Questionnaire 1: Question 9 - Yes Responses

‘Because if two people want to make a commitment to each other, they should be allowed the same freedom as everyone else.’

‘For fear of being too “up for” everything, yes, as this gives same-sex couples the chance to show friends, family and other congregation members their love, affection for each other.’

‘I am almost in two minds concerning this.  If the two people like each other and want to be together, then there is probably no harm in blessing and supporting partnerships.  However my natural response is that due to the illogical biological sense of such a partnership – that it will die out i.e. cannot produce children (except by science).  I do believe it is NOT the way that nature (and God?) intended for humankind.  Yet humanly speaking with all our weaknesses (and other sins) then yes.’

‘We are all God’s children and equal’

‘Because they love each other the same as we do’

‘God loves each one of us and I believe whatever your sexuality God would bless you.’

‘Because it has been proved time after time that very often same sex unions can last just as long, if not longer, that ordinary marriages.’

‘It is time to move forward and move with the times welcoming everyone as Jesus taught us.’

‘Because I believe that such relationships need to be openly recognised’

‘The church should bless everyone, and as a Christian I welcome everyone, but the Methodist Church has a responsibility which it delegates to local church council to have a “Safe from harm” policy.’

‘The church should bless everyone’

‘The Methodist Church has an opportunity to enter the 21^st century by accepting and blessing such unions.  I realise that this might not be acceptable to a lot of our “die-hard” congregations but we cannot say in the 18^th century for ever.’

‘Why not!  If they choose that way of life who are we to tell them what to do.’

‘It’s an age old problem and will be with us if we recognise it or not’

‘I feel people should be able to live their lives as they wish’

‘Personal view:  the entire of our faith is based on love.  If two people love each other it should be celebrated and acknowledged.  I hear a lot about God created Adam and Eve, not “Adam and Steve”.  To this I have to laugh.  First the story of creation was a poem written by “man” to explain and try to understand where he came from.  Through science we have shown the earth and development of humankind did not happen like this.  Secondly assuming it was correct you need male and female for the ability to reproduce, that does not mean that you need male and female to have a loving relationship.’

‘Subject to ministerial/church scrutiny’

‘I do not think anyone should be stopped from making a commitment in the eyes of the Christian faith.’

‘They should have the same rights as anyone else’