Church to debate policy on homosexuals

A controversial move by the Presbyterian Church to reach out to homosexuals will be on the agenda when the congregation meets for its annual assembly.

Members from across the North will debate the often fraught relationship between Christianity and sexuality.

This will be the first time the previously taboo topic has been discussed so openly in Presbyterian circles and there may be opposition to planned provision of pastoral care for the gay community.

A spokesman for the church said: “This doesn’t change our theological position. It recognises that as a church we have not been welcoming to this community.

“They have spoken to a whole variety of gay and homosexual groups so there’s a recognition of that, a recognition of the fact that we need to repent for that. We also need to look at how effectively we minister to this group of people.”

The church’s traditional position is that homosexuality is wrong. There are many who believe the issue should be side-lined, but others are calling for a redefinition of Presbyterian thinking.

The grouping is staging its general assembly in Belfast from June 4-7 and 1,200 members will be present to see new Moderator Dr John Finlay taking over from outgoing Dr David Clarke.