Whereas, God, the giver of every good gift, has created people male and female, we affirm the wondrous gift of human sexuality; and
Whereas, the Scriptures teach that God's gift of marriage between a man and woman reflects the mystery of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31 -32); and
Whereas, the confessions affirm that the gift of sexual intimacy between husband and wife is given for the purpose of spiritual and physical unity and enjoyment, and for procreation:
"Marriage is designed for the mutual help of husband and wife; for the safeguarding, undergirding, and development of their moral and spiritual character; for the propagation of children and the rearing of them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." ( Westminster 6.134); and
Whereas, we recognize the destructive consequences of the abuse of sexual intimacy including, but not limited to, incest, rape, pornography, homosexual behavior, adultery and premarital sexual intercourse; and
Whereas, the Gospel proclaims liberation from all sin, including sexual sin; and
Whereas, the confessions teach the obligation of the Church to minister to those in sexual confusion and to seek their physical and spiritual restoration:
"...The church comes under the judgment of God and invites rejection by man when it fails to lead men and women into the full meaning of life together, or withholds the compassion of the Christ from those caught in the moral confusion of our time." (Confession of 1967, 9.47); and
Whereas, extending compassion involves active ministry to those seeking God's help to overcome their sexual struggles, temptations and sin; therefore be it
Resolved that the session of , recognizing the sexual sin and woundedness that exists within our community and affirming the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, determines to become a listening, healing community, to proclaim the transforming power of God in Jesus Christ, and
Further, to address the needs of persons experiencing sexual conflict by referring them to community and church-based ministries that seek the transformation of lives abused, tempted and held captive by sexual sin; and
Further, to implement and support the development of such ministries within our local presbytery.
1 Y our congregation may choose to adopt a session resolution which clearly indicates your congregation's position on sexual behavior and present it to your congregation. This will avoid confusion and uncertainty, a necessary step for congregations wishing to provide a "safe" atmosphere for those who struggle with their sexuality.
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