David Robertson provides the full text of the General Assembly decision which enables congregations of the Free Church of Scotland to sing certain songs other than Psalms and also make use of instruments.
There are some nuances in the application of the decision that can be appreciated by reading the whole document.
Robertson also has posted a comprehensive outline of the proceedings that led to the decision.
These proceedings show the varying points of view that were evident and how the meeting navigated its way through them as it moved toward its final decisions.
Peter Wallace, an observer at the Assembly and a pastor of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church provides detailed analysis of the proceedings.
Malcolm Maclean, another Free Church minister, writes of his disappointment and uncertainty regarding the decision: Hymns, honestly
Kenneth Stuart, another Free Church minister, writes of his decision to take a months leave to consider whether he can continue to remain in the church and serve as a pastor.
Why take the time to read such documents?
Well, Presbyterianism is a connectional church.
In Australia, over the last generation, our understanding of worship has splintered. Our current variegated practices are not simply a product of mission, they are a product of divergent views of what worship is and how it should be patterned.
These changes were never debated or considered, they have simply entered and continue to train a new generation to depart from a covenantal understanding of the Scriptures.
To some the notion that songs not derived from Scripture should be being debated will seem odd.
To others the notion that the nature of the practice of worship in all congregations of a church is being debated will seem odd.
But the second notion should not seem the slightest bit odd to a Presbyterian.
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