1. Clarity about Marriage. While the statement is very broadly worded, the impetus for the statement is a desire among some in this congregation to move forward on the question of same-sex relationships, and specifically on the question of same-sex marriages. However, confusion remains about the significance of the statement. If it is approved, does that mean same-sex marriages can take place at this congregation? After all this time, and all this processing, same-sex couples deserve clarity on the question (if and when they attend this congregation). They should not be left guessing. I would think a statement as simple and succinct as the following would be sufficient (either as a stand-alone or addition to the proposed statement):
"A request for marriage should not be rejected solely because the persons asking are a same-sex couple."
(Obviously, a statement saying such a marriage should not be available would be just as clear).
2. Clarity about Our Responsibility to Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada. One interpretation of the proposed statement is that, if it is approved, same-sex marriages will be able to happen at Waterloo North. Assuming this is correct, does this mean our congregation will have decided to go it alone without reference to our relationship with MCEC and our sister congregations? At present, denominational documents, past practice and policies appear to prohibit such marriages. Furthermore, MCEC is the representative institution which credentials our ministers to perform marriages. Shouldn't we be checking in? Don't we have a responsibility to give and receive counsel among our various MCEC congregations, to remain subject to them, at least for a while, through the institution of MCEC or otherwise? Shouldn't we be thinking this through? The Guenther Loewen article included in the written materials provided by church leadership in conjunction with the Statement is sensitive to some of these questions. To begin with I am interested in knowing if anyone else has similar concerns.
3. Clarity about Differences of Opinion.
It is one thing if a majority in this congregation decides Waterloo North should specifically endorse the same-sex marriages. It is another if we get there indirectly on the basis of a general and somewhat vague statement of welcome, non-discrimination and non-marginalization. The first approach permits disagreement without judgment. The second approach, reflected in the proposal that has been presented to the congregation, contains an implicit judgment within it - it implies that those who favour a traditional perspective on marriage must be opposed to welcome and must be in favour of discrimination and marginalization. They must, in short, be bigots. (This might not be so if it were acknowledged that even a traditionalist can be welcoming. See the Sider article included in the written materials provided by church leadership in conjunction with the Statement ). It has become trite to observe that there are strong differences of opinion on the question of same-sex relationships. In fact, at Waterloo North, that may not be quite accurate. Demographically speaking, we are a very liberal congregation, and for many of us the answer to the question of whether same-sex couples should be able to marry is an unreflective "of course"! For this very reason, we have an extra responsibility to choose our words and craft our decisions with great care and sensitivity. If we cannot do so within our own congregation where the so-called liberal outlook is dominant, how can we expect to engage in respectful, responsible debate with congregations, in our own neighbourhood and in Mennonite communities around the world where our assumptions are not the obvious ones?
At this point, I would like to know if any of the three concerns identified above resonate with others who attend at Waterloo North Mennonite Church. If so, I would like to hear suggestions as to how they should be addressed.
PROPOSED STATEMENT OF WELCOME & INCLUSION
"At Waterloo North Mennonite Church we welcome all people to participate in our Christian community of faith with all its expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities regardless of their race, ethnic background, gender, age, sexual orientation, income, education, ability or any other factors that give rise to discrimination and marginalization."
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