New book challenges the church’s stance on sexuality

26 May 2016 - by

Kaleidoscope of Pieces: Anglican Essays on Sexuality, Ecclesiology and Theology was launched on Thursday 28 April at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.

Edited by Alan H Cadwallader and with a Foreword by Bishop Kay Goldsworthy, the Collection was launched by the ACC&C's Associate Director of Liturgy, the Arts and Spiritual Care Rev'd Susanna Pain, with music and song from Clare Lawlor and the Gay and Lesbian QWire.

The Collection includes essays by Sarah Bachelard, Duncan Reid, Peter Sherlock, Cathy Thomson, Gary Bouma, Phillip Tolliday, Stephen Pickard, Nickolai Blaskow and Elizabeth Smith.

Sexual diversity has fired debate in recent years in Australian society and no less in the Anglican Church of Australia. A thoughtful contribution to the church's way forward was offered at the book launch.

A number of Australia's leading theologians, historians, sociologists and academics have joined in making a heartfelt plea for the church to be attentive to significant changes in society regarding sexuality and to respond proactively and gratefully to those changes. The book acknowledges that the church has not dealt well with the people whose lives are affected by the decisions it has made about sexuality, and looks for irenic and supportive ways forward. Everything from same-sex marriage to the church's decision-making processes are addressed in the essays. The Collection offers a clear indication that the church's response to sexuality does not have to be harsh and punitive but can be open, welcoming and well-considered.

The Rev'd Dr Alan Cadwallader said "At a time when society has heard the authentic voices of diverse sexual expressions arising within its own membership, the church is beginning to hear in those voices, the prompting of the Spirit of God at work. This book is part of that listening and response to the rainbow of God's creation."

The Anglican Bishop of Gippsland, the Rt Rev'd Kay Goldsworthy, said "Kaleidoscope of Pieces opens up fresh insights into readings offering pastoral and transformative support to those whose self-identification is not heterosexual. These essays do what good theological investigation requires. They both confront and challenge through scholarly investigation.

"Each essay opens a window, or perhaps to bring more nuanced colour and texture, a different view, like looking though a kaleidoscope, to highlight more of the theological, spiritual and ecclesiological depths in relation to human sexuality, and to homosexuality in particular. The church as a whole is called in Christ to unfold completely as we live into the life to which we have been called. These essays help us to do just that."

You can view photos from the book launch via the ACC&C's Facebook page here.