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Media release from President re ASC action on proposal 84
From: Kim Cain, Media Liaison 0419 373 123

The Uniting Church’s Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) met over the past weekend to consider issues arising from the 10th Assembly in Melbourne in July.
At the meeting the ASC received petitions from church members and ‘attendees’ concerning resolution 84. In response to widespread debate within the church of which the petition was a part the ASC:

• Apologised to members and ministers that more was not done to make them aware in advance of the Tenth Assembly that matters of membership, ministry and sexuality would be considered by the Assembly;
• Acknowledged with regret that the way proposal 84 was reported to the church had caused suffering, hurt, pain confusion;
• Clarified proposal 84 by deleting two paragraphs from the original proposal which referred to two sexual ethics held by members in the church (‘Celibacy in singleness and faithfulness in marriage’ and ‘Right relationships’). ASC said these were used to illustrate some differing views held by church members and neither of them have been endorsed by Assembly;
• Rejected assertions that the concept of ‘Right relationships’ was adopted by the Assembly;
• Maintained that each presbytery has the right and responsibility to ordain or place people in ministry on a case by case basis – as has always been the case in the Uniting Church;
• Said each congregation and church council can state a particular sexual ethic after prayerful consideration and study of the Scriptures - provided there is respect and acknowledgment for those who hold different views and DOES NOT prevent consideration of candidates for ministry on a case by case basis;
• Declined to recall Assembly, as the Assembly did not endorse or approve ‘Right relationships’ and therefore did not introduce “new policy for the church”; (see clarification above)
• Reminded the church it has already agreed to important matters in the areas of marriage, divorce, re-marriage, sexual ethics and that the church has adopted a Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice giving clear guidance for appropriate conduct and accountability for ministers.
  
  The President of the Uniting Church, Rev Dr Dean Drayton said, “The ASC has heard and apologised for the hurt and confusion from people because adequate notice was not given that the Assembly would be considering sexuality issues.
  “ We have worked hard to clarify the resolution passed by the Assembly by deleting references to ‘Celibacy in singleness and faithfulness in marriage’ and ‘Right relationships’. Assembly has never endorsed either position.
  “ The ASC gave a extensive hearing to the members of our church on this matter, and ask them to carefully consider our response.
  “ This kind of respectful listening to each other is vital as we continue on together.”