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A picture of the Codex Genus in front of a stained glass window

About the Project

The Book of Saris' context and prompt

The image from the “Book of Sārîs” captures the essence of the project by delving into the historical and spiritual significance of the term ‘sārîs,’ exploring its varied meanings and implications within biblical texts. This pivotal page sets the thematic foundation for the project’s dialogue, connecting faith’s historical perspective with contemporary conversations on gender identity. The text invites reflection and contribution, seeking to build a bridge between tradition and modern understanding, making it a cornerstone for the project’s mission of fostering inclusive and empathetic discourse.

  • Mission: To bridge understanding between Christian and transgender communities through dialogue on gender identity.
  • Historical Context: The use of the term ‘Sārîs’ from biblical references, connecting historical interpretations with current perspectives on gender.
  • Host Sites: Churches are asked to invite the ‘Book of Sārîs’ to their central gathering spaces to host the project, offering a unique opportunity for congregants to engage with the themes of the initiative. As key participants, they are encouraged to:
    • Contribute their personal reflections and wisdom to the tome, which will be a living document of the community’s viewpoints on gender and spirituality.
    • Participate in one-to-one and group dialogues, creating a robust exchange of ideas and fostering deeper understanding within the congregation.
    • Collaborate with Church Volunteer Groups and Trans Cultural Ambassadors to enrich the conversation and ensure a diverse range of perspectives are represented.
    • Utilize this engagement to cultivate a safe, inclusive space for reflection and discussion, contributing to the project’s goal of bridging understanding and empathy between diverse communities.”
  • Participation: Encouraging individuals from various communities to impart their personal insights, experiences, and wisdom on gender and spirituality, to be preserved in ‘The Book of Sārîs.’
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Calling for volunteers to aid in the project, guiding conversations, and ensuring respectful and meaningful exchanges.
  • Cultural Bridging: Using ‘The Book of Sārîs’ as a medium to build bridges between different communities, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.
  • Community Impact: Aiming to create safe, inclusive spaces and foster empathetic understanding across different communities.
  • Final Goal: The publication of the book, capturing the community’s voice on gender diversity, shared with the Kentucky Council of Churches and a wider audience.

Phases of the engagement

Pre-Event Discourse
1. Investigative Phase: Initiate dialogue with church leadership to assess compatibility and interest in participating in the project. Discuss the project's intent, scope, and the nature of the engagement to ensure alignment with the church's values and community.
Pre-Event Briefing
2. Pre-Event Preparations: Coordinate with the church to schedule a sermon or talk that will introduce the themes of "The Book of Sārîs" to the congregation. This discourse serves to prime the community for the event by addressing topics of gender identity and faith-based acceptance.
Pre-event Homily
3. Pre-Event Briefing: Conduct a detailed briefing for volunteers and members of the church community involved in the event. The purpose of this briefing is to: Outline the event's schedule and activities. Discuss roles and responsibilities to ensure a smooth execution of the event. Rehearse the dialogue process and establish guidelines for respectful and productive conversations. Address any last-minute questions and ensure all participants feel prepared and confident.
Event image
4. Event Execution: Host the main event, facilitating contributions to "The Book of Sārîs" and encouraging meaningful dialogue among participants. Volunteers and cultural ambassadors are present to guide discussions and provide support as needed.
Shared conversation after people add their thoughts to the book
Phase 5: Community Dialogue and Reflection After the event contributions are made to "The Book of Sārîs", this phase emphasizes the importance of dialogue and exchange between Cultural Ambassadors and the host community.
Picture of the Book of Saris website showing Book images uploaded to computer
6. Archiving and Documentation: Capture and archive images of the event's contributions in the BookofSaris.com gallery, cataloging them with relevant metadata for future reference and outreach.
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