Questionnaire 2: Question 12 - Responses

‘I refer you to the writing I submitted to the Pilgrimage of Faith working party, and which I have previously e-mailed to you. (See here for letter)’

‘I’m beyond the stage of particularly caring. I would enter into a civil partnership (if I was anywhere near that stage which I’m not!!) without negotiating with the church.

               I increasingly don’t care what happens to the institutional Methodist Church. I am more concerned about God’s world and all of God’s people.’

 'lf, I was called to be a Minister as I am, not because I am gay, but because I am called. My sexuality has never been the reason for my work. However, for others my sexuality has been a bar to being a ‘good’ minister as long as I expressed a desire to be actively sexual, and seek a relationship.

I have found that the Bible has been used as a tool to repress gays, lesbians and bisexuals not through outright condemnation but more subtly, as I indicated above.

I note that this year Conference discussed the pilgrimage and prior to the debate asked for contributions. I wrote to ask where the pilgrimage had been. There has been no journey in any direction. I am sceptical of what will come to next year’s Conference.’

‘Some have initially voiced concern over my being a child protection officer and being gay as this was seen to be a matter of conflict – I wholeheartedly disagree.  This annoyed me – but has been resolved.’

‘Of the major Christian denominations in this country the Methodist Church is, on the whole, the most accepting and the closest to offering any real positive affirmation of the ministry of gay men and lesbians.  Granted there is a long way to go, but the journey is at least started.

I have the privilege of knowing about a good number of people who after coming out have had more support and encouragement than repression and discrimination, both as lay members of the church and in the ministry.  At a time when other major denominations are either still issuing notices condemning homosexuality or are struggling so desperately with rampant and hateful abuse and division the Methodist Church, now well on it’s way down this path, is a very comforting place to be.

It is not yet free of that repression and discrimination, by some way, but it has at least put in place the mechanism (in Pilgrimage of Faith) for it’s removal.’

‘Only that when a minister occasionally mentions gay people (in passing mind?) how uplifting it feels, but it is only ever rarely dared touched upon.  Never the impression given that homosexuals are to be wholly accepted.’

'I believe those who want greater acceptance and justice for gays and lesbians are on the winning side, and that attitudes in society are changing and this will be reflected in the church.  As with position of women, however the church will follow rather than lead.’

‘I could not have coped to this point without the support of retreat centres and counselling at our local Christian GP’s practice, and also ***, before I realised what my problems related to.  In more recent years I’ve had a lot of support from a local Anglo-Catholic priest, so in many ways have been very fortunate, but had thought Methodism would have become more open by now.’

‘Please allow me to be myself’

‘Some older people connect homosexuality with paedophilia and feel you should not be around where children or young people are.  And some people patronise you and “keep you at arms length”.’

‘The Anglican Church seems to be heading for a split when African Bishops (who loathe Gene Robinson) insist on their brand of “purity.”  Maybe that will be a good thing.  Anti-gay feeling exists in the United Methodist Church in the USA, so perhaps something will happen by way of split in Methodism.  How sad that “unchurched” people see the church as being, in so many ways, a dinosaur, irrelevant!  Obsessed with sex and not at all in the business of SAVING SOULS.  I remain proud to be Methodist – but I’m a mere peasant, outside the firing line.  I have enormous admiration for ordained gay/lesbian ministers who have been through hell when known to be gay.  At long last, in my old age, I’m convinced that LGBT people who are in the church have got to have the courage to be seen and heard – even if it’s a slow and gradual process – if we/they are (ever!?) to be accepted.  Ignorance breeds suspicion and prejudice, and soon lead to bigotry.  Most LGBT aren’t nasty horrible harmful monsters (anymore than their hetero counterparts are!)  People who get to know LGBT people begin to be more mellow and accepting.  Gays can’t/mustn’t leave it to heteros to fight their battles for them, although many heteros are wonderfully gay friendly.’

‘We have made enormous progress since 1993 but need to continue the momentum, perhaps by forming an association of “liberal” churches.  My sexuality is a gift from God as is my call to preach.’

‘1. I greatly resent people who apply Clause 4 of the Derby resolutions to LGBT, and not to young straight people who have sex before marriage or cohabit, and I have more respect for those who require chastity for all outside marriage.   2. The Derby declaration for candidates has prevented me from engaging in an open and free discernment of my ministry, as my own understanding of it means that I am not willing to sign it. (I respect those LGBT candidates who have felt able to do so.)’

‘Just a hope that the church will recognise Civil Partnerships and adoption of children by gay parents as part of its own life.  My sexuality is not a problem for me and I will challenge the church when necessary.’

‘When will the church recognise its role to lead society on issues of love, justice etc. rather than be dragged 50 years behind the secular world.’

‘As a Christian and within the Methodist Church I cannot say that living in a gay lifestyle (practising – although from time to time it does happen to me) is right in God’s sight, therefore despite what I am told or read I do feel guilt from time to time.’

‘I have no problem being a practising homosexual and a church member.  Educated folk know homosexuality is a natural condition, is not a disease, cannot be “cured”.  I head a statement at this years *** carol service that sums the situation up, “I am sure that if Christ were here tonight he would approve of what is going on.”  In my opinion it is time the Christian (indeed any faith) Church in general and Methodist Church in particular got off the fence and made full and clear statements of acceptability.  1. Bisexual, homosexual and lesbian people are equal in the eyes of God.  2. Sexuality is a natural phenomena, expressions of sexuality, no matter how expressed; words, actions, deeds, is equal between two partners.  3. Bisexual, homosexual, lesbian people should be welcome in any position in the church whether out/not out, single, living with a partner, married or not.’

‘There is little doubt that my sexuality bars me from enjoying full fellowship in the church at this stage in my life: up to about 35 I was fully accepted. Then, as it became apparent I would not be marrying, I slowly felt myself 'out on a limb' in church circles, those my own age with children formed their own social cell as it were. I now anticipate old age so I can join the widowers/widows and as a single man feel at home again!!’