Overture 7

<typohead type="2">Sexual Ethics</typohead>

At PIC Newtown, Wellington, on 15 June 2004, the Presbytery of Wellington met and was constituted.

<typohead type="3">Among other things:</typohead>

It was moved, seconded and agreed that the following overture be transmitted simpliciter in the name of St Andrew's on The Terrace, to General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand to be held in Christchurch on 19 – 24 September 2004.

Whereas the research report "Attracting New Zealanders to Spiritual Life" conducted by AC Nielsen for the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa (2002) identified that judgemental and intolerant attitudes about sexual relationships are an impediment to the mission of the Church

And whereas laws and societal practices increasingly recognise the existence and value of diverse forms of family

And whereas the church faces the continuing challenge of rethinking its sexual ethic and its process for ethical decision making

And whereas in rules-based ethics, the rules have often been unexamined, gender-biased, and inadequate to real-life relational situations

And whereas in the twenty-first century we have come to understand the broad spectrum of sexuality and gender identity in the human condition

And whereas there is an urgent need for an ethic that is inclusive of all people in God´s creation

And whereas there is a need to affirm the capacity of all people to act as moral agents in the world

And whereas there is a need for a realistic standard adequate to the realities, complexities, and ambiguities of human relationships

And whereas there is a need for relational guidelines or general value statements which reflect the values of mutuality, equality, stewardship, sharing and faithfulness inherent in the Gospel

And whereas it has become necessary to re-examine the traditional institution of marriage and what is "right" or "wrong" within a marriage

And whereas there is an urgent need to place emphasis on the quality of relationship rather than on positions, techniques, or the gender of the people involved in sexual relationships

<typohead type="3">It is hereby overtured that the Assembly:</typohead>

Recognise the urgent need for a sexual ethic that is inclusive of the full spectrum of sexual orientation in God's creation and adequate to the realities, complexities, and ambiguities of human relationships.

Recognise the urgent need for relational guidelines or value statements which reflect the values of mutuality, stewardship, sharing and faithfulness inherent in the Gospel.

Value those dynamics of sexual relationships which are consistent with the power sharing which is at the heart of the Gospel.

Appoint a Special Committee to develop resource materials for use in parishes which will offer realistic guidance and stimulus for discussion on the conduct of sexual relationships, provide for the complexities of such relationships, be inclusive of all, and have emphasis on the quality of relationships.

</typolist>

Or that the General Assembly determine otherwise as in its wisdom it shall consider best.

The Presbytery appointed Rev Dr Margaret Mayman and Ms Helen Beaumount to support the overture before the Assembly.

Extracted from the records of the Presbytery by

Clare Morrison
Presbytery Clerk