Date: February 24, 2005
Location: Judson Memorial Baptist Church, Lansing, MI
Host: Ministers Council of ABC-MI
Facilitator: Millie Myren
Participants: 65 persons attended, all from Michigan
Report written by Jane Moschenrose
Observations:
We followed the suggested Agenda, beginning with welcome and introductions, singing a hymn, explanation of the history that has led up to this meeting (ably given by Sharon Buttry), guidelines for the process, and guidelines for dialogue.
We engaged the scripture lesson (Acts 15:1-35) using the “Lectio Divina” method of reading/listening. This seemed to be a new process for many, but we worked hard to honor the process as described by our facilitator. We focused more on the literal content of the text rather than the process it exemplified, so there were many who felt that this was not the best possible text to use for studying the issue of homosexuality. Although we struggled to glean insights about homosexuality from the text, energy was spent on sharing in a respectful manner.
Following lunch, prayer, and a hymn, we were given the opportunity to share personal statements or testimony (each person given 2 minutes each) about the issue of homosexuality. Many stories and beliefs were shared from all sides of the issue – participants represented the full spectrum of opinion. Those who were in favor of accepting homosexuals in all strata of church and leadership positions tended to share anecdotes; those against accepting homosexuality as a valid, non-sinful lifestyle referred to scripture mandates against it; others lifted up the importance of Baptist principals and polity as something that should guide our decision making when it comes to how we are to relate to one another. All who voiced a wish to share did so; we had time for many persons to share twice.
We then shared our response to three questions: 1) What values do we hold in common?, 2) What do you have to say to your senators about the proposed amendment? (copies of proposed amendment were handed out at the meeting), 3) If God were to show us a way forward together, what would it look like? What can we imagine? Is it possible? Specific responses are recorded in an accompanying document.
No consensus was reached; in fact, the participants were split half and half for and against the proposal. Several were against their senators voting for the proposal despite agreement with the first part because of the unfeasibility of the second part, which charges the Executive Committee to enforce the proposal. The participants came up with no workable solution as to how to enforce/carry out the proposal.
We closed in prayer and a hymn.