Church of Scotland gives go ahead for ministers to conduct same-sex weddings

May 24, 2022 by Jill

by Kelly Valencia, Premier:

The Church of Scotland has voted to allow ministers and deacons to officiate same-sex weddings.

During the 2022 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 274 commissioners voted in favour and 136 against.

The moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, said the Church of Scotland had had “a lengthy, prayerful and in-depth discussion” on this topic to find a solution that “respects diversity and values the beliefs of all.”

The Solemnisation of Same Sex Marriage Overture will require ministers, deacons and readers apply to become an authorised celebrant of same-sex marriage.

This means that no person would be required to participate or be involved in the arrangements for a same-sex marriage ceremony unless they explicitly wished to do so.

Rev Peter Johnston, minister at Ferryhill Parish Church in Aberdeen, told Premier Christian News the decision has brought him a “sense of relief”.

“We’re here in a way that, I know that there are going to be strong emotions on different sides within the Church, but we are here in a way that protects one another and that is important.”

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Unless the Church of Scotland returns to the Gospel, it will die, by David Robertson, Christian Today