In response to Alan's question about what to do
with the form.
I am against handing it out - although I know
it will get out via some in the parish who are signed up members of the
Alliance.
My concerns:
This information will be in the hands of those
with a vested interest to distort the results. Already members of this
group have put out a letter in this parish indicating that following the
discussion paper in 1996 and prior to 1997 Assembly 80% of the church was
against homosexuals in leadership, 85% of elders groups, etc. When in fact
the figures related to the 8,000 people who responded to a survey - mainly
those with a gripe. Those who are not phased do not respond.
Considering there was 10-15 times more people involved in the
study/discussion groups the 6,500 who responded negatively actually
represented less than 10% of the church who took part in
discussion - and less than 1% of the church as a whole - not
80%.
This is not a survey by the church for the
leadership or councils to base further discussion/proposals. It is by
a group trying to override existing structures, where everyone has a fair
chance of putting forward issues in a balanced way. Trying to hijack
the agenda of the church.
Because it is not an offical survey of the
church and there is no compulsion for everyone to respond, it is left wide
open for misuse, etc. etc.
Members from this parish who have signed up to
the alliance have decided to stop attending church at the moment, but are
meeting as a home group, with the idea that they are going to be able to
reform the church and bring about the required change with them in
leadership of the church or have the grounds on which to mount a high court
challenge to the church and bring about a split including leaving with
assets. This is political nonsense.
I do not intend allowing this group to hijack
the agenda of this parish. There are too many more important tasks on
our agenda. I will be discussing with the elders and see if they want
to put out any statement on this matter/
Narelle
