General Assembly Reports Released

The reports to the 2013 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland are now available on the Church of Scotland website.

They include the report of the Theological Commission into Same-Sex Relationships and the Ministry, which offers the choice of allowing the ordination of ministers in same-sex relationships.

The Deliverance of the Commission is split into two, giving a choice between:

• Allowing the ordination of ministers in same-sex relationships who have entered into a civil partnership, while protecting both individuals and congregations who in conscience do not agree with the theological principles which underpin that choice.

Or:

• While restating that homophobia is sinful, reaffirming the church’s traditional stance that the only appropriate expression of sexual activity should be within marriage between one man and one woman.

The Principal Clerk to the General Assembly, the Rev John Chalmers, said: “The Report and the options which it provides are offered at this stage without comment from the Convener or members of the Commission; it will be for the General Assembly alone, based on the substance of the theological arguments to come to a mind on this matter. In the meantime, the report which is wide ranging and detailed is commended to the whole Church for prayerful study and consideration.”

The General Assembly meets from May 18-24. All reports are available here.

Post Tags: general assembly 2013, reports

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