At the National Day Rally on 21 August 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Singapore will repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code.
While the decision to repeal S377A came as a disappointment, we genuinely appreciate the Government’s continued efforts in engaging us throughout the process.
On our part, we have been faithful in expressing our views with regard to S377A, highlighting potential negative social consequences and effects that will flow from the repeal while emphasising that our church remains open to those who identify as LGBTQ.
We trust that the Government has heard not just from us, but also other Christian voices on this matter. Following the announcement, we are heartened that Minister Shanmugam gave an important interview, dealing succinctly in four areas of concern that the Christian community had highlighted.
The areas of concern are (1) shift in our laws on marriage, (2) freedom of religion, (3) pressure to accept LGBTQ ideology in schools and workplaces and (4) cancel culture.
We are grateful for the clear statements from the Ministers who have indicated that the government will uphold traditional families as the basic building blocks of society and will strengthen its position on family and marriage in an effort to maintain prevailing norms and social values.
Moving forward, I like to highlight three areas for 3:16 Church to focus on.
- We are committed to walking with those who struggle
As a church, we have been a community committed to walking with those who experience same sex attraction (SSA). This has been our posture before S377A came into review and will continue even if S377A is repealed.
A mark of this is that we have a significant number of members in 3:16 Church who experience SSA (About 15% as compared to the national average of 2%). We are grateful for every single one of them. As a church family, we are learning and growing together to become a safer place for those who have questions about their sexuality.
That said, we do not single out homosexual acts as the only or worse sin. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Thus, SSA or not, may we as a church offer the love of Christ for all who are seeking faith and hope.
“ Our gospel witness is not preserved by how woke we sound or how much we identify with popular cultural narratives. It is revealed by our consistency toward truth and love. ”
To that end, I want to reinforce that our gospel witness is not preserved by how woke we sound or how much we identify with popular cultural narratives. It is revealed by our consistency toward truth and love.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35, NIV)
Therefore, our response cannot simply be philosophical letters without a committed course of action. It also cannot be reduced to tag lines to “focus on the Gospel”. Caring for people with SSA is an inseparable part of our Gospel witness.
Over the years, we have dedicated people, resources and time to make the church a safer place for those with SSA and to engage leaders in authority on societal matters. I encourage you to participate in upcoming discipleship courses that will equip you in these areas for the work of the ministry.
- We are responsible to teach biblical world views on sexuality
We know of many who face anti-christian sentiments and reverse discrimination for simply holding onto a biblical world view on sexuality.
Nine year old children in our church are being questioned by their classmates in school on their sexual orientation. Youths who express views that are not affirming of LGBTQ ideology are deemed to be backward, bigoted and homophobic.
In the face of cancel culture, many are pressured to conform to the patterns of the world or to compromise on their beliefs. Sadly, I personally have a friend who stopped identifying as a Christian because he could not reconcile the tensions that he faced.
“ We, as Christians, are primarily responsible to disciple our families and communities with a biblical world view on sexuality and all other aspects of life. ”
As a Church, we have to strengthen the faith convictions of our community. While we are encouraged by Minister Shanmugam’s response to tackle cancel culture in Singapore, there must be a recognition that we, as Christians, are primarily responsible to disciple our families and communities with a biblical world view on sexuality and all other aspects of life.
There are very good reasons for our biblical positions. God’s design for sexuality is the best for the flourishing of individuals and families. As we speak and teach on this, we will build a firm foundation, based on the Word of God that is unshakeable by the shifting winds of culture.
The moral marker of S377A may be taken down. Yet, may the discipleship of God’s people and the leadership of the Holy Spirit help us to stand firm on the laws that are written on our hearts.
“They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)” (Romans 2:15, NIV)
- We should continue to engage on social issues
The repeal of S377A will put Singapore in a precarious position. The BBC has picked up on gay marriage as the new frontline and LGBTQ activist are already lobbying for access to assisted reproductive technologies, along with other demands.
LGBTQ activism has a very profound impact to the well being of children. According to sociological evidence, children flourish best on virtually every examined indicator when raised by their married biological parents, whom they have a natural right to.
As Christians, we are called to seek the welfare of our nation. Beyond praying for our leaders as they manage the pace of social change for the good of the country, we can continue to support their efforts through gracious and constructive feedback.
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Our engagements should also not be limited to the narratives of LGBTQ ideology. We have and should continue to address other social issues too.
One example is the work of the Heartbeat Project, a ministry of 3:16 Church that champions women and children in vulnerable positions, including the pre-born’s right to life.
I am heartened that in 2021, the Heartbeat Project, in working with the Ministry of Social and Family’s Fostering agencies, have directly contributed to a significant increase in the national new foster families rate. This have helped many children-in-need find stable home environments where they can be cared for.
“ Let us build on our current engagements and continue to engage in civil discourse for the good of the nation. ”
May our current response not be a flash in the pan. Rather, let us build on our current engagements and continue to engage in civil discourse for the good of the nation.
May we be found faithful
Lastly, the developments we are seeing at a global and national level is evidence of biblical prophesy unfolding today. Evidently, we are living in the latter days and despite the trials that come our way, we have a very real hope that Jesus is returning for His bride.
“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:12–14, ESV)
3:16 Church is set up to fulfil the great commission as an end times ready church. Our expression of faith as a family of home churches will allow us (1) to be a community committed to those who struggle (2) to equip the church with biblical world views and (3) to disciple nations on the intersection of faith and culture.
“ This is the time for us to shine as an authentic Gospel community. ”
This is the time for us to shine as an authentic Gospel Community. May we proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and when the Son of man returns, may He find faith in Singapore.
Arise and shine, 3:16 Church!
““Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:1–3, NIV)
Love,
Pastor Norman Ng
Senior Pastor