Common Issues

• the need to define what we mean by "sexual" relationships and to understand the range of options; to establish a common understanding of what it means to be in a loving relationship

• there is a real range of opinion on where to start - with individuals, with the local parishes, or with the upper levels of the church hierarchy

• before the church can talk about and accept same-sex covenants it needs to be able to accept that some Christians are sexually oriented to members of the same sex - and to accept those people, along with their sexual orientation, as complete members of the Christian community

• members of the church who are lesbian and gay are already experiencing life in committed relationships - this is not something new

A Sense of Direction

• Break the Silence
  • - keep the dialogue going and keep it open
  • - discuss and celebrate the full range of God's gift to us in our sexuality

• Demand Action NOW
  • - begin now to say "no" to the way things have been
  • - insist on some form of recognition/blessing for same-sex unions; explore liturgical possibilities
  • - don't shy away from conflict -- it is necessary for change
  • - call on the church to be prophetic, not reactionary
  • - be polite, be reasoned, be focused

• Support Diversity within the Church
  • - develop a posture of acceptance as individuals and local parishes
  • - examine our language, programs and liturgies for ways to be more inclusive and welcoming to all

• Share our Experience of Faith and Commitment
  • - let the church leadership (at the parish and diocesan level) know that there are Christian lesbians and gays who are now living in committed relationships with members of the same sex
  • - witness to the presence of God in our specific lives as gay men and lesbians and in our committed relationships (names and faces mean more than theories and statistics)

Some Concrete Ideas for Action

• As individuals we need to be doing some clear thinking about this issue so we can discuss and debate in reasoned, logical ways.

• We need to develop a clear picture of what we are asking for. What form would a same sex union take that would maintain integrity with our Christian faith?

• We need to have our voices heard as part of the Doctrine Committees.

• It will be important to build connections with our fellow Christians on common issues of faith, even as we prepare to discuss this potentially divisive issue.

And a Word or Two About Vulnerability

• We need to recognise the vulnerability of the clergy, even as we insist that open discussion and concrete action take place.

• Not all parishes provide a safe environment for personal disclosure and open discussion.