| We welcome the publication by the Baptist
Union of the study guide Making Moral Choices and trust that congregations will take time to address the issues in the
guide prayerfully and with due consideration.
We respect those who, though holding different views, are willing
to listen and engage constructively in discussions.
We also seek to avoid the sort of lurid media spin that
delights in division and controversy, and depicts the church condemning rather than seeking to save.
People who
disagree with us must feel included in the debate.
Statement of Affirmation
We affirm that Jesus’
saving grace extends to all people and that this includes lesbians, gay men and members of other sexual minorities.
We believe that ‘human sexuality in all its richness is a gift from God gladly to be accepted, enjoyed and
honoured as a way of both expressing and growing in love, in accordance with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.’
We wish to recognise and affirm those who believe that it is compatible with the Christian faith not only to
love another adult of the same sex, but also to express that love fully in a mutual, faithful sexual relationship.
We acknowledge that this is not the view of all Christians, and are conscious of Jesus’ prayer
(John 17 vv 20-23) that we should seek to be at one with each other.
We believe that it is consistent with our
understanding of the priesthood of all believers that each Christian should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
through prayer, study and in fellowship with the Church, in using God’s gift of their sexuality responsibly.
Members of the network seek that:
all Christians should aim to be honest with
themselves about
their sexuality;
those with personal concerns should be
given support and
safe space to seek God’s will for them;
vulnerable
people should be protected from inappropriate
counselling.
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