Dear brothers and sisters The theme of human sexuality and how this is to be viewed from a Biblical perspective is a deeply sensitive and controversial one across Christendom. While on the broader culture, traditional views regarding sexuality, in all its forms, have changed over time, this has been reflected in significant shifts in views on marriage, lifestyles, gender and relationships. The result has been intense discussions on these matters that, in more recent years, have filtered into Christian churches across all denominations. This is how these matters are introduced in the Appendix section of the South England Conference’s Inspired for Mission Strategy: “#sexuality AND THE CHURCH Cultural shifts in the UK regarding sexuality compel the church to grapple with maintaining its doctrinal position while demonstrating compassion and respect.” It is crucial for us as a Church for this time to engage in such matters and to indeed grapple with them, as this is the reason why this is highlighted in the strategy. A fundamental reason is that, at this very moment, many people, whether seen or unseen, will have their lives personally affected because they are caught in a tension between the biblical teachings of the church, their convictions and choices, and the personal and social implications. Sometimes, it does us good to look at those experiencing specific challenges and humbly recognise that under other circumstances, it could have been us and how painful these situations can be. For these reasons, I would like to know if our church is approaching such individuals and concerns to do with sexuality with the utmost care and empathy, as would be appropriate for those who seek to emulate Jesus Christ.This section of the strategy goes on to highlight the need for “balancing theological convictions with the imperative of treating all individuals empathetically” as “a pressing dilemma.” We must be equally mindful to be non-compromising when it comes to showing love to all people and maintaining the essence of scripture in these regards. Once again, we may look to Jesus for the answer when it comes to these matters because this is a balance He demonstrated so powerfully in what is sometimes referred to as His ‘personal interviews’ or one-to-one interactions with people in the gospels through His treatment of those whose lives and choices went outside of the ideals of scripture. The existence of shame and stigma could have led to the premature and tragic breakdown of relationships with God and others. Yet, people knew He loved them, but they also knew His incisive promptings that challenged them to move towards those ideals for themselves. Many of them did, compelled by an unbeatable combination of His grace, truth and powerful work in people’s lives. As we consider these matters, let us ponder the responses of the Master Rabbi, or Teacher, who was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). By now, you would have heard the sad news of the passing of Elder Michael Johnson, the renowned music coordinator, radio director and pioneer on so many fronts. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with his family at this sad time. Please keep them in your prayers. On another note, congratulations to Pastors Blake, Gooden, and Bible Worker Divinia and Walthamstow Church and their leadership, who recently baptised two precious souls. The Gloucester SDA Church also reported two baptisms; well done, Pastor Smikle and team. Finally, the Hub Church plant celebrated two baptisms. Permission was given for Elder Ray Stewart to conduct the baptisms while Ps Holford supervised the proceedings. Congratulations, Ps Fuller and team. Let us continue to be inspired by the mission! Pastor Kirk Thomas, SEC President