Kirk to consider apology to Scotland’s gay community
AS THE Church of Scotland moves a step closer to allowing same sex marriage, the Assembly will consider making an apology to the country’s gay community. If the General Assembly approves plans to look at whether gay marriage “could be made possible” on Thursday, it will consider apologising for critical comments made in the past. It will also be deciding on whether to refer the same sex marriage matter to its Legal Questions Committee.
Scotland has allowed equal marriage since 2014 but churches can decide whether to opt out.
A spokesman for the Church of Scotland warned that a move towards allowing same sex marriage was at an early stage and could take “up to six years”.
He said: “All the General Assembly has been asked to approve on Thursday is for the Legal Questions Committee to look at this. It’s not a crucial takeit-or-leave-it vote. It’s part of the process which could take up to six years. It’s certainly moving a step closer, but the big arguments are further down the line.”
A report for the General Assembly will also ask the church to apologise “individually and corporately” to gay people for its history of discrimination.
Moderator Designate the Reverend Dr Derek Browning said: “The theological forum will be bringing a report to the General Assembly and this year what they’re asking is for the Assembly, first of all, to consider making an apology to the gay community for things that have been said in the past.
“But it’s also going to be asking our Legal Questions Committee to see what the issues are around allowing ministers to perform same sex marriage if they choose to do so. Hopefully we’re in a position to move forwards, but that will be for the Assembly to make its mind up on.”