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The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) has urged members of the Christian community "to always act with grace and restraint should they engage with the LGBT community over the coming event."
The Council, which was founded by churches of the various Christian denominations, issued the statement "in the interest of clearing up the matter concerning human sexuality for members of the Christian public who may be confused, the NCCS would like to reiterate the Christian view that homosexual or bi-sexual practices are contrary to the teaching of the Bible."
"The Council holds that the only sexual relationship sanctioned by God and given as a gift from God is that between a male and a female within the bounds of a monogamous marriage," its statement said.
It added, "The Council also wishes to state that while it does not condone homosexual or bi-sexual practices, it also does not condemn those who are struggling with their gender identity and sexual orientation." (See the statement in full below.)
The NCCS' statement comes amidst debate over the issue of homosexuality and the Pink Dot event, to be held at Hong Lim Park this Saturday. The event is the annual celebration of the "freedom to love" organised by members of the gay community here in Singapore.
This year will be the fifth year that Pink Dot has been held.
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The statement by NCCS:
The current discourse on LGBT prompted by the intention of the LGBT community to hold a Pink Dot picnic on 28 June 2014 has generated strong reactions among Singaporeans, including Christians.
In the interest of clearing up the matter concerning human sexuality for members of the Christian public who may be confused, the NCCS would like to reiterate the Christian view that homosexual or bi-sexual practices are contrary to the teaching of the Bible. The Council holds that the only sexual relationship sanctioned by God and given as a gift from God is that between a male and a female within the bounds of a monogamous marriage.
The Council also wishes to state that while it does not condone homosexual or bi-sexual practices, it also does not condemn those who are struggling with their gender identity and sexual orientation.
The Council therefore urges members of the Christian community to always act with grace and restraint should they engage with the LGBT community over the coming event.