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The Committee on Church Doctrine is bringing the Report on Human Sexuality to next June’s General Assembly for final approval. The Executive of the Renewal Fellowship wants you to know there are at least three ways you can still take action in support of the report.

Immediate Short Term Action

The Committee is still receiving responses to the interim report. As Assembly directed, it is working to “clarify, amplify and revise the Report on Human Sexuality in response to the submissions received….” A large number of responses were sent by Sessions and Presbyteries last year; approximately 80% of those received from both levels indicated support. Assembly’s directions call for work to be done now in light of all received responses, not just those which were supportive.

In light of this we urge you to re-state your firm support immediately. Any further responses must be received by the Committee by October 31, 1993. Please be very specific. Saying “We approve of the report and its biblical position,” is important, but greater impact can be had by saying in detail why certain points are essential or how specific issues are adequately addressed. Be assured your response will be heard, but you must act immediately. Mail statements to:

The Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine, Convenor The Committee on Church Doctrine The Presbyterian Church in Canada
50 Wynford Dr.
Don Mills, ON
M3C 1J7

Medium Term Action

Presbyteries send one-sixth of the ordained ministers on their constituents rolls and an equal number of elders to General Assembly. Your pastor or an elder from your charge may well become a commissioner. If that opportunity arises, ask your pastor or Session’s choice of an elder commissioner to actively support a faithful position on human sexuality.

Continuing Action

Between now and next June, we need to pray specifically for this matter. Pray for the Committee and for Rev. Clyde Ervine as they give the Report its shape, asking for their sensitivity to God’s voice in Scripture and in their discussions. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading in the choice of commissioners, and that God will be honoured and pleased with the decisions that are made. Invite people in your congregation to join you in praying for our church, particularly in this way.

The text of the final report, and the decision made to approve or defeat it, will be crucial in the life of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Please act now in one or all of these ways.

The Rev. Bruce Cairnie
Vice-Chairperson of the Board The Renewal Fellowship