The Church of Scotland has voted to end an moratorium on ordaining gay ministers.
The Kirk’s leadership agreed to allow gay ministers who were ordained before May 2009 – when a temporary ban was imposed after the appointment of the Reverend Scott Rennie in Aberdeen – to put themselves forward to take over congregations if they chose to do so. The minister, who lives with his partner, was appointed as minister of Queen’s Cross Church, Aberdeen. His ordination was opposed by many in the church but his congregation voted overwhelmingly for him to become their minister.
However, a decision on whether to allow gay men and women to be ordained in the future will be delayed for two years until the report of a theological commission is received.
Kirk leaders said they believed gay ministers already ordained would not push for open recognition while the new theological commission is undertaken.
Rev Rennie’s appointment caused deep divisions between traditionalists and liberals. Research has found that one in five church members have said they will leave if out gay ministers are permitted. However, one in ten said they will leave if the ban continues.
