2. Introduction Introduction to each other Introduction to the process of today, Including our conversation principles

3. Towards Living Conversations (TLC) Principles I will listen carefully before responding, checking out what I am hearing. I will express myself with courtesy, and respect to every sister/brother who participates in these conversations, especially toward those with whom I disagree. I will express my disagreements and critical engagement with others without insulting, making fun of or slandering anyone personally. I will not exaggerate others’ convictions or perspectives, nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always work towards extending the benefit of the doubt in the spirit of generosity I will honour my own discomfort at things said or done in our conversations. I will allow myself and others to change as a result of our conversations. We will hold each other accountable for not keeping to the above principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they’re expressed.

4. Prayer

5. Marriage of same sex couples cycle of discussion One plus One Booklet – includes the process information and discussion prompts There is a response form to let the Assembly know what people have to say Feedback should be with the General Secretary by 31 March 2015 Mission Council in May 2015 will decide how to take the discussion forward Mission Council always has the power to call an extra meeting of General Assembly. Saturday 27 June 2015 has been set aside. Membership of Assembly will be the same as at Cardiff

6. Marriage of same sex couples discussion Key considerations Meetings that discuss same-sex marriage are asked to remember that special care will be needed if persons under 18 or vulnerable adults are present It is always possible that the issues of sexuality, relationships and marriage may affect some people in our churches in ways that those around them had not expected. Handle with care – the issues, and the people with whom you speak

7. Deepening our conversations invitation conversation possibility conversation ownership conversation dissent conversation commitment conversation gifts conversation call-choice to work towards something different or moves us beyond we are currently are focus on ways forward (future vision) not problem solving past beyond blame culture to-how have I/we can contribute to creating a new reality allowing space to say no as a way of clarifying roles, needs and yearning within a common or larger vision peer promise to making task possible: what sort of commitment I am able to give to a larger vision … focus on gifts/assets rather than deficiencies and lack of resources

8. Resources http://www.urc.org.uk/marriage-of-same-sex- couples.html

9. Narratives of Good Facilitation Remember facilitation of the past: What went well? Think – venue, admin, resources, participants, facilitator (Basket – to throw the “Never again!”)

10. Common Features of Good Facilitation Work through the good narratives – What were the common features?

11. Dreaming Good Facilitation Imagine you’ve been booked: What do you want to prepare? What resources, people to notice, venue, atmosphere? What style of conversation might you use?

12. Personal Support Planning http://www.urc.org.uk/facilitation- materials.html

13. Personal Support Planning Use the grid, Facilitation Skills You could add: Some of the insights and discoveries from the conversations I take with me... Something unsettling or unfinished I will continue to reflect on... One thing I commit to doing and/or learning more about...

14. Prayer

15. Thank you