Same-sex marriages may soon be able to take place in the Church of Scotland with the issue to be debated at the Kirk’s General Assembly in Edinburgh this week, .
While same-sex marriage was legalised in Scotland in 2014, there is mounting pressure for the church to become more inclusive.
The General Assembly will discuss a report that suggests ministers should be able to conduct same-sex marriages in the church—and that an apology should be made to the gay community.
“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 have been said in the past and the assembly will have to make up its mind on that,” says Reverend Dr Derek Browning.
“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,” the Rev Browning added.
“Over the years the assembly has been very well aware that on both sides of the debate, very strong things have been said and therefore an apology certainly within the Christian context is always important because there’s been hurt caused on both sides of the debate."
“Hopefully we’re in a position to move forwards, but that will be for the General Assembly to make its mind up on, on Thursday," he said.
The Assembly—which is attended by over 850 commissioners from around the world—has already voted this week to allow ministers who are themselves in a same-sex marriage to continue serving in the Church.
