FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KAIROS-L KAIROS-L is a new list for lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgendered Christians and for heterosexual Christians sympathetic to and interested in LBGT issues. Interest in KAIROS-L has greatly exceeded our expectations and the list is growing at a very rapid pace. This post will provide basic information about KAIROS-L. The process for obtaining additional information and/or applying for membership is detailed at the end of this FAQ. WHO IS WELCOME IN KAIROS-L? KAIROS-L welcomes all lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgendered Christians and straight persons interested in and sympathetic to LBGT issues. KAIROS-L has no denominational affiliation nor does it endorse the doctrines or discipline of any branch of the Christian faith. Although membership in KAIROS-L should be a stimulus to personal growth, it is not primarily a therapeutic community or a mechanism for spiritual formation. It is not modeled after a church and it does not exist to be a venue for corporate worship. Non-Christians are welcome but should understand that the principal focus of KAIROS-L is Christian. WHO IS NOT WELCOME IN KAIROS-L? KAIROS-L is a private list, not a public access channel. Individuals not welcomed or permitted to enter/remain in KAIROS-L include persons unsympathetic to LBGT and/or Christian issues; those whose intent is to heckle, harass or create difficulty for the members; those who would attempt to use KAIROS-L to pursue commercial ends; and those whose viewpoints or beliefs are so divergent from the mainstream of the members that their presence creates substantial and prolonged disruption. HOW DOES KAIROS-L DIFFER FROM LUTI? Many of you are aware of the existence of another list for LBGT Christians known variously as LUTI or THE CATACOMB OF LBGT CHRISTIANS. KAIROS-L intends to coexist with that list in perfect amity. There should be no competition between the lists. Indeed, it is our expectation that many individuals will be active members of both. However, the governance of KAIROS-L is somewhat different from LUTI, as is its approach to the discussion of issues. KAIROS-L has listowners who will manage the administrative tasks of the list. However, issues of policy and polity on KAIROS-L will be managed by an Oversight Committee elected by the members of the list. Controversial matters will be decided jointly by the listowners and the Oversight Committee after public discussion in which all members are free to participate. The founders of KAIROS-L believe that the purposes of the list are best served in an atmosphere in which divergent or controversial points of view may be freely expressed without threat or risk. Members are encouraged to engage in spirited and intellectually rigorous discussion and debate, provided that they invariably couch their communications in temperate language and treat all members with courtesy and respect. KAIROS-L is not a venue for flame wars. Some individuals, by virtue of past experience or temperament, may feel threatened in a venue in which the conversation is brisk, spirited, direct and honest. If you are such a person, you may not feel comfortable (at least in the beginning) with the candor which KAIROS-L provides. However, the listowners and members believe that genuine safety and security are found where persons can express themselves with integrity and authenticity, knowing that while their ideas may be differed with, their personhood will always be respected and, indeed, treasured. WHAT IS THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS OF KAIROS-L? KAIROS requires that its members treat each other with dignity and respect at all times. Spirited discussion, even vigorous debate, is welcome provided that it is carried on in a manner which does not involve the disparagement of others. Pretense and condescension in the conduct of discussion are inappropriate as are deliberate put-downs and flames. Moderate, temperate language is essential to maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect. Should tempers rise, prompt, sincere apologies and reconciliation are expected. Matters of sexuality, sexual conduct, moral behavior, doctrine, dogma and belief may be freely discussed within the constraints cited above. However, members--especially heterosexual and non-Christian members--must accept certain fundamental assumptions of KAIROS-L: 1. Lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered persons express normal variations of human sexuality. LBGT sexuality is not inherently pathological, harmful to others, or socially undesirable. 2. Christianity is a legitimate and valid expression of human response to the divine. No one is required or expected to justify or defend his or her decision to be a Christian. 3. LBGT sexuality, in both orientation and responsible physical expression, is pleasing to God and fully compatible with a life which exemplifies the Good News of Christ. The listowners are charged with the primary responsibility to enforce the code of conduct. This is not because the listowners actually "own" the list or consider that their judgment is superior to that of others by virtue of their position. They do it because someone has to do it and the listowners are most closely connected to the day-to-day operation of the list. In general, the listowners will post gentle reminders, then firm requests. If the bothersome conduct does not cease, the offending individual will be at least temporarily removed from the list. Before such an action is taken, the listowners will consult with the Oversight Committee and will be guided by their collective judgment. Because KAIROS-L is a community which more resembles a family than a club, members will be kept fully informed of these actions and will be free to ask questions and offer input. TO APPLY TO JOIN KAIROS-L Post a message to LISTSERV@AMERICAN.EDU. If you wish to subscribe, type the following line as the first and only line in the body of the message SUBSCRIBE KAIROS-L Firstname Lastname Your request will be forwarded to one of the listowners who will send to you a short membership application. Complete the application and return it to OWNER-KAIROS-L@AMERICAN.EDU. The listowner will review the application and advise you when you have been added to the list. You will receive additional list management instructions at that time. TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY TO JOIN KAIROS-L If you wish additional information before deciding about subscription, send your query to OWNER-KAIROS-L@AMERICAN.EDU. Place the word INFORMATION in the subject line. In the body of you message, list your specific questions or concerns. One of the listowners will respond as promptly as possible. Thank you for considering membership in KAIROS-L. We look forward to your presence in our community. [Rev. 1.0 Final Beta]