Dear Stephen and Lynn,
I have thought really hard before deciding to write to you in response to the recent statement from the BUGB Council regarding Same Sex Marriage (SSM). I recognise the incredible challenge that you have faced as you sought to listen to diverse voices and endeavour to find a place that is broadly acceptable at this time. I do not sense that this is a "settled position" and to be honest will be disappointed if it is, not because of my own understandings on the matter, but because it feels both untidy and unhelpful. I am a minister accredited by BUGB who saw in the decision presented in May 2014, a truly Baptist position, allowing each local church to make its own decision – now it is urging them not to exercise that freedom out of respect for those churches who might choose to leave the Union if they did (or that's how I read it anyway). What follows are my thoughts (not those of my congregation, who have not had opportunity to discuss this) for which I take full responsibility.
As part of an issue of Baptists Together magazine focussing on Covenant, an article was published within which were these words:
"As ordained ministers, we find our names on list of those who are in covenant relationship with the Baptist Union (or Unions in my case) that accredits us to serve their churches. For me, this too is really important: not only do I take seriously my ordination vows, I also recognise a commitment to accept the discipline of the Union(s). This is healthy and it is challenging! The second clause of the Declaration of Principle asserts that each local congregation is at liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer Christ’s laws. Diversity, difference and even disagreement are possible, even, dare I say, desirable, within a covenanted relationship; my own discipleship and ministry has been greatly enriched by sharing with ministers whose theology and spirituality differs significantly from my own. One of my favourite Biblical metaphors for the church is Paul’s use of the human body in all its diversity, yet, within it, each part is vital and valued for what it is. For me, covenant delights in diversity, recognising the potential enrichment it offers each participant, and generating new insights into what it means to live as Christ’s disciples, whether that is within the local congregation or more widely at cluster, Association or Union level."
I applaud those words. I delight in the diversity within our Union and accept those parts of that diversity that would seek to silence my voice because of my chromosomal makeup, or because my body has been "mutilated" by cancer treatment, or because I am single (and yes, I have heard all of those). So it saddens me very deeply that, as a Union we are "humbly urge(ing)" churches that feel led of God to offer SSM to couples in stable, faithful relationships to abstain from so-doing. Not only is this unjust, and inconsistent (no equivalent urging seems to arise in relation to the gender of ministers) it is, in my view un-Baptist, based on the Declaration of Principle.
I could, but have chosen not to, share with you my own long journey from an "accepting" position (i.e. based on celibacy) to an "affirming" position (of stable, faithful relationships) for those within our churches who discover that they were "born gay". I could also share with you the stories of those in each of the congregations I've served both as a student and a minister who are gay, some openly, others who have told me quietly and in private, some in relationships, others celibate, but I choose not to as I have not sought their permission. I am proud of the gay people in my current church – proud that they are there, and humbled by their gracious support for me as I walk the tight-rope of my covenant with the Union. As one of them said in response to the announcement, so do I: "I'm not going anywhere". I am committed to staying in the Union and I will seek to remain in relationship with those whose views differ from my own. However, being part of a congregation "at liberty under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to interpret and administer Christ's Law" I also humbly choose to honour the Covenant I share with them.
In closing, I want to restate my gratitude to you for all you have done to achieve what you have, and I certainly realise it could have been far "worse" all round. I continue to uphold you, and the Union, in my prayers in these challenging times.
God's blessing on you this Eastertide and always.
I have thought really hard before deciding to write to you in response to the recent statement from the BUGB Council regarding Same Sex Marriage (SSM). I recognise the incredible challenge that you have faced as you sought to listen to diverse voices and endeavour to find a place that is broadly acceptable at this time. I do not sense that this is a "settled position" and to be honest will be disappointed if it is, not because of my own understandings on the matter, but because it feels both untidy and unhelpful. I am a minister accredited by BUGB who saw in the decision presented in May 2014, a truly Baptist position, allowing each local church to make its own decision – now it is urging them not to exercise that freedom out of respect for those churches who might choose to leave the Union if they did (or that's how I read it anyway). What follows are my thoughts (not those of my congregation, who have not had opportunity to discuss this) for which I take full responsibility.
As part of an issue of Baptists Together magazine focussing on Covenant, an article was published within which were these words:
"As ordained ministers, we find our names on list of those who are in covenant relationship with the Baptist Union (or Unions in my case) that accredits us to serve their churches. For me, this too is really important: not only do I take seriously my ordination vows, I also recognise a commitment to accept the discipline of the Union(s). This is healthy and it is challenging! The second clause of the Declaration of Principle asserts that each local congregation is at liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer Christ’s laws. Diversity, difference and even disagreement are possible, even, dare I say, desirable, within a covenanted relationship; my own discipleship and ministry has been greatly enriched by sharing with ministers whose theology and spirituality differs significantly from my own. One of my favourite Biblical metaphors for the church is Paul’s use of the human body in all its diversity, yet, within it, each part is vital and valued for what it is. For me, covenant delights in diversity, recognising the potential enrichment it offers each participant, and generating new insights into what it means to live as Christ’s disciples, whether that is within the local congregation or more widely at cluster, Association or Union level."
I applaud those words. I delight in the diversity within our Union and accept those parts of that diversity that would seek to silence my voice because of my chromosomal makeup, or because my body has been "mutilated" by cancer treatment, or because I am single (and yes, I have heard all of those). So it saddens me very deeply that, as a Union we are "humbly urge(ing)" churches that feel led of God to offer SSM to couples in stable, faithful relationships to abstain from so-doing. Not only is this unjust, and inconsistent (no equivalent urging seems to arise in relation to the gender of ministers) it is, in my view un-Baptist, based on the Declaration of Principle.
I could, but have chosen not to, share with you my own long journey from an "accepting" position (i.e. based on celibacy) to an "affirming" position (of stable, faithful relationships) for those within our churches who discover that they were "born gay". I could also share with you the stories of those in each of the congregations I've served both as a student and a minister who are gay, some openly, others who have told me quietly and in private, some in relationships, others celibate, but I choose not to as I have not sought their permission. I am proud of the gay people in my current church – proud that they are there, and humbled by their gracious support for me as I walk the tight-rope of my covenant with the Union. As one of them said in response to the announcement, so do I: "I'm not going anywhere". I am committed to staying in the Union and I will seek to remain in relationship with those whose views differ from my own. However, being part of a congregation "at liberty under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to interpret and administer Christ's Law" I also humbly choose to honour the Covenant I share with them.
In closing, I want to restate my gratitude to you for all you have done to achieve what you have, and I certainly realise it could have been far "worse" all round. I continue to uphold you, and the Union, in my prayers in these challenging times.
God's blessing on you this Eastertide and always.
RSS Feed
