American Presbyterian vote is "unorthodox", says Irish church leader
(pictured) told Sunday Sequence today that he responds to the Presbyterian Church (USA) decision with "sadness and disappointment", but he accepts that PC(USA) is still fundamentally an orthodox Christian denomination in full communion with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Dr Hamilton said his church's relationship with PC(USA), a denomination founded by a Presbyterian minister from Ireland, had "cooled" over the years and warned that relations between the two churches would be further strained
In the past, the Irish Presbyterian General Assembly has welcomed delegates from PC(USA) and granted them the right to take part in the Assembly's deliberations (without voting). Dr Hamilton said he expects and hopes that practice to continue.
Listen again to the interview with Norman Hamilton here (scroll to 114 mins).
Comment number 1.
At 15th May 2011, pastorphilip wrote:It seems to me that this decision by the Presbyterian Church (USA) is an indication that they are already distant from 'orthodoxy'.
Since the business of the Christian Church is to point people to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners, it is difficult to see how any of these 'ordained' clergy can do that whilst endorsing a sinful lifestyle by their own conduct!
The Christian position according to the Bible would lead any pastor to help individuals to confront their sin, to turn from it and to trust in Christ for forgiveness and a new life. (2 Corinthians 5v17) If I were to decide that something is not sin, when God has made it clear in His Word that it is, how could such people ever find forgiveness?
Every step away from the Bible is a further step away from God.
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Comment number 2.
At 15th May 2011, Dagsannr wrote:pastorphillip,
So where's the teachings in the bible that expressly forbids same-sex relationships? I forget. I'm assuming here you've direct quotations from Jesus here, I'd hate to think you're disapproving of the American church purely based on out-of-context OT scripture (whilst ignoring others) and some hazily translated passages from the letters of Paul....
Of course, if you're willing to accept that the old testament only forbids homosexual intercourse (not relationships), you're happy to stop eating pork and that Paul was referring to temple associated male prostitution then we can move onto the real reasons - why you don't want gay people to enjoy the same rights as everyone else.
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Comment number 3.
At 16th May 2011, Dave wrote:Pastorphilip,
You seem to have missed the question I asked a couple of days ago when you made essentially the same sermon - so I will remind you again.
"I would ask you though what is this new lifestyle without sin - is it a life never thinking lustful thoughts or never having sexual activity alone or with another. Is it a life without accepting a lifelong partner with which to form a bond deeper, more physical and more intimate than friendship. A life of denial about who and what you intrinsically are?"
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Comment number 4.
At 16th May 2011, mscracker wrote:Other American Presbyterian churches are of the same mind as Dr. Hamilton.Because they haven't changed their doctrines they don't make it to the 6 o'clock news. (Or ´óÏó´«Ã½ blogs.)
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Comment number 5.
At 16th May 2011, sizzlestick wrote:Ok now that you got the doctrinal leanings out of the way.
Could these Presbyterians and like be more transparent and informative with their churches’ signage? I travel often and I abhor partaking spiritual food that differs from what my undernourished soul requires. I get better deal from Macdonald’s, their food comes as expected. BTW I am a Christian.
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