Mr. Phelps you are not welcome in Scotland

Concerning the issue of sexuality which is currently presenting itself to the Church of Scotland and its General Assembly later this month, current media coverage suggests that an American pastor Fred Phelps and supporters are planning to picket the Assembly building in Edinburgh.

Speaking to Christians Together, a spokesperson for the Church of Scotland evangelical group Forward Together said:

"Forward Together totally disassociates itself from Mr. Phelps and wants nothing to do with any attitude of ‘hate or loathing’ towards anyone. God loves everyone and we believe the Bible’s teaching of marriage between a man and a woman is the way of blessing and fulfilment."

Christians Together would wish to affirm that sentiment. Mr. Phelps’ – and any of his followers – would be well advised to stay away from the Assembly and out of the country. His attitude and that of his church’s website do not reflect the love of God which Jesus, as God’s son, brought to this world.
The Scottish Christian community should be left to address this situation without Mr. Phelps’s intervention.

The Bible (in both Old and New Testaments) clearly states that any form of sexual activity outside of faithful monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is outwith God's plan and purposes for our world.
However the message of Jesus is an offer made ‘once and for all’: every person who turns from what is wrong (and we are all guilty) to what is right, is forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ. And through trusting in Jesus redeeming death, brought into a personal relationship with God. (1 Cor. 15:3)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

To the extent that Christians Together can speak for the Bible-believing disciples of Jesus in the Highlands and Islands, the above verse is an expression of God’s love for all mankind.

Mr. Phelps, you are not welcome in Scotland. You are doing harm to the name of the Saviour you profess to follow.