ST Forum: Rev Dr Yap doesn't speak for Methodist Church (Jul 19)

July 19, 2007

Rev Dr Yap doesn't speak for Methodist Church

I REFER to the article, 'MP Baey all for repealing anti-gay law' (ST, July 16).As the article may create misunderstanding among readers regarding the position of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) concerning the issue of homosexuality, we wish to state the following.

Rev Dr Yap Kim Hao retired from active service in 1994 in the Trinity Annual Conference, a component body in the MCS. He does not speak for the MCS. The official body authorised to speak for the MCS is its General Conference.

The position of the General Conference regarding homosexuality is found in the Book of Discipline of the MCS (which contains the doctrinal statements, and administrative rules and principles of the church). Relevant sections include:

a.. We consider the practice of homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teachings. However, we do recognise that homosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. They need the ministry and guidance of the church as well as the spiritual and emotional support of a caring fellowship.

a.. Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practising homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as itinerant ministers or approved to serve in the MCS.

a.. Every itinerant minister of the MCS shall accept that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teachings.A fuller explanation of the church's position is found in an article endorsed by the General Conference in 2004. The article can be found at our website at http://www.methodis t.org.sg

Bishop Dr Robert Solomon

The Methodist Church in Singapore