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10. APPENDICES
10.1 ECUMENICAL PARTNERS AT HOME AND OVERSEAS
The Core Group has contacted 44 other denominations and received responses from 28.
What follows is a summary of the current situation in those churches which responded.
10.1.1 Those churches whose representatives met with the Core Group
a) Baptist Union
There have been no formal discussions on human sexuality and so there have been no formal decisions. However, there are Guidelines for the conduct of ministers. These state that:-
1. Divorce, separation and re-marriage should not automatically remove or debar a minister from the Accredited List.
2. The following matters should be referred by the Superintendents to the Head of Ministry Department.
(a) Serious sexual behaviour.
(b) A breakdown in marriage leading to divorce or separation.
3. Homosexual orientation (whether male or female) is not of itself a reason for exclusion from ministry, but homosexual genital practice is to be regarded as unacceptable in the pastoral office, and is to be treated as falling within these guidelines. Ministers are expected not to advocate homosexual or lesbian genital relationships as acceptable alternatives to male/female partnerships in marriage.
b) Church of England
A statement from The House of Bishops in 1991 and discussions at the General Synod in 1997 and at the Lambeth Conference in 1998.
Since 1991 bishops are expected "not knowingly to ordain". Recognising the diverse views the church continues to explore the issues.
c) Church of Scotland
History of related discussions – 1958,1967, 1968, 1983, 1992, 1994.
1994 – Board of Social Responsibility Report on Human Sexuality
1994 – Panel on Doctrine Report on the Theology of Marriage
1998 – Panel on Doctrine Report – The Interpretation of Scripture
Recognition of the diverse views but no decisions made regarding the ordination of people who are homosexual.
d) Methodist Church
Debate on the subject of homosexuality has been pursued since 1976, with reports in 1978, 1989 and 1990.
Conference last debated the issue in 1993 at which resolutions were agreed
The President of the Methodist Conference through a Pastoral letter called upon all Methodist people to do three things:
1) to pause and wait upon God;
2) to acknowledge the faith and commitment of those with whom we disagree;
3) to recognise the need to learn why others feel pain in these matters and to share in their distress.
e) Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Discussion of the issues related to human sexuality has taken place since 1979 but there has been no debate on the subject of ordination.
f) Roman Catholic
The position of the Roman Catholic Church is expressed in a paper of 1995 in which the main points are
The paper rejoices in God's gift of sexuality and the possibilities of love and friendship underlining the particular pastoral skills and sensitivity required of the church.
10.1.2 Churches with whom the Core Group have corresponded
CWM Partner Churches
a) The Church of North India
The matter has not been considered. Their representative has stated that they live by the guideline that those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church.
b) Congregational Federation
The Federation nationally has not considered the issue of human sexuality with reference to the ordination of ministers. Nor has it been explored with candidates before recommendation for training or inclusion on the Roll of Ministers since as a federation of local churches it is believed to be irrelevant.
c) The Congregational Union of New Zealand
Discussed at the 1991 Assembly and agreed that at the point of entry to the ministry a person living in a homosexual relationship should not be called to the pastoral ministry.
d) Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu
Does not allow homosexuals in the ordained ministry of their church. Their representative has stated that Our culture and traditions oppose the practice and we strongly stand on the biblical understanding that male and female were created for divine purpose of procreation.
e) The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Has been discussing the issue for some years and currently have made the decision:
to adjourn all discussion on the matter for one year;
to enact no regulations;
not to licence, ordain or induct practising homosexuals;
not to ask any candidate for licensing, ordination or induction whether they are practising homosexuals.
f) Presbyterian Church of India
Their representative states that the Presbyterian Church of India will never ordain people whose sexual orientation is homosexual. It will also be very difficult to recognise those people as ordinary members of the church.
g) Presbyterian Church of South Africa
Has only recently begun to consider the issue and a report is now with all Sessions for study and comment.
h) The Presbyterian Church of Wales
A declaration made at the 1982 Assembly is currently being updated. The declaration addresses general issues relating to homosexuality.
i) The Reformed Church in the Netherlands
A statement agreed at the General Synod in 1995 stated that homosexuals should be wholly accepted both in their nature and in their manner of life
j) The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
A Pastoral Letter to the Ministers and Members from the Theological Commission approved by Assembly, September 1995. The letter covers a range of issues including homosexual rights and on this issue concludes that there is much conflict centred around biblical interpretation and the lives and faith of gay and lesbian Christians. Because of this we are unable to reach a consensus on these matters at this time. The letter also recommends further study and the need to talk with (and not just about) gay and lesbian Christians.
10.1.3 The following CWM churches state that the matter has not been considered:
k) The Church of Bangladesh
l) Gerija Presbyterian Church Malaysia
m) The Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China
n) Kiribati Protestant Church
o) The Union of Welsh Independents
p) United Church in the Solomon Islands
q) The United Church of Zambia
10.1.4 Ecumenical Partners
a) Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Is just embarking on a process of discernment as an alternative to majority/minority voting.
b) Presbyterian Church in Canada
Has spent several years discussing the matter with reports being produced in 1987, 1989, 1993 and 1994.
The understanding within the church as a result of the discussion in 1994 is that the Presbyterian Church in Canada does not knowingly ordain to the ministry of word and sacraments openly practising homosexuals.
One congregation seceded as a result of this negative view. In addition there is a Special Committee of the General Assembly which is currently studying pastoral issues relating to homosexuality and the understanding of homosexuality.
a) Presbyterian Church (USA)
The position is that any person who engages in sexual relations with persons of the same sex may not be ordained.
d) Uniting Church in Australia
The policy on the question of homosexuality and ordained ministry is stated in three resolutions which were passed in 1982, 1987 and 1994 and the current policy includes:
the sexual orientation of an applicant or candidate is not and has not been in itself a bar to candidature or ordination
e) United Church of Canada
Decisions made in 1988 and re-affirmed in 1990 that:
all persons regardless of their sexual orientation who profess faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to Him, are welcome to be full members of the church.
all members of the church are eligible to be considered for ordained ministry.
...............it is inappropriate to ask about the sexual orientation of those in the candidacy process, or those in the call/appointment/settlement process.
f) United Church of Christ in the USA
In 1991, the General Synod adopted a resolution that celebrated the gifts for ministry of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons and that called on local churches and associations to facilitate the ordination and placement of qualified lesbian, gay and bisexual candidates. In 1997 the General Synod adopted a resolution reaffirming that the standard for members of the United Church of Christ is fidelity in marriage and other covenanted relationships, in singleness and in all relationships of life.
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