The following information refers to this page on the Down and Dromore website.

There has been a lot of discussion recently in the media and also within the parish concerning the issue of human sexuality, “Gay Marriage” and what “the appropriate Christian response” should be.

Coincidentally, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland will be hosting a conference on the subject of ‘Human Sexuality in the context of Christian Belief’ at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan on Friday the 9th and Saturday 10th March 2012 for members of General Synod. This will examine the teaching of scripture, the current stance of the Church of Ireland, and contemporary understanding of the nature of human sexuality in such a way as to encourage open discussion and facilitate conversations on this important topic. Our parish will be represented at this meeting.

However, it is important to open up discussion within our parish to a wider audience and beyond on these issues and the implications that they have for each of us as individuals, for our parish and the Church of Ireland as a worshipping community.

To help start this process, you can download the book “Moving Forward Together – Homosexuality and the Church of Ireland”, edited by Canon Ginnie Kennerley and Dr Richard O’Leary.

This consists of a collection of essays written by leading members of the Church of Ireland, both lay and ordained from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
It attempts to provide an impartial introductory overview of the main issues, including
- What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
- What are the Church of Ireland perspectives?
- What does the world of science and medicine have to say?
- What are the experiences of Gay people within the Church of Ireland – lay and ordained?
- What might accepting diversity look like?

The book is promoted by The Hard Gospel Project and published by Changing Attitude Ireland, whose membership is evenly split between Heterosexual and Homosexual individuals.
Further information can be obtained from their website

This issue is very much the “Elephant in the room” within the Church of Ireland and the Christian church as a whole, and it will not go away.
All interested parties, no matter their stance, will benefit from reading this short book.

Whether it affirms or challenges your current views, being better informed is always desirable.

Mike