Church of Scotland: a false economy?
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.
Location, location, location
Euan Dodds urges us to think carefully before we move house
Would you ever consider moving house in order to be closer to your church?
Scotland: Holyrood reborn
The first services of Holyrood Evangelical Church (HEC) were held on 5 October.
The set-up and music teams arrived at Leith Academy at 9am to rehearse and have the newly purchased equipment in place. At 11am the theatre was filled with the congregation, numerous well-wishers and a group of 20 American visitors accompanying Professor Doug Kelly, a longstanding friend of the fellowship. The newly called minister, Phil Hair, welcomed those present before the opening hymn, ‘Praise to the Lord the Almighty the King of Creation’ broke forth. Andy Scott, one of the trustees of the new church, explained something of the journey so far before George Sydserff, one of the senior elders, assembled and prayed for the ministry team.
