FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

Back in September, this congregation began exploring whether we desire to have our church declare itself to be Open and Affirming of people of differing sexual orientations.  In many ways, this time of discernment has been a continuation of a dialogue that began fifteen years ago when questions were raised about the appropriateness of having a gay man serve on the staff of the church.  That initial conversation led to a declaration that the church considered itself Open and Affirming in terms of its lay membership, but it left open questions about whether that openness extended to paid staff and to worship services that recognized and blessed the commitment of same sex couples.  In short, the church made a decision to be Open and Affirming but only to a degree.

The seemingly partial nature of the final vote has left the topic as an unresolved issue in the congregation.  The structure of the last vote has added to that feeling.  The way that the voting was divided into three separate issues seemed to present the idea that there was a way to be Open and Affirming in limited ways.  The fact that the majority of those voting voted in favor of all of the questions placed before them and yet only the membership of the church was opened also left a real feeling of disenfranchisement among the defeated majority.  The result has been a congregation that has been stuck in a kind of in-between state.

This year we have engaged in educational sessions to explore what being Open and Affirming means, to gain greater understandings of sexuality, to study what the Bible says about homosexuality and how different people interpret it, and to look at the issues surrounding recognition and celebration of same-sex relationships.  We have also had forums for discussion and have weathered a controversial anonymous offer of $50,000 if the church would abandon any plans to pursue becoming Open and Affirming.  Now, we are ready to decide if the church would like to fully embrace what it means to be Open and Affirming.

In order to accomplish this, three things are going to take place.  First, a volunteer committee which generate an Open and Affirming statement for the church to consider.  Second, we will hold one last forum on April 20^th from 11am to 12:30pm in the social hall.  This will be a final chance for discussion and an opportunity to discuss a rough draft of the statement that the committee has produced.  Third, we will meet as a congregation on May 4^th immediately following worship in the sanctuary.  At this meeting, we will decide whether or not West Avon Congregational Church will become a fully Open and Affirming congregation.

There have been some initial questions about how we will deliberate and vote at this vitally important congregational meeting.  The first thing to note is that, according to our constitution, the meeting may only be attended by "Associate Members, persons then having expressed an interest in becoming Active Members, and invited guests of Active Members and Associate Members."  Also, "the only persons permitted to speak at a meeting of the members are Active Members and other persons invited by the Moderator for the purpose of addressing the meeting."  Only active members are allowed to vote.  Unless a change is made between now and the meeting, the method of voting will be by secret ballot and a majority vote will decide the question. 

There have been inquiries about absentee ballots.  This led to discussion about the importance of being present to hear any debate as well as the congregational tradition of gathering to deliberate together before deciding issues.  Because our bylaws say we use Robert's Rules of Order for our Congregational meetings, and those rules state that in order to allow absentee voting the congregation's constitution must explicitly authorize that form of voting, we cannot allow it.  We will provide childcare at the church for all ages in an attempt to allow as many as possible to be there for this decision.  Please let us know if there is anything else we can do.

On May 4^th, our church will decide whether it wishes to truly embrace what our constitution says when, under our provision for open membership, it states that, "recognizing the many barriers that separate people, we seek to be an open church that affirms the worth and value of all God’s children. We believe in the promise of scripture, which declares that in Christ we are all made one. (Galatians 3:28)".  As a congregation, we will choose whether that openness and affirmation will be extended from where it is now to an acceptance that is lived out in all aspects of our congregation's life and ministry.  Please come and be heard.

Peace,

Pastor Brian

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