Church denies it is 'in crisis' over same sex relationships and ministry

 Wednesday June 12 2013

The Church of Scotland has denied it is 'in crisis' over its decision to consider allowing individual congregations to call ministers in committed same sex relationships.

Fewer than ten congregations out of 1400 are said to be in talks with presbyteries about quitting the Church over the decision.

Meeting in May, the General Assembly affirmed the Church's traditional position that sexual activity should only take place within marriage, but agreed that those congregations which wished  to call a minister in a civil partnership should be allowed to do so.

An overture on the issue will be brought to the 2014 Assembly, with a formal decision and final vote pencilled in for 2015.

One congregation at Glasgow: St George's Tron has already left the Church.

Media reports in recent days have suggested that another congregation at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh now also wishes to leave the Church of Scotland.

A Church of Scotland spokesperson said today: “While we would be saddened by the departure of any of our ministers and members, the Church is not in crisis.  The present situation is nothing like the historical event in 1843 known as the Disruption, when a third of ministers – nearly 500 – left. Presbyteries are now holding conversations with fewer than ten of our 1400 congregations.

“As we saw with the congregation of Gilcomston South in Aberdeen, these conversations can be gracious, constructive and respectful of Church law, civil law and charity law. 

 “The vast majority of Church of Scotland ministers and members are committed to the Church and willing to work out, over the next couple of years, how we live with difference.  They see the recent decision of the General Assembly as a vote for the peace and unity of the Church. 

“However, it is not surprising that a small number of ministers and members reacted immediately to decisions taken at the General Assembly.  There has always been a variety of views on the matter of same-sex relationships and the ministry and we are aware that some of our ministers and members feel that a compromise is not possible.

 “The work of the Church of Scotland – preaching the Good News and caring for the vulnerable the length and breadth of the country – continues unabated."

Post Tags: same sex relationships

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Comments

Jamie Knight - Saturday, June 15th, 2013

“recommend A conversation waiting to begin. The churches and the gay controversy by Oliver O Donovan. If anyones interested.”

Archie macmillan - Friday, July 17th, 2015

“Does the heads of the Church of Scotland not read gods word in the relationship of husband and wife ( man and woman ) I have not got a problem with same sex relationships but not preaching gods word .”

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