2002 World Conference Legislation

G-7 Homosexuality

From British Columbia District:

Whereas, Homosexuals have historically represented a statistically significant portion of the world’s populations and homosexuality continues to be a fact of life for many; and

Whereas, The church has declared itself to be an inclusive, non-discriminatory community where all can seek acceptance and equality and have the expectation of just and fair treatment as well as the opportunity of full participation; and

Whereas, The church’s current policy toward homosexuality and homosexuals is outdated and potentially discriminatory; and

Whereas, The church is called to minister to and engage in the ministry of a diversity of persons, cultures, and lifestyles, without regard to race, color, gender, or sexual orientation; and

Whereas, The process of democratic approval of priesthood calls allows for cultural diversity on this issue to be respected; be it therefore

Resolved, That the church set aside the document on homosexuality dated March 1982 and adopt a policy, either written or unwritten, that will permit the full participation of homosexual persons in the life of the church, including, without limitation, the option to join same-sex couples in marriage, where local laws permit, and to ordain homosexual persons who give evidence of living a moral lifestyle under the same criteria applied to heterosexuals and who are living or committed to live in monogamous, long-term relationships.