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Dear All,
I’ve recently submitted a response to the Government’s consultation on its proposed Conversion Practices Bill, and I want to explain briefly why I felt it important to do so. Even though we may not understand the struggles that some people have with their sexual orientation or gender identity, I want to say from the outset that I absolutely support the need to protect people from coercion, intimidation and abusive attempts to change how they feel about themselves. Nobody should be forced into something against their will. However, many Christian leaders, including me, have concerns that the wording of the proposed legislation could have far-reaching unintended consequences for ordinary Christian teaching and pastoral care.
We believe we must be free to teach what God’s everlasting Word, The Bible says about human identity, sexuality and gender, even when that teaching conflicts with changing trends in cultural thinking. However, people, particularly young people and their parents, who are struggling with questions of identity, should be free to seek advice, prayer and guidance from their pastor or from trusted leaders. There is a world of difference between coercing someone and offering honest, compassionate advice based on sincerely held beliefs.
My concerns are also informed by my professional experience. Before retiring from paid work, I spent 17 years as a trained residential social worker with children and young people, followed by a further 30 years regulating children’s services. I saw many young people wrestling with questions of identity during adolescence. I particularly noticed an increase in the number of situations involving gender identity during my final decade in that work. I believe young people need trusted adults who are willing to listen, support and guide them, …not a situation in which those adults become fearful of having honest conversations.
There is a biblical principle here which I find particularly challenging. In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar demanded that everyone bow down to his golden image, with severe penalties for those who refused. In Daniel 6, Darius decreed that nobody could pray to anyone other than himself. In both situations, God’s people faced a choice between complying with the demands of the state and remaining faithful to their convictions. They chose faithfulness, whatever the consequences. The parallel is by no means exact but reminds us that there can be tensions between the demands of the state and our responsibilities before God, so now is an opportunity for us to ask governments to avoid putting us in that position.
The draft Bill is currently being scrutinised by a parliamentary committee, which has invited members of the public to submit their views. It is UK legislation but the Scottish Government has asked the UK Government to extend its scope to Scotland. I would encourage you therefore, if you share my concerns, to consider responding. This isn’t simply about defending the Church’s right to hold particular beliefs; it is also about ensuring that people remain free to seek and receive compassionate pastoral guidance without those offering it feeling fearful of criminal consequences. It is surely right that we should oppose coercion and abuse whilst also asking our governments to defending protect the freedom for Christians to speak Biblical truth with grace, compassion and conviction.
If you would like to read more or submit your own response, details are available here: Joint Committee – Draft Conversion Practices Bill The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 16 November.
Please note that Life Group is on tonight at 7 p.m. at Chris and Alison’s as our meetings get back into synch following the cancellation of Sasha and Sara’s visit. We will be listening to more teaching from this year’s AOG Conference, this time it’s Doug Clay, Superintendent Minister of AOG in the USA
Please note there are no men’s and ladies’ prayer times tomorrow morning but our November prayer time is on in the Church Room on Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
TGB GRAND AUCTION NIGHT, 7 p.m. at The Galloway Larder Adults £12 and Children £6 (includes canapes) PLEASE BOOK DIRECTLY AT GALLOWAY LARDER There are some incredibly good lots, including some items that money simply can’t normally buy. People have been so generous.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DESPITE THE SCAFFOLDING, THE WEE SHOP AND REFILL CENTRE REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
Update for Week Beginning Sunday, 8th November 2026
“ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
This Sunday. Remembrance Sunday 10 a.m. Joint Service of Remembrance at the Parish Church (Chris speaking) followed, at 11 a.m., by an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. There will be no service in the Community Centre.
Monday, 9th November, 7 p.m. Church Council at Chris and Alison’s
Friday, 13th November Men’s and Ladies prayer times at usual times
Next Sunday, 15th November 10:30 a.m. We continue with our Do you hear what I hear series and Ernie will be our speaker. This week, You are a people of power!
Looking Ahead
Wednesday, 18th November, 2 p.m. Service at Fleet Valley. Please come along if you can.
| Sunday Serving | Welcome | Tea and coffee |
| 8th November | No service in community centre | |
| 15th November | Harry | Sandy and Jayne |
Please note, nobody is designated to help clear-up after church as it works best when everyone who is able gives a hand.
With every blessing
Chris