Brothers+

While looking for the name of the person responsible
for properties in the Moravian Church I came across
this website: 
http://www.moravians.org/R6-Interpretation.html.

In view of the exchanges here regarding sin,
homosexuality and church leadership I thought the
resolutions might be of interest.  

Also, the question of a Biblical Hermeneutic that I
brought up a week ago enters in to the deliberations
by the Moravians in a critical way. 

Apparently The synod declarations hardly match the
historic statement of faith put forward by the Unitas
Fratrem or the Biblical message preached by the local
pastor.  This disparity has long been a source of
tension in their communion, hence the carefully parsed
language in the resolution.  In essence, they have
resolved not to resolve anything at this time.  Sounds
familiar, does it not?

Charles+
Church of the Good Shepherd, Indianapolis
"--------------------------------------------------

Snippets from the Northern Synod Moravian Website:
This interpretation of resolutions regarding Synod
actions provides a historical context that reveals the
evolution from 1974 when Northern Synod resolved that
the Moravian Church welcome and extend an invitation
to homosexuals as to all people. Followed by several 
additional Synod actions which yielded Resolutions
with language that indicated that Homosexual lifestyle
was not determined to be sin and that homosexuals be
allowed to celebrate their lives in the Church as well
as assume leadership roles. To the most recent 2002
septennial meeting of the Unitas Fratrum took action
to put a stop to further changes by the Province in
this matter. 
 
  
RESOLUTION 6 
 
An Interpretation of Moravian Church
 Northern Province and Unity Synod Actions 
Regarding Homosexuality
Prepared by: Provincial Elders' Conference, 
Northern Province January 4, 2003
Background
The definitive word on this topic as of August 2002
resulted from the work of the septennial gathering of
the Unity Synod. To help us discern the implications
of this for the Northern Province, it is essential
that we parse the meaning of the Unity Synod as well
as review the history of Northern Province
legislation. The Unity Synod addressed the issue as a
biblical, theological, pastoral issue that "does not
rise to the doctrinal equivalent of the New Testament
confession, 'Jesus is Lord.’’’ This determination is
an important frame for this discussion and places this
topic in a category in which our thinking is guided by
our understanding of social issues giving us the
ability to be encompassing and inclusive rather than
circumspect and exclusive.
<snip>
(Much more at the website.)