The future...
If you're an avid Methodist Recorder reader, you may have noticed pieces appearing regarding the review of the 1993 Resolutions on Human Sexuality (See Ruby Beech's article here).  It seems while the Methodist Council's working party results were interpreted by many as an indication of there being no way forward in making change - others are questioning whether there might be other possibilites.  

There is a lingering difficulty with the resolutions as they stand.  Methodism is trying to hold together everyone's view and recognise there is a divide in opinion and conviction on the issue of same-sex relationships.  Yet, some feel because the resolutions are used to prevent same-sex blessing services, a large part of our church is not held within this 'holding together'.  Whilst many may believe the 'no change' option to be the right one, I fear it will only add to the tension, as many Methodists who believe in an inclusive church feel their views marginalised and excluded, and the mission of the church restricted.

The question is what happens now?  Well, the next stage of the debate is ultimately down to those who will attend this year's Methodist Conference.  They can accept the 'no change' option: leaving the impression that the Methodist Church is not interested in the journeys of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.  Or they can be more creative and offer a new option, one that might just take us forward in an all-inclusive way.  I pray the Spirit will be at work!

If you're interested in exploring some of the issues surrounding this, we're hosting a public event on 31st May in London.  Our key speaker will be Ruby Beech, the current Vice-President of the Methodist Conference.  Please do come along and share in the day.  More details will be posted on the website.

Every Blessing,
Gary Hopkins (National Co-ordinator)

Are you going to Conference?
Will you, or someone you know who's sympathetic with our aims, be attending this year's Methodist Conference?  If so, please let us know -  we can keep you informed on what we'll be doing and bring together people's thinking on the issues going to Conference.  Please contact us.  If you will have a mobile with you during your stay at Conference, please let us have the number so we are able to contact you - it will help us get people together during the Conference if we need to.  Thanks in advance for your support.

The annual retreat
OUTCOME's annual retreat went extremely well - a little (or perhaps much) snow added to the excitement.  You can read a couple of reflections on the website here.

Next year's retreat is booked for Friday 30th January - Sunday 1st February 2009.  Get it pencilled in the diary!  More details will be available nearer to the date.

Blessing Services?
OUTCOME has been made aware of the possibility of conducting blessing services, where Local Ecumenical Partnerships exist with Methodist congregations and where it is not Methodist trust property.  This offers a unique opportunity because the church is then not goverened by the Methodist Conference.  This is the case with URC governed churches, where local congregations are able to make the decisions whether to bless same-sex relationships.  

If you are part of a LEP, it's worth exploring whether same-sex blessing services are a possibility for your church.  If you are able and willing to conduct same-sex blessing services, then please let us know.  We are hoping to put together a directory of churches that will conduct such services, and will look to offering same-sex couples the chance to be put in touch with a willing church.  If there is a good enough response we will move towards providing this service.

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