PMC Sexuality Discernment Process
Dear Members and Friends of Portland Mennonite Church,
By a vote of 85.3% the proposal from the Table titled ‘A Statement on Sexuality and Faithfulness, including a Proposal to Bless Same-Sex Marriages at PMC’ (attached) has been affirmed. There were 125 ‘Affirming’ votes (73.5%), 20 votes ‘Affirming with reservations’ (11.8%), and 25 ‘Not Affirming’ votes (14.7%). According to our bylaws, any action that comes to a vote requires at least 80% affirmation of active members who vote.
This has been a lengthy, intense, and conflicted process. Some of us are happy with the outcome, some of us are angry, some are relieved, and some are uncertain whether to continue at PMC or not. We all need healing and hope, so it will be important for us to draw on the gifts and grace of the Spirit as we find our way forward. This Wednesday, May 3, we will gather to listen, to sing, and to pray (7:00 pm/Sanctuary). In the days ahead, we encourage you to immerse yourselves in prayer and to find friends with whom you can talk. And, as always, you are welcome to contact one of our pastors.
The Table made the proposal believing that it represents the direction the congregation is being called by the Spirit with regard to sexuality and faithfulness. A significant minority of active members could not affirm the proposal. In the weeks ahead, it will be important for us to tend to strained relationships. As we go forward it will be vital for us to respect each other amid our differences. To that end, the Table will be forming a Listening Committee to attend to relationships within our congregation. The Listening Committee will be made up of people who hold diverse views. It will report quarterly for one year directly to the Table.
This is an important moment for our congregation. We have affirmed an ethic of sexuality that calls all of us to embody the covenantal love of God in all of our relationships. We have affirmed a significant shift in our theological understanding of sexuality that will now include the blessing of same-sex marriages as well as opposite-sex marriages at PMC. Because we are infinitely complex, there will, no doubt, continue to be questions and concerns that arise. It will be important that we continue to listen to the Spirit, listen to the scriptures, and listen to each other as we strive to be faithful to the way of Christ.
For now, let us hold our hearts and minds open to the Spirit and to each other, trusting that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Peace to you,
The PMC Table
By a vote of 85.3% the proposal from the Table titled ‘A Statement on Sexuality and Faithfulness, including a Proposal to Bless Same-Sex Marriages at PMC’ (attached) has been affirmed. There were 125 ‘Affirming’ votes (73.5%), 20 votes ‘Affirming with reservations’ (11.8%), and 25 ‘Not Affirming’ votes (14.7%). According to our bylaws, any action that comes to a vote requires at least 80% affirmation of active members who vote.
This has been a lengthy, intense, and conflicted process. Some of us are happy with the outcome, some of us are angry, some are relieved, and some are uncertain whether to continue at PMC or not. We all need healing and hope, so it will be important for us to draw on the gifts and grace of the Spirit as we find our way forward. This Wednesday, May 3, we will gather to listen, to sing, and to pray (7:00 pm/Sanctuary). In the days ahead, we encourage you to immerse yourselves in prayer and to find friends with whom you can talk. And, as always, you are welcome to contact one of our pastors.
The Table made the proposal believing that it represents the direction the congregation is being called by the Spirit with regard to sexuality and faithfulness. A significant minority of active members could not affirm the proposal. In the weeks ahead, it will be important for us to tend to strained relationships. As we go forward it will be vital for us to respect each other amid our differences. To that end, the Table will be forming a Listening Committee to attend to relationships within our congregation. The Listening Committee will be made up of people who hold diverse views. It will report quarterly for one year directly to the Table.
This is an important moment for our congregation. We have affirmed an ethic of sexuality that calls all of us to embody the covenantal love of God in all of our relationships. We have affirmed a significant shift in our theological understanding of sexuality that will now include the blessing of same-sex marriages as well as opposite-sex marriages at PMC. Because we are infinitely complex, there will, no doubt, continue to be questions and concerns that arise. It will be important that we continue to listen to the Spirit, listen to the scriptures, and listen to each other as we strive to be faithful to the way of Christ.
For now, let us hold our hearts and minds open to the Spirit and to each other, trusting that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Peace to you,
The PMC Table