This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-32814944

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Church of Scotland to debate allowing gay ministers to marry Kirk decision on allowing gay ministers to marry delayed
(about 21 hours later)
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is to debate the position of ministers who wish to enter same-sex marriages. A decision by the Church of Scotland on the position of ministers who wish to enter same-sex marriages has been delayed to allow wider consultation.
The debate on Thursday follows an earlier vote to allow congregations to appoint gay ministers who are in civil partnerships. The issue was being debated at the Kirk's General Assembly.
The vote followed debate and consultations with presbyteries, which voted 31 to 14 in favour of change. It follows a vote earlier this week to allow congregations to appoint gay ministers in civil partnerships.
The ordination of gay ministers has proved a controversial topic for years. The Church's presbyteries, or local areas, will now be asked to vote on extending this to ministers in same-sex marriages, before it can be approved.
This will be the first time that the General Assembly has formally discussed the issue of appointing ministers in same-sex marriages. Commenting on the Assembly's decision, Very Reverend David Arnott, co-ordinator of the principal clerk's office, said: "The General Assembly understood this to be a logical extension of the benefits which accrue to those in civil partnership.
Following the debate, a range of options will be available to the Kirk, including voting for or against allowing ministers to be in same-sex marriages, or calling for a church commission to produce a report on the issue, which would then be considered at a forthcoming General Assembly. "Very Rev Prof Iain Torrance assured the assembly the Theological Forum will bring a report on same sex marriage to a future Assembly, which we will look forward to.
Kirk law also has a special procedure, known as the Barrier Act, which means presbyteries are consulted on significant changes. "Out of a pastoral concern for the whole church, the General Assembly decided to pass this overture to the presbyteries who will report to the assembly in May 2016."
Controversy 'Mixed economy'
A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said it was important to note that Thursday's debate was not related to the issue of ministers marrying gay couples, which the Kirk opposes. If a majority of Presbyteries give their approval, the matter will return to the General Assembly next year, where a final decision will be taken.
Following Saturday's vote on civil partnerships, supporters of the move said it was time for the church to be inclusive and recognise the "mixed economy" of modern Scotland.Following Saturday's vote on civil partnerships, supporters of the move said it was time for the church to be inclusive and recognise the "mixed economy" of modern Scotland.
However, opponents warned that the move was contrary to God's law, would prove divisive and lead to resignations.However, opponents warned that the move was contrary to God's law, would prove divisive and lead to resignations.
The issue of gay ministers has divided the church for some time.The issue of gay ministers has divided the church for some time.
In 2009 some members attempted to block the appointment of the Reverend Scott Rennie, who is gay, to Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen.In 2009 some members attempted to block the appointment of the Reverend Scott Rennie, who is gay, to Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen.
At the Kirk's gathering in 2011, commissioners voted to accept gay and lesbian clergy - on the condition they had declared their sexuality and were ordained before 2009.At the Kirk's gathering in 2011, commissioners voted to accept gay and lesbian clergy - on the condition they had declared their sexuality and were ordained before 2009.
Last year, the general assembly voted to allow presbyteries to debate whether congregations could opt out of its traditional stance and appoint gay ministers.Last year, the general assembly voted to allow presbyteries to debate whether congregations could opt out of its traditional stance and appoint gay ministers.