Responding to

Motion 30
http://
www.scribd.com/doc/223979242/Full-text-Moti
on-30
A contribution from Peter Carrell to assist your
reflections and not to impose his own!

Motion 30 summary
Our church is contemplating change re

possibility of blessing same sex unions

Our church is keen to find a way forward for
this change to happen in a manner which
maintains unity of church
Our church now provides for same sex unions
to be recognised
(But there is now a legal challenge to
recognition)

Motion 30: Present

Present effects
A Way Forward working group has been set up
to do further work on how our church might
stay together as it continues to respond to
requests for a change to the status quo re same
sex couples.
With permission of the bishop and vestry, same
sex partnerships may be recognised by clergy
(but not through a rite).

Motion 30: Future

Future effects: what will happen
When all is said and done, we do not know!
We do not know the recommendations the
working group will make.
If recommendations are made which we do not
like, we do not know whether General Synod
will agree to them, and we do not know if a way
might be found for strong disagreement to be
held together in one ACANZP.

My personal bias
Towards waiting for the working group to do

its work and for General Synod to make its

response
Towards finding a way or ways for us all to
stay together in one ACANZP
Towards finding ways to respect those whose
views I personally do not agree with
Towards discerning the will of God for the
church

Three (sets of) issues

What does Scripture say about sexuality

(general) and homosexuality (particular)?

What do we do when we really, really think
that Scripture is unhelpful for the present day?
How do we live with disagreement, diversity
and even dispute and division in the life of the
church?

Scripture and sexuality?

What does Scripture say about sexuality

(general) and homosexuality (particular)?

Every answer to this question is debated!
(e.g.) Even if we agree the six texts prohibit
same-sex sex, do they address 21st C samesex marriage?
(Genesis 19:1-26; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13;
Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1
Timothy 1:10.)

When Scripture seems unhelpful?

What do we do when we really, really think

that Scripture is unhelpful for the present day?

A classic and relevant instance concerns the
question of Jesus and Paul prohibiting
remarriage after divorce on the grounds that it
constitutes (continuing) adultery: how has the
church handled that? Is that a precedent for
responding +vely to blessing same sex
unions?

Living in disagreement
How do we live with disagreement, diversity

and even dispute and division in the life of the

church?
Anglican church is a big tent church, with
room for many views
Yet not capacity to contain all views (think:
opposition to infant baptism, or moves to
abolish bishops: not welcome!)

Something to ponder
Obviously those contemplating separation

over sexuality believe they have something to

gain -this is so on both sides of possible
divide.
What would be lost if we divide?
Anglican breadth and balance
Capacity to listen to those who are different to

us
Relationships with people who have not yet
reached a conclusion

Authority in the church

What does it mean for the church through its

bishops and priests to offer blessing?

We should bless what we believe God blesses.
(That raises questions about warships as well
as about relationships!)
By what authority does the church claim
either a development in or new
understanding of Gods blessing?

Discerning the will of God

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies
as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to
God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your minds, so
that you may discern what is the will of God
what is good and acceptable and perfect.