Andrew Alder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Hmmm. I think you presuppose here that a person in a homosexual >relationship *is* qualified for ordained ministry, or at least that they >can be. But as I understand it, that's the main question.
Yes. As I see it, the qualifications for ordained ministry are independent of sexual orientation. >But the more immediate problem is that we feel that decisions have already >being taken in this direction without listening to the Church. As time >passes the "year of listening" of a while ago looks more and more to have >really been a year of closing ears to all but one view. However >well-intentioned this might have been, it was not good. I think this is now >being addressed. I sense you feel you have not been listened to. Is this correct? If so, may I ask what needs to happen in order for you to feel listened to? >From my view point, there has been much listening in the church. I have certainly had >the opportunity to express my views as well as listen to others. I have found the >listening extremely helpful because by listening to others (and myself) over 10 >years, I have completely changed my position on this issue. >Addressing this is not discrimination. Just the opposite. The attempt to >disenfranchise all but one view within the UCA was discrimination. As far as I can see there has been no attempt to disenfranchise anyone. The current position allows each person/congregation/presbytery to fulfil their various responsibilities in regard to ordained ministries according to their own understanding of the will of God on this issue. >It didn't work. The very sad result is that, while the UCA has up until now >been one of the leading organisations promoting justice for homosexuals, >this advocacy is now in dire jeopardy. Surely, allowing the ordination of gay and lesbian people *is* promoting justice for gay and lesbian people?? I don't think I understand your point... Cheers, Jonathan __________________________________________________________________ McAfee VirusScan Online from the Netscape Network. Comprehensive protection for your entire computer. Get your free trial today! http://channels.netscape.com/ns/computing/mcafee/index.jsp?promo=393397 Get AOL Instant Messenger 5.1 free of charge. Download Now! http://aim.aol.com/aimnew/Aim/register.adp?promo=380455 ------------------------------------------------------ - You are subscribed to the mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put in the message body 'unsubscribe insights-l' (ell, not one (1)) See: http://nsw.uca.org.au/insights-l-information.htm ------------------------------------------------------
