Questionnaire 2: Question 8 - Yes Responses

‘I certainly feel there has been an improvement in attitudes to homosexuals etc. in recent years.’

‘It has helped me come out as a gay man, and as a minister who happens to be gay I “came out” from the rostrum at the 2005 Conference, and have only received support as a result.  I have not had any hate mail or homophobic abuse.  It was one of the best things I have ever done.’

‘Whilst no longer a member of the Methodist Church, I am still in regular contact with friends and family who are still in regular attendance, and the way they speak, general congregation attitudes have changed for the positive (more acceptable) in the past couple of years.’

‘In the main I have had a positive and constructive experience particularly with ministers when they have discovered my sexuality.’

‘In the main I think the church nationally has come to a better place because of it.  The official line is much modified as a result of that, and other debates.  Whether it has fundamentally altered the view of the general congregation of the churches on the ground is a different matter altogether and there is much work yet to be done at that level.

It is one thing for Conference to state something but quite another for that to be fully accepted and enacted by the membership at large.  Whilst it is clear that the church as a single entity acknowledges and upholds the rights and dignities of all people, irrespective of sexuality, there are many individual members who do not and use their Christian faith as a means to oppress such people, even to this day.

I mentioned above the other part of resolution six, namely the “celebration of the ministry of lesbians and gay men within the Church”.  This is something yet to be fully explored or acted upon.  If it were taken as simply put it would suggest that there should be no barrier to openly gay and lesbian people holding office as Presbyter or Deacon within the Methodist Church.  Whist there are lesbians and gay men in both ministries their full acceptance and celebration remains, sadly, an unachieved aim.’

‘Yes, because at least it has aired the subject, rather than keep the lid on it and allow it to boil and fester.  But the sad impression I am left with is that a lot of secular-minded non church going people are more gay-friendly than many who are church members.  But opinion is still polarized in the Methodist Church although there is perhaps more politeness that there used to be in the expression of these contrasting views.  There are those who are happy to have Local Preachers in gay relationships and ministers in gay partnerships ministering to them, whilst there are others who would become ? at the prospect – probably completely ignorant as to how many gays/lesbians are in such positions but keep “it” quiet.  I am one of the people who believe that a lot of the anti-gay/lesbian “feeling” in the church is not really about sexual orientation at all but about what is Biblical Truth.  Some believe the Bible is a Rule Book (even though it’s contradictory and even some of the most conservative-minded Methodists choose to ignore lots of bits of what it says):  others believe the Bible to be like a growing tree, producing new growth day by day, relevant as we move from now into the future.  We – the latter – believe the Bible was written for the people of the time and not intended to be applied with brutally literal interpretation throughout future centuries.  Sadly, I believe some Christians believe liberal, radical thinking people “have got it wrong” and aren’t really wanted in their church.  (A lot pf the power behind this approach comes from the USA where a lot of money is available to support it.)’

‘In a limited way opinion has moved forward but the atmosphere is still difficult for clergy, deacons, etc’

‘It gave a way for the issue to be re-addressed in a non-confrontational way, which has allowed some people to change their opinions.  This in itself means that some people are better informed and less oppressive in their behaviors.  It is only a staging post however, and the Methodist Church as a whole needs to face up to the extent of its oppression.’

‘At least some of the issues are now being talked through much more widely within the church and secular society.’

‘Most are entrenched in their opinions and the evangelical wing of Methodism has been harsh in its comments.  It is still not possible for gay and lesbian people to hold office while living in full same-sex partnerships.’

‘Possibly?  Because there is more openness and possible acceptance.’

‘Limited. I think it has in the sense that some LGB people within the Church have had their stories heard and validated by Conference.  However, I do not think the PoF has been focused on combating repression and discrimination.  It has been focused on seeking a compromise.’