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A Peaceful Commission The Commission of Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland (continuing) met in on the 10th of February 2000. Moderatorial duties during the Commission were shared between the Rev John A Gillies, the Rev Hugh Ferrier, and the Rev Donald N Macleod. The Commission agreed to appoint Mr David Williamson, Brodies WS, Edinburgh, as the Church's Law Agent, on an interim basis. The Commission decided "that in situations where there is the likelihood of incidents leading to threats to life and property it is advisable, where the Free Church (Continuing) had the occupancy of the Property, to allow the other parties access for services subject to the condition that the property remain in the custody of the Free Church (continuing) until such time as property etc., disputes are settled".
Public Meeting At 7.30 pm on Thursday night, in the presence of over 250 people, the Rev Hugh M Ferrier conducted Public Worship and preached warmly from 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verses 23-24. Following that, the Rev William MacLeod addressed the gathering on the events leading up to and following the signing of the Declaration of Reconstitution. Both addresses will be published in the forthcoming magazine of the Free Church of Scotland (continuing). The Principal Clerk later intimated that various letters of greeting had been received from other denominations and individuals, including the Rev Dr Peter Masters and the Church of England (continuing), one of whose ministers, the Rev John Shearer, was present. The Moderator invited Mr Shearer to address the Commission and he spoke briefly on the words: “Woe unto you when all men speak well of you”.
Ecumenical Relations The Rev John A Gillies presented a report from the Ecumenical Relations sub-committee, which had sent a letter of “Fraternal Greetings” from the Free Church of Scotland (continuing) to over 40 denominations, organisations and individual ministers throughout the world. A number of encouraging replies have been received. The Commission instructed the (IGIC) to consider extending invitations to Reformed denominations to send representatives to the forthcoming General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland (continuing) in May 2000, and also to arrange meetings with the same to discuss the present situation.
Home and Foreign Missions The Commission then took up consideration of a report on Home and Foreign Missions from the IGIC, which was given in by the Rev Kenneth MacDonald. The report concluded : “In the situation we find ourselves in as a Church we have no option but to reconsider the Foreign Field situation, and this report can only give an initial consideration of the way ahead. It may be necessary to ascertain the minds of the existing Missionaries on the various fields as to their views regarding the present situation in the Church, but until then any who may wish to do so, whether as individuals or as congregations, should, as they feel led of the Lord, continue to support those missionaries they have been supporting hitherto.” The Commission reaffirmed their commitment to Mission work both at home and abroad, and called the Church to prayer for guidance to prosecute the Great Commission in the days that lie ahead. The Commission also resolved to ensure that the location of any future Mission, the personnel sent and the resources available would be considered prayerfully and with great care. It was agreed that the IGIC be asked to investigate the potential for an electronic ministry to remote areas where there are not enough people to sustain a full-time ministry and bring a report to the General Assembly in May 2000. The Commission also exhorted the Presbytery of Edinburgh & Perth to consider the need for evangelism and extension work within the large centres of population within their bounds.
The Legal Committee The Legal Committee’s report was presented by Maurice Grant. The Commission, having reviewed the various legal issues arising, noted and endorsed the recommendations of the Legal Committee, and authorised the Committee to continue to monitor the situation and to take such action, in consultation with legal advisers, as may from time to time be necessary to safeguard the interests of the Church. The following public statement was then issued: The Commission are encouraged by the advice received from their legal advisers. The Commission are continuing their consideration of the legal position in relation to potential civil court action. The Free Church of Scotland (continuing) will vigorously contest hostile legal actions launched by others. The Commission deplore threatening behaviour and request any Congregations or Ministers suffering such behaviour to draw it to the attention of the Legal Committee.
Publications The Commission took up consideration of a report on Publications which was given in by the Rev David P Murray. The Commission considered the necessity and importance of a regular Church magazine. The IGIC have been instructed to organise and publish an interim monthly magazine, under the editorship of the Rev William Macleod, beginning in March. Proposals for the magazine are to be finalised at the May Assembly. Two different supplements will also be produced, one for primary school pupils and one for secondary school pupils. The Commission agreed to appoint Stuart Mackay to set up and run the Church’s website under the oversight of the Publications Committee. The Publications Committee was given responsibility to organise public meetings in strategic locations, and also a Conference in March for the encouragement and edification of our people. The Commission authorised the publication of a small booklet outlining, in a “popular” style, the principal facts leading up to the reconstitution of the historic Free Church of Scotland.
Finance The Commission then took up consideration of a Report on Finance which was given in by the Convener, Rev John A Gillies. Until the Free Church of Scotland (continuing) has been granted charitable status, it was agreed to use the Relief Free Church Support Trust to receive and distribute funds. The Trust has already asked Ministers and Deacons' Courts to make applications for assistance.
Public Questions, Religion and Morals Dr Murdoch Murchison presented a report which will be published in the Church’s magazine, in due course. The Commission declared their endorsement for Christian marriage as a fundamental basis for a stable society. In this context they consider "Section 28" (Section 2A Local Government act 1986) is a useful safeguard which should be retained and they assert that parental rights and responsibilities should be more fully recognised in the teaching of sex education in schools. The Commission declared their opposition to the legalisation of Cannabis as a "recreational" drug and called for further research into its claimed medicinal benefits.
A Record of Events A small committee reported on progress being made on the production of a video of recent events. This should soon be available.
Public Statement. The Commission authorised the issuing of the following statement. "On 20th January this year, 22 Free Church ministers, many of whom had given long and distinguished service, were, despite the assertions of some, unlawfully suspended from the ministry of the Church and forbidden to preach the Gospel. This unconstitutional, unjust and foolish act, crowned all recent injustices by the majority and was the provocation which finally forced a split in the Free Church. The 22 ministers, believing in their God-given vocation, refused the unlawful and tyrannical command of the Commission of Assembly to stop preaching the "good news". They made clear that they did not accept the right of the Commission to act in this way and they have since reorganised themselves as the true Free Church of Scotland. The Free Church (continuing) exists to preach Christ. We believe that we are more faithful to the testimony of the historic Free Church - its doctrine, worship and practice - than those brethren who are now separate from us and we have no intention of moving from it in the slightest. The aims of those brethren who are now separate form us are far from clear. In their actings over recent years they have shown scant respect for the Constitution of the Free Church. Despite their protestations, their commitment to the testimony of the historic Free Church must be open to question. They now have over 40 vacancies and immense financial problems. If past practice is anything to go by, they will soon tire of supplying scattered congregations and will link up huge areas under one minister. We call for the support of all loyal Free Church people. Do not turn your back on ministers who preach the truth. We are not creating a new church but are continuing the one we - and you - have known and loved. We are thankful for the increasing numbers supporting us. We look to God to guide us in our stand for truth and justice. Above all, we pray that He would help us to move forward serving Him in Scotland and the world. " Day of Humiliation and Prayer The Commission appoint a Day of Humiliation and Prayer on Saturday 26th February 2000 or the nearest convenient date thereto.
Thanks The Commission thanked the Moderator and his deputies for the gracious and efficient manner in which they discharged the duties of the Chair. Thanks were also accorded to the Principal Clerk, the Assistant Clerk, Mrs Maureen Murchison and those who provided catering and stewarding, Mr William Smith, Mr William MacLeod, Mr M A Murray and Mrs Kirsty Melhuish. Above all, God was thanked a praised for a wonderfully peaceful, united and harmonious Commission of Assembly. May it be the first of many in this new era. Pray that Jerusalem may have peace and prosperity.
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