Dear FCC Family,
We are fast approaching Pink Dot weekend, and to show our support for the lgbtq community, we are doing a song project as a church this year. A big thank you to everyone who contributed in one way or another to drawing the circle wide. We are so moved by some of your stories behind your participation.
We received an open letter addressed to FCC in reaction to our proposed project. This is not the first time we’re receiving letters like this and it won’t be the last. So we thought it would be a good opportunity to remind us all who God called us to be and why we do what we do.
To comments such as “What Christians all across Singapore are troubled by, is that your church preaches inclusivity of sin in contradiction to that which is clearly established by scriptures”, we want to say:
Our church does not preach inclusivity of sin. No, we preach inclusivity of sinners. All are sinners, and all are welcome.
When we say we are inclusive, we don’t mean any kind of behavior goes. Based on the love commandments of Jesus, we have shared values and standards of behavior that apply to all our church members — whether straight, gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender or queer.
When we say we are inclusive, we mean you are loved and accepted just as you are, as a person beloved by God.
Jesus was criticized for the people he ministered to and healed – those who were marginalized and misunderstood by society. When asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan, and turned the question around to help us understand what’s most important to him is about us being a neighbor.
As followers of Jesus, we are striving to be a neighbor to all whom God brings along our path, and love them as Jesus would have. This includes those who write to us to share their concerns.
To comments such as “The scripture is clear about the consequences for teachers who mislead the flock”, we want to say:
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)
We will be the first to admit that we are far from being a perfect church. We are a work in progress, and God is still in the midst of transforming and growing us into the likeness of Christ. But we are thankful to see the Spirit of God at work amongst us, helping us (not just the leaders but the members too) grow in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
For this, we are grateful because Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, not can a bad tree bear good fruit.”
This Sunday, we want to invite on a journey – a journey of healing.
To those who are doubtful of our theology, we want to invite you to come and see. Come and see, and get to know us as people.
To those who are doubtful of whether God still loves you, we want to invite you to come and see. Come and see, and listen to stories of how God’s love and healing is taking place.
To those who are a part of our community, we want to tell you how much we thank God for each of you! Please join us this week – come and see, and celebrate together God’s inclusive love for all.
In Christ who is our Shalom,
Pauline and Miak