Gay minister Scott Rennie given city honour
The Rev Scott Rennie has been given honoured with a ceremonial role in his home city of Aberdeen.
Rev Rennie, an out gay man, caused controversy last year when he was ordained as a minister at Queen’s Cross Church, becoming Scotland’s first out gay minister.
Yesterday, the 37-year-old was given the ceremonial role of Burgess of Guild of the City of Aberdeen.
According to the Press & Journal, he said: “I am a very proud Aberdonian. I cheer my home team on every week and it is an honour to be given an opportunity to help take the city forward in challenging times, and I will help in whatever way I can.”
The honour of Burgess of the Guild dates back to the 13th century and those chosen used to act as guardians of the law but now take a mainly ceremonial role. There are currently around 1,000 burgesses in the guild.
Yesterday, council leader John Stewart and surgeon David Knight were also named as burgesses.
In November, Rev Rennie was voted Stonewall’s Hero of the Year for his battle to be ordained.
Although his congregation overwhelmingly supported him, the appointment caused deep divisions and led to a two-year moratorium on new gay ministers.
