1.  In God’s image? Is the church’s stance on sexuality wrong? Canon Chris Tebbutt

2. Controversial? --

3. We are dealing with people …

4. Background The historic teaching of the church  The Reformation  Biblical authority versus Church Authority  39 Articles, Creeds, Liturgy  Scriptural texts  NT does not re-interpret OT laws on same sex practices  Homosexual practice is criticised (12 key scriptures)  Government moves towards equality - marriage  The Church is split  General Synod 2017 will be crucial

5. The arguments for …  God is a God of love and abhors the prejudice again LGBT people  The ‘binary’ model is too black and white  The Biblical passages (esp. the six key) are open to interpretation  Jesus never specifically condemns same sex relationships  He does condemn injustice, greed, prejudice, religiosity  He judges the fruit on the tree, not the tree

6. Thought provoking views  Same Sex Marriage - N.T. Wrighthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxvOMOmH eIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxvOMOmH eI  Oppression of LGBT people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZFCB9sduxQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZFCB9sduxQ  Living out as a same-sex attracted Christianhttp://www.livingout.org/stories/vaughanhttp://www.livingout.org/stories/vaughan

7. Conclusions?  Is there one?  God loves everyone  God hates sin  We all sin and fall short of the glory of God  Therefore, we all need Jesus

8. Looking ahead  Diocesan “Facilitated Conversations”  Discussions at Diocesan Synods  Comes before General Synod some time in 2017  Please pray for the Church  Please pray for your church leaders