Dad returned to the Uniting Church (in the Blue Mountains) about 8 years ago when the church in his area made it clear that they were inclusive to all. The church of course lost a few memebrs – the ones Cairo that endorse the ‘clober’ verses in the bible – but largely the congregation endorsed the approach. There are both gay and lesbain members of the church. They are an integral part of the functioning of the church. It is a small congragation – 100-150 I guess – an ‘older’ congregation -and are very progressive in nature. I’m not sure of the official philosophy of the church, but just know that it is not an issue. dad says the minister isn’t always worth listening to, but the congregations inclusive nature makes it a haven of safety for many. I wish I had a church like it to go to.

when my student has her assignment back to me I will share her findings. They will be interesting as most of her primary research was carried out at school – mostly christain students. much to her parents distress, she is a huge advocate for the rights of G and L, and has a big impact on the opinions held by her classmates. She has managed to totally turn around the biggest homophobic in her year group. That makes teaching very satisfying for me.

no its not the ‘open door’ one. It is in Glenbrook.

Hi Jenaz

Thanks for the information you have given me from those two websites and also the information about your father’s church. I was in shock for a minute when you said the Uniting Church in the Blue Mountains. I automatically thought Katoomba. You wouldn’t believe it but my parents were the (lay) pastors of the (then) Methodist Church in Katoomba for 12 months. Once they got the congregation growing and passionate because of the moving of the Holy Spirit, the powers that be decided they needed a ‘proper ordained’ minister there and didn’t renew my parents agreement. They were very hurt over that as were the people. So for a minute I thought you were talking about that church, but then you mentioned Glenbrook and I realised it wasn’t.

But I still think it is amazing that such an older congregation can be so inclusive. I wonder how it all started. If you ever learn more about the way it progressed I would love to hear the story.

blessings

Cairo

Last time I posted I mentioned an assignment that one of my students was doing – can you be gay and christian? Some said they were interested in her results, so…..here are some of the findings from her IRP. The research is only based on about 50 respondents from year 11 and 12 (from a rural Christian school and a western sydney christian school), so findings are not what researcher’s would class as valid, but they are interesting just the same.

are you a Christian?

59% yes, 35% no, 6% unsure

are you homosexual? (females)

6% yes, 88% no, 6% unsure

Homosexual tendencies? (females)

17% yes, 71% no, 12% unsure

are you homosexual? (males)

14% yes, 71% no, 15% unsure

Homosexual tendencies? (males)

7% yes, 71% no, 15% unsure, 7% didn’t answer this question.

Do you know a homosexual? (females)

76% yes, 18% no, 6% unsure.

Do you know a homosexual Christian? (females)

29%yes, 47% no, 24% unsure.

Do you know a homosexual? (males)

71% yes, 14%no, 15% unsure.

Do you know a homosexual Christian? (males)

21% yes, 57% no, 29% unsure

Are homosexuals accepted in your religious community? (females)

12% no, 18% yes, 35% unsure, 39% didn’t know

Are homosexuals accepted in your religious community? (males)

8% yes, 21% no, 50% unsure, 21% didn’t answer the question

Could you personally accept a homosexual Christian? (females)

35% yes, 12% no, 18% unsure, 6% didn’t answer question.

Could you personally accept a homosexual Christian? (males)

14% yes, 50% no, 36% unsure.

Do you think a homosexual can be a Christian? (females)

41% yes, 29% no, 29% unsure

Do you think a homosexual can be a Christian? (males)

7% yes, 57% no, 29% unsure, 7% no answer.

yes interesting little study. …..and demonstrates some significant shifts considering that it was taken in a christian school and in a rural area.

Boys have more of an aversion to homosexuality to girls for a variety of reasons. One being they see it more as a threat to their masculinity where as girls sexuality is more fluid. My guess is that girls will think more about the relationship whereas boys think of the actual act of sex.