Logo

 

Banner Image:   About-Us-banner
Template Mode:   About Us
Icon
    Post     Tweet

242129Sexuality
Same Sex Marriage


Since the Government introduced the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in 2013, we have been listening to each other in order to discern our response as Baptists Together.
 
Our Baptist Union Council has met to engage in this discernment through a time of intense prayer, listening and discussion.  Many of you will have contributed to that process through our ‘talkingtogether’ email address.
 

Discussion Process

Council Statement


At the March 2016 Council it was clearly discerned that we should offer to our Union, in humility, the statement that is set out here. This was sent out to all churches and ministers with an accompanying letter.  An update was also given to the May 2016 Baptist Assembly.
 

Ministerial Recognition Rules - Marriage 

At the March 2022 Council, members considered a request received in a letter signed by 70 people who are part of Baptists Together, the majority of whom are ministers, to revise an example of gross misconduct of the Ministerial Recognition Rules. 
 
The specific clause (Appendix 3, Section 4.3) under consideration says: 
‘Sexual Misconduct which brings the church and ministry into disrepute. NB This specifically includes sexual intercourse and other genital sexual activity outside of marriage (as defined exclusively as between a man and a woman).’ 
 The request is that the last section in brackets is removed, which would mean that a minister who is in a same-sex marriage would no longer be committing gross misconduct and lose their accreditation. 

 
Click here for the report of Council which includes this item.

 

Mission. Marriage. Update from our Core Leadership Team

  • Our Baptists Together Core Leadership Team (CLT) met in person in June 2022 and Lynn wrote to all ministers and churches directly to share the key themes covered. Click here for the content of her letter.
  • Click here for the end of year update sent to all ministers and churches in December 2022.

Other Resources

    Post     Tweet
Talking Together - discussion process
Responding to the Same Sex Marriage Act