General Assembly 2011: response by the Kirk Session of Davidson’s Mains Parish Church

This is what the Lord says:
‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.’ [Jeremiah 6 v.16]

We wish to express our deep disappointment and regret at decisions taken by the recent General Assembly which we believe are contrary to the Bible’s teaching on lifestyle and practice and which have caused concern and turmoil throughout much of the Church of Scotland and beyond.

What has happened?

Over the last two years a commission has consulted widely on the issue of the ordination of people in same-sex relationships.  On Monday 23 May the Commission brought its report to the General Assembly, and the General Assembly voted on its recommendations. The General Assembly decided:

·         to allow ministers and deacons who were ordained before 31 May 2009 and who are in same-sex relationships to be inducted into pastoral charges. (Carried by 393 votes to 252).

·         to further consider lifting the moratorium on the ordination of people in same-sex relationships, and to establish a Theological Commission to consider the question of same-sex relationships; civil partnerships; possible liturgies to recognise civil partnerships; and the ordination, training and acceptance into the ministry of those in such relationships. (Carried by 351 votes to 294). The alternative option, which was rejected, was to continue the indefinite moratorium.

These decisions were taken despite the clear recognition in the Report and expression during the debate that they would represent a radical departure from the traditional position of the Church of Scotland and the worldwide church, and that no clear appetite for change had been expressed during consultation with Kirk Sessions throughout Scotland.

What is the real issue?

We believe that the issue of ministers in same-sex relationships is a symptom of a deeper division within the Church of Scotland which affects every part of our faith and our life. It is essentially an issue about how we understand the Word of God, and the gospel message that it contains.

We believe that the Bible from beginning to end clearly identifies faithful marriage between a man and a woman as the God-given place for sexual relations.  Furthermore, we are not persuaded that the clear teaching of the Bible on sexuality should be re-interpreted in the light of contemporary culture. 

The real issue, therefore, is that the General Assembly has taken a decision about the way the Church will operate that is contrary to the Bible, which we recognise as ‘the supreme rule of faith and life’.

Why does it matter?

·         It matters because we are part of the Church of Scotland. We are subject to its authority and play our part in its affairs, supporting its work through our giving. We share in its heritage of faith, and we want to protect and uphold that faith. We want to be loyal to our national church. A deliberate rejection of the Word of God by the church of which we form a part cannot but grieve and affect us.

·         It matters because the Bible makes it very clear that a deliberate departure from the Word of God is a dangerous path to take, risking the loss of the Lord’s blessing, favour and authority.

·         It matters because by rejecting the teaching of the Bible on this issue we betray rather than help those who struggle in this area. Some who are homosexual by orientation have chosen to be celibate and face a daily struggle to be true to God’s call. If the church will not stand by them, who will? Others will be misled by this decision of the Church, which appears to accept our society’s lie that fulfilment comes through sex or through relationships. It doesn’t. Fulfilment comes only from God.

·         It matters because this decision in fact challenges the entire basis of the gospel. If we can choose what is and what isn’t sin, we have no need of forgiveness, we have no need of the cross, we have no need of Christ.

What will happen next?

We are aware that this is a difficult, divisive and sensitive issue. We wish to support and strengthen all, whatever our sexuality, in the different struggles we each may face as we submit to the Bible’s clear identification of faithful marriage between a man and a woman as the only place for sexual relations.

We recognise that among our congregation there will be many different opinions and questions, and we will offer opportunities at the start of 2012 to explore, discuss and understand the teaching of the Bible on these issues.

These recent decisions by the General Assembly will have far-reaching implications and we are currently seeking to identify and fully understand how they could affect us as a congregation.  We recognise that there are many others across the Church of Scotland who are similarly grieved by these decisions, and we will be thinking, talking and praying with them.

We would urge everyone to pray earnestly for wisdom and guidance for the Kirk Session as they continue to seek God’s way forward at this time, and to continue to pray for the Church of Scotland.

August 2011

© 2005 Davidson's Mains Parish Church

dson's Mains Parish Church  1 Quality Street, Edinburgh EH4 5BB