July 19, 2003
Pastoral Charge Statement Re. Same Sex Unions
Also available in MS Word Format03-06-26
Friends in Christ,
Sadly, the homosexual issue is once again front and centre. The recent ruling by Ontario's Court of Appeal (bolstered by earlier rulings in BC and Quebec) raised the stakes considerably for congregations which balk at solemnizing same sex unions. Some time ago, prompted by the action of the General Council in authorizing "services of blessing", the NACC recommended language congregations might consider if they wished to make it clear to same sex couples that they would not perform such ceremonies.
Now the secular courts have removed the previous legal impediments to full-blown same sex "weddings". Be that as it may, we have legal advice that the wording provided earlier (below) remains effectual. It is offered again here because the chance of being approached to perform such a ceremony is now much higher.
Please note, the fact that national officials in the United Church have applauded the recent developments has no bearing on whatever position a United Church Pastoral Charge may wish to adopt. The fact is that the Basis of Union rules that decisions of this kind rest exclusively with the local Session or its equivalent.
If we can be helpful in this or any other matter, please get in touch.
God bless, Geoff Wilkins, NACC Chairman
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SUGGESTED WORDING
WHEREAS the 37th General Council of the United Church of Canada resolved to “affirm lesbian and gay partnership, recognize them in church documentation and services of blessing, and actively work for their civil recognition”;
AND WHEREAS the aforesaid resolution does not and cannot effect a change in the terms of the Basis of Union;
AND WHEREAS the members of _________________________ United Church as members of the United Church of Canada subscribe to and believe as a matter of faith and conscience in the terms of the Basis of Union as being a correct statement of our faith in God Almighty as revealed in Jesus Christ and believe ourselves bound both in conscience and in law to comply therewith;
AND WHEREAS the Basis of Union is stated as being the doctrine of the United Church of Canada;
AND WHEREAS the said Basis of Union provides:
Article II. Of Revelation. We believe that God has revealed Himself in nature, in history, and in the heart of man; that He has been graciously pleased to make clearer revelation of Himself to men of God who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit; and that in the fullness of time He has perfectly revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who is the brightness of the Father’s glory and the express image of His person. We receive the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, given by inspiration of God, as containing the only infallible rule of faith and life, a faithful record of God’s gracious revelations, and as the sure witness of Christ.
Article XIV. Of the Law of God. We believe that the moral law of God, summarized in the Ten Commandments, testified to by the prophets, and unfolded in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, stands for ever in truth and equity, and is not made void by faith, but on the contrary is established thereby. We believe that God requires of every man to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God; and that only through this harmony with the will of God shall be fulfilled that brotherhood of man wherein the Kingdom of God is to be made manifest.
Article XX. Of Christian Service and Final Triumph. We believe that it is our duty, as disciples and servants of Christ, to further the extension of His Kingdom, to do good unto all men, to maintain the public and private worship of God, to hallow the Lord’s Day, to preserve the inviolability of marriage and the sanctity of the family, to uphold the just authority of the State, and so to live in all honesty, purity, and charity, that our lives shall testify of Christ. We joyfully receive the word of Christ, bidding His people go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, declaring unto them that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, and that He will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. We confidently believe that by His power and grace all His enemies shall finally be overcome, and the kingdoms of this world be made the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ.
AND WHEREAS it is the faith and belief of the majority of members of the congregation of ____________________United Church that the Basis of Union and the United Church doctrine require as a matter of faith and conscience that they support the principle of fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness;
AND WHEREAS the (Session/Board/Council) of _________________________ United Church has among its duties as required by the Basis of Union 5.8.4 the obligation to “have oversight of the spiritual interests of the pastoral charge”;
AND WHEREAS the (Session/Board/Council) of __________________________ United Church has among its duties as required by the Basis of Union 5.10.1 to have oversight of “the order of public worship including the service of praise and the use of the church edifice”;
AND WHEREAS the (Session/Board/Council) of _________________________ United Church exercises and assumes all of the jurisdiction, duties, and obligations of the Session, Board of Stewards, and the Official Board of _____________________________ United Church;
AND WHEREAS the (Session/Board/Council) of _________________________ United Church is in receipt of legal opinion that the Basis of Union is the Law of the church and also the civil law of the provinces and the law of the Government of Canada, and that without a Basis of Union amendment, the General Council lacks the authority and has no legal jurisdiction to impose upon a Board a positive duty to permit, affirm, or recognize “lesbian and gay partnerships” in any form, marriage or otherwise;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, in its determination to maintain the sanctity of the family and the inviolability of marriage as a pledge and relationship between a man and a woman, the (Session/Board/Council) of _________________________ United Church does not and will not permit its minister or any other member of the staff of _________________________ United Church to arrange for, play a role in, officiate at, or take any part in any service of wedding, blessing, covenant, affirmation, or other recognition of any kind, including documentation, of a union between persons of the same gender, nor does it nor will it permit its premises to be used for such purpose or for any recognition thereof, nor will it condone such participation or use.
Posted at July 19, 2003 12:22 PM