|
REV. J. FREW proposed a counter motion: I request now to address my motion before Presbytery. I am happy to answer any question concerning what I will say. REV. J. FREW then read the following: I cannot accept that the General Assembly should reiterate the Finding of 95, rather I believe that the General Assembly should reconsider the Finding of 95 and I am prepared to make a motion to that effect. My reasons are as follows, brethren; The current fama regarding Professor Donald MacLeod is preventing reconciliation and co-operation within the church. In 95 petitioners registered dissent against this finding. Ground #3 was that: The basic presbyterial procedures whereby a fama clamosa can be quietened and the innocence of the innocent established have not been allowed to be fulfilled. On page 4 of his booklet entitled Professor Donald MacLeod And His Opponents Iain Murray refers to a conversation with the Rev. John MacCallum of St George s, Sydney, had with a woman in his congregation. I have received a copy of a letter written by Rev. J MacCallum in which he writes about this conversation. I am concerned at the allegations the woman made concerning her relationship with Professor Donald MacLeod, and 1 cannot see that a reiteration of the 95 Finding will do anything to put my mind at rest regarding these allegations of adultery. REV. J. FREW I am happy to answer any questions. A MEMBER OF PRESBYTERY addressed the Moderator on a point of order, and stated that the matter had been dealt with and closed by the General Assembly. THE CLERK commented that that was the situation that the General Assembly had placed them in they could not look at the Special Commission s Draft Proposals and make comment without addressing 95. REV. J. FREW continued: I am not dealing with 95 as such I am addressing a current fama clamosa. Nor are my reasons pre 95. I have from the horse s mouth less than a week ago. The Rev. John MacCallum of St George s, Sydney, told me that he is happy to stand by everything he has ever written in relation to Prof. D. MacLeods alleged adultery The Rev John MacCallum to this day is happy to stand by his statements and appear before any ecclesiastical committee or court, or in any civil court under oath I am not a prophet, but I believe, brethren, that if we allow the basic presbyterial procedures whereby a fama clamosa can be quietened and the innocence of the innocent established to be fulfilled use will see healing begin immediately. This is our Practice something we have all vowed to God on how can we say that the basic presbyterial procedures whereby a fama clamosa can be quietened and the innocence of the innocent established have been fulfilled, that an intensive and thorough investigation has taken place, when cardinal witnesses, the Rev. John MacCallum of St George s, Sydney, the woman herself and her sister have never been examined before any committee or court of the church ? That is why there is a fama.   |