The Presbyterian Church in Ireland and Sodomy
This article by Martyn McGeown critiques the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's 2007 adoption of pastoral care guidelines for homosexual members, arguing that the church has compromised biblical standards on sexual ethics. McGeown examines the reasoning behind the church's decision and challenges the theological and pastoral justifications offered by church leadership, representing a Reformed conservative perspective on sexuality and church discipline.
Martyn McGeown Introduction The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) at her 2007 General Assembly (GA) adopted guidelines on how to offer “pastoral care” to homosexuals within her ranks. The guidelines were adopted after ineffectual opposition from the conservatives. A motion to send the report to presbyteries for their consideration was defeated by 168 votes to 163. This report will now be published by the PCI’s General Assembly. A Significant Number of Homosexuals In 2006, the GA adopted...