There are lots of great resources out there to help stimulate discussion and provide information and frameworks for change. The problem is often where to start. We have tried to collate below some of the more useful information, study material, and links for Connexional Policies, District Resolutions and Memorials and local Church Council policies. These can be adapted to suit your local context. We are always ready to add more and hear of resources that have proved valuable.
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Churches available for the marriages of all couples
Dignity and Worth is collecting details of Methodist Churches (and LEPs which include Methodists) where same-sex marriages are available and publishing them on a map on this website. If you’d like your church included, please complete the form.
God in Love Unites Us
The Methodist Conference, meeting in Birmingham from 27th June, 2019, discussed the Marriage and Relationships Report, God in Love Unites Us. We have produced resources to help individuals and Churches engage in good conversations. The Conference should be taking the final decisions on this report when it meets at the end of June 2021.
What’s in the Report?
A ten minute video outlining the contents of the report. Aimed as an introduction or refresher and available to watch on Youtube or download. You might find it helpful to use in local circuit, church or house group discussions.
Download What’s in the Report? – Download What’s in the Report? (with subtitles)
Frequently asked questions
A short video with answers to questions we’ve often been asked about the report. Available to watch on Youtube or download.
Download Frequently asked questions – Download Frequently asked questions (with subtitles)
Ready for Change
A series of videos with people from all over the country sharing why they’re ready for change. All available on our Youtube Channel, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Keep checking back as we’ll be releasing more of these as time goes on!
Our publication about Methodist conversations on marriage and relationships explaining with Dignity and Worth believes it is time for change.
An unofficial study guide to the report itself, outlining the arguments and providing questions for discussion.
Good Conversations
Our Chair, Sam, and Revd Paul Smith, have been invited to engage in conversation around all the issues of marriage and relationships. They have recorded some of these conversations in the hope that they might be useful in promoting discussions in local churches.
Conversation 1: Ethical Decisions
Study Material and Resources
Bible Study Material
#ready4change
a Bible Study on Matthew 12:46-50 and family.
Whosoever.org
Helpful resources on the interpretation of the ‘clobber passages.’
Reconciling Ministries Booklet on the Bible
The Bible Doesn’t Say That Homosexuality is a Sin, by Janet Edmonds
Other Study Material
A document about our vision for the Methodist Church, including the Notices of Motion proposed in the 2018 Conference.
Ubi Caritas
a short study guide on appropriate liturgies for use with couples. Includes a draft order for discussion.
Resources for Pride celebrations
Dignity and Worth has produced a simple leaflet outlining an inclusive Christian approach to LGBT+ people, which is suitable for giving out at Pride events or having on a stall. It includes space to add the details of your local church or organisation. We hope it helps!
Worship Resources
February is LGBT History Month in the UK. To help your group or church celebrate, Dignity and Worth has produced some inclusive liturgy resources to use during the month. Remember to give us a plug and sign up new members if you can! Click on link to download.
Inclusive Liturgy for LGBT History Month – Brigid and Darlughdach
Official Material from Churches
Methodist Church in Great Britain
A fantastic list of resources to help local Churches and Circuits engage in respectful and honest conversations. On the main Methodist website is a pretty comprehensive list of material to use at a local level: Talking of Marriage and Relationships includes downloadable PDFs and links to further resources.
The Methodist Church has also published its official position on the question of homophobia (external link), where you will also find downloadable PDFs covering The Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s Definition and Guidance on Homophobia.
United Reformed Church
Our partners in the URC are further on that us in their conversations. On their website is a list of URC processes and decisions and further resources.
Scottish Episcopal Church
The Episcopalians (Anglicans) in Scotland have decided to move to fuller inclusion. On their website is a downloadable essay on Marriage and Human Intimacy, which considers the different perspectives on same-sex relationships and the life of the church.
Church of Scotland
The Presbyterians in Scotland have decided to move to a ‘mixed economy’ in terms of conducting same-sex marriages. You can read the report on the 2017 General Assembly.
Methodist Church in Southern Africa
As part of their process of discernment, the Doctrine Commission of the MSCA received a discussion paper from Ndikhe Mtshiselwa entitled ‘The Methodist Church of Southern Africa and homosexuality: A rereading of Leviticus 18:22’ You can download the PDF directly.