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Moderator

From the Moderator

There is a frenzy of activity in many places in the Church at the moment. A lot has to do with the celebration of Advent and Christmas, and it is good to see and hear about creative ways many congregations make links with their communities through these weeks.

In some quarters there is also activity in response to the determination of the Judicial Commission that the current position of the Church does not exclude the assessment of the suitability and readiness of a person to study for the ministry on the grounds of sexual orientation. Some of this activity is directed to making a formal request for the calling of an Emergency meeting of the General Assembly. If and when the Book of Order requirements in this regard are met, those requests will be studied and a decision made.

Arising from earlier requests in this regard, the Council of Assembly has invited me to explore and initiate a series of committed conversations through the Church next year. I have been seeking advice on this and have received widespread (but not universal) encouragement to find ways this could happen. In the light of the normal seasonal activity and holidays, and the unresolved question about an Emergency Assembly, this process of committed conversations will be introduced early next year, taking into account the situation at that time.

Committed conversations will offer members, elders and ministers of the Church the opportunity to engage with others with different perspectives; to speak with integrity and conviction, listen with respect, and discern with faithfulness in an atmosphere of grace. They will offer the many people whose voices have not been heard very much an opportunity to speak and listen. There will be no predetermined outcome, no hidden agendas, and no debates to change the convictions of others.

In the meantime I urge you to exercise the ministry of “bearing with one another in love” (Eph.4:2). When we face matters that are not easily resolved, as leaders of the Church, we can be easily propelled into either a frenzy of anger or frustration, or a paralysis born of despair and tiredness.  When we give up trying to bend one another and simply bear with each other, some of our hardened attitudes begin to soften. We know that in our relationships with children and loved ones – that the less we try to force them and the more we accept, love and bear with them, the problems are seen in a larger context and often begin to resolve themselves.

The birth of Christ is God’s “bearing with us in love”. Let’s reflect that in our relationships as we celebrate this season. May your celebration and the new year bring you peace and joy.