Church of Scotland allows ministers to have same-sex marriages
that yesterday (May 21) the Church of Scotland approved a law allowing ministers to marry their same-sex partners.
It extends on a law that was introduced last year allowing ministers to be in same-sex civil partnerships.
The Church voted in favour of the law by 339 and 215 were against it.
Church votes in favour of recognising Ministers and Deacons in same sex marriages by 339 for to 215 against #GA2016 pic.twitter.com/6DrtazkXyX
— Church of Scotland (@churchscotland) May 21, 2016
During the assembly a letter from the Queen was read, she said:
“At a time of such upheaval and unrest across the world, it is reassuring to hear that the Church of Scotland has made a particular priority of working to develop a co-ordinated response to the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers.”
“This international crisis requires a compassionate and generous response and we are pleased that in keeping with your priority to serve the poorest and most vulnerable, you are making such a valuable contribution.”
The Church however, still considers marriage as being between a man and a woman but allows congregations to “opt out” if they want to appoint a minister or deacon in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership.
The Church’s numbers have fallen however as a survey from April revealed that 52% of all people in Scotland now consider themselves atheists.
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