
Our Church - Phoenix Chapter
Our Gay Community - Gary Booher, Paul Mortensen (LA)

The San Francisco Chapter provided lunch, with building your own gourmet sandwiches, salads and trimmings.

Saturday afternoon and evening was left open to explore San Francisco. The Pride Center was open for more in-depth discussions with other conference attendees.

Sunday

The high point of the Convention, however, was the Sunday morning devotional held at Ron Kershaw's home, which included remarks from the outgoing (Ron Kershaw) and incoming (Emery Prickett) General Coordinators, prayers (Mel Barber/Ron Kershaw), hymns ("It May Not Be On A Mountain Height"), special musical numbers ("Let Each Man Learn To Know Himself"), and special topical remarks from member of Affirmation representing various chapters. The devotional ended with the song, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." The spirit was so prevalent by the conclusion of the devotional, that everyone embraced their neighbors and expressed friendship.