Following a recent workshop at Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary (SMMS), students were asked to reflect on the value of creating space for dialogue on sexuality and gender. One participant responded: “This might save someone’s life”.
IAM has been working with SMMS, the seminary responsible for the theological formation of leaders in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), for many years to create enabling dialogue spaces on human sexuality and gender. The entire student body of nearly 60 students engaged for two days on empowering themselves as church leaders to engage constructively and creatively when faced with a diversity of experiences relating to faith, gender, and sexuality.
We partnered with the Connexional LGBTIQA+ Task Team of the MCSA to help students understand the context of LGBTIQ+ lives, and the history of how the MCSA has chosen to respond. Students were divided into their year groups, each with a unique focus. First years had the opportunity to explore language and terminology on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. Second years engaged the Bible and experienced a Reading Together Process of Genesis 18, while third years explored practical case studies in dealing with issues of human sexuality and gender in a ministry context.
The positive feedback and fruitful conversation during these two days is indicative not merely of a more loving and inclusive seminary, but indeed the MCSA and the communities it touches.
The students unanimously indicated that these dialogue spaces and capacity building for clergy in the MCSA should continue. What is at stake for them is not merely the credibility of their witness to be “one and undivided” and “a community of love and not rejection”, but the very lives of LGBTIQ+ siblings on our continent.
We are thankful to the Revd. Obusitswe K. Tiroyabone, Head of Formation and Dean of the Chapel, for the continued partnership in forming theologians who are able to engage openly and courageously on faith, sexuality, and gender.
For questions or comments, please contact IAM’s Faith Partnerships Coordinator, Dr Louis van der Riet.
