Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore (BPCIS), Presbytery

BPCIS was formed 7 years ago, initiated by Zion Serangoon and Bishan B-P Churches. Emmanuel and Herald BPC became the first two churches to be added to its membership. The first meeting was held at 5 Zion Serangoon premises in September 2011. Today, we have a total of 7 churches in the Presbytery including Mt Carmel (2015), Hermon (2016) and Shalom (2016).

Every month, except for busy months of June and December, the 7 respective pastors meet for lunch to discuss the matters of the church for development and planning of the events for the churches like Ordination Service, Seminars, Pastors and Leaders’ Retreat, Combined Good Friday or Maundy Thursday Event and Fellowship lunch for Pastors and Elders’ Lunch. Presently, we have not only a Moderator who serves a two-year term but also a General- Secretary to do the administrative work of the Presbytery. Rev Dr David Wong is our first General-Secretary.

Concerning the LGBT issue (which is a global issue), we held a seminar on it at the 5th Presbytery meeting at Zion Bishan. Now with the on-going debate on the repeal of Penal Code 377A, church pastors and leaders have met the Minister of Law to voice the churches’ stand on the matter. The BPCIS has issued a statement for our perusal. This is shared below for our understanding of our Christian position, and for prayer.

Pastor Bob Phee

BPCIS PASTORAL WORD

1. Much has been said in public statements and ensuing discussions over the repeal or retention of 377A.
2. We have chosen to give a pastoral word to our congregations, not only to affirm where we stand, but also to reach out to those who disagree with us, and especially to those who struggle with the issue of same sex attraction.
3. We seek to follow Jesus, both in His fearless exposure of sins and in His unwavering love for sinners.
4. We know it is not easy but as His followers we are called to both, to declare the truth and to speak it in love.
5. We agree with statements that faithfully present the biblical teaching that both homosexual act and lifestyle are sinful in God’s sight. But we add that just as sinful are lust, adultery, fornication and other sexual sins committed by those who are not homosexual.
6. So we appeal to our congregations to speak as sinners to sinners, with prayer and humility, remembering that we all stand before the Cross condemned in our sins from which only Christ’s atoning death can save us.
7. We believe that God’s created order for sex and marriage is good, and that abiding by it is ultimately good for human society at large.
8. We share the concern that the repeal of 377A will lead to gender confusion, promotion of homosexual lifestyle and reverse discrimination.
9. Nevertheless, whether 377A is repealed or retained, we are called to proclaim the good news of the Gospel, and live out its truth in love.
10. Finally, we urge our congregations to heed the exhortation in God’s Word to show forth the grace of God, live godly lives, and excel in good works – in anticipation of the coming of Jesus who alone can set all things right. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. itus – NIV)

Presbytery of Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore
21 October 2018