Questionnaire 1: Question 8 Summary

Of the 69 responses 27 had had experience of homosexual people in the Methodist Church, whilst 39 had not had any experience, 2 people said they could not answer because how were they to know if people were homosexual, 1 person said they had no experience only suspicions.

It seems that most people referred to one particular situation of experience, it appears that the circuit had a gay man in the 1980s, and many remember that.  There were many who commented that this person was a good preacher, and was very good at pastoral care, many saying they were good friends with him.  Some said that his sexuality made no difference to them.  Some said upon learning about his sexuality they had concerns because he had worked with children, although one person did comment that this concern should be for all who work with children.

Some commented that there was a discord about his sexuality; others said they thought it was not a major issue to people.  One person commented that the only impact on his ministry was the attitude of others towards him.  Others said that he had to leave due to ill feeling and negativity about him, and that he was made to leave.  One person who was 12/13 at the time said it did look as though he was pushed out because he ‘came out.’  One person said they were quite shocked that he could be so openly gay.  

One person commented that a gay person committed an ‘offence.’  One person said that there were gay men in the concert parties and they were nice people to know.  One person said that a Boys’ Brigade officer was found to be gay and tried to ‘pass on his weakness to young boys’ and that he then resigned.  One person said that their experience made them feel ‘distracted and uncomfortable’ and another that it ‘proved very divisive.’  One person commented about two people who had a good preaching ministry and are liked by many people, the same person commented about one minister who’s wife left him for a woman.

There were several people who recognised that they wouldn’t necessarily know if they’d had experience of homosexual people within Methodism.