Questionnaire 2

I am a third year Theology student at the University of Birmingham and am conducting research for my dissertation.  It would be extremely helpful if you could complete this questionnaire any information you give will be very useful.  As the topic of this questionnaire may be sensitive to some people, all information will be treated confidentially.  Thank you.

If you need more space for any of the questions – please do continue on a separate sheet of paper, thank you.

 
1) Are you a member of the Methodist Church?  Yes / No  (circle one)

 
2) Age: 16-25, 26-39, 40-59, 60+  (circle one)       3) Gender:  Male / Female  (circle one)

 
4) Do you hold any positions within the Methodist Church?  Local Preacher/Steward/Organist etc (please write your answer)

 
__________________________________________________________________________

 
5) Are you: Heterosexual / Bisexual / Transsexual / Homosexual  (circle the most appropriate)

 
6) How open within the church are you able to be about your sexuality?

(tick the most appropriate answer)

 

I am generally open to everyone              I am open to anyone who enquires

I am open to most people                       I am open to some people

I am open to a select few                       No-body knows about my sexuality

  

7) In 1993 the Methodist Church called for a ‘Pilgrimage of Faith’ concerning the subject of sexuality.  Have you heard about the ‘Pilgrimage of Faith’?  Yes / No  (circle one)

If yes, what do you know about it?  (please write your answer)

The sixth resolution at the 1993 conference states that “conference calls on the Methodist people to begin a pilgrimage of faith to combat repression and discrimination, to work for justice and human rights and to give dignity and worth to people whatever their sexuality”

 
8) Do you think the ‘Pilgrimage of Faith’ has achieved anything to combat repression and discrimination, to work for justice and human rights and to give dignity and worth to people whatever their sexuality?  Yes / No  (circle one)

Why?  (please write your answer)

9) What, for you, would the Methodist Church need to do in order to combat repression and discrimination, to work for justice and human rights and to give dignity and worth to people whatever their sexuality?  (please write your answer)

10) Recent research on homophobia in the church found that ‘the majority of homophobic abuse suffered by gay men and lesbians in the United Kingdom is supported by the words and actions of the Christian Churches’.  What, if any, is your own experience of homophobia within the Methodist Church?

11) Do you feel recognised, affirmed and celebrated for your participation and/or ministry within the Methodist Church?  Yes / No  (circle one)

How?  (please write your answer)

12) Is there anything else you would like to share concerning your sexuality and the Methodist Church?  (please write any)

Thank you very much for completing this questionnaire.