Congregational Council
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Written by the Congregational Council, January 18, 2010
- After devoting some space and time to reading, studying, and discussing the issues surrounding the social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” and the Resolutions adopted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to implement aspects of it, which some but certainly not all among us have participated in, this Council continues to recognize that we are a diverse congregation bringing different life experiences, different perspectives, and different understandings of the Biblical witness to the table as we consider these issues regarding especially how to respond to monogamous, committed, same-gender relationships.
- In light of this diversity, we commit ourselves to continuing conversation, prayer, and study of these issues and will not in the meantime exercise the option (not mandate) available to us in Resolution 1 of choosing “to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” The congregation, if it chooses to do so at a regularly scheduled meeting, may decide to act differently on this concern in the future.
- We will seek, with the help of God’s Spirit, to continue bearing one another’s burdens, loving the neighbor, and respecting the bound consciences of all as we move forward in faith, yearning to be and do God’s Mission among us and through us.
- Most of all, we are committed to keeping God’s Mission of blessing, saving, healing, reconciling, and setting free the whole creation, central in our life together in all that we say and do as a people of God.
We refer you to our two previous statements dated September 28, 2009 and October 27, 2009 (available on our website and from the church office) for a further discussion of these matters and for a listing of additional resources to assist in our continuing conversation, prayer, and study.
Bill Martin
Warren Burda
Cindi Michalski
Janelle Conaway
Kristen Nate
Pat Stewart
Jim Grunow, Pastor