Talking Circle gatherings to dialogue the implications of two 2020 Appellate Tribunal determinations
Reflections
The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt and The Rev’d Michael Uptin invite the members of Anglican Church Southern Queensland parishes and ministries to forthcoming Talking Circle gatherings to dialogue the implications of two 2020 Appellate Tribunal determinations and opinions regarding the blessing of marriages between two people of the same gender
At last year’s Diocesan Synod, we were charged with devising a process of dialogue and learning to allow Anglican Church Southern Queensland faith communities to engage with the implications of two 2020 Appellate Tribunal determinations and opinions.
These determinations and opinions are in relation to the blessing of same-gender marriages that had previously been solemnised under the Marriage Act 1961.
The dialogue and learning are with a view to seeing whether those of differing opinions might be able to continue to “play in the same sandpit” as members of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. Any such decision will be that of each individual Anglican; however, we feel it is paramount that we at least listen to and try to understand those of differing opinions before making a decision.
The dialogue and learning are for both laity and clergy in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland.
With all of this in mind, we would like to invite you and members of your parish or ministry unit to one of the gatherings below. Each gathering will use the “Talking Circle” approach. Information about the Talking Circle format and the questions to be discussed in the Talking Circles are noted below. To enable a manageable number of participants, we ask that you respond to this invitation indicating the number of people that will be attending by emailing The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt in advance of the event, noting which gathering you plan to attend in your email.
It is our prayer that this process will assist us in growing as disciples of Christ, whatever the outcome for each of us as individuals.
We want to especially thank the Area Deans for their willingness to enable us to utilise one of their scheduled Deanery meeting dates for these gatherings.
Peace and grace,
The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt and The Rev’d Michael Uptin
Dates and venues
17 February 2022: Bribie Island
Commencing 9.30 am at St Peter’s Anglican Church
Cnr Foster and Banya Streets, Bongaree
25 February 2022: Gatton
Commencing 12.30 pm at St Alban’s Anglican Church
68 Railway Street, Gatton
4 March 2022: Childers
Commencing 12.30 pm at Christ Church Childers
24 Macrossan Street, Childers
22 March 2022: Holland Park
Commencing 12.00 noon at St Matthew’s Anglican Church
889 Logan Road, Holland Park
3 May 2022: Kenmore
Commencing at 12 noon at Holy Spirit Anglican Church
1036 Moggill Road, Kenmore
TBA: hosted by the Deanery of Logan
The Talking Circle process and questions
Introduction
The 2021 Diocesan Synod passed a resolution noting the determinations of the Appellate Tribunal in relation to the blessing of marriages solemnised by Civil Celebrants. The Synod Resolution, The Archbishop’s Ad Clerum regarding the Appellate Tribunal determinations and the Primate’s statement in response to the determinations can be accessed through the Resources Section, below.
The Appellate Tribunal findings define the territory in which we find ourselves, which, in summary, is that there is nothing to prevent marriages being blessed, and that they are being blessed in various parts of the Anglican Church of Australia.
Most of us have a view about whether this is a helpful development or not.
We have a diverse Church. This is the reality.
We are having this conversation to explore what the future might look like.
What do we want the Church to look like?
How will we live?
The Talking Circle gatherings
The gatherings will consist of five movements.
- Space setting
Introduction/check-in round
A values/guidelines round: including agreements that participants make with one another about how to behave in the Circle.
Acceptance and exploration of objections to values/guidelines round
- Storytelling round
What has brought you to this conversation?
Or
What is your experience of living in this diverse Anglican Church?
- Exploring the issue rounds
What do I need to be able to live with people I disagree with?
What do I want the Church to look like after this? Aspirations.
- Noticing/final round
- Check-out round
Thanks and closing.
Resources
Ad Clerum on Appellate Tribunal Determinations
Primate’s Statement in response to The Appellate Tribunal Determinations
Resources prepared by PMC and DC reference group
2021 Synod Resolution
“That this Synod;
- Notes the Anglican Church of Australia Appellate Tribunal determinations and opinions entitled ‘Wangaratta Blessing Service Opinion – 11 November 2020’ and ‘Newcastle Clergy Discipline Ordinance Opinion – 11 November 2020’,
- Notes that both determinations and opinions have a minority and a majority report indicative of continuing deeply held convictions, within the Anglican Church of Australia, on the issue of the blessing of marriages of same gender people solemnized under the Marriage Act of 1961,
- Notes that one of the values underpinning our Diocesan Vision is ‘Comprehensive’, explained as ‘being welcoming and respectful of a broad range of ideas, people and approaches, and open to dialogue and learning’,
- Invites the Dean and the Rev’d Mike Uptin to devise a process of such dialogue and learning which will allow faith communities within this Diocese to engage with the implications of the Appellate Tribunal determinations and opinions,
- Encourages faith communities to engage in this process of dialogue and learning,
- Requests that a report on the progress or outcome of that process of dialogue and learning be prepared for Synod 2022,
- Encourages all Anglicans to welcome and pastorally care for LGBTIQ+ people in accord with the teachings of Jesus and in compliance with the Canons of this Diocese and the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia,
- Requests the Archbishop to consider the content of this motion, and the proposed discussion of these matters at the upcoming General Synod, in responding to any requests for related action in our Diocese.”
