| Pilgrimage of Faith |
Questionnaire 1: Question 6 - Yes Responses
Should the Methodist Church recognise, affirm and celebrate the participation and ministry of lesbians and gay men in the church?‘Because their faith
in God has nothing to do with
sexuality. More
people need to be
encouraged to use the church.’
‘Because
Jesus welcomed everyone’
‘I
believe that in today’s society it is necessary to
include all persuasions.’
‘Praise
and worship should be open to all’
‘If
they have received the call to tell and teach
others about God then yes they should be welcomed into the
ministry.’
‘All
are equal’
‘Everyone
should be treated equally’
‘Because
they’re God’s children the same as the rest
of us.’
‘Well
whether they are gay or not does not matter as
they are still people who were made in the image of God. I also think God would not
care what their
sexuality is as long as they believe in “him” and
give their life in “his”
trusting hands. So
I think the
Methodist Church should recognise, affirm and celebrate the
participation and
ministry of lesbians and gay men in the church and not look at them as
if they
are aliens.’
‘God
loves all people whatever they may be.
He calls all people to do his will.’
‘Because
whether people are gay or lesbian should
have nothing to do with how they want to worship God and also it
shouldn’t
interfere with them leading people in worship.’
‘I
believe they can offer just as good a ministry as
others.’
‘Whatever
one’s sexuality, if God’s calling to
ministry is strong and sincere.
Unfortunately, there are heterosexuals in our churches and
indeed have
been ministers who have committed adultery.
Are they much better? No!’
‘We
are all members of God’s family and as such
should not discriminate against anyone but accept one another in love. Lesbians and gay men will
have gifts and
insights to bring just as anyone else.
It should not impact on their ministry and as with anyone
their private
lives should be private.’
‘Regarding
ministers and local preachers I think if
they are good at spreading the gospel and providing the church members
are
comfortable with them, yes I think the Methodist Church should accept
them.’
‘Because
we are all different and have different
needs and we are all children of God.’
‘All
are equal in God’s sight and their behaviour and
life should be private to them and their families and
friends.’
‘Their
sexuality has no bearing on their religious
bearings, they should be treated the same way as
“ordinary” couples.
They should be allowed to lead their lives
as they wish, as they cannot help that a quirk of nature has made them
different from others in a sexual sense.’
‘Live
and let
live’
‘They
are human and if they do have a faith why not!’
‘I
don’t think a person’s sexuality interferes with
their abilities in anyway.’
‘Why
not! I
like women, I live with and have sex with my partner out of wedlock. All taboo all wrong
according to the
church! Does that
mean I should not be
allowed in? If
current wisdom is not to
let gays participate in ministry because we think there are passages in
the
Bible that denounce the act then we are all hypocrites!’
‘When
I consider my personal status and work I
realise that I could be working alongside someone who could be of that
connotation. People
are not
discriminated in the work placement because of their sexuality. The Methodist Church
should be embracing,
encompassing all, not putting barriers.
The Church should be welcoming for all, not discriminating
and therefore
closing doors to people. If
the Church
wants society to know that the Church is for all, that Jesus’
love is for
everyone who believes, we cannot be discriminative.’
‘The
Church needs to be outward looking in all areas
including this sensitive issue.’
‘All
should be welcomed’
‘The
church should be inclusive’
‘I
do not think we should “label” people if they are
good Christians they should be treated as equal.’
‘Well
we’re all God’s children’
‘We
are all God’s children – we are as God made us
and no one should be discriminated because of his/her
sexuality.’
‘They
have the same rights as anyone else’
‘Because
Jesus accepts everybody’
‘I
have circled yes but it is with reservations.
I would not like to be in a congregation
where the preacher’s sermon was about sexuality as I believe
this is a private
matter. When I am
ill, I don’t care if
any of the medical staff are gay when they treat me, so by the same
token I
would not object to the Sacrament from any qualified Minister whatever
their
sexuality.’