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MOTIONS FOR SYNOD 2016

Anglican Diocese of Brisbane
MOTIONS OF WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

1.

The Very Revd Dr Peter Catt to move; the

The future of marriage dialogue spaces

Seconding:

That this Synod:

a)

Recalls the Synod commitments in both 2012 (16) and 2014 (41) to ongoing
dialogue and engagement with issues concerning the definitions and meanings of
marriage in contemporary Australian society, and Synods endorsement of
dialogue spaces organised by the Anglican Church Southern Queensland Social
Responsibilities Committee (SRC) for this purpose;

b)

Encourages all members of the diocese to continue to take advantage of these

opportunities to dialogue about marriage and family life both within the church and
with the wider community.

Rationale:
Definitions and meanings of marriage continue to be debated widely in the public
forum, under the impetus of a plebiscite on marriage equality proposed by the current
Australian Government. The SRC recognises that such a proposal is likely to continue
to engender wide ranging public comment, with the potential for opinions to become
increasingly polarised.
Previous resolutions of Synod have requested the SRC to facilitate opportunities for
church members to engage with each other on what is often a complex and emotional
subject matter. A subsequent series of talking circles in regional and metropolitan
locations has enabled members of the diocesan family to share and explore their
opinions on this issue in a safe and respectful environment. It is hoped that members
of Synod will continue to actively support this ongoing series of dialogue spaces.
2.

The Revd Professor Rodney Wolff to move: The Very Revd Dr Peter Catt
seconding:
A resource on issues relating to human sexuality and marriage
That this Synod, in order to inform faithful consideration of contemporary issues
relating to human sexuality and marriage, asks the Archbishop-in-Council to invite and
encourage individuals who are representative of the theological diversity in this diocese
to:
a) form a panel which will identify and investigate comprehensively issues relating to
human sexuality and marriage, where such issues include but are not limited to
Holy Scripture, theological commentary, the law, social sciences (including
psychology), the arts, and the sciences (including biology)
b) present a range of theological commentary on the issues considered which is
respectful and which is accessible to lay readership; and
c) furnish a resource, as described in part (b) above, at the 2017 meeting of Synod,
with a view to making the resource widely available throughout the diocese shortly
thereafter.

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Rationale
1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

The intention of this motion is not to produce a position statement or statements

affirming the nature of marriage or making declarations on any matters of human
sexuality, either explicitly or implicitly.
Through this motion, it is sought to support and socialise serious theological
reflection on matters of human sexuality, and on the definition and meaning of
marriage, in ways which are comprehensively informed and are respectful of the
range of theological views within the diocese.
Through this motion, it is further sought to provide a resource which has integrity
and which is accessible to those who are not specialists in theology or other
pertinent technical fields.
It is recognised that Holy Scripture, in being normative for faith, is the central
focusing point for these matters. Through this motion, it is sought to acknowledge
that focusing role of Holy Scripture, not only in providing primary content, but also
in being the lens through which to view secular content.
Through this motion, it is sought to provide specialist input, accompanied by a
range of theological commentary, which enables the churchs engagement on
these issues to be better informed and more respectful. In doing so, the intention
is to bring together the diversity of theological standpoints in the common context
of secular issues, and to diffuse unhelpful adversarial debate.

Background
1.
2.
3.

4.

5.

6.

3.

There are diverse views within ACSQ over human sexuality and marriage. The
views are informed by Spirit-led faith, inspiration, attention to Scripture, and
theological reflection.
The Social Responsibilities Committee is actively engaging with issues of human
sexuality and marriage in its research, dialogue, and advocacy.
Secular views on human sexuality, marriage, and long-term couple relationships
can be difficult for members of the church, in the challenge of engaging with
technical issues and discourse which do not align with traditional discourse within
the church.
Debates over human sexuality and marriage are well-rehearsed: the promulgation
of arguments and their rebuttals entrenches positions. Many arguments focus
entirely on biblical content, and fail to bring Holy Scripture to bear on secular
views.
A plebiscite on marriage equality is proposed by the current Australian
Government. There is thus the possibility of subsequent legislative changes;
likewise if there is a change of government at the next election. ACSQ needs to
maintain and deepen its engagement with these matters.
It is not anticipated that this task will be very onerous, as much material is readily
accessible. The main task will be in bringing material together and compiling
some succinct theological reflections.

The Very Revd Dr Peter Catt to move;

General Synod Resolution on Church Unity

seconding:

That this Synod:

a) notes resolution 52/14 of the General Synod;
b) commits itself to fulfil to the best of its ability the expectations described in the
paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of General Synod Resolution 52/14, namely:
i)
the dioceses of this Church look to each other to spend time with openness
and patience to listen pray and study together in order to discern the will of
God for this Church and its people as we seek to be led by the Holy Spirit