Quotes by Singapore Churches on the Repeal of S377A

 

The following are quotes extracted from statements made by church leaders in Singapore. These are in response to the announcement by the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the decision to decriminalise sex between men during a National Day Rally, 21 August 2022.

Alliance of Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches of Singapore

“Following the decision to repeal S377A, the Alliance reiterates its call for the government to consider carefully the extensive downstream impact the repeal brings upon policies touching on marriage, families, education, housing, and more.” (21 August 2022, the full statement is here)

Assemblies of God Singapore

“The church will continue to be a moral compass in our dialogues with government leaders. The way God intends marriages and families to be has and will not change even as social norms evolve.” (Rev Dominic Yeo, General Superintendent, 22 August 2022, the full statement is here)

The Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore

“The mandate of the Church and of every Christian is the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, which is to make disciples of all nations. As we do so, we are to teach them to observe everything that Christ has commanded us. These things include the biblical model for marriage and family.” (Pastor David Wong, General Secretary, 25 August 2022, the full statement is here)

The Diocese of Singapore (Anglican)

“We hold to the biblical view that marriage is between a man and a woman in lifelong union, and that while we value all persons, including those having homosexual orientations, our belief remains that homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture. With the repeal of s377A, our socio-political landscape may change as a consequence of political compromise, but our obedience to Holy Scripture must not.” (The Rt Revd Dr Titus Chung, the Bishop of Singapore, 22 August 2022, the full statement is here)

Evangelical Alliance of Singapore

“We hold on to our call to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel even as we seek the welfare of the city that God has placed us in.” (22 August 2022, the full statement is here)

Evangelical Free Church of Singapore

“We affirm the dignity and worth of every LGBTQ person as precious, since all are made in the image of God. We thus at the same time advocate for mutual respect in the midst of differing views and encourage all Christians to maintain a posture of love and compassion in such dialogues. In all our engagements, we must and will continue to uphold biblical truths and convictions.” (Executive Committee, 22 August 2022, the full statement is here)

LoveSingapore

“As a matter of biblical principle, the Church cannot support the repeal of Section 377A. Nevertheless, we know that s377A can be repealed without the support from the Church. In such an event, our request is that any such move be accompanied by new constitutional protections and safeguards that are better, stronger, and collectively more strategic and more effective than Section 377A per se.” (Pastor Lawrence Khong, Chairman, 22 August 2022, the full statement is here)

The Methodist Church in Singapore

“We also look forward to continue in the religious freedom we enjoy to teach our faith in our churches and schools without interference, repercussions, or drawing offence from others.” (21 August 2022, the full statement is here)

National Council of Churches of Singapore

“We are concerned that the repeal of s377A will lead to a beginning and intensification of the contention and advocacy for domestic partnership arrangements or civil unions to be instituted and legalized in Singapore, on the same argument of guaranteeing constitutional rights for all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation.” (21 August 2022, the full statement is on The Presbyterian Church in Singapore website here)

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

“We seek protection of the family and marriage according to natural law; and our rights to teach and practise them unhindered. We must not allow reverse discrimination to take place against those who believe in marriage as defined between a man and a woman.” (The Archbishop’s Communications Office, 21 August 2022, the full statement is here)

Salt & Light published several articles on the issue and Christianity Today did an article on it too. Two pastors with the Methodist Church in Singapore wrote a thoughtful response on a Christianly engagement with public policy for the common good of society.

 

Let us continue to pray for the nation of Singapore as Christians live out the gospel witness with God’s grace and love while being His salt and light to the world. Shalom.

 

Note: The views expressed in the above quotes and the full statements from which they are extracted from do not necessarily reflect the theological stand of East Asia School of Theology. These are provided as a collection of nuanced positions from a variety of church, denominational, and spiritual leaders in Singapore.