(01-05-2020, 01:52 PM)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: They're soon to be the "not-so-United Methodist Church."
In Oz we have"The Uniting Church" ,which is a combination of several protestant denominations.
"The Uniting Church in Australia is the third largest Christian denomination in Australia, being surpassed in membership by Roman Catholics and Anglicans. It was formed in 1977 as a result of a merger of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches. The church has an unusual organizational structure. It is "governed by a series of inter-related councils" within which the national Assembly has "determining responsibility for matters of doctrine, worship, government and discipline."
They follow a form of local option concerning the ordination of gay and lesbian candidates who are in loving, committed relationships. Individual presbytery can automatically reject all such candidates. Other presbyteries can consider the nature of a candidate's relationship as one aspect of their candidacy.
The Uniting Church is not the only mainstream denomination in Australia to have ordained homosexual men and women. But, it may be the first to admit that it is possible. While some homosexual ministers have come out in the past, the decision of "clarification" at the 2003 Assembly, and the negative reaction to what for many was an unpleasant revelation, will not make it easier for openly homosexual candidates for ordination to find welcoming congregations and presbyteries."
In the early 1980's I worked as volunteer Lifeline telephone counsellor. This was (and is, as far as I know) non directive. The client was given a list of options .The choice was their's and there was no hidden agenda with"christian values" . Abortion was given as on option in an unwanted pregnancy. Lifeline was run at that time by The Adelaide Central Mission (Uniting Church)
Religions reflect their communities. America remains a relatively puritanical society.NO? Have a look at the sex ed curriculum in US high Schools . Are condoms available in US Public High Schools? --the US still has the highest teen birth rate in the developed world .
There is no evidence that making condoms available to teens increases sexual activity.---And so what if it did, among teens from say 16? Their sexual mores are already formed by that age. That their parents don't wont their teens to be sexually active is naive and none of their business,.
A female friend was allowed at 16, to bring boys home to stay overnight (in her room) Of course, was taught about birth control as appropriate by age. She continued the tradition with her daughter . The reasoning all the while has been "She will do it anyway. Here she's safe"
Disclaimer: Childless expert here, so will not argue with parents.
