A pastoral letter from the Moderators of the Uniting Church in Australia

18th July 2003

Dear Friends in Christ,

I write this letter, along with the other Moderators of the Uniting Church, following decisions made at this meeting of the National Assembly in relation to sexuality, membership and ministry. The media coverage has generally been sensationalist and, at times, inaccurate.

I am aware that some of our members may be alarmed or angered by what they think has been decided. Therefore it is very important that we convey to the whole church accurate information. Please make this letter and the attached Resolution 84 freely available.

The resolution clarifies decisions made by previous Assemblies:

It reaffirms the position we have always held on church membership.
In relation to ordination the Presbyteries, as always, make decisions on the suitability of candidates on a case by case basis.
It recognises that parts of our church have as their basic Christian standard ‘celibacy in singleness and faithfulness in marriage’. Others operate on a Christian standard that has come to be referred to as ‘right relationships’ as described in the 1997 Report - Uniting Sexuality and Faith.
It calls us to continue ‘to live together as people of faith’ with these differences.

Please be assured that no congregation will have ministers imposed upon them who in conscience they cannot accept.

The proposal attempts to help the Uniting Church be a place where all its members can participate in the mission and ministry of Christ through the Church, seeking to live up to the high expectations of our Christian calling. I pray this will be your experience.

A group of Uniting Church leaders will meet in the next fortnight to produce a more detailed resource for our members in relation to these issues.

I urge members to respond to one another with respect and understanding; with the dignity and love due to brothers and sisters in Christ.

And above all pray that the church can witness powerfully to Jesus Christ whose grace is sufficient to hold us together.

Yours sincerely,

Rev. Alistair Christie
(Moderator, Synod of NSW)

Rev. Alistair Macrae
(Moderator, Synod of Victoria & Tasmania)

Rev. Colleen Grieve
(Chairperson/Moderator, Presbytery of Tasmania)

Rev. Gemmel Sherwood
(Moderator, Synod of Western Australia)

Rev. Allan Kuchler
(Moderator, Synod of Queensland)

Rev. Lindsay Faulkner
(Moderator, Northern Synod)

Mrs. Jan Trengove
(Moderator, Synod of South Australia)