LGBTQ pupils fail in bid to oust minister from role as chaplain

Carnoustie pupil says new school year is perfect time to sever ties with minister accused of being homophobic

LGBTQ pupils have failed in their efforts to remove a minister from his Angus school post before the new term.

A petition was lodged by Carnoustie High pupils in April urging Angus Council to relieve the Rev Mike Goss of his school chaplaincy position, accusing him of being homophobic and against gay marriage.

The protests included some parents meeting rector Donald Currie to demand Mr Goss is no longer used by the school but he maintained his role and was also at the summer prizegiving.

Pupils and parents have urged the school to use the new academic year as an opportunity to distance itself from Mr Goss.

An Angus Council spokesman said: “We continue to support ongoing dialogue for those involved.

“Angus Council adheres to the Scottish Government’s guidance for local authorities to provide religious education and religious observance, which includes the use of chaplains within our schools.

“There are no planned changes with regards to the use of chaplains within our schools.”

Mr Goss opened a formal protest over the Church of Scotland’s move to back same-sex marriages among ministers in 2016.

He also stated in an interview to BBC Scotland last year that “same-sex relationships are not what God has planned for us as human beings”.

One pupil said: “The last thing we want is another year of disruption which is why we wanted Mr Goss to be removed from his post as school chaplain.

“Mr Goss’s view that same-sex marriage is not what God intended now sits directly opposite the presbytery view on inclusiveness and equality.

“The new academic year is the perfect opportunity for the school and Angus Council to distance themselves from Mr Goss which would be welcomed very much.”

Mr Goss, minister of Barry, which is linked with Carnoustie, previously described the petition as a “tissue of lies” and said the allegations were “potentially actionable”.

One parent of an LGBTQ pupil said: “Mr Currie’s reasoning for having Mike Goss was that he had no other choice – education policy dictates and there are a lack of people willing to do it.

“Whilst I do empathise with Mr Currie’s difficulties, the situation can’t be allowed to continue into yet another academic year which would be over a full year or longer since pupils became more involved in voicing their concerns.

“Teachers within the school are unhappy with the situation and I have had a conversation with one who was actively seeking support from LGBTQ groups on legislation to remove Mr Goss as chaplain.

“Carnoustie High encourages pupils to be aware of local and current events so pupils are hearing these views yet the school insists on exposing them to his presence.

“Sexuality is protected just the same as colour, religion and gender but it isn’t being given that equality by the school – that’s not the values pupils should be taught either.

“It is just so frustrating.”

Mr Goss said: “I don’t think it is helpful or productive to engage in public spats with a few anonymous individuals who have never contacted me.”

Sexuality is protected just the same as colour, religion and gender but it isn’t being given that equality by the school

The Rev Mike Goss has come under fire from some pupils, teachers and parents at Carnoustie High School.