Article 377- Urgent Matter for Prayer!
19 views
Skip to first unread message
Life Fellowship
Sep 23, 2009, 2:51:11 PM9/23/09
to
Dear Brothers and
Sisters,
As many of you are aware, the Delhi High Court passed a ruling on July 2, 2009 decriminialising gay sex. With this judgment, two consenting adults of the same sex, from now on, can have private sex without any fear of legal harrassment. This has been considered as a landmark ruling and its supporters consider this to be a long overdue verdict and a right step towards progress!
Many leaders from across the political and religious spectrum expressed their concern and disapproval. But surprisingly, the Church in India has largely been a mute spectator, silently witnessing events unfold. While displeasure has been expressed “within” the Body of Christ, not many key figures have “publicly” spoken up and condemned the ruling or taken necessary legal action.
It was at such a time that the Apostolic Churches Alliance (ACA), a body of like-minded independent churches and Christian leaders based in Kerala, expressed its deep disappointment and strong protest at the ruling. The ACA was of the firm opinion that this judgment, if left uncontested, would serve as the first formal step towards full-fledged legalisation and approval of homosexual behaviour in our nation; this verdict, if unopposed, would pave the way for complete erosion of our nation's moral and social fabric and go a long way in destroying the very foundations and fundamentals of marriage and family life; this judgment, if silently received, would ultimately cause our children and generations to come after us to be plagued with confusion and depravity through the resulting identity crisis.
Accordingly, letters were sent to editors of leading newspapers and more importantly, a petition (SLP) was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi HC Order. We made it absolutely clear to the honourable Bench that while we never see individuals involved in such acts as “criminals”, nor advocate prosecuting, harassing or sidelining them in any way in society, we vehemently oppose such perversion of natural human design and violation of social, moral and spiritual code, all of which should work towards the dignity of manhood and womanhood and uphold foundations of healthy family life, resulting in the procreation and upkeep of the human race.
The case was first heard on July 20, 2009. On that day, the apex court refused to stay the High Court’s judgment stating that it would wait for the Government to come forward with its response on the issue. After another Court hearing on August 17, 2009, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre concerning this petition and asked the Government to file its reply. The matter, which was heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, decided to post next hearing for September 29, 2009.
Now, from what we understand through the media and other legal agencies, it is clear that the Government of India does not have any problems with the Delhi HC ruling and is in favour of it. Also, the supporters of homosexuality are determined to ensure that the ruling is upheld. Given these factors, it is highly likely that the Supreme Court may pass a verdict in their favour.
It is now our duty as Christians to raise our voices and express our concerns. The Church, the bench mark for moral values in society, should vociferously state the truth and condemn the celebration of this perversion. Now is the time to “kneel down” and to “stand up”. To kneel down and seek God's mercy and intervention in our nation; to stand up and declare the uncompromising standards of God's Word.
Let us follow the example of John the Baptist who fearlessly confronted King Herod and told him that living with another man's wife was totally unlawful and unacceptable to God! Let us shine our lights brightly and not hide them in these darkest of times!
Thank you and God bless you!
Sam T. Varghese
As many of you are aware, the Delhi High Court passed a ruling on July 2, 2009 decriminialising gay sex. With this judgment, two consenting adults of the same sex, from now on, can have private sex without any fear of legal harrassment. This has been considered as a landmark ruling and its supporters consider this to be a long overdue verdict and a right step towards progress!
Many leaders from across the political and religious spectrum expressed their concern and disapproval. But surprisingly, the Church in India has largely been a mute spectator, silently witnessing events unfold. While displeasure has been expressed “within” the Body of Christ, not many key figures have “publicly” spoken up and condemned the ruling or taken necessary legal action.
It was at such a time that the Apostolic Churches Alliance (ACA), a body of like-minded independent churches and Christian leaders based in Kerala, expressed its deep disappointment and strong protest at the ruling. The ACA was of the firm opinion that this judgment, if left uncontested, would serve as the first formal step towards full-fledged legalisation and approval of homosexual behaviour in our nation; this verdict, if unopposed, would pave the way for complete erosion of our nation's moral and social fabric and go a long way in destroying the very foundations and fundamentals of marriage and family life; this judgment, if silently received, would ultimately cause our children and generations to come after us to be plagued with confusion and depravity through the resulting identity crisis.
Accordingly, letters were sent to editors of leading newspapers and more importantly, a petition (SLP) was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi HC Order. We made it absolutely clear to the honourable Bench that while we never see individuals involved in such acts as “criminals”, nor advocate prosecuting, harassing or sidelining them in any way in society, we vehemently oppose such perversion of natural human design and violation of social, moral and spiritual code, all of which should work towards the dignity of manhood and womanhood and uphold foundations of healthy family life, resulting in the procreation and upkeep of the human race.
The case was first heard on July 20, 2009. On that day, the apex court refused to stay the High Court’s judgment stating that it would wait for the Government to come forward with its response on the issue. After another Court hearing on August 17, 2009, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre concerning this petition and asked the Government to file its reply. The matter, which was heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, decided to post next hearing for September 29, 2009.
Now, from what we understand through the media and other legal agencies, it is clear that the Government of India does not have any problems with the Delhi HC ruling and is in favour of it. Also, the supporters of homosexuality are determined to ensure that the ruling is upheld. Given these factors, it is highly likely that the Supreme Court may pass a verdict in their favour.
It is now our duty as Christians to raise our voices and express our concerns. The Church, the bench mark for moral values in society, should vociferously state the truth and condemn the celebration of this perversion. Now is the time to “kneel down” and to “stand up”. To kneel down and seek God's mercy and intervention in our nation; to stand up and declare the uncompromising standards of God's Word.
Let us follow the example of John the Baptist who fearlessly confronted King Herod and told him that living with another man's wife was totally unlawful and unacceptable to God! Let us shine our lights brightly and not hide them in these darkest of times!
Thank you and God bless you!
Sam T. Varghese
General
Overseer.
(Note: Do forward this mail to as many as you know.)
(Note: Do forward this mail to as many as you know.)
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages