Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren Query

Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren recently brought a query to the Northern Indiana District Conference asking if the language used in 1983 Annual Conference paper concerning same-sex covenantal relationships is still appropriate. After a tense period of discussion, where a variety of perspectives was offered, the conference voted by a 60% majority to send the query on to Annual Conference. If accepted by Annual Conference, this query will have the effect of reopening conversation about the denominational paper on human sexuality. Beacon Heights is a publicly affirming congregation that is part of the Supportive Communities Network (SCN).   

The text of the query is included below:

"Whereas the Church of the Brethren has a history and practice of seeking reconciliation; and

Whereas the Church of the Brethren has experienced deep division and brokenness related to the language from the 1983 Human Sexuality Paper that same sex covenantal relationships are not acceptable; and

Whereas members of the Church of the Brethren are not of one mind on what it means to practice and promote justice in human relationships; especially same sex covenantal relationships;

Therefore, we, the Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, gathered in Council on May 18, 2008, petition Annual Conference through the Northern Indiana District to consider whether it is the will of the church that this language will continue to guide our journey together."