It was a tough job: presenting an orthodox view on sexuality, and especially homosexuality, to a denominational committee which had been set up in such a way that a less-than-orthodox conclusion was almost a foregone conclusion (more on that later). Before dealing with homosexuality it was necessary to go back to basics and discuss theology – the nature of God Read More
Traditionally, civil marriage has been defined as being for a man and a woman. But some want that changed to enable two people of the same sex to marry. Civil unions and registered relationships are also possibilities for people of the same sex. This paper discusses the Biblical, social and legal aspects of the debate about same-sex unions in the light of legal proposals within the Australian state, territory and federal legislatures. Read More
Marriage is of critical importance as a social institution. Not everyone will marry but everyone is the child of a relationship between two people of the opposite sex. While the primary responsibility for the health and strength of individual lives and for marriage and family relationships does not lie with legislators, nonetheless lives and relationships can be helped, protected and enhanced by appropriate legislation. Read More
As a result of certain decisions about sexuality and homosexuality the Uniting Church in Australia has effectively approved a situation where members and councils can hold diametrically opposing views. This raises the question as to whether a church can hold to a diversity of views, including the approval of same-sex unions, while, at the same time, maintaining the unity and orthodoxy of the church. Read More
Of the many public dialogues, conferences and debates on homosexuality in the life of the church in which I have participated, the most helpful was one where I engaged in dialogue with David, an active homosexual minister in the Uniting Church. It was particularly helpful because we pre-arranged the dialogue, and, As well as sharing in advance the best and most positive arguments that we wanted to make (so that the other could prepare to comment on them) we were also determined to ask ourselves the much harder question about the weaknesses we perceived in our own positions. Where did we think our argument was weakest? Read More
Christians and homosexuality
By Brian Edgar