Update from the Moderator via Facebook, 11 October
Dialogue on Way Forward on Issues of Sexuality, Biblical Morality and Leadership
At the Special Assembly in April, the Church decided to commit to a dialogue on a way forward in a Church divided over issues of sexuality, biblical morality and leadership, led by the Moderator and Moderator Designate, who will gather a group together representing a variety of views on this issue.
The first part of this dialogue took place last week in Auckland on Oct 4-5th. We certainly appreciated the prayer of many in the wider church for this event.
A group of 25 people representing a diversity of views gathered. The moderator, the Rt Rev Hamish Galloway, the moderator designate, the Rev Rose Luxford and the previous Moderator, the Very Rev Fakaofo Kaio, facilitated the dialogue.
The conversation was respectful and honest. There was a humbling level of personal sharing and engagement from those present. We spent significant time brainstorming possible ways forward for the church on an issue that has deeply divided us for decades. Careful notes have been kept on the options explored and the pros and cons of each option. The spirit of the Dialogue was to listen to and converse, rather than to make any decisions or recommendations apart from agreeing to share the summaries of our discussions. A smaller group will now review the summary notes and prepare a report.
Original post
Here is a message from the PCANZ Moderator posted on the PCANZ website, 3 October 2022.
Greetings
At the Special Assembly in April, the Church decided to commit to a dialogue on a way forward in a Church divided over issues of sexuality, biblical morality and leadership, led by the Moderator and Moderator Designate, who will gather a group together representing a variety of views on this issue.
The first part of this dialogue is taking place this week in Auckland on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
A group of around 25 people will gather representing a diversity of views.
Rev Rose Luxford and I have also asked the previous Moderator, Very Rev Fakaofo Kaio, to assist us in facilitating this dialogue.
This is a significant time for the Presbyterian Church. We would deeply appreciate your prayers as we go into this dialogue.
Right Rev Hamish Galloway
Moderator PCANZ
Moderator@presbyterian.org.nz