In an unprecedented and historic step, the White Rock Pride Society and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver are collaborating on a special public discussion scheduled for later this month.

What is Love? An Open Conversation About Faith and Sexuality will take place on Thursday, April 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Earl Marriott Secondary School鈥檚 Wheelhouse Theatre (15751 16 Ave.).

In a joint media release issued Monday, the society and the archdiocese said the purpose of the event is to 鈥渆xplore the deeper meaning of love, particularly how it鈥檚 informed by faith and sexuality.鈥�

Featuring a panel discussion and time for question and answer, it is described as representing 鈥渁 significant step towards fostering understanding and respect among diverse communities.鈥�

Both the society and the archdiocese acknowledge that it comes as the result of the resolution of a conflict that arose some five years ago.

In June 2019, after Star of the Sea parish refused to rent its White Rock hall to the society for its annual Pride fundraising gala, the society lodged a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, alleging discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, contrary to Section 8 of B.C.鈥檚 Human Rights Code.

The complaint was resolved in June 2022, after the archdiocese and the parish issued an apology to the White Rock Pride Society for 鈥渉omophobic and transphobic approaches to dialogue鈥� with the LGBTQ2+ community.

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At that time both the society and the church committed to further consultation to 鈥渟hare perspectives, and identify opportunities for further growth and collaboration.鈥�

The media release notes that this work has been ongoing.

鈥淲e have publicly committed to an ongoing constructive dialogue, informed by mutual respect, honesty, sincerity, forthrightness, and the desire to work towards the shared goal of a local community that is welcoming to all persons in our diverse community,鈥� it states.

鈥淭his event is more than just a conversation; it鈥檚 a commitment to bridging gaps, understanding differences, and building a community where every individual is respected and valued. We invite members of the public, regardless of their background or beliefs, to join us in this meaningful dialogue.鈥�

Seating is limited and registration is required (at rcav.regfox.com/what-is-love).