I’m glad yearly meeting was able to go forward with this. We are going to treat all couples the same on the Quaker side and are going to work for change in the law to equalize the legal status of all our marriages as well.
I think we have taken this step forward in hope and faith. We have decided to trust each other and to proclaim our support of each others’ discernment. God judges us; we put our faith in the living Christ who is with us, who has made us confident in this act of faith and inclusion. Jesus has called us to overthrow all oppression, to trust in the liberating holy power. We have been called together to praise and glorify the wonders of God: he is making a new thing in us. We have said yes to God today, answering the call of the world to come where peace and justice reign eternally.
We don’t know where this decision will take us, but we know that God equips us to do the work God wants us to do. The world is hurting and people are hurting, and we know there is a God who cares and acts, inviting us to put our trust in God and listen so we can hear what our part is in the healing of ourselves and the world.
As one who was heavily influenced in the past by Bible text on this matter, I am glad this decision has been taken despite that. I am not gay, but I have resolved to stand by decisions made in a gathered Quaker meeting whether I personally agree with them or not. I cannot trust my own judgement. I am aware that it is influenced by personal abuse, both physical and mental. I cannot trust the Bible any more. It is fixed in history.
I have a feeling that ‘TheQuaker Gay Testimony’ might become as strong as ‘The Quaker Peace Testimony’.
I am proud to have been a part of this decision, and I hope we can influence a future government to make it legal.
I am still reeling from this gathering. The words of that round we learned in our Home Group still echo in my mind:
“Dear Friends, Dear Friends, let me tell you how I feel. You have given me so much. I love you so.”
Well done all, especially the clerks. I learned a lot by your example too.
Tony Haynes
clerk to Surrey and Hampshire Border Area Meeting
Dear Friends
I agree with Tony that our personal judgement should not be used to lead us in our society. It is a fundamental principle of the society that we are lead by the Holy Spirit / Inner Light.
I am very concerned about the acceptance of same sex relationships by the yearly meeting. I believe its God’s will only a man and woman can and should marry. Any other sexual relationship is sinful.
I believe accepting the ‘gay testimony’ is wrong and sinful and is brought about by personal judgement of some Friends.
In Friendship and Spirit
Richard