I READ with interest Melissa Cunningham's article concerning a recent survey conducted by St Columba's Parish.
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She reported that more than 220 Catholic parishioners were surveyed to determine their attitude towards issues such as gay marriage and sexual activity between homosexual people (The Courier, July 16). The results of the survey certainly do reflect how general opinion on such issues has changed.
However, I am wondering what the ramifications of such surveys may be for "the church".
In the broader community, the practice of canvassing public opinion can provide useful data for the development and assessment of policies, strategies and programs, etcetera.
Political groups and advertising companies do this regularly and plan accordingly. It's the expedient thing to do.
However, I question the wisdom of the church seeking to formulate its stance on crucial social issues such as gay rights on the basis of popular surveys and general opinion. Public consensus and survey statistics are not an appropriate basis upon which to build a theological position.
I hope that the church recognises this and chooses to play a role of exegeting and communicating the scriptural principles which have bearing on such matters, rather than pursuing a post-modern approach that results in the tail wagging the dog.