Church of Scotland approves appointment of openly gay minister

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The Church of Scotland General Assembly last night voted to approve the ordination of openly gay minister Scott Rennie.

Rennie’s congregation at Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen had voted overwhelmingly to select him as their minister but the move was opposed by anti-gay traditionalists.

Last night at 11pm. commissioners voted 326 to 267 in support of his appointment.

Rennie said last night in a statement: “I am humbled that the General Assembly has recognised God’s call upon my life as well as the rights of the congregation of Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen.

“I am grateful that the nature of the discussion tonight was measured and respectful of different views shared amongst us.
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“I’m looking forward to moving to Queen’s Cross, getting on with the task of serving my new parish. “My prayer is that now the members of the Church of Scotland can journey together and focus on providing pastoral care, meaningful worship and a prophetic voice of hope in our nation.”

The ordination of Rennie, who lives openly with his partner, to Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen had threatened to create a schism in the Church of Scotland.

It has been described as the biggest issue to face the Church in 160 years, after the disruption of 1843.

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