Kirk moves towards allowing same-sex marriages

The Church of Scotland has taken a further step towards allowing ministers to conduct same-sex marriages, as it apologised for historical discrimination against gay people, writes Brian Morton.

The Kirk’s General Assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, instructed officials to examine changes to church law that could pave the way for ministers to conduct same-sex ceremonies in the future. The changes will be brought before the General Assembly again next year for further discussion.

The decision followed a report from the Kirk’s Theological Forum. The Very Revd Professor Iain Torrance, the convenor of the Forum, said that his colleagues could find “no sufficient theological reason” for the Church to prevent ministers officiating at same-sex unions, if doing so did not conflict with an individual minister’s or deacon’s beliefs.

Professor Torrance said the change would be “permissive rather than directive”, adding that he hoped and prayed that the Kirk was moving to a new stage in a long argument. “We can begin perhaps by saying gently to those with whom we have disagreed, I am sorry.”

The debate heard from supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage which has been legal in Scotland since 2014, although different denominations can decide whether or not to participate. However, it remains a divisive issue within the Church of Scotland.

Opponents continue to argue that homosexual relationships are sinful. The Revd Dale London told the Assembly that gay relationships were “contrary to the word of God”, while another speaker questioned the balance of the report.