The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland concluded on 22 May. Once more, the week was book-ended by debates about human sexuality.
Last year, an overture was approved which affirmed the church’s current doctrine and practice that marriage is between a man and a woman, but permitted a ‘constrained departure’ from this should a congregation call a minister in a ‘vowed’ civil partnership. 31 presbyteries subsequently voted in favour and 14 against.1 This was again debated. Although the debate was presented as being between two groups of ‘Scripture-loving people’ this was not immediately apparent. Many evangelicals spoke well and showed there was no biblical or theological support for such a change, which could only harm the peace and unity of the church. Those on the other side appealed more to the need for ‘equality’ and the importance of human rights.
A small thing?
The assembly was repeatedly ‘reassured’ that what was at stake was simply an issue which did not enter the ‘substance of the faith’ and one where sincere Christians interpreted Scripture differently – that all this Act does is recognise the ‘mixed economy’ of opinions which exist within the Kirk and make space for each. 309 voted in favour, 182 against. Whatever may have been said in the hall was heard differently in the world with headlines quickly announcing ‘Church of Scotland votes to allow gay ministers in civil partnerships’2.
Because same sex marriage (SSM) was legalised between the two assemblies, on Thursday a further debate followed as to whether congregations could call a minister in a same sex marriage. This was repeatedly described as a ‘small thing’, a matter of extending the same legal benefits enjoyed in a civil partnership to those in same sex marriages. This Act was not passed but has instead been sent to presbyteries for debate and voting. The outgoing moderator successfully proposed that ministers in same sex marriages can continue in post in the meantime. The church now finds itself in a situation where a minister can enter a civil partnership but not a same sex marriage but ministers already in a same sex marriage cannot themselves conduct other such marriages since this is against the church’s teaching and practice!3
Reformed and evangelical?
On paper, the Kirk is a reformed, evangelical church and ‘receives the Word of God…as its supreme rule of faith and life.’4 Now, however, in this one instance, congregations can depart from the church’s teaching if they choose.
Don’t kill each other
A visiting speaker recently said: ‘Good people will leave the Church of Scotland, good people will stay in: don’t kill each other.’ These are wise words, and prayer is needed to ensure a spirit of love continues between those within and without. Many have left to establish new fellowships, but a number of evangelicals want to remain ‘in it to win it’. The Kirk enjoys a huge amount of privilege in Scotland. It has money, property and infrastructure. It functions as the nation’s chaplain.
There are opportunities open to those who stay in. The great challenge before them, however,is how to maintain and extend evangelical witness through it.
Firstly there is the question of evangelical identity. Reformed evangelicals will increasingly be the ‘odd ones out’. Over 70 dissented from the initial vote. The pressing issue, though, is the day-to-day call within congregations and presbyteries to maintain the authority of Scripture and the integrity of the gospel. Many would argue the need to stay in to exercise evangelical influence. Undoubtedly much good has come from this, but the influence seems to be flowing in both directions. Sadly, the high tide of influence is likely to have passed. Many evangelicals are approaching retirement, a number have resigned and the number coming forward as candidates has all but dried up.
This raises the issue of evangelical involvement. The outgoing moderator told everyone to play for the team, but are evangelicals playing for the team or being ‘played’ by some of their team-mates? Would they not be better seeking a transfer to another, more sympathetic side? What kind of team will prosper when some preach the glories of the cross, and others speak (as one minister did publically and online) of the ‘ghastly theology’ of the atonement?
To pray for
In addition to those staying in to seek renewal and reformation of the denomination, two further groups are in need of particular prayer. The first is sincere Christians who experience same sex attraction but have bravely lived celibate lives, some for many decades. The pain and confusion this overture will cause will be acute. The second is those families, particularly of ministers, where some will leave the Kirk and others remain in.
