Maine Responses

What values do we hold in common--values that inform our capacity to live with profound differences in the interpretation of Scripture?

Comments:

This question and question #3 seem to assume that our goal should be to stay together...is this a correct assumption?
Anyone who holds with the apostolic gospel and the ABC Resolution cannot be together with those who do not hold with the Resolution. There are boundaries on interpretation of Scripture that cannot be moved.
Yet sometimes the Spirit has moved the boundaries despite what we have thought, e.g. regarding the role of women and the acceptability of slavery.
We hold in common words, passion and sincerity; we share little in values. If we cannot agree on the gospel message--then we cannot work together--thus we have a fundamental incompatibility.
We need to align ourselves with those who have common values and recognize that across the mainline denominations there are really only 2 denominations--those who are willing to accept welcoming and affirming churches and those that are not.
We need to find ways to continue talking about this--we have been silent for too long--but it is too soon to make a clear/hard & fast decision.

What else would you like to say to the Ministers Council Senators regarding the proposed amendment to their bylaws?

Comments:

Support the spirit and intent of the amendment--recognizing that wording will likely change.
Drop all wording in #1 beyond "consistent with the teaching of Scripture."
Drop all wording in #1 beyond "committed to each other in marriage."
How will the Executive Committee "ensure that Senators meet the qualifications" of #1?
Oppose this amendment because it is divisive on issues that should be left to the local church.
There was not a vote taken by those present to mandate how the Senator from Maine should vote--and comments were almost evenly divided 'pro' and 'con' but there was one final telling comment: "We are, in this venture, instruments of Satan as we are divided and diverted from much needed ministry."

Comments:

Again, note the first comment under Question # 1 above.
This and other moves will change the way we fundamentally relate to one another. In other words we will be establishing a relationship where there is a list of agreements we must meet.
"If God were...." it would surprise us all!
The fact that, historically, Scriptural positions have been mistakenly taken should not prevent us from taking this stand now.
Note that Peter's testimony changed the way the Acts 15 Council viewed Scripture.
We need the Wesleyan quadrilateral: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
Remember the parable of the wheat and the tares; making this decision is not our job.