During the business of the Council of Social Responsibility we had a discussion on the issue of homosexuality (it was in relation to a declaration against homophobia). It was pointed out that we spent a long time on this issue while only giving a mention to some other important issues. A couple of thoughts!
Some big issues don't need a lot of debate because we are all in agreement. The length of debate is not the only indicator of the importance of an issue. It may simply be a sign of disagreement on an issue.
Secondly, the issue of homosexuality is actually a massive issue. I want to defend the time given to this discussion. This is a massive issue that merits serious thought where there is disagreement. Whether you are a traditionalist or a liberal we can agree should agree this is a big issue. After all this is not just about sex. It is about correctly interpreting the Word of God, advising people in what is good or bad for them, and guiding people in how to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Thirdly, as I have said before, this is not an issue that we should agree to disagree on. Our unity would not be very God-honouring if it is at the expense of seeking the truth on issues that are of such great importance.
2 comments:
On the one hand I would agree with you that sexuality is a huge issue. However, we do need to be proportionate, and one of the problems of a condensed conference agenda is that increasingly timings and therefore outwards perceptions can be that we are more interested in the things that divide us than many of the things that we are united on, and I think that future generations may be extremely frustrated that we spent a disproportionate time on such things, whilst ignoring the discussion of practical steps we could be taking (and are not) to REALLY address global poverty and environmental degradation.
Thanks Virtual Methodist:
I take your point
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