INTRODUCTION TO THE RE-STATEMENT OF FAITH

On Sunday February 6, 2005 our congregation approved the following Re-Statement of Faith. The statement follows a period of study and discussion by our Church council and congregation on a variety of issues facing the Christian Church. The statement is intended to reaffirm how we make decisions as Christians. As our constitution states, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the "inspired word of God and the authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith and life."

Many of you have availed yourselves of the opportunity to review materials, scripture and other resources in giving prayerful consideration to the Statement and the issues it addresses. A number of times we heard the same comments…….”This doesn't seem like anything new. Why do we need a Statement of Faith? “ As you will see from the document we have renamed the document “ Re-Statement of Faith”, embodying our understanding that these beliefs, based on God's word in scripture, are not new developments but have formed the basis for Christian teaching from the beginning of Christianity. But in light of the many challenges to our faith in our society today, the Restatement is intended to be a reaffirmation of that Christian teaching. The adoption of this statement changes nothing we teach at Christ Hamilton.

Please be assured that the section of this statement on sexuality does not imply a rejection of persons struggling with homosexual attraction. We are all children of God, all imperfect, sinful children of God. We all battle with sin in many forms and need the presence and power of God's forgiveness every day. There may be people we know and love, there may be people in our congregation who struggle with homosexuality. The statement implies no rejection of any people, no exclusion of anyone. All are welcome. The statement implies an opportunity to share God's love with all with the utmost of compassion.

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