The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) adopted a new policy at their Assembly meeting in late June that means anyone in a same-sex relationship cannot be a full member of the Church and their children therefore cannot be baptised.
The move comes after the PCI cut ceremonial ties with the Church of Scotland due to its more liberal attitude to same-sex relationships. The committee concluded: ‘In light of our understanding of Scripture and the Church’s understanding of a credible profession of faith, it is clear that same-sex couples are not eligible for communicant membership nor are they qualified to receive baptism for their children. We believe that their outward conduct and lifestyle is at variance with a life of obedience to Christ.’
Different views
The PCI made it clear that the new policy does not prevent people in a same-sex relationship attending church. A motion to shelve the report was defeated in a vote. It was a show of hands rather than a recorded vote.
However, more than 200 ministers and elders in the PCI signed a letter – called ‘A Cry From The Heart’ – expressing their ‘hurt, dismay and anger’ over the decision on same-sex couples.
A spokesperson for the PCI said that it recognised many of its members ‘will hold different views’, adding: ‘It is worth positively noting that the 200-plus ministers and elders who were signatories state that they were making their statement “as a prayerful expression of appropriate loyalty” to the PCI.’
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has more than 220,000 members in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
