Reaffirmation of the General Presbytery's Position on Marriage in light of the increasing abandonment of Biblical teaching on the matter.

As apostasy from God and His Word deepens in our nation, all kinds of immorality abound throughout society. The consequence of every aspect of this increasing immorality is that God’s institution of marriage is constantly treated with scorn as a sinful people give vent to their corrupt lusts. 

Sadly, in a relatively short period of time, there has been an alarming abandonment of the teaching of Scripture on marriage as ordained by God. This contempt for Biblical marriage includes, not only the abandonment of it as a divine institution, but also direct attack upon it in the promotion and acceptance of so-called same-sex marriage.

Legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales was passed by the Parliament of the UK, July 2013. In Scotland the legislation of same-sex marriage was passed by the Scottish Parliament, February 2014.

Currently there is an increasing lobby for its legislation in Northern Ireland. Those who spearhead this lobby do so in defiance of God’s moral law and with arrogant contempt toward those who wish to honour the Lord’s revealed will for marriage.

Free Presbyterian Church Statement on Traditional Marriage

A STATEMENT BY THE PRESBYTERY OFFICERS ON OUR CHURCH’S POSITION ON MARRIAGE 

The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster unreservedly subscribes to the fundamental principle that God’s infallible Word is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice. Accordingly, the Free Presbyterian Church publicly re-emphasises its purpose to uphold the clear revelation of Scripture that marriage is a covenant and conjugal union between a man and a woman, (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5). 

As Christ’s teaching in this Matthew 19 passage reveals, this divine injunction of marriage between male and female is binding upon all of mankind throughout all time. The injunction is designed to provide the only framework within which stable family life can exist. Consequently, the pathway to the improvement of society is found in adherence to the Biblical principle of marriage. “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” (Proverbs 14:34).

In keeping with this clear Biblical teaching and authority, the Free Presbyterian Church underlines its opposition to all marital and sexual relationships outside the covenant of Biblical marriage. Scripture clearly reveals that such marital and sexual relationships are sinful and will prohibit entrance into the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators…nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind…shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Therefore, as a Church we are saddened by the attempts of political parties to normalise and promote marital and sexual relationships that are in contravention of the clear teaching of Scripture. We would remind political leaders that they are subject to God’s moral law and should endeavour to honour it, keeping in mind that one day all men will give an account of themselves to God (Romans 14:12). 

We would also put on record the Biblical reminder that only through repentance from such sin and by faith in Christ alone will forgiveness and acceptance with God be obtained (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) won't confirm whether a Christian can work in social care and express support for traditional marriage

Northern Ireland’s social work regulator, the (NISCC), has been called upon to spell out whether or not people who voice traditional marriage views are suitable to work in the field of social care.

The issue has arisen after Felix Ngole, who was kicked off a two-year social work course by the University of Sheffield for making remarks about homosexuality on Facebook, lost his appeal.

Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) has only responded by saying: NISCC would be very concerned if a registrant lacked sufficient insight where they could not recognise that it is inappropriate to post derogatory comments against any individual or group on social media. A situation like this would require assessment by our fitness to practise team.

The truth escapes every now and then!

Despite many concerted attempts to suppress the truth, thankfully every now and then it manages to burst forth into the 'public square'.

The Welsh secretary in the United Kingdom, Westminster Government, Mr David Jones, has said that sodomite couples 'clearly' cannot provide a 'warm and safe environment in which to raise children. His exact words are:
I regard marriage as an institution that has developed over many centuries, essentially for the provision of a warm and safe environment for the upbringing of children, which is clearly something that two same-sex partners can't do.

Mr Jones voted against the re-definition of marriage when it was debated and voted upon recently in the British House of Commons. He was one of only two cabinets ministers to do so.

J. C. Ryle on Marriage

In no relation is so much earthly happiness to be found, if it be entered upon discreetly, advisedly and in the fear of God. In none is so much misery seen to follow, if it be taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, wantonly and without thought.

The benefits of marriage

A study conducted in the United States has revealed that growing up with married parents vastly increases a child’s prospects of escaping poverty.

A stable home was found to raise a child’s chances of escaping the poverty trap by 82 per cent.

When equally well-educated families were compared, marriage increased a child’s chance of living above the poverty line by 75 per cent.

The research also found that just 7 per cent of children in families below the poverty line had parents who were married to each other.

However 37 per cent of children in families below the poverty level were in households where their parents were not married.

Read the full report here from The Heritage Foundation - Marriage: America’s Greatest Weapon Against Child Poverty

Daily Mail report here - Growing up with married parents is as important as a good education to escaping poverty

Proof again that: righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people, Proverbs 14:34. 

200,000+ signatures in 3 weeks in support of traditional marriage

The petition in support of traditional marriage organised by the Coalition for Marriage has reached 200,000+ signatures in 3 weeks. The aim is to have 250,000+ signatures by Easter.

Today there are adverts in some national newspapers such as Daily Telegraph & Daily Express to publicise the national petition for marriage. About 100 wedding pictures will surround the advertisement, showing that the petition represents ordinary people who are positive about marriage, and care about its place in our society.

If you have not already done so please sign the Petition in support of traditional marriage - here

Who owns marriage?

A bit of a squabble has broken out between a Liberal Democrat member of the Westminster government and Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Lord Carey had written an article for the Daily Mail in which he stated that neither the State or the Church owned marriage.
See - Marriage will ONLY remain the bedrock of a society if it is between a man and a woman

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone in an article in today's Daily Telegraph has responded by saying that as marriage is owned by the people and not by the Church nor the State, the government could introduce same-sex marriages as a "change for the better".
See - Lynne Featherstone tells Church 'don't polarise gay marriage debate'

Lord Carey has responded by accusing Lynne Featherstone of putting an "unwarranted slant" on his words.

See - Church 'does not own marriage'

Who own marriage?

Marriage is one of only two institutions that predate the Fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve, into sin in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of time. The Sabbath day is the other. 

God owns marriage! He instituted marriage and ordained that marriage be between one man and one woman. In the beginning He created them male and female, Gen 1:27: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Petition in support of traditional marriage

Please sign the Petition in support of traditional marriage - here

Related articles: 

Coalition for Marriage launched

Guardian blogger defends polygamy and attacks C4M

MP receives death threat after backing traditional marriage

Marriage will ONLY remain the bedrock of a society if it is between a man and a woman

Letting gays marry would be wrong, Carey tells Cameron as former archbishop says proposal is 'one of the greatest political grabs in history'

A compelling argument for marriage!

Today the Daily Mail is reporting the findings of a survey which highlights the value of marriage.

Sadly society is going to have to learn the hard way that Bible morality is not only pleasing to God but good for humankind.