26 August 2022
Dear Wesleyans,
Pastoral Letter on the Repeal of S377A
At the National Day Rally on 21 August 2022, our Prime Minister announced that the Government will be repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code (“S377A”). He also said that the current definition of marriage, which is between man and woman, will be protected from challenges in the courts, and that the Government will continue to uphold the importance of family in our national policies.
Responses from NCCS and MCS
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (“NCCS”) has issued a response to the Government’s decision to repeal S377A1, and the Methodist Church in Singapore (“MCS”) has separately done the same2. In addition, MCS has published an article in Methodist Message (“MM”) which outlines a Christian response to the repeal3.
Our Christian position
As part of the larger Methodist body and the Church in Singapore, the leadership of Wesley is in alignment with the views expressed in the responses of NCCS and MCS.
In particular, we wish to reiterate, as emphasised by NCCS, that our views on sexuality are shaped by Scripture, which teaches that same-sex sexual acts are contrary to God’s design and order. Also, our understanding of marriage is defined in Scripture to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24).
We also wish to affirm the position, as expressed by NCCS, that our view of the family unit follows from our view of heterosexual marriage, which we believe to be the best environment to raise and nurture children.
In support of the proposals of NCCS and MCS, we call for Constitutional protection of the current definition of marriage. We urge the Government to make the necessary constitutional amendments and continue making laws and policies which rely on heterosexual marriages and families as the foundation of Singapore society.
As rightly expressed by NCCS and MCS, we seek the Government’s assurance that the religious freedom Christians enjoy to teach and express our faith without interference, repercussion or drawing offence from others may be adequately protected. We also request that the Government provide clear safeguards in areas of public policy, especially in areas of family, education and censorship, and in the workplace.
As articulated by the MCS article in MM, we as Christians are called to be committed to seek the welfare of our city and engage with public policy for what we believe is for the common good of all Singaporeans. We recognise that inaction and indifference can have significant consequences for future generations. Above all, we seek to display the holy love and glory of Christ in the way we take and stand in our position.
Let us be bold, courageous, and respectful as we stand firm in our Christian convictions.
Framework for engagement
For Wesley, many of you have shared your views with me, and I recognise that even within our own church family, our views differ greatly.
It is worth noting that there are those who, based on Christian principles, strongly support the retention of S377A or those who seek repeal, and those who are ambivalent towards it. Some believe that the church has a duty to speak up, or strongly feel that we should not impose our beliefs on society.
These differing views are not just along generational lines. Christians of all ages and backgrounds have come to different conclusions about what is the most Christian thing to do.
Now that the Government has decided that S377A will be repealed, there has been a variety of responses from disappointment, fear, lament, aggressive call for action to relief and rejoicing. It is at this juncture that my heart is burdened most of all for unity within our church body, even in the midst of diverse responses and opinions.
It is with this in mind that I thought it timely to offer pastoral counsel on this matter. Such counsel is meant to go beyond the current issue of the repeal of S377A, as I hope to provide us with some approaches on how to move forward together on this and other related issues.
Bearing in mind Apostle Paul's exhortation to "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19), I would like to propose that we adopt the framework of "Listen, Learn, and Love".
LISTEN
Firstly, let us begin with the posture of listening. Listening to others is of vital importance, as this conversation is about people as much as it is about law, policy and public interest.
The repeal of S377A is not an abstract legal issue. It affects the lives of real people within our church family – brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. There are Christians who wrestle with same-sex attraction and the church's view of sexuality. We need to listen to their stories, understand their struggles, and hear about what they need from their church community.
There are Christians facing pressure in schools, workplaces, and social groups to declare, maintain, or change their position on the issue. We need to give space for others to process this issue within godly community.
We will undoubtedly encounter fellow Christians and those outside the church with whom we disagree. May I suggest that we adopt the posture of listening and seek to understand why they think the way they do, in the same way that we would like them to listen to and understand what we have to say.
I have found it helpful as a starting point to believe that most Christians are genuinely trying our best to do what we believe the Gospel tells us to do, whether in expressing justice or compassion, kindness, or holiness. Let us give each other the benefit of the doubt and hear each other out.
Let us listen, for God may have something to say to us through others.
LEARN
Secondly, we need to learn in humility.
The issue of same-sex attraction, LGBT+ rights, and S377A is a complex one covering biblical, theological, legal, social, medical, historical, and other perspectives. The body of knowledge has developed rapidly over the years and mature Christians have a duty to educate ourselves about the relevant (and sometimes contradictory) literature, and keep up to date with current conversations and perspectives.
To restate a piece of wisdom, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not to their own facts." Our views as Christians should be founded on accurate information and sound argument. Together, we need God's wisdom to process what we have in front of us.
In particular, it is imperative that Christians should be familiar with what the Bible teaches on sexuality and the role of Christians in society. We should also learn about how the church can minister to those with same-sex attraction, and not be ignorant of some of the hurtful ways that the Christian community has done so in the past. In particular, we should ensure that abusive forms of conversion therapy find no place in our churches.
We should also keep ourselves updated about the proposals that the Government intends to put forward, for example as listed by this helpful article from Salt&Light4, especially as it develops over the next few weeks and months.
It is my sincere hope that through learning, we will be able to have more informed, thoughtful and edifying conversations with one another, and with those outside the church.
LOVE
Finally, we as Christians should strive to express the truth of God's holy love. As Christ’s disciples, we are to show the love of God which helps each of us grow in holiness.
In managing this complex issue, we can show love to different groups of people in the following ways:
First, for those within the church who wrestle with their sexuality (e.g. same-sex attraction), we are to embody holy love by being compassionate and welcoming. We can minister by creating safe spaces where they can share their struggles and find a supportive and loving community who will listen to their stories and encourage them in their journey of pursuing Christ and holy living. We should support them as they seek to make choices about their own lives based on their convictions about what brings ultimate wholeness and fulfilment. If you, your family members, or anyone you know would like to receive support, you may contact any of our pastors or our counsellors5.
Next, for our non-Christian family members, friends, and colleagues who do not share in our beliefs, we show love by not imposing our views but engaging in conversations that seek to build trust and mutual understanding in a kind and considerate manner.
Then, there are those who vehemently oppose us or that we perceive to have a certain agenda. For these persons, let us be wise in our interactions and also be respectful. There is no need to compromise our witness in allowing others to find fault with how we stand for what we believe instead of what we believe.
Finally, let’s show holy love when interacting with fellow Christians who do not agree with us. Let our words and interactions reflect the character of Christ. Let us not impose our views on others and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).
This means while we may not see eye to eye, we acknowledge that it is our Lord who is sovereign and in control. In reverential surrender to His sovereign goodness and purposes, we honour each other even in the way we disagree.
Through these simple actions of listening, learning and loving, we can help each other become more holy and Christlike, even as we acknowledge our differences and surrender them to God, who alone holds everything together.
I am reminded that the world will know that we are disciples of Christ by the way we love one another (John 13:34-35). As we do that, it is my hope that the Church will be known more for what we are for, rather than what we are against.
UNITY
In closing, let me return again to speak of unity, which by no means equates to uniformity or unanimity, but does call for humility.
The Book of Romans emphasises that we are all sinners saved by grace, and that neither Jew nor Gentile is better than the other. Let us in humility consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) as we participate in dialogue and constructive action in church and society. Let us heed Paul's words to make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19).
It is my hope that Wesleyans, in listening, learning and loving, will display the true holy love of God, and sow peace and goodwill within our church family and society. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, and encourage one another to seek God in this matter. A simple start could be to read this letter together with the official responses from NCCS and MCS and create safe spaces for us to share our views among fellow Christians.
As we explore the church directions of Discipleship in the Family next year, we hope to help parents disciple their children through meaningful engagement on challenging topics like sexuality. We hope to equip all generations to embrace and engage those who wrestle with these matters, as well as to make a defence for the biblical truth.
We will also be organising several platforms for us to get together to listen and learn about what the Bible says about this topic and what we as Christians are called to do in society and our daily lives. We hope to have meaningful and constructive dialogue so that we can help each other grow in holy love. Do watch out for the announcements of such events, and participate in them fully, if it is something that you feel led to do.
Above all, let us continue praying. The battle is ours and yet belongs to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15b). His purposes will prevail, so let us be found faithful in this journey.
This is Pastor Ray, listening, learning and loving with you.
Rev Raymond Fong
Pastor-in-Charge
[1] NCCS, 21 Aug 2022 https://nccs.org.sg/official-statements-new/
[2] MCS, 21 Aug 2022 https://www.methodist.org.sg/index.php/what-s-happening/789-mcs-response-to-repeal-of-section-377a-penal-code
[3] MM, 22 Aug 2022 https://message.methodist.org.sg/christian-response-to-repeal-of-section-377a-of-penal-code/
[4] Salt&Light, 23 Aug 2022, https://saltandlight.sg/news/section-377a-and-the-safeguards-to-follow-10-things-we-know-so-far/
[5] You may contact Wesley Counselling Services at