Whereas, Community of Christ is an international denomination providing
ministry in diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds in many nations of the
world; and
Whereas, All are called according to the gifts of God unto them; and
Whereas, The scriptural standard for calls to the priesthood is called of God
as was Aaron and acceptance 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 this 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 prohibits the ordination of lesbian, gay,
bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) members should be rescinded by those bodies
responsible to do so; and be it further
Resolved, that it is the sense of this World Conference that calls for
priesthood for LGBT members should be processed through the normal procedures,
and be it further
Resolved, that it is the sense of this World Conference we encourage
all jurisdictions to welcome LGBT members as priesthood members when appropriate
calls are approved through normal and administrative and legislative channels,
but in no way does this World Conference seek to mandate priesthood calls for LGBT members in those jurisdictions where culture and understanding inhibit, or
the law prohibits homosexuals from full participation.
