Abortion and marriage changes defy God’ s law

THE Churches of the Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches (FIMC) are deeply saddened that we have had foisted upon our land laws that defy God’s law in the decriminalisation of abortion and the legalising of same-sex marriages.

God teaches in Scripture that human life begins in the womb. In Ps 39:13-18 and Jer 1:5 we learn that God not only knows and cares for the unborn child, but has a plan and purpose for their future from the womb. It is, therefore, a tragedy if someone should take a decision to terminate that life.

The Biblical teaching is that marriage, as God intended it from the beginning, is a life-long union between one man and one woman (Gen 2:21-25; Matt 19:45). Scripture teaches that same-sex relationships are a symptom of a society that has rejected God (Rom 1:2527). We, therefore, affirm our commitment to proclaim, defend and uphold the Biblical teaching concerning the sanctity of the life of the unborn and the Scriptural teaching on marriage.

God has given His laws for the good of mankind and orderly society. God cannot and will not bless a people that deliberately defies Him and His laws. It is the duty of our political leaders to honour God in their decisions. We deplore the fact these laws have been imposed upon Northern Ireland. We fear the hurtful social and spiritual consequences they will bring upon our people.

We are thankful to God for the public representatives who have spoken and acted in seeking to prevent these laws being implemented. Now that these laws have, sadly, been enacted, we call on our political leaders to ensure that they mitigate the harmful effects they will have on society and to secure adequate protection in law for freedom of conscience for Churches and individuals.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov 14:34). The psalmist said: “Rivers of water run down mine eyes because they keep not thy laws” (Ps 119:136).

It is our prayer that God will give to His Church, in these dark days, hearts that are broken, eyes to weep and a voice to cry to God to intervene in revival before He is compelled to intervene in judgment. “It is time for thee Lord to work, they have made void thy laws” (Ps 119:126).

WILLIAM PARK

Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches, Magheralin, Co Armagh