Where next?
I write this not long after the Methodist Council decided that there was no need to change the 1993 Resolutions on Human Sexuality (we're now calling them this to allow Derby to disassociate with them!)  Whilst I can agree that at the moment it doesn't seem there is any way forward in changing them, I am very much aware of how this leaves us in a very awkward position.  We still don't have the full opportunity to have our relationships blessed in a Methodist context, and we're reminded that we uphold the "traditional teaching on marriage" (whatever that might actually be).

Yet we must remember that we still have Resolution 6, where we are recognised, affirmed and celebrated - even if this is often only on paper.   The Resolutions are to be taken as a whole, and whilst they remain as they are, our ministries and lives are officially welcome and we continue to journey on a Pilgrimage of Faith (even if people still argue over what we can and can't do in the bedroom).

We still have a long way to go, and although this part of the journey has not moved where many of us may have hoped, we still have much to hold onto.  I am still positive that we will achieve all that we strive for, yet there is something very important that we must do at this point in our journey.  We must remind people we are still on a Pilgrimage of Faith, the journey does not end here.  We need to continue talking and listening, we must carry on journeying.  It is our job to remind the Church that the pilgrimage is not over.  Let us do that loudly!

Every Blessing,
Gary Hopkins (National Co-ordinator)

Annual Retreat with AGM
Our annual retreat with AGM is fast approaching and will be happening Friday 1st - Saturday 2nd February 2008 at our usual venue Whaley Hall.  All our members are welcome to join us at the retreat and spend time growing in support and fellowship with friends.  Many of us find this time together extremely important.  It is a time to share with each other our worries and difficulties, whilst encouraging each other in love and friendship.  Join us for discussions, worship and fellowship.  The theme of our retreat will be "Which way now?"  The cost is £50, to arrange a booking please contact us using our Online Contact Form.

1993 Resolutions on Human Sexuality
As you may remember the Methodist Church began a wide consultation to find out whether Methodist people wanted to change the 1993 Resolutions on Human Sexuality.  The results of the consultation have now been fed back to the Methodist Council and recommend that there is no change.  Half of those who responded to the consultation did not want any change.  A quarter wanted change to make it clear that those who express their homosexuality should not be allowed to enter positions of leadership.  The other quarter wanted change to affirm same sex relationships and allow blessing services.   You can read the council report on the Methodist website.  You can read some of OUTCOME's thoughts about the decision here.

If you have any thoughts that you would like to share, please do get in touch.

National Co-ordinator's Research
Some of you may remember that our current National Co-ordinator conducted some research last year into how successful the Pilgrimage of Faith has been.  The full research is now available online.  The research provides evidence to support the experiences of many LGBT people.  If you are interested in the research you can find it at www.garyhopkins.net/pilgrimageoffaith/.

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