Kirk in landmark apology over ‘long history’ of gay discrimination

Apr 18, 2017 by Jill

by Brian Donnelly, Herald Scotland:

GAY people will receive a formal apology from The Church of Scotland following its long “history of discrimination” under plans that signal another seismic softening of Kirk policy towards homosexuals.

In a landmark report, the influential Theological Forum will ask members of next month’s General Assembly to atone for long-standing institutional prejudices against LGBT people by calling for an apology both “individually and corporately” on behalf of the church.

Another watershed proposal further paves the way towards greater acceptance of same-sex marriage by affirming that nominated ministers and deacons could be granted authority to preside over gay weddings provided there are protections for the “conscientious refusal” of clergy who do not wish to officiate such ceremonies.

The report by the Theological Forum, which counts former Moderator the Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance as its convener, said: “We recognise that as a Church we have often failed to recognise and protect the identity and Christian vocation of gay people and believe that the Church as a whole should acknowledge its faults.”

Read here

Kirk votes to allow gay clergy marriages, BBC News

Church of Scotland signals openness to gay weddings but seeks ‘mutual flourishing’ with conservatives – Christian Today

Church of Scotland: Theological Forum Report on human sexuality published