Northern Province: Inclusiveness
RE: Inclusiveness
- Whereas, there is division of opinion in the Moravian Church, Northern Province, regarding whether or not it is appropriate to ordain and call gay and lesbian clergy living in covenanted relationships; and
- Whereas, regardless of the outcome of the 2014 synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, some, out of deep conviction, may rejoice and others, out of deep conviction, may mourn; and
- Whereas, it is a cherished principle for Moravians to be strengthened by the diversity of our fellowship; be it therefore
- RESOLVED: The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, affirms the commitment of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, to be inclusive of differing views regarding whether or not it is appropriate to ordain and
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call gay and lesbian clergy living in covenanted relationships; and be it further
RESOLVED: The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, affirms that all clergy and members of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, are free without penalty to speak, write, and express their perspectives on the appropriateness of ordaining and calling gay and lesbian clergy living in covenanted relationships, provided that such expressions are done in a charitable manner, as is fitting for brothers and sisters in the Lord; and be it further RESOLVED: The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, encourages the Provincial Elders’ Conference, in the interest of living peacefully together as brothers and sisters in Christ, to offer appropriate follow-up gatherings for congregations of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, in a timely manner following the conclusion of the 2014 Provincial Synod. R&E 2014, p. 18, R. 1-3
