Page 43 - Presbyterian Connection

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SUMMER 2021
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A few years ago, General Assembly said that people could say how they felt about proposed changes to the church’s rules about marriage. What happened to that report? Will we ever hear what the results were?
Answered by the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary, Life and Mission Agency
In 2019, the General Assembly asked the Life and Mission Agency to provide a way for those affected to express their concerns, views and pain related to the proposed remits about sexu- ality and that the concerns be reported to the Assembly before the report on remits was re- ceived and considered.
People were invited to share their thoughts in writing, by email, over the phone, online and in person. The information that was received re- flected the participation of an estimated 3,000 people who expressed their thoughts to some extent in some form. The final report can be found in the Life and Mission Agency report (found at presbyterian.ca/ga2021) under the heading Feedback about Remit B and Remit C Proposing Changes to Church Law and Doc- trine Pertaining to Marriage and Ordination.
The thoughts and feelings that were collect- ed presented a picture of church that is diverse. There are various beliefs about God’s intentions concerning human sexuality and marriage, and about the people whom Christ calls into ministry. There are different interpretations of scripture and the way it should guide Christian life. People are discerning different answers to central discipleship questions: What does the gospel mandate to love look like in this con- text? What is just? What is true? What would Jesus do? People also expressed differences in their level of conviction; some are strongly formed in their views, while others indicated that they are less sure, still questioning. Differ- ences were observed in the varying attitudes that people revealed toward those voicing dif-
ferent views from their own. Some participants described how they maintained feelings of Christian love, respect and prayerfulness for the people who disagreed with them; other par- ticipants indicated that they felt contempt, an- ger and embarrassment for the people whom they regarded as opponents.
The differences expressed in the listening process present a picture of church that is complex. The role of the presbyteries in vot- ing either to approve or to disapprove the re- mits could lead to the unfounded belief that the church divided in two distinct groups, each group united by a common heart and mind. In fact, the information collected in the listen- ing process does not support this expecta- tion. Rather, the church is not made up of two groups holding opposing views. The reality is very much more complex and opinions on this matter, as on all others, are diverse.
Differences across the church do not com- prise the entire picture presented by the infor- mation collected in the listening process. In fact, one striking impression is just how much is shared by people affirming an entire constel- lation of viewpoints. For instance, we all value love for and devotion to God, following Jesus, reliance on the Holy Spirit, honouring scripture, love for the church and concern for its welfare, love for congregations, commitment to mis- sion, and concern for the nature and fruitful- ness of the church’s witness to the love of Christ.
The feedback highlighted two other matters. The first is a pressing need for caring, wise and insightful pastoral care for many people who hold a variety of views. Another need evident from the collected information is for the church, through its ministers and committees, to pro- vide education. Sometimes it was possible to see that strong feelings, concerns and views were based upon inaccurate assumptions. Comments, both oral and written, revealed widespread lack of knowledge about matters such as church polity and church history as well as the church’s doctrinal understanding of such matters as marriage, sexuality and the scriptures. This reality undoubtedly has ham- pered the church’s discussions on sexuality generally and on Remit B and Remit C specifi- cally. Among other things, misunderstandings and inaccuracies have added to and caused some of the mistrust and pain that some peo- ple said they felt.
Can we change, add verses or alter the words of a hymn or praise song?
Answered by Canadian Ministries
If the words of a song or hymn are copy- righted, the text cannot be changed without the permission of the copyright holder. While changing the words of a hymn or adding a verse may seem insignificant, changing the lyrics without permission will put you in viola- tion of copyright and could lead to legal re- percussions.
However, things are different for hymns or songs in the public domain. Some music leaders change the lyrics of hymns in the pub- lic domain to make the language of the songs reflective of their context or easier to under-
stand. For instance, there are obvious benefits to changing “By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill” to “By Cool Siloam’s Shady Pool.” Even though the verses of the hymn no longer rhyme as they used to, at least the singers know what they are singing about. And it may make lots of sense to change “shouldst” to “should,” and “thy” to “your” or to “God’s” if it clarifies the meaning of the hymn, nurtures the sing- er’s understanding and still scans well within the metre of the music.
This is a permitted practice with hymns in the public domain, but, as already mentioned, it is not permitted with hymns that are copy- righted.
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We are planning a service to welcome our
new minister to our church. It says that we are supposed to have two sermons. Why is one called a sermon and one is called a charge? What’s the difference and do we have to do both? Help!
Answered by the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary, Life and Mission Agency
An Induction is a worship service planned and led by the presbytery that marks the of- ficial beginning of a new pastoral relationship between a minister and congregation. Induc- tion services contain many elements, includ- ing vows that the minister and the members of the congregation make about their faith and the new relationship that will exist between the congregation and the minister. As in any ser- vice of worship, there should be a sermon. The sermon is preached for the benefit of everyone who has gathered for worship and is a thought- ful meditation based on informed and careful interpretations of scripture. A sermon is meant
to teach, inspire and nurture faith generally among God’s people. It is also customary at Inductions for the minister (and sometimes the congregation) to be “charged” by a member of the presbytery. A Charge, unlike the sermon, is addressed directly to the newly ordained and inducted minister and often to the members of the congregation.
A Charge is different from a sermon in that it is usually wise counsel and encouragement for how to begin and practice ministry in a robust, resilient and faithful way in the unique context of the congregation into which the new minister is being inducted. A sermon is essential at an In- duction; a separate Charge is optional and may incorporated into the sermon, depending upon the practice and wisdom of the presbytery.