In particular, we affirm the following:<\/p>\n
3. That there has been no sustained debate on this matter in the Church<\/i>. Twelve years ago a group of British academics published \u201d\u02dcThe St Andrew\u2019s Day Statement\u2019, a non-polemical document identifying some of the important theological matters raised by the Church\u2019s response to those living in same-sex relationships. As recently as this past January, one of the document\u2019s authors, The Rev. Professor Oliver O\u2019Donovan, maintained that the Statement has been largely ignored. Bishop Ingham\u2019s assertion that the Church \u201d\u02dcstands in need\u2019 of a better theology of sexuality is itself an affirmation that the doctrinal character of this matter is something that has yet to be worked out. For him, this would involve \u201d\u02dcof necessity an entire reappraisal of Christian tradition, going right back to the Bible itself\u2019. It is true that consultations have been held on the St Michael Report across the country. But, with the exception of the \u201d\u02dcFaith Seeking Understanding Conference\u2019 held at Huron University College this past January, most of these consultations have been given over to hearing points of view and not to a critical exchange of ideas. Quite simply, what is lacking is a biblical and theological justification for changing the Church\u2019s teaching.<\/b><\/p>\n