The Church of Scotland: 1560 - 2009
In a dramatic climax to an issue that has been rumbling for 50 years, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has finally surrendered on the key issue of installing an openly gay minister.
by Watchman
Breaking news (28 May 2009)
Regarding the Kirk's Assembly instruction to 'keep quiet', a Skye Church of Scotland minister has been quoted in the Herald as speaking out on the subject.
 ON SATURDAY, 23 May 2009, Church of Scotland leaders – meeting in general assembly – voted to uphold a decision by an Aberdeen congregation to appoint a gay minister.
After more than four hours of debate the annual gathering of the Kirk voted by 326 to 267 to support the call by the Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen to the Rev Scott Rennie who currently lives with his male partner.
In so doing, the Kirk has effectively turned its back on the traditional view of sexual relations as being confined to monogamous heterosexual marriage. And accordingly the institution has renounced its historic claim to be faithful to the Word of God as contained in both the Old and New Testaments.
The last crisis of this magnitude was in 1843 when a substantial minority of ministers, elders and members left the Church over the matter of state interference with church affairs and in defence of the right of local congregations to appoint their own ministers.
In a supreme irony, this is exactly what Queen’s Cross Church has now won the right to do.
A three-way split
The historical record of that 19th century schism often refers to the church being split in two. But in fact the division was a three-way affair. There were those who left, those who remained loyal to the establishment, and – as a third grouping – a substantial number who were in agreement with the secessionists, but who stayed in order to try and bring reform from within. And it is highly likely that the same dynamic will apply in coming days. Church leaders are fiercely loyal to the institution(s) within which they serve; and departure is not something that is taken at all lightly. But a gambling man would say that in any battle between the individual (or even a substantial group of individuals) and the establishment, the odds are stacked in favour of the great big machine; and there is no reason to think differently in this case.
| ..the lingering presence will be as ethereal as the vaporous smile on the face of the Cheshire cat. |
It will be interesting to see how Bible-faithful leaders respond to this seismic decision, but what is absolutely certain is that the Church of Scotland has lost all moral authority under God to continue to represent the Deity and the head of the universal church which is Jesus Christ.
Irrespective of the manner in which events will now unfold, there is absolutely no doubt that the structures will continue to exist and function. |
Even now plans will be in place for the next Church of Scotland General Assembly in 2010. But the lingering presence will be as ethereal as the vaporous smile on the face of the Cheshire cat.
Ichabod: the glory has departed
In a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel two thousand and five hundred years ago, the presence of God was seen to move from the Holy of Holies, to the temple threshold and then out to the city walls before disappearing from Jerusalem altogether (Ezekiel chs. 9 - 11). It was, as in Eli and Samuel's day, ‘Ichabod’ - the glory had departed from Israel (1 Sam. 4:21).
 While the form and structure will continue, it will be – as a brain-dead patient on a life support system – an illusion of life. And while some good men and women of God might continue to function within the Kirk endeavouring to reclaim the Biblical ground, their roles and operating environment will have changed. Any who do stay will essentially become missionaries in a dark and God-forsaken land. Amongst those who depart, like the mourners at a graveside, some will leave quickly whilst others will just slowly drift away. But the net effect will be cumulative and inevitable.
And what was begun in the Reformation upheavals of the 16th century when men of God fought valiantly to restore the Word of God as an absolute standard is now – at least as far as the Kirk is concerned – effectively reversed. Whilst other Bible-faithful denominations and groupings will continue to fight the good fight in Scotland, the spiritual welfare of the nation can no longer be entrusted to the Church of Scotland. The institution will survive, but in spiritual terms it must surely now be declared (almost) dead.
Only the Spirit of the living God can restore Scotland's national church (cf Ezek 37: 1-9).
Ed footnotes:
1. In the wake of this decision there could be an upsurge in the number of ministers who 'come out' as being gay, and they and others will now feel confident to officiate at civil partnership ceremonies.
Much prayer is needed if the Church is to continue to have any positive influence whatsoever on the spiritual well-being of the Scottish people and the nation.
2. A decision on an 'overture' (motion) to the Assembly from the Lochcarron-Skye Presbytery calling on the Church to affirm its traditional view on sexuality and ministerial appointments has been deferred until Monday (25 May). Whilst the debate around the motion will be of great interest, the stout wall of Biblical orthodoxy has been well and truly breached.
2. The Church of Scotland emerged out of the 16th Century Reformation. Just under one hundred years later it was officially constituted around the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). The other main post-Reformation grouping adhered to the episcopalian system of having bishops, and became The Scottish Episcopal Church.
From the 17th century until the present day, the presbyterian church in Scotland has had a history of splits, schisms, secessions, re-unions and amalgamations. You can find a brief history here.
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Watchman, 24/05/2009 |
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| | Aberdeenshire Minister (Guest) | 24/05/2009 20:58 | | My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I understand the feelings of those who have already commented. I really do.
I just ask one question:
Might it not be that the Holy Spirit was at work amongst the Commissioners last night, influencing how they voted?
I was saddened that "The Case" was not webcast. It would have been good for those of us who were not Commissioners to have heard both sides.
All we are going to be left with are the recollections of those who were present.
For all of us, whatever stance we take, it would have been much better if we had, at least, been 'observers'.
I agree with Peter Carr, in that we must all endeavour 'o faithfully proclaim God's Word'.
As for the nation being "in turmoil" - my reading is that the nation seems to be saying, "A pox on both your houses."
My congregation seems to be wholeheartedly behind and in support of The Presbytery of Aberdeen.
To speak of "the end times" as Lynda has done, is only to re-iterate "realised eschatology". From the first Easter Day, ALL Christians have been living in "the end times".
To Andrea Mac: Will those, like me, who did NOT sign the online petition not also be wondering where they stand? Might they not also be "blameless" in not turning God's truth into a lie?
It is a little OTT for her to say that we "have stamped God's Word into the mire". But, I am grateful for her prayers . . . I need people to pray for me,
To Leo Rose:
I am "a Bible-believing Christian" and, in spite of myself am a leader within the CofS - but I agree with the decision.
Leo's prayer is welcomely received as I and many others like me, seek God's Wisdom as to what we do next.
| | | Peter Carr | 24/05/2009 21:11 | | "I agree with Peter Carr, in that we must all endeavour 'o faithfully proclaim God's Word'."
Maybe so, but I believe that you have taken my quote out of context, particularly missing out the bible references that I quoted.
As for the Holy Spirit being with those that took the decision, only the Lord knows, however church history teaches us that not every decision of men is endorsed by God!
| | | Robert ( guest ) (Guest) | 24/05/2009 21:31 | | I too am a sinner saved by the precious blood of Christ and need to come in repentance daily before the throne of grace, I dare not allow myself the liberty of taking bit's of God's Word here and there just too suit my own desires.No servant can serve two masters either he will love the one and hate the other , I have a wonderful Saviour and and he died to save me , this is the longing in every true believer's heart.May the Lord strengthen those true believers who are making a stand for truth
| | | CofS candidate (Guest) | 24/05/2009 22:14 | | In response to (Aberdeen minister), I think the only way of discerning whether the result was a work of the Holy Spirit is through whether it was in accordance with the Holy Word of God, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Indeed, God's holy, inerrant, and infallible Word tells us such life-style is a sin. (and Please don’t say that the Bible does not talk about homosexuality, or that the first century Christians [including the Apostles whom Christ called] had insufficient knowledge about that. In fact, I would say that the practice of homosexuality at the time could have been much more widespread and well-known amogst the Romans.) Yet, the apostle Paul condemns such act as sinful.
Therefore, not only was the decision, by no means, influenced by the Holy Spirit, the Church of Scotland has departed from her historic Reformed faith and practice. She is no longer qualified as a Scottish Reformed church, by the standards laid down by the Reformers, as loses the one of the very marks of a true church: Discipline, and sees sin as nothing. To see sin as no sin is nothing but an abomination. It is heart-breaking for me, as a CofS candidate and, yet, a Bible-believing Reformed Christian, to say that the CofS is now an Apostate Church.
Yes, the Church of Scotland tries to be as broad as possibly, which seems good in the eyes of men. However, the way to salvation is very narrow and costly- it costs you to give up your own sinful way and take up the cross of Christ. No one can alter the way of Salvation in Jesus Christ.
Indeed, in some way, I hope that you aren’t really a CofS minister, because your message, with some information about the opinion of your congregation, worries me. I shall remember you and the flock which Christ has entrusted to you, in my prayers.
Also, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, please continue yours prayers for the evangelical ministers, as well as, candidates within the CofS, thank you and every blessing.
P.s. I have been so blessed from listening to Revd Kenny Stewart’ lectures: Rebuilding the Church in the 21st Century: Lessons from Haggai
http://www.epctoronto.org/Press/Rebuilding_the_Church/Rebuilding_the_Church.htm
As it’s in Haggai, “Consider your ways,” the Church of Scotland!
| | | Andrea Mac | 24/05/2009 22:24 | | Aberdeenshire Minister,
I did not say that those who didn't sign the petition were to be blamed as I can't possibly know whether they even knew about it or had an opportunity to sign it.
Those who have stamped God's word into the mire are those who, despite knowing what the Bible says about this issue, have chosen to reject it and endorse such an appointment. No matter how much we dislike it, the Bible is very clear about this issue and we will have no defence when we stand before our God, as we know we must.
Those who deny God's commands will have to answer to Him alone, as indeed we all will. However, those who condone and endorse what God has forbidden will also be called to account.
This whole issue is not about Mr. Rennie, the church concerned or the CofS in general but rather what choices we make as individuals as to whether we come down on God's side or the world's.
I do pray for Mr. Rennie, as I do for anyone who needs to recognise that they are living in a way which grieves God and I hope that others pray for me when I go my own way.
As Christians, there will always be times when we have to stand alone and that can be a very difficult place to be, but do it we must if we are to share in God's kingdom.
| | | Brian Ross | 24/05/2009 23:03 | | As I have just mentioned in a post on my main blog site (www.crazyrev.blogspot.com), I ma glad that we worship the Sovereign God, and that He "... causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love (Him) and are called according to His purpose for them." (Rom.8:28)
I do not understand how His purposes will be worked out through this very sad situation, but I am confident that they will.
It is true, as has been mentioned, that there is a sense in which, since the beginning of the Christian Church, we have been in "the latter days". However, this is not the only issue that would indicate that we are now in "the last days". The Lord Jesus made it perfectly clear that no-one - not even He - knows the day and the hour, but the Father only. However, He did suggest that we should be aware of the times and seasons.
What will be needed in the coming days is a large outpouring of that "commodity" that is is often in short supply - the grace of our loving, forgiving, but - lest we forget - holy and sinless God.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.
| | | John Parker (Guest) | 24/05/2009 23:05 | | Aberdeenshire minister said "From the first Easter Day, ALL Christians have been living in "the end times".
That is true, but the two metaphors which the Bible uses are the increasing and frequency and intensity of (a) labour pains before a birth and (b) seismic shocks before an earthquake.
We see in our day a rapid increase in the intensity and frequency of world events. Jesus didn't give (as he doesn't know) the time of his 2nd coming, but he did describe the season.
And part of the season was the appearance of a worldwide apostate church.
It is interesting that a candidate for the C of S ministry (above) has said:"It is heart-breaking for me, as a CofS candidate and, yet, a Bible-believing Reformed Christian, to say that the CofS is now an Apostate Church."
| | | Peter Carr | 25/05/2009 08:36 | | Ed,
I thought it was the expressed policy of CT that contribtors used proper names and not handles like 'Aberdeenshire Minister' and 'CofS candidate'?
| | | Peter Carr | 25/05/2009 08:44 | | Anon poster said, "Indeed, in some way, I hope that you aren’t really a CofS minister, because your message, with some information about the opinion of your congregation, worries me."
One of the worrying things about the General Assemblies conclusion to Saturday nights debate, is that not only are they giving ministers a manmade license to sin, but the congregations as well!
| | | John Parker (Guest) | 25/05/2009 09:13 | | One of the claims by those who support organised religion (i.e. denominations and religious machinery) is that it helps prevent false teaching.
In this case the man-made structures are actually propagating false teaching and given a platform, support and validity to those who preach falsehood.
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