Church ban on gay members

Presbyterian chiefs reveal anti-liberal policy

THE Presbyterian Church in Ireland has adopted a new policy meaning anyone in a same-sex relationship cannot be a full member.

The controversial move also bans them from baptising their children.

It comes after the Church cut ceremonial ties with the Church of Scotland due to its more liberal attitude to same-sex relationships.

Not everyone agrees with the adoption of the new rules and there was a lengthy debate on Friday morning at the annual meeting in Belfast of the decision-making General Assembly.

The talks lasted over an hour and more than 20 people spoke out. The Reverend Cheryl Meban, a chaplain at Ulster University, urged the Church not to adopt the policy.

The Rev John Dunlop, a former moderator, added it was a “highly sensitive” issue and cautioned against adopting any formal rules on the matter.

However, another former moderator, the Rev Stafford Carson, argued the Church needed to make its position clear that it was not in favour of same-sex relationships.

The policy is contained in a report by the Church’s doctrine committee.

It concluded: “In light of our understanding of scripture and the Church’s understanding of a credible profession of faith, it is clear same-sex couples are not eligible for communicant membership nor are they qualified to receive baptism for their children.

“We believe their outward conduct and lifestyle is at variance with a life of obedience to Christ.”

The Presbyterian Church, which has 22,000 members here and in the Republic, made it clear the new policy does not prevent people in a same-sex relationship attending church. JAMIE Dornan is snap happy as he holidays in the Costa del Donegal. The 50 Shades Of Grey actor, 36, booked into the Shandon Hotel with his wife Amelia and daughters Dulcie, four, and two-year-old Phoebe and then posed for a selfie with staff from Lizzie’s Diner in Dunfanaghy.

TALKS Rev Carson