2004 World Conference Legislation

G-12 Let Us Not Divide

From the Youth Caucus:

Whereas, The issue of homosexuality is an extremely controversial issue within the church with the potential to split the church into multiple factions; and

Whereas, By dividing the church we lose that unity that we strive for, the unity that assists us as a church to live out our mission to “Proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace,” in our global community; and

Whereas, It is not wisdom to bring forth and push an issue such as the homosexuality resolutions currently before the Conference without a great deal of time, prayer, and education on these topics so that the church as a whole can learn and pray about the divisive effects of these and other similar types of resolutions; and

Whereas, We as the youth of the church do not wish to see our church any more divided and would like to step toward unity and acceptance within the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That this Conference allows another two years for listening circles to take place, and for the members of this church to have more time for prayerful reflection on this topic; and be it further

Resolved, That in this two-year period the Human Sexuality task force currently in place be allowed to further study the effects of passing a resolution for or against homosexuals in the priesthood in the many countries where there is church activity; and be it further

Resolved, That the aforementioned task force be allowed to continue to look for ways to reach understanding and a compromise that can protect the church’s unity and be in keeping with our mission statement, which will be reported to the next Legislative World Conference.