16.11.2016
Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief – Conversations in Dublin & Glendalough
Preparations are underway in Dublin and Glendalough to begin the process of listening, talking and learning about issues relating to human sexuality in the context of Christian belief. A number of groups in the dioceses are set to meet and parishes are also being encouraged to use material produced by the Select Committee on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief.
The Select Committee on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief was established in May 2013 following a resolution of the 2012 General Synod. The Select Committee’s remit is to enable a listening, dialogue and learning process within the Church of Ireland to continue on all issues concerning human sexuality in the context of Christian belief.
In May of this year the committee launched its Guide to the Conversation – a new resource designed to assist members of the Church in the ongoing process of listening, learning and dialogue on the issue. The Guide outlines the process to date along with contextual essays and contributions from different viewpoints.
This has been followed recently by the publication and distribution to all clergy of a study guide with three modules. These modules present an opportunity for individuals and groups to engage in discussion, study, reflection and prayer on some of the issues and passages of scripture which are relevant to the wider understanding of human sexuality and in particular, homosexuality.
Under the direction of the Archdeacon of Glendalough an implementation group comprising the Archdeacon of Dublin, Canon Aisling Shine & Rev Stephen Farrell in consultation with the Archbishop have met to consider the best way our United Dioceses can make a helpful response to the Select Committee following the issuing of this material.
While encouraging all parishes to use the material and to make any responses to Archdeacon Rountree, six groupings have been identified and asked to meet and make a considered response so that a range of views may be heard. These include the Mothers’ Union, Secondary Schools through our network of School Chaplains, Universities & Institutes of Technology through their chaplains, South–East Glendalough Rural Deanery, a group of parishes in west Dublin and Christ Church Cathedral.
For individual and groups meeting on this issue the following guidelines are relevant:
Read The Guide and acquaint themselves with The Three Study Modules Address one another with respect Listen graciously and cordially during discussion Respect the boundaries of personal dignity and worth Seek not to impose, confirm or change opinions Be enabled and enable fellow–participants to understand the relationship between discipleship and sexuality in the human person Seek to revive and refresh their relationship with God and neighbour in light of what they experience during the sessions
The encouragement is that all Groups undertake Session 1, reading the section: Rationale in preparation. They should then decide if they can proceed to Sessions 2 and 3 or whether they wish to undertake agreed sections of Modules 2 and 3, depending on time, inclination and sensitivities.
REPORTING The Group recommends that reporting be by on–line A4 sheet to Archdeacon Rountree. The form will have four areas of response and each response will be made in expanding boxes format The suggested format of the response–areas is: (1) What have you received and gained by listening to the discussion of these issues? (2) In what ways do you now understand and respond to any of: discipleship, Scripture, holiness in light of the material and the discussions? (3) Where do you feel the church now is in relation to areas covered in your group meeting and conversation? (4) Are there any other things you might wish to add?
It is hoped that these groups and individual parish meeting will be organised in the period up to Christmas so that they can meet in early January and report to Archdeacon Rountree before the end of January 2017. Archdeacon Rountree will then collate the response to be sent to the Select Committee.