News by email Donate

Suggestions

Gay-Marriage-News-Main_article_image.jpg
A Gay Marriage
UK News

Church of Scotland to consider gay marriages

While the sanctity of marriage will be debated the Kirk earlier claimed its move towards greater acceptance of gay marriage would not compromise the Church's traditional view of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

According to the BBC, Moderator Designate the Reverend Dr Derek Browning said: "On Thursday afternoon the theological forum will be bringing a report to the General Assembly, and this year what they're asking to do is for the assembly, first of all, to consider making an apology to the gay community for things that have been said in the past and the assembly will have to make up its mind on that.

"But also it's going to be asking our legal questions committee to see what the issues are round about allowing ministers to perform same sex marriage if they choose to do so, and equally for safeguards for those who, for conscience sake, feel that this is not something they can do."

There might be less opposition at the annual gathering of the estimated 730 senior church figures when the landmark debate on how to greater accept gay marriage within the Kirk than expected.  Nevertheless, the ministers with a more traditionalist approach would be looking for some clarification how this would be implemented.

It is very possible that church ministers will not be able to solemnise same-sex marriages themselves for up to six years at the current trajectory.

The Scottish Episcopal Church, part of Anglican tradition, is also expected to approve same-sex marriage when its General Synod meets later this year.

However, it is expected that the proposals will affirm that nominated ministers and deacons could be granted authority to preside over gay weddings provided there are protections for the "conscientious refusal" of clergy who do not wish to officiate them.

Nevertheless, some of the more conservative Church members and ministers are still concerned that they may end up being forced to preside over such ceremonies some time in the future.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate