Christine Redwood, Josh Dowton & Hayley-Jayne Bernhardt: to be or not to be…Baptist

Alright friends, as promised here’s another conversation about the ramifications of the NSW & ACT Baptist rumblings of late.  
 
Recognising that listeners will have varied levels of engagement with this situation, here are the essential points you need to know upfront:

At the most recent Baptist Assembly, there were a large and complicated set of motions essentially requiring uniformity around a traditional view of marriage, and beginning to establish a mechanism to remove pastors and churches with theology that affirms same-sex marriage. 

On the same day, a set of motions were put forward about increasing the representation of women in leadership on boards and decision making bodies. 

In this conversation we talk about both of these things — as in many ways they do share some significant overlap. 

We tried to hold this conversation in a way that is useful for Baptists processing what is happening, as well as those watching on from other denominational spaces. Or those who have left institutional/denominational spaces but who may still feel like this process brings up old wounds.

I also want to say upfront there are many other voices that could have been a part of this conversation, and even though this is a longer episode, it’s still limited. 

I am conscious that there isn’t a queer voice on this episode sharing how this experience has impacted them; I’ve also felt conscious of not wanting to add to the burden and vulnerability of queer people by expecting them to open up their trauma around this. So many of you have given energy in that way many times and I want to say to you, this conversation is in no way, shape or farm a discussion about your worth, value or place at the table. Those are assumed truths here. I primarily chose these three guests because they are truly Baptist in the best sense of the word — and I have valued what they have modelled through an extremely uninspiring process.

Having said that, I recognise the limitations of our lenses and privileges - and if you are an LGBTQI+ person who has been impacted by this situation wanting to share some of your perspective (whether publicly or anonymously) please do message me.

Well, I think that’s probably all you need to know upfront. Here’s Christine Redwood, Josh Dowton, Hayley Bernhardt and I processing how we see this situation at this point in time.  

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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