The Church of Scotland has fully supported a motion permitting congregations in opening to the idea to ordain openly homosexual men and women. The motion that has just been approved permits people in same-sex relationships and civil partnerships to serve as ministers. The decision was announced on Monday in the wake of the yearly gathering of the 700 members of the General Assembly. This annual event is regularly held in the month of May where members convene and make important decisions about church policy.
A long process
This is the decision that commissioners of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland have come to – parishes may now choose to be ministered by gay people. There are still major hurdles to be overcome before this becomes law. This decision of the Church’s senior members still remains to be endorsed and voted for by regional presbyteries and get approval of the General Assembly next year. The process is expected to take two years at the least.
A breakthrough
The motion was proposed by Albert Bogle who said that it was meant to be permissive such that everyone gets what they want while still keeping the Church of Scotland together. The approval affirmed the traditional view on homosexuality maintained by the Church, but liberal congregations may choose to ordain homosexual men and women “if they wish.” The motion was a compromise between revisionists and traditionalists and is way to move the ages-old debate forward.
A rather lengthy debate
The Church of Scotland has around 400,000 members. For years this issue has divided the Church and has spurned a lengthy debate. The moderator of the General Assembly, Lorna Hood stated that they continue to pray for unity and peace knowing that some people are “pained, anxious, worried, and hurt” with this recent development.
Photo Credit: An Old Kirk in the Borders
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