The Church and Sexuality

Summary of decisions in the Uniting Church

The Uniting Church's sexuality debate

1. Documents and resources

Church shaken by gay debate
One of the most divisive topics in religion is how to treat homosexuality. It affects the people in the pews, priests, bishops and gay marriage.

Can we still be neighbours?
How can we sustain different positions with integrity and still love and support each other?

There's more to be obsessed about
Robert Bos says his concern is that so much of our energy and passion is being consumed by this one issue, and our unity is threatened, when there are so many needs, and so much pain, both within the church and the wider society. "We have a Gospel to proclaim which brings new life, hope and joy. This is where I feel called to minister. I want to get back to God's work."

Homosexuality and the Bible
With the interpretive grid provided by a critique of domination, we are able to filter out the sexism, patriarchalism, violence, and homophobia that are very much a part of the Bible, thus liberating it to reveal to us in fresh ways the inbreaking, in our time, of God's domination-free order.

Website for lesbian and gay studies in religion
"Our goal is to be the premier source on the worldwide web for reliable and up-to-date information and resources on LGBTQ issues and religion."

What the Bible says about homosexuality
Conservative and liberal Christians interpret the Bible in very different ways. This leads to two distinct and contradictory sets of beliefs within Christianity on just about every topic. Homosexuality is no exception.

Christianity and homosexuality: are they compatible?
Resources compiled by a former Christian who thinks it is very important to explain why it is possible to be both gay and Christian. "I have seen too many people suffer from the illusion that this is not so."

Homosexuality, Catholicism and Christianity
A partially annotated bibliography. Very thorough up to 1997.

Not-so-holy matrimony
Christianity has always had a bleaker view of love - gay or straight - than any other faith.

Can the Church Listen?
These studies are for people who sincerely want to listen to and understand what gay and lesbian people are saying to the church. In order to participate people must be prepared to suspend their judgments and listen as gay and lesbian people tell their stories and theologise about their situation.

What is wrong with gay sex?
God: So who's next? Ah, yes, the active homosexuals. So tell me, Jarvis, what shall we do with them?
Jarvis: You're going to punish them, aren't you?
God: Why do you say that?
Jarvis: Because to engage in homosexual behaviour is wrong, of course.

2. The Uniting Church's sexuality debate

(in rough chronological order)

Sexuality and leadership
The ongoing story (as at February 2009).

Background to Uniting Church and Sexuality Issues
Some presbyteries were faced with questions as homosexual people presented themselves for candidature for ordination, or found existing ministers who were homosexual called into their midst. One synod, Queensland, declared itself a "CISAFIM" synod, as did some individual presbyteries.

Uniting Sexuality and Faith(pdf)
Final Report of the Assembly Task Group on Sexuality, for presentation to the Eighth Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, July 1997.

Task Group On Sexuality
Eighth Assembly, Uniting Church In Australia, Resolution 97.31.

Statement on Unity and Diversity
We pray that God will continue to bless and use the diverse gifts of all church members as we seek to work together to make known God's love and salvation.

Supplementary Report of Assembly Standing Committee
Resolutions of the Assembly and the Standing Committee provide the core documents for an understanding of the current position of the church. These decisions are read within the wider framework of the Constitution and Regulations of the Uniting Church. Two Assemblies have directly addressed the issue of human sexuality and its implications for a person's place in the life of the Uniting Church. In addition the Assembly Standing Committee has also addressed the issue and the Assembly has endorsed these decisions.

Background to the Supplementary Report
Issues surrounding people of homosexual orientation/behaviour within the Uniting Church have been around for many years. These have included the question of the acceptance of homosexual people as members, at Holy Communion, as candidates for ministry, as ministers or other church ministries.

The change? It's all and nothing! By Kim Cain
The 10th Assembly of the Uniting Church was of a mind: four times it could have stepped back from passing resolution 84, the motion that has (incorrectly) been popularised as allowing the ordination of gays and lesbians.

Assembly Standing Committee amends Proposal 84
Assembly Standing Committee has clarified Proposal 84 by deleting two paragraphs from the original proposal which referred to two sexual ethics held by members in the church ('Celibacy in singleness and faithfulness in marriage' and 'Right relationships').

Ministry and Membership in the Uniting Church
Tenth Assembly / Assembly Standing Committee, 2003.

Resolution 84 issue sent for study before next Assembly
The Uniting Church's national Assembly Standing Committee, meeting in Sydney last weekend, set up a three-step process to allow the breadth of the church to be heard on the matter of homosexuality and ordained ministry.

NCLS on homosexuality and church leadership
The report has demonstrated that attenders often have different opinions on these two issues, being more likely to be accepting of homosexuals into membership but less likely to accept the appointment of homosexuals as leaders. It appears that many attenders would have additional requirements for their leaders that are not incumbent upon members. Church rejects gay poll. READ ON

Nothing has changed … in 20 years or more
In Homosexuality and the Church, published by Uniting Church Press in 1985, the Assembly Committee on Homosexuality and the Church reported how ...

Democratic or theocratic?
The Uniting Church in Australia, while it values every member, does not seek to be a democracy. We try to be a "theocracy", that is, to be ruled by God.

CISAFIM, Right Relationships, homosexuality and sin
Robert Bos writes: "My concern is that so much of our energy and passion is being consumed by this one issue, and our unity is threatened, when there are so many needs, and so much pain, both within the church and the wider society."

Official Assembly site for Proposal 84
ASC action on Proposal 84, Confirmed Minutes, President's Letter regarding Proposal 84 and more.

EMU documents on sexuality
Articles on sexuality displayed as Adobe Acrobat© (PDF).

Religion Report interview
We’re affirming the grassroots decision-making authority of our people, says Assembly General Secretary.

Sexuality proposals at the 11th Assembly
Members of the 11th Assembly will consider eight proposals around the issue of sexuality and leadership when they meet in Brisbane.

Toward Assembly 2006
Reforming Alliance information and resources.

News about the Uniting Church's 11th Assembly
The triennial Assembly of the Uniting Church -- about 250 members elected by synods and presbyteries -- met in Brisbane July 5-11. The Assembly website.

Open to the transformation of God's Spirit
The General Secretary of the New South Wales Synod of the Uniting Church has said the church's national Assembly meeting has "committed its members and the whole church to grapple with the implications of God's grace for our humanity, urging members with different views 'to work at living together in peace'."

Sexuality: a way forward, but no consensus
The Uniting Church has decided against trying to reach consensus at present on a policy about homosexual people in positions of ministry and leadership.

Sexuality and leadership in the Uniting Church
Following careful and prayerful reflection and discernment, the Uniting Church’s 250-member National Assembly has been unable to come to one mind on the issue of accepting in leadership those living in committed same-gender relationships.

Peace talks on sexuality
Members of the Uniting Church’s 11th Assembly on July 7 proved that it was possible for 60 people to have a two-hour discussion about human sexuality, but keep it peaceful and reasonable.

Assembly refines sexuality and leadership proposals
The national Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia on Sunday will consider a proposal that it continue to allow its congregations and presbyteries to decide whether those living in committed same-gender relationships are suitable for ministry.

Final resolution
The Assembly's resolution on sexuality and leadership and a statement to the Assembly by the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress about decisions at the 2003 and 2006 Assemblies.

Assembly of Confessing Congregations
"ACC happened as a result of the inability of the National Assembly to reach consensus about how God’s people should express their sexuality and because of its advice to Synods and Presbyteries (Resolution 108) to respect the willingness of congregations to call ministers who are living in homosexual relationships."

3. What other churches are doing

Gay rights and religious rites: The state of the debate in the United States
Even as public attention focused on the legalisation of gay marriage in New York and related battles across the country, religious communities were continuing to struggle with the role of homosexuals. Presbyterians voted in to allow openly gay clergy, and a Methodist church court convicted a pastor for performing a same-sex union.

What other churches have done
A number of Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic churches have accepted homosexual leadership, including the United Church of Christ and partners in the World Alliance of Reformed churches. See also the Methodist Church of Great Britain. Bible lessons these clergy forgot. READ ON Ordination restored to same-sex celebrant. READ ON

Policies of 44 churches on homosexuality
There is no consensus within Christianity - either about the nature of homosexuality, or what policies to enforce about gay and lesbian members, candidates for ordination, commitment rituals or study programs.

WCC uses consensus to discuss sexuality
Using a proposed new consensus model for conducting meetings, information was presented and discussed without the heated atmosphere that often surrounds such controversial issues. MORE

Mainline churches struggle over gay policy
Churches are struggling over the demands of traditional teaching and a compassionate response to gays and lesbians in their congregations. MORE

Gay marriages debated in Canada
As well as the attorney general, gay marriage is supported by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the United Church of Canada representing Presbyterian and Methodist congregations, and a coalition of liberal rabbis. MORE Court ruling balances equality and religious freedom. READ ON MORE MORE Let the church handle the sacrament, the state the contract. READ ON "We are living in a surprising moment, one that calls for compassion for one another and faith for the journey as our church makes this passage into a changed world." READ ON Gender and sexuality: considering the concepts. READ ON

United Reformed Church UK
Reports, debates and documents.

Christian Reformed Church
Explicit homosexual practice must be condemned as incompatible with obedience to the will of God as revealed in Scripture.

United Methodist Church
Official statements. Methodists Reject Changes to Gay Stance, Oppose Homophobia After a lengthy debate, United Methodists voted April 30, 2008, to reject changes to its constitution that would have liberalized the church's stance on homosexuality. MORE Being the Church Amid Disagreement. READ ON MORE Incompatible with Christian teaching.READ ONCongregation improvises to include gays, lesbians. READ ONIncluding all in God's grace. READ ONShowdown in 2008. READ ON

US Methodists mull gay issues
The Judicial Council, in a 6-3, said being a practising homosexual clearly violates Methodist law. MORE No authority to review lesbian pastor's acquittal. READ ON MORE "Loving division." READ ON Church unity endorsed. READ ON

NZ Methodists reach understanding on gay ordination
The Methodist Church of New Zealand has reached an understanding which allows the church to move forward on the ordination of gay and lesbian people.

UK Methodist leaders vote to bless gay couples
The annual Methodist conference voted unanimously to continue its "pilgrimage of faith" towards gay people.

UK Methodists' 'Pilgrimage of Faith'
The report shows a church that expresses a wide range of opinions on homosexuality, yet also one that is willing to engage in seeking a way forward. MORE MORE MORE

Human sexuality and the United Church of Christ
the United Church of Christ has completed life-span resources that will bring the ministry of sexuality education to United Church of Christ members of all ages for years to come.

United Church of Christ calls for equal marriage rights for gays and lesbians
At its meeting July 1-5, 2005, the United Church of Christ General Synod affirmed “equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender.” It is the first such action by a U.S. mainline denomination. United Church of Christ backs gay marriage. READ ON US church leader backs gay 'marriage'. READ ON Other churches unlikely to follow UCC lead. READ ON A church's struggle over gay marriage. READ ON

Statement from the World Methodist Council on Unity and Sexuality
It must be observed that there is no ethical consensus in the world at large on these and related matters.

US Presbyterian body rules out ordination of non-celibate gays

The highest court of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has issued a ruling that bars the ordination of non-celibate homosexual clergy in the US denomination.

Presbyterians uphold policy
Meeting June 26-July 3, 2005, in Richmond, Va., the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly voted 259-255 to maintain its current policy of not ordaining "self-affirming, practicing homosexuals."

Church constitution still forbids gay ordination
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the USA has voted to retain an “authoritative interpretation” of its constitution that forbids the ordination of “self-affirming, practising homosexuals” as officers of the church. MORE MORE The Episcopal Church USA also remains painfully divided over issues of homosexuality. READ ON

Committed conversations
New Zealand Presbyterians have Committed Conversations with resources online.

New Zealand Presbyterians reject gay clergy
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand has voted to exclude from leadership positions people living together in gay or unmarried relationships.MORE MORE MORE Call for compassion. READ ON

Study guide on human sexuality for the 2008 Lambeth Conference
The culmination of months of work on what is known as “The Listening Process" and subsequent Primates Meetings, is now set out on the Anglican Communion website for use around the Anglican world. READ ON MOREStudy guide. READ ON

Church denies blessings for same-sex unions
"Civil partnerships are not gay marriages. Marriage can only be the sexual union of one man and one woman that is in English law as well as the Church." "Marriages" but no sex for gay clergy. READ ON

Church of England debates homosexuality
Church policy on sexuality must reflect real world, says clergy. READ ON Church of England heads seek harmony. READ ON It was a close-run thing, but Anglican clergy managed to defeat a plan for new "heresy courts" in the Church of England. READ ON Radical inclusivity. READ ON Homosexuality issue could overwhelm church. READ ON

Homophobia is rife, says Archbishop
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reopened the controversy over gay clergy, claiming that homophobia is rife in Christian circles. MORE Anglican leaders to provide justification for decisions surrounding homosexuality. READ ON

Churches warned over 'gay slurs'
The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for church traditionalists opposed to homosexuality to stop using inflammatory words about gay people.

Church to let gay clergy ‘marry’ but must be celibate
Homosexual priests in the Church of England will be allowed to “marry” their boyfriends under a proposal drawn up by senior bishops, led by Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Anglican ruction over homosexuality
It’s interesting that this same schismatic situation didn’t occur over women’s ordination, because women are 52 per cent of the population. Or over divorce. If we’re talking about absolute adherence to the plain teaching of Scripture, look what Jesus had to say about divorce. But women bishops vote angers critics. READ ON

American churches shown door as gay row deepens
The Anglican Church moved closer to schism yesterday when members of its central administrative council formally asked the Churches of Canada and the US to go. MORE US Anglicans defend stance on gays. READ ON MORE MORE MORE MORE "Moves toward fuller inclusion make sense in their societies." READ ON

The (Anglican) Lambeth Commission on Communion
Within provinces, dioceses and parishes, where individual Anglican Christians have experienced degrees of alienation and exclusion due to differences of opinion between leadership and members, there has been much pain and disillusionment. Episcopal bishops express ''sincere regret" for consecrating the denomination's first openly gay bishop. READ ON MORE

Australian Anglicans don't want gay marriages or gay clergy
Gay marriages and openly gay clergy have no place in the Anglican Church after the General Synod yesterday affirmed its fierce opposition to liberal elements that have exposed deep divisions in the church. MOREA Church at War: Anglicans and Homosexuality. READ ON Male clergy enclave. READ ON

'Church must accept reality of gay relationships'
The Anglican church must accept the reality that same sex relationships existed and work out how it would tackle the issue, says Archbishop Peter Carnley.

A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Church of Ireland
Where there is discussion, it is most effectively undertaken in a safe space, where people are able to let go of their own agendas without betraying their deeply held convictions, where they are prepared to listen sensitively to one another, and where attitudes of condemnation are avoided.

Do justice
A series of essays toward the US Episcopal General Convention in 2003 and beyond. The Columbus, Ohio, Episcopal battlefield. READ ON

Anglicans face rift over gay clergy: June 2006
The US branch meets to debate whether to “repent” the effects of its actions in consecrating an openly gay bishop. In-depth coverage of the Episcopal Church's 75th General Convention. READ ON

Lutherans reject non-celibate gay clergy
The national assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has voted to maintain its ban on sexually active homosexual clergy. MORE MORE Canadian Lutherans defeat same-sex blessings. READ ON MORE Lutheran leader hopes to avoid split. READ ON Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. READ ON Discussion guide: “Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality”.READ ON

Lutherans in America issue study guide
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has mailed its pastors and lay leaders a 49-page study guide to help the church's five million members consider how the church will respond to questions about blessing same-sex relationships and accepting lay and ordained ministers in such relationships. MORE

Lutherans propose possible gay clergy path
Lutheran council proposes possible pathway for gays in committed relationships to become pastors. MORE MORE Recommendations from the ELCA Church Council to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly on Sexuality Studies (pdf) READ ONTheologians support recommendation that makes it possible to “choose to refrain from disciplining those who in good conscience, and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and the commitment to continuing dialogue, call or approve partnered gay or lesbian candidates". READ ON MORE MORE

ELCA bishops on sexuality recommendations
"We recognise that our differences are rooted in deeply held convictions ... For the sake of the unity of this church and its mission, we are not divided by these differences."

Panel asks Lutheran body to tolerate gays
Trying to walk a line that will preserve unity, a panel has recommended that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America officially maintain its positions against same-sex blessing ceremonies and gay and lesbian ministers in relationships but tolerate dissenters. MORE MOREThe church's current position is that married pastors are expected to be faithful to their spouses, single pastors are expected to remain chaste, gays or lesbians in a same-gender sexual relationship are precluded from ordination, and celibate self-identified homosexuals may be and remain ordained. See FAQ.

Catholic Church: From the Catechism
Homosexual persons are called to chastity. MORE MORE "My parish priest told me just follow your heart." READ ON

American Baptist exodus
The Pacific Southwest region of the American Baptist Churches USA has begun defecting in the largest church exodus from any denomination over the presenting issue of homosexuality.

‘A crossroads in our life together’
Leader of evangelical Baptist group warns against split over homosexuality.

Human Sexuality in the Christian Life
This study on sexuality was mandated by the General Conference Mennonite Church Triennial Sessions in 1980 and by the Mennonite Church General Assembly in 1981.

Canadian MPs vote to legalise same-sex marriages
Madrid passes law to legalise gay marriages. READ ON