The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scottish Episcopal Church to vote on same-sex marriages in its churches.
Gay marriage is back in the news as the Scottish Episcopal Church prepares to debate whether to allow same-sex marriage in its churches. Michael Alexander examines the issues
It is a vote which could put the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) at the forefront of the march towards marriage equality – but at odds with the Church of England. The SEC’s General Synod is due to vote next week on whether to change its laws to allow same-sex church weddings – a move which could lead to sanctions by the international Anglican communion.
Headlines yesterday suggested the first ceremonies could be just months away but last night leaders of the church, which has 54,000 members, insisted agreement was still some way off.
The Right Rev Dr Nigel Peyton , Bishop of Brechin, told The Courier the outcome was “not a foregone conclusion.”
Next week’s General Synod vote will be on the second – and final – reading of a proposed alteration to the church’s Canon on Marriage.
This proposal would remove the doctrinal clause which states that marriage is between a man and a woman.
The voting process will require a twothirds majority in each house of Bishops, Clergy and Laity before the move can go ahead.
If the vote is carried, clergy who wish to opt in to conducting same-sex weddings in church will have their names forwarded to the Registrar General. Those who do not wish to participate will not be compelled to do so.
A first reading of the motion was passed by the General Synod last year and six of the seven diocesan synods of the SEC voted in favour of the proposal in March this year. Only the diocesan synod of Aberdeen and Orkney voted against the change. Debate A report to go before members next week states that the proposal to allow same-sex marriages would be “received with support and enthusiasm in many quarters”.
It goes on: “At the same time, we recognise that not all are content and for some the matter is one of deep distress.”
Bishop Nigel said: “Our church has been carefully considering this proposal over the past couple of years and the debate at General Synod next Thursday will reflect this, and a range of views will be expressed.
“The outcome of next week’s debate is not a foregone conclusion.”
Same- sex marriage became law in Scotland in 2014. However, couples have not been able to hold their weddings in church.
Last week the Church of Scotland took a significant step towards allowing its ministers to conduct ceremonies as it apologised for historical discrimination against lesbian and gay people.
The kirk’s General Assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, instructed officials to consider changes to church law that would allow ministers to preside over same-sex marriage ceremonies and to research legal protection for any minister or deacon who refuses to officiate as a matter of conscience.
But despite strong support in the church’s governing body, it is likely to be several years before the first samesex marriage is conducted by a kirk minister. The necessary legal changes will first have to be brought to next year’s assembly.
Last week, the gathering called on leaders to “take stock of its history of discrimination at different levels and in different ways against gay people and to apologise individually and corporately and seek to do better”. Delighted Following the debate, the Rev Scott Rennie, minister at Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen, said he was “delighted” the General Assembly had decided to move forward over the issue.
Mr Rennie is gay himself and his appointment at Queen’s Cross in 2009 led to divisions within the Church of Scotland.
The Rev Mike Goss, clerk of Angus Presbytery who has been representing the traditionalist wing of the church, said he had “no difficulty apologising” to the gay community.
“If I have caused hurt to other folk unintentionally then I am more than happy to do it,” he added.
However, he said he and his colleagues were “frustrated” the church was not coming together.
Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church remains opposed to same-sex marriage.
Harsher opposition has been expressed by Pastor Joe Nwokoye, 58, who set up and runs the Zion Praise Centre in Kirkcaldy.
Nwokoye, who first hit the headlines in 2005 when former Raith Rovers and Rangers footballer Marvin Andrews claimed his prayers cured his injuries, has blamed gay marriage for everything from flooding to economic problems.
Yesterday, he insisted: “Gay marriage is evil. That’s what the Bible says. There is no question about it.
“John Knox will be turning in his grave knowing that Scotland has turned against the word of God.
Gay rights charity Stonewall Scotland has said the majority of Scots support same-sex marriage, while Tim Hopkins, of the Equality Network, has called for future debates to be conducted in a way that recognises churches have many LGBT members, and fully values them alongside other members.
John Knox will be turning in his grave knowing that Scotland has turned against the word of God