In separate resolutions, the General Assembly agreed however that where there were areas in which the Presbyterian Church in Ireland could collaborate with the Church of Scotland or URC for mutual benefit, then such collaboration should continue or could be considered.
Speaking after the debate, the Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev. Trevor Gribben said, “For many on both sides of our debate this afternoon, this will be a sad day.
“It is also fair to say that the decision that has been taken not to receive the Scottish and URC Moderators, or to attend their respective General Assemblies, was indeed a significant moment given our historic relationship with the Church of Scotland in particular.
“It was also significant because it demonstrated that a majority of Assembly members felt that both denominations have drifted far from biblical truth in relation to marriage, and were in fact ignoring the authority of Scripture. Both are now moving towards a position where so called same sex marriage can be performed in the context of their worship services. Our Church is very clear that marriage, as defined in God’s Word, is between one man and one woman and significantly it is God’s Word that is authoritative.
“The decision today was taken by a clear majority after a full and respectful debate, but it is also fair to say that a significant minority of ministers and elders felt that the formal issuing and receiving of invitations should continue, and no doubt they will be greatly disappointed by the decision taken by the General Assembly.
“While the General Assembly was divided on issue, the House also decided, almost unanimously, that where there were areas in which PCI could collaborate for mutual benefit - then such collaboration should continue or could be considered.”
Resolutions before the General Assembly (General Council Section 3 page 145)
25. That the Presbyterian Church in Ireland [one option to be selected]:
| (a) should no longer accept invitations to the Moderator of the General Assembly, or any other formal delegation, to attend the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland and the United Reformed Church and no longer issue invitations to those two denominations to attend the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
|
In favour 255 |
| (b) should resume accepting invitations for the Moderator of the General Assembly to attend the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and should continue to accept such invitations from the United Reformed Church.
|
In favour 171 |
| 26. That where there are areas in which the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Church of Scotland could collaborate together for the mutual benefit of both (through their respective Councils, Committees and Departments), then such collaboration should continue or could be considered. |
Passed |
| 27. That future natural areas of collaboration with the United Reformed Church (through respective Councils, Committees and Departments), which would be for the mutual benefit of both denominations, could be considered.
|
Passed |
Details of each day’s business of the 2018 General Assembly can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/GA18. Resolutions and reports before the General Assembly can be found in the 2018 Blue Book here.
Most of the public sessions will be streamed live via this website. All public session proceedings can also be followed via live Twitter feed @pciassembly using the hashtag #PCIGA18.