FCANZ response to Motion 29 Working Group Interim Report

This is a draft and initial response to the interim report from the Motion 29 Working Group, addressing what we are thankful for, some of the major issues we have concerns about, and our suggestions as to a way forward.

There is much to be thankful for in the report. A serious failure of previous reports has been that the timing of their release has provided insufficient time for genuine discussion and debate prior to General Synod being required to make decisions based upon them. This Working Group is to be commended for producing a report that has met their deadlines and allowed space and time for prayer, consideration, and response prior to General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui (GSTHW) 2018.  The report has a warm and positive tone, it is easy to read and understand, and its brevity is appreciated.

Notwithstanding our comments below, the report is a sincere attempt to safeguard the opposing theological convictions of those in our church, and expresses a genuine spirit of compromise.  It provides an excellent platform upon which comment and engagement can occur, and we hope that our comments here will be received in a similar spirit.

We also acknowledge the considerable time given, and effort made, by the members of the Working Group, and indeed the personal cost paid by those participating members. Certainly, it appears those on the Group who hold particular views on this issue have not let those views colour the process, elements, or outcome of the interim report.

Before we address our concerns, there are a few things we think should be noted: