Standing Committee Recommends Adoption of Query Addressing LGBTQ+ Concerns and Outdated Statements

The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference convened from June 29 through July 2 in Greensboro, N.C., under the leadership of Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley, with assistance from moderator-elect Don Fitzkee and Conference secretary David Shumate. During the meeting, the committee addressed two queries slated for consideration at the Annual Conference, focusing on matters of harm reduction and concerns about current practices related to matters of sexuality.

The first query, titled “Reducing Harm: Interim Steps to Reduce Suffering,” was submitted by the Arlington Church of the Brethren and Mid-Atlantic District. It raised concerns about the treatment and suffering of LGBTQ+ individuals within the denomination, particularly in relation to outdated language and scientific references in three Annual Conference statements. These statements include “Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective” (1983), “Licensing/Ordination of Homosexual Persons to the Ministry in the Church of the Brethren” (2002), and “Report of the Leadership Team and the Council of District Executives on the Authority of Annual Conference and Districts regarding the Accountability of Ministers, Congregations, and Districts” (2017).

The Standing Committee recommended that the query be adopted and proposed a two-fold response. First, the committee lamented that conversion therapy was previously considered a safe or viable option in Annual Conference statements and explicitly stated that the denomination does not endorse “conversion to heterosexual orientation as another option.” Second, the committee acknowledged that the denomination’s position statements should reflect its current discernment of the way of life God calls the community to live. It recognized that some existing statements on human sexuality may no longer align with current realities and called for further discernment.

In the spirit of unity and care for all members of the body, the committee urged the denomination to await the Spirit’s leading for renewed study. While the current statements on human sexuality remain on record, the committee emphasized the importance of fostering safer and more compassionate communities. The recommendation included a reference to 1 Corinthians 12:26, which encourages the church to share in the suffering and rejoicing of all its members.

The Standing Committee’s recommendations will be presented to the full delegate body during Conference business sessions. The committee also held a listening session with the Bridgewater congregation, providing an opportunity for dialogue and input. Additional photos and coverage of the meetings and Annual Conference can be found on the Church of the Brethren’s website.

Source: Read the original report