What is does the chruch belive on Homosexuality?
1979 B.B. Min. 53
1. Adopt the Statement on Homosexuality as an Assembly Statement and ensure its availability to all congregations for their study as follows:
2. Cannot accept homosexuality as a life style consistent with the Christian faith.
3. Recognise the need for the Church to exercise a ministry of pastoral concern to homosexuals.
1984 B.B. Min. 212
3. Approve of the Statement on Homosexuality, as printed in the Report, and commend it to all Sessions for promulgation to Church members.
STATEMENT ON HOMOSEXUALITY (Refer Min. 212.3 Above)
“1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? ... neither... effeminate, nor homosexuals..."
One of the most disturbing movements today is the pressure being brought to bear for liberalization of the laws about sexual behaviour. While some review is undoubtedly needed, the great cry is for the recognition of a homosexual lifestyle as a legitimate lifestyle, as valid as that of heterosexuality; and the right for it to be put forward, and even taught as such throughout our education system.
As Christians, our task is to -
(i) determine what the Bible has to say on this matter;
(ii) allow the Biblical view to dominate our response.THE BIBLICAL VIEW
1. The Old Testament in the Mosaic law specifically condemns all homosexual behaviour as an abomination (see Leviticus 18:22, 20:13) and its punishment has no qualification such as is found with rape (Deuteronomy 22:23-29) or killing (Deuteronomy 19:4-13). The act of homosexuality, like bestiality, has no excuse.
2. The New Testament: Christ does not mention it, but we know He did not take away from the force of the Law, but strengthened it, (compare the depth of the Sermon on the Mount with the Ten Commandments), and extended its radical demands for perfection. Paul's writings are clear in condemning homosexuality. In Romans 1:26 it is condemned as a shameful lust. 1 Corinthians 6:9 condemns it without qualification. 1 Timothy 1:10 shows the Law was made to restrain... homosexuals... whose actions are contrary to sound teaching. Revelation 22:15 would imply that homosexuals are among the immoral ones left out.
3. For the Early Church, homosexuality was the unnatural sin, the sin that characterized a world lost in shame.
Facts we should note are:¬
1. Homosexuality is not a mental illness but is a learned characteristic - a socially learned process (Rom.1:24-27).
2. Homosexual activity is in rebellion against God (Rom.1:25-29)
3. Homosexual feelings should be recognised as sin, as too should all other kinds of sinful feelings, and homosexual activity must firmly be disapproved of. Our response should be seen against this background.
So our task is -
(a) To show the sin of homosexual activity is condemned of God.
(b) To stand against any legislation that would allow its free spread as a "legitimate lifestyle".
(c) To reach out with compassion to the homosexual with the loving, transforming power of the Lord, Who is able to cleanse the penitent from sins and renew in holiness.
(d) To warn against the danger, especially of young boys and girls being corrupted by homosexuals and lesbians whom they may meet, and to urge Government authorities to prevent the appointment of, and to remove known active homosexuals and lesbians from teaching and tutoring positions.”Statement on Homosexuality
It cannot be denied that tolerance of homosexuality between consenting adults has increased sharply within Australian society in recent years. A public opinion poll conducted as recently as 1976 showed a l0% swing towards tolerance within three years. The emergence of a vociferous gay liberation movement, coupled with some sections of the media obviously pro-homosexual, may have contributed to this situation.
Public: opinion of course does not necessarily legitimatise a practice as correct in the eyes of God or conducive to the well-being of society. We believe, however, that Christians must take cognizance of current trends so as to be in a better position to make intelligent and helpful comments upon subjects of public issues. The trend of modern thinking appears to arrive at the position where homosexuality is seen as one of a whole range of different acceptable and harmless lifestyles which express human sexuality. This is a position the Christian cannot tolerate for himself as a Christian, and must resist for the well-being of the society of which he forms a part.
We accept the explosiveness of the whole homosexual issue. We acknowledge the aggressive challenge to the traditional moral position of the Judeo-Christian ethic which has always viewed homosexual genital acts as perversions of God's intentions. We are however dismayed by the effects of various forms of discrimination against homosexuals as persons, and acts on homosexuals which are sheer and unjust forms of persecution. This we deplore. But when all is said and done, we must affirm the position that homosexual behaviour represents a deviation from the normal, healthy, physhosexual development as intended by our Creator.
As Christians we are committed to affirm the Biblical perspective. This is to take a middle line between two extremes which declare on the one hand that because the Bible condemns homosexual practices there should be no further discussion on the subject, and that which asserts that the Bible only reflects the standards and attitudes of its day, therefore the use of the Holy Scripture in any discussion of homosexuality is irrelevant. We are bound however, to use the Bible as a decisive norm and we list the following passages for the reflective obedience of Christians: Genesis 1 and 2; Gen. 19:1-26; Levit. 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:B, and 1 Timothy 1:10.
We hold that these passages must be looked at within the total context of Scripture which affirms the heterosexual act as normative for society. Both the Old and New Testaments portray heterosexual love as the will of God whilst homosexual behaviour is portrayed in a condemnatory light as sinful. Romans 1:27 in particular highlights the Biblical perspective which must be considered as regulative for Christians.
Homosexuality is further, a distortion of the Biblical concept of completeness between a male and a female. The object of human sexuality from a Christian perspective is not basically personal satisfaction or pleasure but completeness: "God made them male and female. . .and for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife and the two will become one; so they are no longer two." (Mark 10:6-8). This oneness is the completeness, the coming together of opposites into a God-intended union. Thus homosexuality, by its very nature, can only offer an essential incompleteness and invalidates the divine purpose.
Any view of homosexuality however, which breeds an unhealthy and unchristian discrimination, must be deplored by Christians and resisted. It is asserted that criminal sanctions against homosexuals have the effect of inducing blackmail, assault, and robbery. Research in Great Britain indicates that most cases of blackmail were connected with homosexual activities. American research supports the contention that such crimes are committed against homosexuals more often than against other sections of society. An Australian Royal Commission in 1974 also supported this view.
The total attitude of the Christian to the homosexual should be that of loving compassion to him as a person whilst recognising at the same time, the homosexual act as a deviation from man's true sexuality, and therefore a sin which needs conquering. The Christian who recognises a homosexual tendency should, we suggest, avail himself of all professional help and strive to practise abstinence, constantly dependent upon the Holy Spirit's power. As a Church, we are committed to a continual resistance of the prevailing view that embraces the practice as an acceptable lifestyle. The acceptance of such a lifestyle can only work against the true purpose of our Creator and the general interests of society as a whole.
2. Cannot accept homosexuality as a lifestyle consistent with the Christian faith.
3. Recognise the need for the Church to exercise a ministry of pastoral concern to homosexuals.
1989 B.B. Min. 279
26. (a) Affirm that:
(i) The living, active, knowing presence of the One true and living God (Father Son and Holy Spirit) whose commands and precepts in the 66 canonical books of the Christian Scriptures are the duty of every person (without any exception) to obey with love.
(ii) This is irrespective of whether a person believes, likes or has any other attitude about the existence or person of the God of the Scriptures.
(iii) No person who ever has been, is or shall be created is excepted from this duty to love and obey.
(b) Affirm that all homosexual practice is an utter defiling abomination before the holiness and goodness of God, never in any circumstances to be justified.
(c) Affirm that to accept homosexual practice (even de facto) as a positive factor in immigration policy is a sin that the Church of Jesus Christ must publicly condemn and from which it should dissociate itself.
(d) Write to the Prime Minister and the Federal Minister for Health, re-affirming that this Assembly believes the only true solution to the problem of sexually transmitted diseases, including A.I.D.S., is for each individual and the nation as a whole to uphold the Biblical standard of heterosexual chastity before marriage and heterosexual fidelity within marriage to the exclusion of all other sexual practices and preferences.
(e) Encourage Ministers and Elders to minister to A.I.D.S. sufferers with sensitivity and compassion, endeavouring to present newness of life through the Lord Jesus Christ.
27. Advise the Prime Minister, the Minister for Immigration, Leader of the Oppositon and the Media of the above affirmation; and the total opposition of the Assembly to homosexuality (including lesbianism) as a legitimate alternative lifestyle.
1991 B.B. Min. 203
17. (a) Affirm that in relation to the issue of prostitution, we have a moral obligation to our neighbour, and to proclaim Christ as the Saviour who sets free and cleanses the sinner.
(b) Declare prostitution is not a ‘victimless crime’ for it essentially destroys a human being’s personal worth by corrupting such human being into ‘merchandise to be traded’.
(c) Advise the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Liberal Party, Criminal Justice Commission, the Minister for Health, the Minister for Justice, Minister for Local Government, and the Media that the Assembly:-
i Strongly opposes any relaxing of the laws relating to prostitution (male or female) or soliciting.
ii Request the introduction of laws which prosecute those who use male or female prostitutes.
iii Strongly opposes the setting aside of special areas for use for the purpose of prostitution.
(d) Note with concern that the Criminal Code has been amended to permit acts of sodomy between consenting adults in private.
(e) Note that the Clerk of Assembly has advised the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Liberal Party, and the Attorney General of its disappointment at the relaxation of the Criminal Code anent sodomy.
1992 Commission of Assembly
24. It was moved, seconded and approved, that the Commission:-
Endorse the General Assembly of Australia Church and National Committee Statement on Homosexuality.
1994 B.B. Min. 199
9. Reaffirm 1989 BB Min.279.14:
“Regard instruction in human sexuality to be primarily a responsibility of parents, to be given within the Biblical constraints of chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage, to the exclusion of all other sexual practices and preferences.”
1994 B.B. Min. 199
17. Concur with the actions of the Moderator, the Clerk of Assembly and the Convener of the Public Questions and Communications Committee in writing to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Paul Keating, and the Leader of the Opposition, Dr John Hewson, following their public support for the “Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras” in Sydney, (Appendix E) and incorporate a copy of the letters in the record.
APPENDIX E
An original of the following letter was sent to the Prime Minister, Hon P.J. Keating, with copies to: the Leader of the National Party, Mr T.A. Fischer, and the Premier of Queensland, Hon W.K. Goss, and the media.
“9 March 1994
RE: PUBLIC SUPPORT OF THE GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS
It is with deep feelings of sorrow that we write to you on behalf of The Presbyerian Church of Queensland, following your public support for the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras held in Sydney last Saturday.
At best, your actions could be considered a cheap exercise in vote buying from a vocal minority in our community At worst it is a public rejection of the Biblical ethics which are so clearly set forth in the Word of God in Romans Chapter 1:18-32.
The practice of homosexuality is a direct idolatrous attach on the authority and Lordship of almighty God.
In this Year of the Family we call on you to support and promote the Biblical position of chastity within heterosexual monogamous life-long marriage to the exclusion of all other preferences and practices.
How long before we can expect you to be giving public support to parades of adulterers, paedophiles, murderers or thieves parading through the streets of our capital cities?
Yours faithfully,
Right Rev. G K Kettniss Very Rev Dr K J Gardner
Moderator Clerk of Assembly”
1994 B.B. Min. 199
19.(i) Commend the Government of Tasmania, through the Tasmanian Premier, Hon R.G. Groom, MHA, on its decision to retain the criminality of homosexual practices; and include a copy of the Assembly’s Resolution on homosexualing as found in 1984 BB Min 212.3 and 1989 BB Min. 279.26(b).
1984 BB Min.212:3
”That the Assembly: Approve of the Statement on Homosexuality, as printed in the Report, and commend it to all Sessions for promulgation to Church members.
STATEMENT ON HOMOSEXUALITY
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? ... neither... effeminate, nor homosexuals..."
One of the most disturbing movements today is the pressure being brought to bear for liberalization of the laws about sexual behaviour. While some review is undoubtedly needed, the great cry is for the recognition of a homosexual lifestyle as a legitimate lifestyle, as valid as that of heterosexuality; and the right for it to be put forward, and even taught as such throughout our education system.
As Christians, our task is to -
(i) determine what the Bible has to say on this matter;
(ii) allow the Biblical view to dominate our response.
THE BIBLICAL VIEW1. The Old Testament in the Mosaic law specifically condemns all homosexual behaviour as an abomination (see Leviticus 18:22, 20:13) and its punishment has no qualification such as is found with rape (Deuteronomy 22:23-29) or killing (Deuteronomy 19:4-13). The act of homosexuality, like bestiality, has no excuse.
2. The New Testament: Christ does not mention it, but we know He did not take away from the force of the Law, but strengthened it, (compare the depth of the Sermon on the Mount with the Ten Commandments), and extended its radical demands for perfection. Paul's writings are clear in condemning homosexuality. In Romans 1:26 it is condemned as a shameful lust. 1 Corinthians 6:9 condemns it without qualification. 1 Timothy 1:10 shows the Law was made to restrain... homosexuals... whose actions are contrary to sound teaching. Revelation 22:15 would imply that homosexuals are among the immoral ones left out.
3. For the Early Church, homosexuality was the unnatural sin, the sin that characterized a world lost in shame.
Facts we should note are:¬
1. Homosexuality is not a mental illness but is a learned characteristic - a socially learned process (Rom.1:24-27).
2. Homosexual activity is in rebellion against God (Rom.1:25-29)
3. Homosexual feelings should be recognised as sin, as too should all other kinds of sinful feelings, and homosexual activity must firmly be disapproved of. Our response should be seen against this background.
So our task is -
(a) To show the sin of homosexual activity is condemned of God.
(b) To stand against any legislation that would allow its free spread as a "legitimate lifestyle".
(c) To reach out with compassion to the homosexual with the loving, transforming power of the Lord, Who is able to cleanse the penitent from sins and renew in holiness.
(d) To warn against the danger, especially of young boys and girls being corrupted by homosexuals and lesbians whom they may meet, and to urge Government authorities to prevent the appointment of, and to remove known active homosexuals and lesbians from teaching and tutoring positions.1989 BB Min. 279.26(b)
(b) “Affirm that all homosexual practice is an utter defiling abomination before the holiness and goodness of God, never in any circumstances to be justified.”
19.(ii) Forward a copy of the communication and the Assembly’s resolutions to the Leader of the Tasmanian Opposition, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Federal Opposition, the Leader of the Federal Parliamentary National Party, the Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party, the United Nations Commissioner on Human Rights, the Media, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Tasmania.
1994 Commission of Assembly November 9, Min. 19
MINUTE 19 Sexual Privacy Bill
The Clerk laid on the table a communication from the Public Questions and Communications Committee, and correspondence relating to the Human rights (Sexual Conduct) Bill 1994 and moved that they be received. The motion was seconded and approved.
It was moved, seconded and approve that the Commission:-
Advise the Prime Minister (with copies to the Attorney General, the Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party, National Party, and The Australian Democrats, the Premier of Tasmania, and the media) that The Presbyterian Church of Queensland has the following grave concern in relation to the Human Rights (Sexual Conduct ) Bill, 1994:-
1. (a) The Bill uses International obligations under Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to overarch State Legislation dealing with matters for which no provision has been made in the Constitution of Australia.
(b) The “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” as a secular humanistic covenant is being used to set aside the provision of laws based on the Word of God declared in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament.
2. That in enacting legislation which declares:
“Arbitrary interferences with privacy
4.(1) Sexual conduct involving only consenting adults acting in private is not to be subject, by or under any law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, to any arbitrary interference with privacy within the meaning of Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Note: Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is set out in Schedule 2 to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986.
(2) For the purposes of this section, an adult is a person who is 18 years old or more.”,
the following practices, against the holiness of the declared will of God, viz sodomy, lesbian practices, sado-masochism, beastiality and incest, could become legal between consenting adults in private anywhere in Australia and its Territories.
MINUTE 20 It was moved, seconded and approved that the Commission:-
Forward copies of the above decision to Senator Ron Boswell and the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference.
1995 B.B 74
3. Endorse the following responses –
(d) ii that of the Convener of the Public Questions and Communications Committee in making a verbal submission to the Senate Enquiry into the Human Rights (Sexual Conduct) Bill 1994.
1996 B.B 55
MEDIA RELEASE - SEXUAL PRACTICES AND RELATIONSHIPS
22 JUNE 1995
The Presbyterian Church of Queensland affirms that -
i All homosexual practice (and lesbianism) is an utter defiling abomination before the holiness and goodness of God, never in any circumstances to be justified.
ii That to accept homosexual practice (even de facto) is a sin that the Church of Jesus Christ must publicly condemn and from which it should disassociate itself.
iii Each individual, and the nation as a whole should uphold the Biblical standard of heterosexual chastity before marriage and heterosexual fidelity within marriage to the exclusion of all other sexual practices and preferences.
2005 B.B. MIN. 98
18. Adopt Clause (2) of BB 2004 Minute 54 of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia as a declaration of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland, with the deletion the words “of Australia” and the insertion of the words “of Queensland” in the declaration, so that it reads as follows:
We, the Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland, affirm our commitment to the Bible's message of the love of God for sinners and the good news of the forgiveness of sin, of a new beginning, and of eternal life. This is God's gift to those who repent of their sin and trust in the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We affirm our commitment to the Bible's message that those who experience this forgiveness and new beginning gladly seek to live a life that pleases God. This means choosing a lifestyle that conforms to God's standards, which includes abstinence from sexual intercourse before marriage and faithfulness within marriage. Marriage consists of one man and one woman in a lifelong and exclusive commitment.
We affirm our commitment to the teaching of the Bible that condemns homosexual activity and desire, and therefore absolutely precludes the ordination of those continuing to practice or endorse homosexual activity and desire.
We express our deepest regret at the decisions of other denominations that allow for the ordination of those continuing to practice or endorse homosexual activity and desire, and we declare this to be a most grievous departure from the Bible's message concerning the nature of sin and the repentance necessary for salvation.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the answer to the underlying problems of those who struggle with homosexual activity and desire - such as the problem of loneliness, the longing for loving relationships, the meaning and control of our sexuality, and the quest for personal identity. As our Creator-God Jesus Christ is also our Saviour and Friend who is able to restore our humanity at every level by healing us in our inner dispositions and social relationships.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon all those who profess faith in Him to stand with us in this commitment to God's Word and we offer any assistance that we are able to give to this end.
2006 B.B. MIN. 134
21. Note that the Presbyterian Church USA has made a recent decision in relation to standards pertaining to homosexuality and Church ministry.
22. Advise the PC USA that we, the PCQ, are offended that a fellow Presbyterian Church has moved away from the Biblical position whereby Scripture clearly teaches that homosexuality is offensive to God because of its immoral nature (Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:22-27).
23. Ask that the PC USA reconsider this matter in favour of the true Biblical position of denying the immoral (in this case homosexuals) any position or office in the Church whatsoever, and that any homosexuals who may attend the PC USA services be offered the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of Christ by Christians and counselling so that they may come out of this evil practice (1 Corinthians 5:9-13).
2009 B.B. MIN. 106
20. Note the communication to the Clerk of the Church of Scotland, issued by the Moderator and the Clerk, with the concurrence of the Convener of the Public Questions and Communications Committee, and incorporate a copy in the Record of the Assembly.
12 May 2009
The Clerk
The Church of Scotland
121 George Street
EDINBURGH
EH2 4YN
Dear Sir
Re: Overture by members of the Presbytery of Lochcarron and Skye anet Scott Rennie’s appointment to Queen’s Cross Church
We have received reports that members of the Presbytery of Lochcarron and Skye have forwarded an Overture to the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly anent Scott Rennie’s appointment to Queen’s Cross Church. (The Press and Journal, Article by Cameron Brooks, Gay minister faces further hurdle). http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1191397?UserKey&UserKey=
In the article, Lochcarron and Skye Presbytery member, Ivor MacDonald, minister of the Kilmuir and Stenscholl congregation, is quoted as saying: “We have lodged the overture because the Assembly will have to decide on the Scott Rennie case without having previously resolved the whole issue of whether homosexual practice is compatible with Christian living. Scott Rennie should be blocked from becoming the minister at Queen’s Cross because he has been open that he is a practising homosexual”.
The Presbyterian Church of Queensland issued the following media release on 22 June 1995:
The Presbyterian Church of Queensland affirms that -
i All homosexual practice (and lesbianism) is an utter defiling abomination before the holiness and goodness of God, never in any circumstances to be justified.
Ii To accept homosexual practice (even de facto) is a sin that the Church of Jesus Christ must publicly condemn and from which it should disassociate itself.
Iii Each individual, and the nation as a whole should uphold the Biblical standard of heterosexual chastity before marriage and heterosexual fidelity within marriage to the exclusion of all other sexual practices and preferences.
We strongly condemn the decision of the Aberdeen Presbytery to sustain the call to Rev. Scott Rennie to Queens Cross Church.
We call upon the Assembly to sustain the Overture and adopt the statement;
That this Church shall not accept for training, ordain, admit, re-admit, induct or introduce to any ministry of the Church anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage between a man and a woman.
May God give the Assembly Grace and Wisdom and Courage as you debate these issues.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
(Rt Rev) John Gilmour, Moderator (Rev) Ron Clark, Clerk of Assembly
cc Moderator, Church of Scotland
2009 B.B. MIN. 106
21. Note the statements by the Fellowship of Confessing Churches and incorporate a copy in the Record of the Assembly.
The Fellowship of Confessing Churches reported on its website before and after the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland as follows -
http://www.confessingchurch.org.uk/ga09-statement/
General Assembly 2009 Statement
Statement about the coming General Assembly of 2009
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland meeting in May 2009 will hear an appeal against the decision of the Presbytery of Aberdeen to induct into a charge a minister who has openly declared himself to be living in a homosexual relationship.
If the Assembly votes to support the Presbytery of Aberdeen, it will publicly declare such behaviour as acceptable and honourable for a leader in Christ’s church. This would mark a historic departure for our church from the teaching of the catholic Christian faith, and a radical deviation from the clear Scriptural pattern that recognises the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman as the only proper place for sexual intimacy—a pattern which our church has hitherto always publicly affirmed.
To now declare explicitly an active homosexual lifestyle as holy, something the Bible unambiguously calls sin, denies in the most public fashion the authority of the church’s only Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Our church would thus position itself outwith the fellowship of orthodox, credal Christianity worldwide.
Such a decision, if made by the General Assembly, would be immensely damaging for the cause of Christ in Scotland and disastrous for the national church. As an unprecedented departure from both the Kirk’s supreme standard, the Scriptures, and its subordinate standard, the Westminster Confession of Faith, by its highest court, this would inevitably force a crisis of communion. The majority of congregations of the Church of Scotland have no wish so to depart from orthodox Christian faith and practice, nor to be in fellowship with those who would so abandon the true Church of Jesus Christ.
We urgently alert all commissioners to the 2009 General Assembly to the extreme gravity of the situation. We urge the Assembly to support the position of those who stood to defend Christian orthodoxy in Aberdeen Presbytery, and ensure instead that the Church will apply and assert in practice its clear doctrinal position on all matters of marriage and human sexuality, by refusing to condone homosexual practice in general, and among its leaders in particular. We further urge all commissioners to support the Overture from the Presbytery of Lochcarron and Skye, that our General Assembly may make its will known clearly and decisively on this issue for the future.
We stand thus to publicly affirm our love, honour and deep respect for all our Christian brothers and sisters who wrestle painfully with homosexual temptation but fight faithfully to live lives of purity, following Christ Jesus as his true disciples. We assure them of all pastoral support, care and mutual encouragement as they, along with us, ‘strive…for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.’ (Hebrews 12:14)
We further wish to affirm our continuing solidarity in fellowship with Christian churches worldwide who hold and maintain the historic faith, doctrine, and discipline of the one holy, catholic and apostolic church, once for all delivered to the saints in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Despite the depth of feeling across the churches of Scotland and the world about this matter, as reflected by the numbers signing this statement, the General Assembly voted (23rd May 2009) to back Aberdeen Presbytery by 326 votes to 267 (there were clearly many abstentions). This has created a precedent for all presbyteries, and sends a clear signal to the world that our denomination has departed from the teaching of the Christian Scriptures, upon which its very existence depends. It is a deeply painful day for all who love Christ and his gospel. May all in our churches remember the warning words of our Lord (Revelation 3:3), and seek earnestly to repent before it is too late.
2009 B.B. MIN. 106
26. Note with sadness the decision of the General Assembly of the Church of the Church of Scotland to uphold the decision of the Aberdeen Presbytery to induct into a Charge a minister who has openly declared himself to be living in a homosexual relationship in its vote on the 23rd May 2009 of 326 to 267.
27. Advise the Church of Scotland that by upholding the decision of the Aberdeen Presbytery to induct into a Charge a minister who has openly declared himself to be living in a homosexual relationship it has departed from the teaching of the Christian Scriptures, that recognises the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman as the only proper place for sexual intimacy.
28. Call on the Church of Scotland Assembly to repent of this departure from the clear teaching of the Word of God, and assure the Church of Scotland that its best witness to the world of the grace of God in Jesus Christ will be found in its expression of such repentance.
29. Advise the Church of Scotland that while it refuses to so repent, it inevitably demonstrates a deep breach of fellowship between itself and the Presbyterian Church of Queensland, and faithful Christians throughout the world.