In the past few days, the session and pastoral staff of South City Church became aware of details concerning an event that was to be hosted on its property on January 20th, 2019 sponsored and organized by Faith for Justice, a Christian advocacy and social justice organization. Upon being informed of the details of the event, the session and pastoral staff met and determined that some of the planned elements within this particular event appeared to be inconsistent with South City Church’s theological convictions. We have thus determined that South City Church’s facility should no longer be used for the Faith for Justice event originally scheduled for January 20th. At no point was the event a South City Church event or part of a South City Church worship service.
South City Church has been blessed by God to have a facility in the city of St. Louis and has sought to have a generous building-use policy designed to allow our church building to function as a sort of community center within the city. In the past we have hosted celebrations of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., and will continue to hold events promoting community engagement and biblical principles of social justice in the future. However, we also recognize the inherent tension that comes from allowing our building to be used by outside groups that are not under the direct oversight of the session of South City Church and whose views and convictions may be inconsistent with our own. Thus, the session and pastoral leadership reserve the right to determine whether organizations or events which seek use of our facility are consistent with our theological and pastoral convictions and beliefs.
As an uncommon family in the city of St. Louis that is united by the gospel of Jesus Christ, South City Church desires to be a community marked by truth and grace; one that is faithful to the Scriptures, and committed to extending the welcome of Jesus to everyone in our midst. We believe that each person is wonderfully and immutably made in the image of God, and is therefore worthy of compassion, love, kindness and respect. Further, we believe hateful and harassing attitudes directed towards any of God’s image bearers—including LGBT+ people—are to be repudiated. We also acknowledge the fallenness of all people and desire to call all to repentance and faith in Christ. While remaining faithful to our convictions, denominational standards, the Reformed theological tradition, and above all to Scripture, it is our deep desire to make known Christ’s saving love, and to share his compassion with each of our neighbors. With this in mind, we humbly ask for your prayers as we seek to be a faithful witness in our
city.
The Session of South City Church
UPDATE (1/15/19): to clarify, the event was sponsored by Faith for Justice, but hosted and planned by several local organizations.