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Special Response Resource Committee

Special Response Process Timeline

October 13, 2009

The resource committee has had our initial meeting in which we defined our task. We have been called by Standing Committee to develop study resources for the Church of the Brethren for discussion of the Statement of Confession and Commitment and the Query “Language on Same Sex Covenantal Relationships.” These two documents were items of business at the 2009 Annual Conference.

We have begun initial work on selecting scripture texts and are developing a process and study guide to use to study the texts. The Bible study questions will be designed to include a variety of voices in intentional dialog focused on concerns raised in the two documents. It is important to include the broad spectrum of perspectives represented in our denomination in order to hear from all, and grow in our own understanding. The study materials will include a bibliography of resources for further study. The links listed below connect you to documents that we are studying. We will add information and appropriate links to this website as they become available. The target date of April 1, 2010 has been set for study materials to be available on this website. In addition, we anticipate providing print materials that will be published some time after April 1. Aspects of this discussion process and Standing Committee's framework for having discussions will be presented at Annual Conference in 2010.

We know that for many of us this process seems to be taking a long time. We thank you for your patience as we take the necessary time to produce materials that will be helpful in promoting healthy conversation with one another. We are open to hearing from you as we develop questions and resources. You can be in contact with us through Annual Conference office at annualconference@brethren.org. Please continue to pray for us as we work on your behalf.

John E. Wenger, convener
Karen Long Garrett, recorder
Jim Myer
Marie Rhoades
Carol Wise
Jeff Carter, Standing Committee liaison

Related Links:

1. 2009 paper "Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues"

2. 2009 Statement of Confession and Commitment by Standing Committee

3. 2009 Query from Northern Indiana on Language of Same Sex Covenants

4. 1983 paper on Human Sexuality