Re: A real concern for Christianity

[Ann Wansbrough]

I feel the need to repeat something that I said a few weeks ago - the issue is not "homosexual ministers" - it is Christian members of the UCA who have demonstrated the gifts and graces of ministry, who have satisfied all academic and other requirements in training for ministry, who are recognised by the church as being called by God to ministry in a particular placement, and who understand and are willing to adhere to the code of ethics and conduct for ministers, that is, who satisfy all the requirements for ordination and ministry, but whose sexual orientation happens to be homosexual. As long as we refer to "homosexual ministers" we are playing the same game as EMU - accepting that homosexuality, rather than Christian faith, discipleship and commitment, defines who people are in the church. I say this as much to remind myself as anyone else. Ann (Rev. Dr.) Ann Wansbrough UnitingCare NSW.ACT PO Box A 2178 Sydney South 1235 Phone (61) (02) 8267 4280 Fax (61) (02) 9267 4842 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Prior To: Tom Stuart ; insights Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 8:11 PM Subject: RE: A real concern for Christianity ...   And as for the good archbishop; I reckon Jesus would be pissed off with him. The homosexual man who gave me a ride home tonight would be my favoured company any time.  I hear that people of ""evangelical"" persuasion are often deeply distressed about gay people in the church.  The damage and pain I see them causing leaves me wanting to walk away from the whole deal.  None of them are being asked to accept a homosexual minister; simply to allow that others may have a different opinion.   Andrew