Aboriginal responsesAboriginal and ethnic congregations asked the assembly to defer any decision on homosexual clergy, because they were not ready to discuss the issues. During an emotional debate many of the 261 members of assembly were in tears. The policy of the Uniting Church on homosexual leaders remains unchanged. Rev Dorothy McRae-McMahon decribed this as a "small victory for gay and lesbian ministers". Ms McRae-McMahon said. "I think we've moved just a little bit, becawse most of the Church probably wasn't aware that there was a freedom to bring to ordination people of different sexual orientation" Ms McRae-McMahon revealed she was a lesbian and received two standing ovations during the final session on the report, Uniting Sexuality and Faith. |
In an open letter, Sydney-based Aboriginal women affirmed their support for Ms McRae-McMahon and other homosexual leaders and members of Australia's third largest church.
We have a deep love for our friend Dorothy McRae-McMahon - we honour her for her uncompromising ministry
We have stood with her in forums of the Uniting Church in the past and gladly stand with her now. Mrs Joyce Clague, an Aboriginal member of the Pitt Street Uniting Church congregation, wept as she read the letter during an emotional service yesterday at the church which Ms McRae-McMahon led for 10 years. The 120-strong congregation joined with the church's parish council to express their "overwhelming support" for Ms McRae-McMahon.
We live on Aboriginal land. If ever there was a year when we need to acknowledge this, it is in 1998. This is the year when we must save our own soul as a nation and find a new energy to bring justice to and reconciliation with, Aboriginal people.
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