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MOTIONS FOR SYNOD 2016

Anglican Diocese of Brisbane

MOTIONS OF WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

1. The Very Revd Dr Peter Cattto move; the Seconding:The future of marriage dialogue spaces

That this Synod:

a) Recalls the Synod commitments in both 2012 (16) and 2014 (41) to ongoingdialogue and engagement with issues concerning the definitions and meanings ofmarriage in contemporary Australian society, and Synods endorsement ofdialogue spaces organised by the Anglican Church Southern Queensland Social

Responsibilities Committee (SRC) for this purpose;

b) Encourages all members of the diocese to continue to take advantage of theseopportunities to dialogue about marriage and family life both within the church andwith the wider community.

Rationale:

Definitions and meanings of marriage continue to be debated widely in the publicforum, under the impetus of a plebiscite on marriage equality proposed by the currentAustralian Government. The SRC recognises that such a proposal is likely to continueto engender wide ranging public comment, with the potential for opinions to become

increasingly polarised.

Previous resolutions of Synod have requested the SRC to facilitate opportunities forchurch members to engage with each other on what is often a complex and emotionalsubject matter. A subsequent series of talking circles in regional and metropolitanlocations has enabled members of the diocesan family to share and explore theiropinions on this issue in a safe and respectful environment. It is hoped that membersof Synod will continue to actively support this ongoing series of dialogue spaces.

2. The Revd Professor Rodney Wolff to move: The Very Revd Dr Peter Cattseconding:A resource on issues relating to human sexuality and marriage

That this Synod, in order to inform faithful consideration of contemporary issuesrelating to human sexuality and marriage, asks the Archbishop-in-Council to invite andencourage individuals who are representative of the theological diversity in this dioceseto:a) form a panel which will identify and investigate comprehensively issues relating to

human sexuality and marriage, where such issues include but are not limited toHoly Scripture, theological commentary, the law, social sciences (includingpsychology), the arts, and the sciences (including biology)

b) present a range of theological commentary on the issues considered which isrespectful and which is accessible to lay readership; and

c) furnish a resource, as described in part (b) above, at the 2017 meeting of Synod,with a view to making the resource widely available throughout the diocese shortlythereafter.

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Rationale

1. The intention of this motion is not to produce a position statement or statementsaffirming the nature of marriage or making declarations on any matters of humansexuality, either explicitly or implicitly.

2. Through this motion, it is sought to support and socialise serious theologicalreflection on matters of human sexuality, and on the definition and meaning ofmarriage, in ways which are comprehensively informed and are respectful of therange of theological views within the diocese.

3. Through this motion, it is further sought to provide a resource which has integrityand which is accessible to those who are not specialists in theology or otherpertinent technical fields.

4. It is recognised that Holy Scripture, in being normative for faith, is the centralfocusing point for these matters. Through this motion, it is sought to acknowledgethat focusing role of Holy Scripture, not only in providing primary content, but alsoin being the lens through which to view secular content.

5. Through this motion, it is sought to provide specialist input, accompanied by a

range of theological commentary, which enables the churchs engagement onthese issues to be better informed and more respectful. In doing so, the intentionis to bring together the diversity of theological standpoints in the common contextof secular issues, and to diffuse unhelpful adversarial debate.

Background

1. There are diverse views within ACSQ over human sexuality and marriage. Theviews are informed by Spirit-led faith, inspiration, attention to Scripture, andtheological reflection.

2. The Social Responsibilities Committee is actively engaging with issues of humansexuality and marriage in its research, dialogue, and advocacy.

3. Secular views on human sexuality, marriage, and long-term couple relationshipscan be difficult for members of the church, in the challenge of engaging withtechnical issues and discourse which do not align with traditional discourse withinthe church.

4. Debates over human sexuality and marriage are well-rehearsed: the promulgationof arguments and their rebuttals entrenches positions. Many arguments focusentirely on biblical content, and fail to bring Holy Scripture to bear on secularviews.

5. A plebiscite on marriage equality is proposed by the current AustralianGovernment. There is thus the possibility of subsequent legislative changes;likewise if there is a change of government at the next election. ACSQ needs tomaintain and deepen its engagement with these matters.

6. It is not anticipated that this task will be very onerous, as much material is readilyaccessible. The main task will be in bringing material together and compilingsome succinct theological reflections.

3. The Very Revd Dr Peter Catt to move; seconding:General Synod Resolution on Church Unity

That this Synod:a) notes resolution 52/14 of the General Synod;b) commits itself to fulfil to the best of its ability the expectations described in the

paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of General Synod Resolution 52/14, namely:i) the dioceses of this Church look to each other to spend time with openness

and patience to listen pray and study together in order to discern the will ofGod for this Church and its people as we seek to be led by the Holy Spirit

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