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Media release from President
re ASC action on proposal 84
From: Kim Cain, Media Liaison 0419
373 123
The Uniting Church’s Assembly Standing Committee
(ASC) met over the past weekend to consider issues arising from the 10th
Assembly in Melbourne in July.
At the meeting the ASC received petitions from church members and ‘attendees’
concerning resolution 84. In response to widespread debate within the
church of which the petition was a part the ASC:
- Apologised to members and ministers that more was
not done to make them aware in advance of the Tenth Assembly that matters
of membership, ministry and sexuality would be considered by the Assembly;
- Acknowledged with regret that the way proposal 84
was reported to the church had caused suffering, hurt, pain confusion;
- 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’). ASC said
these were used to illustrate some differing views held by church members
and neither of them have been endorsed by Assembly;
- Rejected assertions that the concept of ‘Right
relationships’ was adopted by the Assembly;
- Maintained that each presbytery has the right and
responsibility to ordain or place people in ministry on a case by case
basis – as has always been the case in the Uniting Church;
- Said each congregation and church council can state
a particular sexual ethic after prayerful consideration and study of
the Scriptures - provided there is respect and acknowledgment for those
who hold different views and DOES NOT prevent consideration of candidates
for ministry on a case by case basis;
- Declined to recall Assembly, as the Assembly did
not endorse or approve ‘Right relationships’ and therefore
did not introduce “new policy for the church”; (see clarification
above)
- Reminded the church it has already agreed to important
matters in the areas of marriage, divorce, re-marriage, sexual ethics
and that the church has adopted a Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice
giving clear guidance for appropriate conduct and accountability for
ministers.
The President of the Uniting Church, Rev Dr Dean Drayton
said, “The ASC has heard and apologised for the hurt and confusion
from people because adequate notice was not given that the Assembly would
be considering sexuality issues.
“ We have worked hard to clarify the resolution passed by the Assembly
by deleting references to ‘Celibacy in singleness and faithfulness
in marriage’ and ‘Right relationships’. Assembly has
never endorsed either position.
“ The ASC gave a extensive hearing to the members of our church
on this matter, and ask them to carefully consider our response.
“ This kind of respectful listening to each other is vital as we
continue on together.”
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