Whereas, Community of Christ is an international
denomination providing ministry in diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds in
many nations of the world; and
Whereas, The scriptural standard for calls to the
priesthood is to be called of God and accepted by the people; and all other
standards are cultural in nature and tend to vary from one culture to the next;
and
Whereas, There is no record of Jesus giving any specific
instruction about sexual orientation, but Jesus did instruct us to love one
another, and in both word and action taught us to embrace marginalized persons;
and
Whereas, The current World Church policy on sexual
orientation with regards to priesthood ministry is inconsistent with World
Conference Resolution 1226, which states that “human beings often fear, hate,
and abuse each other because of ignorance about such factors as socioeconomic
status, culture, race, gender, age, size, sexual orientation, gender identity,
and mental or physical disability. Such prejudicial behavior undermines the
personal and spiritual development of both abuser and abused, and denies the
mutual benefits of shared giftedness;” therefore, be it
Resolved, That this Conference affirm that the
fundamental requirement for one to be called to priesthood office is that he or
she be called by one having appropriate administrative authority and approved by
the sustaining vote of the proper jurisdictional conference or business meeting;
and be it further
Resolved, That it is the sense of the World
Conference that the Standing High Council Statement on Homosexuality (March 18,
1982), and the World Church Leadership Council document “Community, Common
Consent, and the Issue of Homosexuality” (October 2002), which restrict the
ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members should be
rescinded by those bodies responsible to do so; and be it further
Resolved, That calls for priesthood for LGBT members
should be processed through the normal procedures, and be it further
Resolved, that when appropriate calls to LGBT
persons are approved through normal administrative and legislative channels,
jurisdictions are encouraged to welcome those called as priesthood members, but
in no way does this mandate priesthood calls for LGBT members in those
jurisdictions where culture and understanding inhibit, or the law prohibits
homosexuals from full participation.
