Church of Scotland's proposal for gay ministers faces further opposition

The Church of Scotland’s proposal to allow gay ministers is facing further opposition.

The proposed legislation could be approved at the next General Assembly meeting in May.

The Church Of Scotland's General Assembly

However, the Presbytery of Lewis, where all 19 members voted against the proposal, has said that they are “dismayed” and urged the Comissioners who will attend the meeting to reject the plans, according to the Stornoway Gazette.

The Church of Scotland’s plans have received backing from 32 Presbyteries, with 13 voting against. Of the 45, 54.6% of members are in favour, something the Lewis Presbytery has argued is only a marginal majority, and not reflected in the Highlands and Islands where 67% of members voted against.

“The Church of Scotland has taken a great deal of time and care over discussing this sensitive issue and a wide range of views have been expressed,” a spokesperson for the church said.

“It has not been easy but we have faced the questions and held the debate in public.

“The proposed legislation has now been approved by a majority of Presbyteries which means that the General Assembly meeting in May could turn the proposal (or Overture as Church Law calls it) into an Act which allows a local Kirk Session to ‘depart’ from the Church’s stance traditional stance on homosexual practice.

“In doing so they will have exercised ‘liberty of opinion’ as permitted by the Church’s constitution. However, even if the General Assembly votes for this proposal, no congregation will be obliged to even consider accepting a minister in a civil partnership.”

Church of Scotland’s proposal for gay ministers faces further opposition

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