PROPOSALS TO THE SEXUALITY REFERENCE GROUP
Proposal I
That the Assembly
a) commend the Assembly Standing Committee on the statement of Policy
on Prevention of Vilification and Harassment within the Uniting Church
in Australia.
b) request the Assembly Standing Committee to prepare procedures
and educational resources to enable all congregations, councils and agencies
to implement the policy.
c) ensure that any task group appointed to prepare (b) includes gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgendered people.
d) address this task as a matter of urgency.
Rationale
Over the past three years we know there have been instances
of vilification and harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
people and when complaints have been made there has been no action taken.
This is, in part, because there have been no procedures or protocols to
follow.
The policy document is a fine piece of work which clearly
spells out the nature and scope of vilification and harassment and that
such behaviour is contrary to the gospel and destructive of individuals,
their gifts and ministries, and of Christian community. The policy
thus provides an appropriate ethic and parameters for developing procedures.
Also, the procedures and protocols for dealing with complaints
of sexual misconduct made against clergy and lay people provides a valuable
model.
The inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
people in a task group is not only to include those most affected but also
helps to ensure that the church talks with, not about these members of
our church.
It is important that this matter be dealt with speedily
in order for the Uniting Church to honour its commitment to the provision
of justice and a safe place for all its members.
Proposal II
That the Assembly request the Assembly Standing Committee and the President-elect,
Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, to initiate a three year process across the UCA which
enables the church, in all its councils, congregations and faith communities,
to enter again into dialogue on faith and sexuality.
The goals:
a) to invite the church to engage in a spiritual journey, enabling
further sharing, study and reflection on issues related to sexuality, faith
and church life, particularly in relation to its gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgendered members.
b) to continue to build relationships of honesty, respect and trust
across diverse beliefs and experiences, to further unity within diversity.
The process is to build on the retreats instituted by Rev. John Mavor
and the Assembly Standing Committee prior to the 2000 Assembly.
Elements essential to the process include:
* shared worship, prayer and reflection.
* telling and hearing each other’s stories and experiences, both joyous
and painful.
* biblical and theological resources, providing food for the journey,
including the final report and papers of the Sexuality Task Group prepared
for the 8th Assembly of the Uniting Church.
Rationale
Since the 2000 Assembly there has been, and still is a
perception across the UCA that there is a six-year moratorium on discussing
sexuality. While there are those who are happy for this erroneous
view, with its resulting ‘silence’ to continue, it places a huge burden
on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered ministers and members and on
their congregations, families and friends. It also makes it extremely
difficult at times for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people
to exercise their gifts and ministries. Are they not of sufficient
importance for their church to continue to talk, study, pray and reflect
on matters vital to their membership and ministries? We would not
countenance such a silence in relation to refugees, aboriginals or other
marginalised groups.
The Assembly is best placed and has the responsibility
to take action to end the silence and provide resources and a process for
the church.
It was abundantly clear in responses to the Sexuality
Task Group’s Year of Listening and Interim report that a large number of
members and congregations recognised they had neither the experience nor
resources for making informed, careful decisions. They indicated
they needed more time for study and reflection. They still do!
There is significant material in the final Report of the
Sexuality Task Group which has not been explored by the church and could
be a useful resource.
The Retreats held prior to the 2000 Assembly were valued
by those who participated. A similar experience is needed on a wider
scale. The church needs help in living with diversity and the Assembly
should take the initiative by providing a process and resources.
The result of this would not only inform attitudes to and decisions about
sexuality but would provide resources to apply in other areas of faith
and life.
Friends of Unity Executive
Adelaide
30/4/03
The Sexuality Reference Group is a group from within the UCA Assembly Standing Committee that was set up to bring to the Assembly a way forward in resolving issues relating to its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered members. The above proposals were approved by members of Friends of Unity Executive, on 30th April, 2003, for referral to the Sexuality Reference Group.
The Policy on Prevention of Vilification and Harassment within the Uniting
Church in Australia may be read or copied from the following site: UCA
Natiional Assembly.