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Local concern over church statement PROM PAGE 1 says that ail members are eiiland that it is up to each congregation to determine the appropriateness of a candidate for ordination. "The church has always said this," he noted, referring to the congregation's decision as to who is the best ministerial candidate fori their needs. "They (the church) knew. that women (ordained) would be controversial and they expected that that issue would corne up in 1925,"lhe said. "We're aIl responsible to the gospel, and each member has to fwork on this issue. (The church is saying) God help us and forgive us, but we don't understand it (the homosexual orientation)," Begbie continued. I think if it is appropriate for you (to accept a homosexual *minister or leadership) then it's okay. t would be sad if homo- sexuals had been prevented from touching my life," Begbie said. *Reverend Frazer Lacey of Brooklin United Church was surprised at-the general council's statement. "1 was surprised. I must say I was surprised knowing that 1,813 petitions went into the conference opposed to this," he said. Lacey said that he had been meeting with fellow ministers to study the document and its ramifications. "1 find the document an ambiguous statement, and it can mean many different things. I am troubled by the ambiguity, and a clearer statement needs to be made. "1 am trying to encourage my people to hang in. We have to work it out, and I don't think people will generally accept this," Lacey said. Lacey foresees a turbulent period of questioning within the church, caught with a policy that says one thing, the majority saying something else. "My sense is that certain ministers and members may be ready right now to leave, but others are willing to stay and work it out. "In the final analysis, the faithful members will be called to the pulpits and get the changes people want. Some good may corne out of this. "t will force clergy to look at questions of faith and the author- îty of the Bible," he said. I want to encourage people to stick with the church." St. Mark's United Church's Brian Gee said that "The press has done a number on us.- He said that contrary to the reports in the press, "The original report, entitled "Toward a Christian Understanding to Sexual Orientation,' does not reflect the present position of thé United Church of Canada. This was tabled," Cee said. "The general council brought in some recommendations which reflected the present policy in the Çhurch," he continued. "We are not condoning or rejecting anybody." "Most people agree to the statement that "al Christian people are called to a lifestyle patterned on obedience to Jesus Christ," Cee said. . He said the church has neyer said that it ordains homosexuals in the "Basis of Union" of 1925, and that the statement was lifted right out of that document. "The church is basically saying to continue doing things as you have been doing," he said. -WEIJ2TBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTIEMBER 7,19M8, PAGE 3 BUY 1 GET 1 FREE ....BUY I GET I1 FREE wc Wallpaper. Centre h Durham Région's lst complote discount wallpaper outlet i w'Larget in-stock selection in Durham & Scarbomough ' >- M Mn M rn Waltaper entr OSHAA AJX SCRBOR ui 59-165 68-071 431445 % meSI S 3 Hoo Ae.S 93MàamRd i (ustsouh o (Btwen Fy. 2, BeteenEllsmeeI John 401 LmwncePained-n Post Plaza OPN HUSDY FIDYNIHT UTI NNE. Wallape Cetre ~ M OSHAWA AJAXE ....... SCARBOET1 R EEC TOWN OF WH PROCLAMATION HERITAGE WEEK THE ITBY TAKE NOTICE THAT the week from September lth, 1988, to September l7th, 1988 is hereby proclaimed as-"Heritage Week", in and for the Town of Whitby. Citizens of Whitby are encouraged to celebrate the history and heritage of the Town of Whitby by attending the 'olowing events: September lth, 1988 - Heritage Day in Downtown Whitby, a co-operative event sponsored by the following groups: Board of Management for the Whitby Central Business District Improvement Area - activities from 9:00 a.m. onward Contact Stuart Craig at 666-4189 Whitby Local Architectural Conservation Advis.ory Committee (L.A.C.A.C.) - "Heritage in Action" display of heritage crafts from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact Kathleen Power at 668-5803 Whitby Historical Society - Victorian Tea Party 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Old Whitby Library Contact William Oyagi at 668-6823 September l7th, 1988 - Heritage Displays & Workshop, a co- operative event sponsored by the following groups: Board of Management for the Whitby Central Business District Improvement Area - activities from 9:00 a.m. onward Contact Stuart Craig at 666-4189 Whitby Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (L.A.C.A.C.) and the Durham Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) The following events have been scheduled f rom 9:00 a.m. ta 1:00 p.m. at the Town of Whitby Public Library: - Presentation of l9th Century Architecture and Styles in Durham Region by Rcid Angevaare - Plus several Heritage Displays Contact Kathleen Power at 668-5803 or Margaret Boyce at 668-9691 DATED at Whitby, Ontario this 6th day of September, 1988. R. A. Attersley, Mayor Town of Whitby