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Presbytery Calls for Prayer and Evangelism Following Same-Sex Marriage Decision

Wednesday June 22

The Presbytery of Lewis has issued a call to prayer and evangelism among Church members and adherents on the island.

Responding to the decisions taken at the recent General Assembly to allow ministers in same-sex marriages, the Presbytery stated its sadness and concern at ‘the Kirk’s further departure from and rejection of God’s clearly revealed will in Scripture’.

The statement adds that the church’s direction of travel has caused ‘untold pain, suffering and shame’ and damaged ecumenical relationships.

However, it adds: “We believe in a Triune God, and with His enabling grace, we will strive to continue to live by his precepts which are set out in Scripture. We do not believe that God will withdraw His blessing from those who continue to honour His Word, both in pulpit and pew…

“There are those in our parishes who need the Saviour. Our Lord's Great Commission still stands, therefore our calling to go to them remains. We still have God's Word that is alive and active. We have still our parish churches' life and structures to equip us to reach out; and we have an almighty, gracious and merciful God Who promises in John 15:5 to make those who obey and stay close to Him fruitful.

“Presbytery therefore encourages its members and adherents:
 i. to make prayer an ongoing priority...for faith, faithfulness and fruitfulness; ii. to encourage each other in his Word and in our obedience to it; [and] 
iii. to engage in evangelism, for only the Gospel has the power of God for salvation.”

The Church has in recent years come to a position that, while it still holds to the traditional understanding of marriage, congregations are allowed to call a minister in a formalised same-sex relationship. This initially referred to civil partnerships and was this year extended to include same-sex marriage.

View the full statement here (pdf)


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