Sexuality Study Guide - Paper on Social Justice
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/official1379
- Date
- 1985 September
- Source
- House of Bishops Minutes
- Type
- Resolution 16-9-85
- Mover
- Bishop Bothwell
- Seconder
- Bishop Sperry
- Prologue
- Dr. J. Reed reviewed the present situation, reminding the Bishops that the Report was prepared by a Committee of the National Executive Council to which body it will be presented in November, 1985.
- Dr. Reed invited the members of the House to make recommendations regarding possible changes and actions. He said that the Paper which he wrote is factual while Mrs. Phyllis Creighton's Paper deals with social justice. Dr. Reed reviewed his Paper, and invited comments and suggestions. He said that he would be pleased to make revisions in the light of the Bishops' reflections.
- There was discussion on the statement of the Archbishop of Canterbury who said that he regards the homosexual person as a handicapped person who has gifts which need to be recognized and used within the Christian community. Dr. Reed noted that page seven regarding origins of sexual orientation touches upon this area of concern.
- The Bishops recognized that this is a very complex subject, and thanked Dr. Reed for his useful Paper. It was recognized that there is a great deal which is, at present, unknown about the condition. Dr. Reed said that treatment and healing are very complicated and it is essential to determine what sort of help people are seeking. Dr. Reed said that there is undebatable evidence that some people are able to change their sexual orientation, but the specialists are not clear about what the nature of that healing is.
- Dr. Reed stressed that the important issue is what the Church is going to decide about discipline. He stressed that guidelines for ethical behaviour are the same for all.
- The Primate reminded the House that the Church's model has traditionally been one of responsible relationships within marriage of a man and a woman. He said that we must recognize that there is no strong evidence as to whether homosexuality is cultural or genetic in origin.
- There was agreement that Dr. Reed's Paper should be included in the study material, and it was agreed that suggested revisions should be conveyed to Dr. Reed. Dr. Reed recommended that the introductory section should be expanded and the Bishops agreed that Dr. Reed should proceed with the elaboration.
- Text of motion
- That Phyllis Creighton be asked to re-write her paper to deal only with the social justice issues, in the light of the acceptance of Dr. Reed's paper. The present Task Force be augmented to deal with the Paper prior to the November, 1985 meeting of the National Executive Council. CARRIED #16-9-85
- Subjects
- Homosexuality - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Sex - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Reed, James (Ernest James), 1939-2001
- Creighton, Phyllis (Phyllis Joyce Manning)