Homosexual Law Reform
The spiritual state of a nation is reflected in its moral state. Consequently, our low moral state is an indication of how far we have fallen spiritually. The extent of our spiritual plight is to be seen in the extent of our moral decadence. Surely only nations ripe for destruction or for awful calamities have ever fallen so low as once highly favoured Britain has fallen. It is surely a sad day that has come upon our beloved land when men call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.
These thoughts are suggested by the successful attempt in Parliament to legalise sodomy. This brings the law in Scotland into line with the law in England and Wales where this obnoxious measure became law 12 years ago. It is still to be hoped that the House of Lords will take a different view and reject this proposal.
The change in the attitude towards the sin of sodomy has been growing for a considerable time, even church leaders advocating a more relaxed view. In San Francisco, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church were successful in fighting a legal battle over the dismissal of an organist who was found to be a practising homosexual. It is clear, however, that there are strong influences abroad trying to secure the legalising of sodomy.
When we turn to the Word of God there is no dubiety there as to the mind of God towards this sin. That God regards it as a heinous sin is clearly revealed in the Word of God, and particularly in the destruction of Sodom. So, too, is it evident in all re formations in the kingdom of Judah, that this was one of the first sins to be stamped out, and those kings who acted thus are evidently commended for it. May the day speedily come to sin-darkened Britain when righteousness will be exalted within her bounds and when sin will hide its face for very shame.
Other indications of our low moral state are plans for a reform of the law against incest, and the attempt in the Courts at present to challenge the law on obscenity. May these attempts fail.
Illegitimacy
A recent report has indicated that the number of illegitimate births in Scotland in 1979 had reached 10.2 per cent, the highest figure in the last hundred years. This figure gives an indication of the permissiveness which is prevalent in the land at present, and is the fruit of rejection of the claims of the divine law. It is a matter to be deplored, and yet it is difficult to see how it can be otherwise in view of the low moral climate prevailing in the nation, and in view of the encouragement to promiscuity given by the media in many ways. We are a nation pure in our own eyes and yet we are not washed from our filthiness.
Crematorium at Inverness
It is gratifying to know that the Inverness District Council have, at least for the present, put aside proposals for a Crematorium which they had been pursuing with other local authorities. One Councillor said that a survey last year showed there was little public interest in a Crematorium at Inverness. It is sad to think that any consideration whatever could be given in the Highlands to this pagan form of disposal of the remains of the dead. It is hoped that the Christian form of disposal of the dead by burial will long continue to be practised in our land.
Archbishop’s Visit to Shrine
According to a “Scotsman” report, about 10,000 people were led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Runcie, on the Anglican pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady, at Walsingham, Norfolk. The Protestant Truth Society organised a demonstration against this blatant mariolatry. The attendance of the Archbishop of Canterbury at this pilgrimage is a clear indication of the camp to which he belongs. May the day speedily come when the Church of England will cast from her all the ritualistic and Romanist trappings with which she is presently defiled so that God may be worshipped in her midst in a way that would be pleasing to Him.
The Act of Settlement
Four Scottish Labour M.P.’s have declared their intention of introducing a Bill to change the Act of Settlement. By the terms of the Act of Settlement the Prince of Wales must renounce the throne if he is to marry a Roman Catholic. Speculation about the Prince marrying a Roman Catholic Princess has brought the matter to a head, but Buckingham Palace had denied these rumours. Also the Ulster Secretary is alleged to have given a promise to Protestant leaders there that there would be no change in the Act of Settlement to allow such a marriage.
Whatever the outcome of this Bill, and it seems unlikely that the Church of England would agree to it because of the Sovereign’s headship of the Church of England, it is clear that there is strong pressure today from certain sources for the relaxation of the legal safeguards to our Protestant heritage. It is to be hoped that these undermining efforts will fail, and that Britain will be preserved from ever again falling under the rule of a Roman Catholic monarch.
Church Notes
Committee Meetings D.V.
The following Committees will meet at Inverness Church:-
Tuesday 7th October
9 a.m. — 10 a.m. Church Extension.
10 a.m. — 11 a.m. Church Magazines.
11 a.m. — 12 noon Religion and Morals. Sabbath Observance. Welfare of Youth.
12 noon — 1 p.m. Publications.
1.30 p.m. — 2.30 p.m. Training of Ministry.
2.30 p.m. — 4.30 p.m. Finance.
4.30 p.m. — 6 p.m. Church Interests.
7 p.m. — 9 p.m. Jewish and Foreign Missions.
Wednesday 8th October
2.30 p.m. — 4 p.m. Dominions and Overseas
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Southern: At Glasgow on 16th September at 6 p.m.
Northern: At Dingwall on 23rd September at 2.30 p.m.
Skye: At Portree on 14th October at 11 a.m.
Western: At Laide on 11th November at 12 noon.