From: kbellous@baptist.ca
To: Barbara Bishop
Cc: nanbell@baptist.ca ; kbellous@baptist.ca ; rogerharris@cyg.net ; rbmann@on.aibn.com ; john.torrance@sympatico.ca ; joanev@golden.net ; PastorEd@heartlakebaptistchurch.com
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 1:19 PM
Subject: Re: Sept. 19 motion from Council


Dear Barbara,

I hope that my response to your letter will get to you before you are off to another part of the country. God's very best to you as you begin a new chapter of your life in Atlantic Canada.

Your letter is articulate and thoughtful, and I will certainly be relating your opinions to our Council (including our Officers by copy of this reply).

The Council has acted asking our ministers to not perform same sex marriages. While recognizing and valuing the autonomy of each local congregation, our churches have given the responsibility for approving credentials to the Convention. We keep the list of accredited ministers and the Credentials Committee assesses the qualifications of each
candidate for ordination. Upon their approval, the local church proceeds with the ordination. Educational standards, suitability for ministry, evaluation of calling, and several other aspects are all part of the process. So there is an established role for Council to give direction to pastors on behalf of churches. The action regarding marriage is one aspect of that larger piece of directives already in place. Because this directive came in singular form rather than in the context of the whole piece, and because it addresses a controversial political issue, it is subject to misunderstanding.

Our Assembly chose to pass the resolution affirming a traditional view of marriage and did so with a strong majority. As a result, our Council is bound to follow the directives of Assembly, and the recent Council action was taken with a view to being consistent with the Assembly action.

Council recognizes that there is certainly need for more education and discussion to enable us to understand the issues more fully. The Council action includes a commitment to develop further resources for our congregations to help them gain understanding and also find ways to minister effectively to all people. My hope is that our congregations will
become safe places for all who seek healing and wholeness.

I hope that as we continue to talk together we can find the balance between what it means to hold to our Baptist convictions, and still be able to act in unity on important issues. Your views will certainly be added to the discussion that will continue, whether at Council, Assembly or beyond.

Thanks for adding your voice to the ongoing dialogue.

In Christian service,

Ken Bellous
Executive Minister
Baptist Convention of Ontario & Quebec
Tel:  416-622-8600   Fax:  416-622-2308
E-mail:  kbellous@baptist.ca

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