Membership, Ministry and Sexuality (proposal 84) - National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia

I have been caring for a number of ministers (and lay members, too) who are stressed by the current debate about the Assembly’s Resolution 84 on Membership, Ministry and Sexuality, which has created deep divisions within the Church, with significant numbers of members and congregations feeling the need to leave the Uniting Church. I am deeply concerned for these ministers of the Word, and their distress when they fear that the Scriptures are being subverted. This paper is a call for fair dealing with Scripture. More >>

President's covering letter re ASC decisions
UCA President, Rev Dr Dean Drayton’s covering letter addressing decisions made by the ASC in August 2003, with regards to clarifying specific areas of Proposal 84. ASC decisions were made in light of concerns expressed on Proposal 84 by members of the congregations and of EMU.

ASC decisions
These are the decisions made at the recent ASC meeting in August 2003 in relation to issues of Ministry and Membership in the Uniting Church. Some wording in proposal 84 has been changed to further clarify the overall proposal. This wording of Proposal 84 is to be used in all future discussions on this matter.

ASC response to EMU petition
A petition organized by EMU (Evangelical Members of the Uniting Church) was given to the ASC signed by approximately 20 000 members and ‘attendees’ concerning proposal 84. The Standing Committee acknowledged with deep regret their “deep spiritual and emotional dismay and concern” and responded to concerns raised in the petition.

Media release from President re ASC action on proposal 84
A media release from the President, Rev Dr Dean Drayton was released following the ASC meeting August 2003. This media release outlines the action taken by the ASC in light of concerns from congregations. The ASC apologized, acknowledged, clarified, rejected, maintained, declined and reminded the church of issues relating to ASC decisions made about proposal 84.

Assembly Minutes 97.31.5 - 97.31.13 (cited in August 2003 ASC resolutions)
Assembly Minutes 97.31.5 - 97.31.13 (cited in August 2003 ASC resolutions). These minutes look specifically at sexuality and sexual ethics, marriage, separation, divorce and re-marriage.
Note: The ASC decision cited a large section of minutes. The most relevant part is 97.31.12

Additional Report to the 10th Assembly
This is an explanation report of the Standing Committee that led to proposal 84. This includes a consultation to discuss issues about Sexuality, Membership and Ministry. This consultation was approve by the Assembly Standing Committee and was held in Adelaide on 3 June 2003. This consultation studied decisions made at previous Assemblies, identified concerns, and discussed what would be most helpful to the life of the church at this time. This report also includes the rationale for the original proposal on "Ministry and Membership in the Uniting Church" that was presented to the 10th Assembly.

President's Letter regarding Proposal 84 (August 2003)
A letter written by the UCA president Rev. Dr. Dean Drayton, in response to concerns expressed by individuals and congregations with regard to Proposal 84. This letter aims to further clarify the decisions made at the 10th Assembly.

Extract from unconfirmed Minutes of the UCA Tenth Assembly, Melbourne, 17th July, 2003
These extracts show the decisions made with relation to proposal 84. MINISTRY AND MEMBERSHIP IN THE UNITING CHURCH (Facilitation Group) at the 10th Assembly. The Assembly resolved, recognisied, reminded and requested with regards to this proposal.

Two pastoral letters (July 2003)
The President of the Uniting Church Rev Dr Dean Drayton and the Synod Moderators both wrote pastoral letters to congregations with regards to Sexuality, Membership and Ministry during the week of the 10th Assembly.

Some common questions answered (July 19 2003)
The Synod General Secretaries of the Uniting Church in Australia released this question and answer document:
This information sheet seeks to offer answers to what the Synod General Secretaries believe may be the most commonly asked questions about the decisions and to provide background information on the resolutions.

Ministry in the Uniting Church (Assembly Standing Committee)
Resolution from 8th Assembly (July 1997) with relation to the ‘task group on sexuality’.

"Moving Ahead With Diversity" (9th Assembly July 2000). Resolutions from the 9th Assembly with relation to sexuality. This assembly chose to adopt the ‘Statement on Unity and Diversity’ and commend it to all Synods, Presbyteries and Congregations

Extract from Uniting Sexuality and Faith report to the 8th Assembly (July 2003)
Living in God's Image and Grace (Chapter 3)
Seeking Right Relationship (Chapter 4)

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Homosexuality and the Uniting Church: this is how I see it at present
Rev. Dr Robert Bos (Minister and National Director of the Assembly agency Theology and Discipleship) gives his personal view on the debate over homosexuality and the church. He addresses issues relating to homosexuality and sin, the relationship between CISFIM and right relationships and the governing processes of the Uniting Church.

Being Church: Moving Beyond Tolerance
by Craig Thompson ( Critical Questions about the Christian Faith)

This paper is concerned with the character of the conversation in the Uniting Church about human sexual ethics – the way in which the matter has been considered and acted upon – and not its specific content. As passionate as we may feel about our opinions on any matter which might divide us as a church, we must understand what is at stake in any conversation within the church. An awareness of the nature of a properly Christian debate is important because moving too quickly to what we think a debate ... More>>