Baker Book House has invited two well-known representatives for the gay Christian community to speak on how the church and the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community can discuss faith issues with grace. “The Church & Homosexuality: A Model Dialogue” will take place Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Grand Rapids, Michigan, store.

The two speakers are Justin Lee, executive director of the Gay Christian Network and author of Torn: Rescuing the Gospel From the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate (Jericho Books), and Wesley Hill, assistant professor at Trinity School for Ministry and author of Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality (Zondervan).

“We know the church is talking about the topic,” said Louis McBride, buyer for Baker Book House and event organizer. “We want to provide a safe place to have a discussion without all the drama and heat.”

The event will feature each guest speaking for 20 minutes, then a Q&A session in which the two will answer questions submitted in writing that evening or in advance at the store or via the Baker Book House Facebook page.

“As a church, we don’t know how to have a healthy conversation with the gay community,” said Sue Smith, manager of Baker Book House. “How can the church show the gay community grace, and vice versa? I know these gentlemen can help us.”

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Contact the store or see its Facebook page for details.

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