Questionnaire 1: Question 7 Summary

26 people believed that the Methodist Church did welcome homosexuals, 18 believed it didn’t, 18 were unsure and 7 did not answer this question.

Of the ‘yes’ respondents several said it was because Methodism welcomes all people.  There were a few that commented Methodism had ordained and allowed gay men and lesbians into the ministry, and another stating that ‘there are such members’, whilst one other commenting ‘yes, but not in positions of authority.’  One comment said that the church is ‘open to all for friendship and support’, another saying that they are welcomed but their sexuality should be kept only amongst their friends.  Another comment stated that you should not turn anyone away.  One response said that their answer was based on hope, and another who recognised that there could be problems at local level.  One person did state that they felt the church does welcome them, but should not accept their practise.

Of those who said no the main reason was that they believed the church has mixed responses to homosexual people, and there are still those who do not accept homosexual people, one commenting that people are uncomfortable with anyone who is different, another saying they found parts of the Methodist Church very unwelcoming to people who do not fit in.  One person believed that they had not had to welcome gay people or lesbians.  One person commented that they do not fit into the Methodist Church’s concept of family, and there was a comment that elderly congregations would not welcome this.  One person said it was because of outdated reasoning.  One said ‘I hope not.’

There were two recollections of stories to support their answer, one said they had witnessed prejudice towards a gay lay preacher, and another had heard two gentlemen in a Methodist Church, one saying they could be trained to be different in childhood, whilst another said they should be shot.

Of those who were unsure or did not answer, some found that it did welcome them and were not happy about that, believing that they shouldn’t be welcomed.  Others felt that people were welcomed but their sexuality was not noticed or recognised.  Many said that they had no knowledge or reference to base their answer on and therefore could not answer; some said that the Methodist Church had not had to welcome them.  One person said that they felt it was not seen as being welcoming, commenting that the pro argument is never put forward in public debate.