Faithworks welcomes the significant defeat of the motion on the Sexual Orientation Regulations, put forward by Lord Morrow on 9th January 2007. The SORs are designed to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the delivery of goods, facilities and services.

On Monday Faithworks released a statement calling on Christians to follow Jesus’ example, and to serve all people, regardless of their lifestyle. We encourage our members, and all those of Christian faith, to model Jesus’ approach by expressing welcome and embrace, and recognising the dignity of every human being. 

Faithworks decided to engage in the debate believing that a strong sense of Christian identity and purpose enables the Church to provide goods and services in a non-discriminatory way, without that identity being diminished.

Public Policy Director, Joy Madeiros, said: “While we fully recognise the importance of a distinctively Christian identity, we believe that equality regulations introduced to date in the UK, including the proposed Sexual Orientation Regulations, enhance rather than detract from our humanity by providing protection of rights for all human beings.

“The regulations are not a threat to a clear Christian identity and ethos.  We recognise that we live in a society that has worked hard to create cross-strand diversity and equality, and believe that the Church must be part of this discourse.”

The Faithworks Charter expresses the Movement’s commitment to the equal value of all people, setting out 15 high quality standards for the delivery of public services.     

Faithworks recognises that there are a number of views across the Christian community in the UK on this matter. We want to encourage the Church to avoid defining people primarily in relation to their sexual preferences but instead as whole human beings, loved by God. Imperfection is a trait that is present in every human life. 

Concerned that the tone of the debate has become aggressive and virulent, creating an unattractive witness, Faithworks calls on the Church to reposition itself on this matter in a more confident and compassionate way. 

Rev’ Malcolm Duncan, Leader of the Movement, said: “This is an opportunity for the Church to rise to the challenge in a positive way, rather than to build a fortress mentality. The Church is not called to judge the world but to serve all people with a clear commitment to the values and example of Christ.

“We need to remember that judgement begins at the house of the God. Some elements of the church are guilty of directing judgement on the world rather the on themselves.”