Pastoral Response

Dear WEFC family,

At the National Day Rally on 21 August 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that the government would repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code, thus decriminalising sex between men. He also stated that the Constitution would be amended to protect the existing definition of marriage, being between a man and a woman, from being challenged in the courts.

[You may refer to the official responses to this announcement from the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) and the Evangelical Free Church of Singapore (EFCS).]

Woodlands EFC believes that same-sex attraction is not sinful in itself. However, engaging in gay and lesbian sex is sin that displeases God. Similarly, adultery, pre-marital sex, greed and addictions are sins that we should strive to gain victory over. We must welcome all who seek God as they struggle with sin, while opposing society’s increasing acceptance of homosexuality as a healthy alternative.

We believe that the repeal of 377A is a first step in a series of legal and social shifts that seek freedom for portions of our population but will be harmful to wider society. We recognise that our Christian beliefs are not shared by all Singaporeans, yet we are convicted that we must stand by the godly values that bring God’s blessings for the nation. Therefore, we regret the Government’s decision to repeal 377A before safeguards for marriage, family, and religious freedoms have been implemented.

We are concerned that the current definition of marriage in Singapore will be questioned in the near future. Our children’s formative minds are being shaped by what is perceived as sexually normative in society, schools, and the media. Our freedom to teach and act according to our Christians convictions will be challenged. Already, we have seen social and legal shifts that have resulted in discrimination against those who have taken the stand that marriage should be between one man and one woman.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to amend the Constitution to empower Parliament to uphold the current definition of marriage. However, the effectiveness of these measures are unknown as yet, and the experience of other nations warn us that these concerns are not easily addressed.

How will we live out our discipleship faithfully in our changing society? We must love our LGBTQ friends and welcome those struggling with same-sex attraction to our church community. At the same time, we should be prepared to share and stand by our convictions with others, even in the face of “cancel culture”. 

Above all, let us be Spirit-led in living out our faith with wisdom and love, and recognize His sovereignty over our nation in every situation.

Blessings,
Senior Pastor Lim Kee Oon