Summary of decisions on sexuality in the Uniting Church
The National Assembly of the Uniting Church’s most recent statement on sexuality and leadership.
It is important to note that the decision of the Uniting Church at this point is to accept church members’ diverse opinions on this matter. (See number 7. To encourage Congregations: a) to be aware that within many Congregations there is a diversity of belief on matters of sexuality and leadership.)
Background of history prior to that meeting.
Note from this that the varying opinions exist not just around the issue of sexuality and leadership but around sexuality more generally.
The 2003 meeting of the Assembly resolved:
97.31.05 to affirm the joys and responsibilities of God's good gift of sexuality;
97.31.06 to reject judgmental attitudes in sexual ethics and witness to the renewing grace of God in this as in all areas of human behaviour;
97.31.07 to recognise the importance of responsible sexual behaviour and that all practices of sexuality which are exploitative and demeaning are unacceptable and contradict God's purposes for us;
97.31.08 (b) to acknowledge the diversity of human relationships in which Uniting Church members are involved and the different Biblical, theological, ethnic and cultural responses of groups within the Church to these relationships;
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The Uniting Church is grappling, along with many
other churches throughout the world, with issues surrounding
sexuality and sexual ethics.
Return to the main page to see:
The
Uniting Church's sexuality debate