The Select Committee on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief presented its report to General Synod this morning. The report was proposed by Dean John Mann (Connor) who outlined the work undertaken by the committee since last year which have been in two broad areas.

The first area has focused on producing a substantial document which the committee hopes will become the touchstone for the further conversations in the Church of Ireland on issues relating to same sex attraction in a Christian fellowship. The second was a discrete piece of work carried out in the autumn of 2014 whereby members of the Church of Ireland were invited to speak to representatives of the committee on these very issues.

Dean Mann said that the ‘Guide’ to the ongoing conversations within the Church of Ireland is close to completion and is expected to be available for the projected launch at the beginning of October, both in Belfast and Dublin. It contains some material that is generated by the whole committee, specific articles written by individuals for incorporation in the Guide for our assistance, and numerous references to other pieces of work that should be a helpful resource to all who are interested in furthering their understanding of this important matter.

He explained that there was to be a much briefer summary leaflet with a short study programme that will be made as user friendly as we can achieve to help parish groups and others engage with the issues. It will reference parts of the full guide and the committee hopes that it may stimulate response.

The second piece of work undertaken by the Select Committee has been to establish a formal listening process, whereby individuals and groups are able to contribute from personal testimony to the common understanding of the Church of Ireland, as it seeks to hear of the experiences of those attracted to members of their own sex and living within the Church, either currently or in the past.

“Can I emphasise once again the complexity of the work in which the Select Committee is involved; the ongoing spirit of respect and love with which opinions are shared, whilst appreciating too the robust views being offered with integrity, as all seek to contribute from a common basis of commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, through faith in his redeeming power, and confidence in his risen life and active presence in the Church which is his body,” Dean Mann said.

Speaking to the report the following points were made by members:
• Concern was expressed at clerical colleagues seeking to redefine marriage which was not just redefining a social institution but redefining God. Synod was urged to serve God and not man and to see all discussions around sexuality as missional.
• It was felt that young people were ignoring Holy Matrimony. Also it was felt that while people of the same sex could have their union blessed but using Holy Matrimony would dilute matrimony.
• Archbishop Richard Clarke pointed out that when we talk about the referendum in the Republic, we are talking about a State marriage but the Church has its own teaching on marriage.
• The upcoming referendum is a civil marriage rather than a church marriage. We all pay the same taxes and we should all be given the same dignity by the State and what the church does after that is up to it.
• Concern was expressed about the redefinition of marriage.
• The work of the committee was commended and it was hoped that the work would move conversations in the Church of Ireland forward. There were some concerns expressed including that failure of the committee to included any LGBT members. Synod was urged to consider coopting LGBT members if suitable numbers cannot be found on Synod. Bishops and clergy who had supported a Yes vote were thanked for their actions.
• The committee was thanked for their work and but it was felt that people who had supported same sex marriage had acted outside the inherited tradition of marriage. Their actions have caused division and hurt. We are brothers and sisters before God and we must act to change the church’s teachings before God as family and we must hold those teachings until they are changed here as family before God. We are church and not society.
• Two questions for the committee – in the last 18 months have they found any stories in Scripture and in Christian tradition that promote same sex marriage and could they share them with members.
• Pleased to see that in Ireland people of Ireland hold to the teaching of the Bible.

Responding to the points made Dean Mann reminded Synod members of the remit of the select committee to enable the listening and dialogue process of all issues of surrounding the issues of human sexuality in the context of Christian belief to continue. Regarding the lack of LGBT membership of the committee he said this was one of the main reasons the committee formed the advisory panel.

The report’s seconder Mrs Helen McClennaghan said she believed that through their consultations and meetings the committee believed they had encapsulated all views. The committee is to bring forward best practice for prayerful consideration.

The report was received by Synod and Archbishop Richard Clarke thanked all contributors for their courtesy during the discussion. He also thanked the committee for all their work.

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