G-8 POLICY ON ORDINATION OF HOMOSEXUALS
From Gulf USA Mission Center
Whereas, The Community of Christ Standing High Council issued a Statement on Homosexuality, dated March 18, 1982; and,
Whereas, This statement affirms the worth of all persons and also requires the full acceptance of individuals with homosexual orientation into the life of the church; and
Whereas, This statement recognizes that both heterosexual and homosexual persons, both priesthood and among the general membership, are called to adhere to high moral standards regarding sexual activity; and
Whereas, This statement allows individuals who define themselves as homosexual, and abstain from homosexual acts, an opportunity to respond to God’s call to ordination in Community of Christ; and,
Whereas, The World Church Leadership Council (September 2002) issued a statement entitled “Community, Common Consent, and the Issue of Homosexuality,” reaffirming the 1982 guidelines regarding calling and ordination; and, Whereas, The church has been encouraged by Presiding Evangelist Danny Belrose on April 3, 2004 (2004 World Conference), under the “prompting of the Spirit” that “the time has come when the church must forsake deadlines that anticipate resolution of this question at each emerging World Conference and allow God to bless the church in God’s own way, in God’s own time;” and,
Whereas, The 2007 Committee on Homosexuality and the Church report includes statistics and analysis that indicate listening circles have not been well received across the church; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the First Presidency continue to develop new strategies that will lead to more effective widespread dialogue throughout the church; and, be it further
Resolved, That all legislation regarding the issue of homosexuality as it relates to ordination, be referred without prejudice to the First Presidency so as to not hinder or limit the continuing dialogue on this issue within the church.