Pages

I AM...

I am whatever YOU think I am until YOU get to KNOW me. This is true for everyone else too, of course.. so don't make assumptions about anyone or pass judgment; ask questions. You might just make a new friend.

Followers

Monday, May 23, 2016

CHURCH IN SCOTLAND VOTES IN FAVOR OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE FOR CLERGY

Today at the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly in Edinburgh ministers approved a measure allowing clergy to marry their same sex partners.

This measure is in addition to one in 2015 allowing ministers to enter into civil partnerships, 339 voted in favour against 215.
The Church’s official stance remains that marriage is between a man and a woman.

However, congregations can ‘opt out of this decision’ and clergy are free to marry.

Colin Macfarlane, director of Stonewall Scotland, said: ‘Today’s result is great news for the Kirk.

‘Empowering Ministers to live their lives with honesty and integrity sends a powerful signal to faith communities and society as a whole.’

The Queen of the United Kingdom sent a letter acknowledging the charitable work the Churhc has done, including its contribution to the United Nationsl limate change conference in Paris last year.
‘At a time of such upheaval and unrest across the world, it is reassuring to hear that the Church of Scotland has made a particular priority of working to develop a co-ordinated response to the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers.’

‘This international crisis requires a compassionate and generous response and we are pleased that in keeping with your priority to serve the poorest and most vulnerable, you are making such a valuable contribution,’ she said.

The last few years have seen diminishing membership in the Church. A survey in April this year suggests that 52% of people in Scotland are athiest.


In England, Anglican clergy can in theory be openly gay but are expected to be abstinent. Churches in Wales tend to be more liberal.

SOURCE: GAY STAR NEWS

No comments:

Post a Comment