24/09/2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters, We are acting in accordance with the National Christian Assemblies of Sri Lanka Policy Statement. It states that a divorced and remarried person cannot hold Christian leadership. Therefore, we have to make some changes in the leadership in the future.
( IX. Position and Practices
X. Marriage and Divorce
First: There are now among Christian people those who became entangled in their marriage relations in their former lives of sin, and who do not now see how these matters can be adjusted; therefore, we recommend that these cases be left in the hands of the Lord, and that they walk in the light as God lets it shine on their souls.
Second: Whereas low standards of marriage and divorce are very hurtful to individuals, to the family and to the cause of Christ, therefore, it is recommended that in the future we discourage divorce by all lawful means and teaching, and that we shall positively disapprove of Christians getting divorced for any cause except for fornication (Matt. 19:9), and that we recommend the remaining single of all divorced Christians and that they pray God so to keep them in purity and peace (see 1 Cor. 7).
Third: Whereas divorced and remarried persons in the ministry usually cause stumbling, reproach and division, whatever may have been the cause of divorce, therefore, we advise and recommend that our ministers and assemblies do not ordain to the full gospel ministry those who have remarried and are now living in the state of matrimony while former companions are living (Ezek. 44:22).
Fourth: And as a means of make the above effective, we further advise our Pentecostal ministry not to perform a marriage ceremony between any believer and a divorced person whose former companion is still living. We also especially warn all people that unions madein the future in the face of this warning between any of our ministers and such divorced persons will affect the standing of both the minister who performs the ceremony (unless he is innocently deceived into doing the same), and also that of the minster entering into such union, whether man or woman, no matter whichmay be the innocent party.)
God bless you