The following statement was made by David Arnott, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, on Monday 23 May.
I think it is a very helpful statement and deserves to be widely known, so I am copying it here and invite you to pass it on to others.
Statement from Right Reverend David Arnott, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on the Special Commission into Same Sex Relationships and the Ministry
As you will be aware by now the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland today (Monday, 23 May 2011) voted to establish a theological commission that will further explore issues around same sex relationships of the ministry of the Church.
The General Assembly held a full and open debate on this issue and I want to thank all commissioners for the courteous and compassionate way in which this was carried out.
I am conscious that this has been a matter of contention for some time and many people on all sides hold their beliefs very firmly.
It is, of course, too early to say what the impact of today's decision will be but we as the National Church will continue to provide guidance and spiritual leadership for the people of Scotland.
Yesterday I had the privilege and pleasure of attending an event called Roll Away the Stone in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. This was a wonderful and happy occasion attended by thousands of people who celebrated and worshipped together in glorious sunshine. That is the true face of the Church of Scotland.
I want to clarify what happened today as best I can.
The Church has agreed to embark on a path that will allow us in two years time to consider lifting the moratorium on acceptance for training and ordination of people in a same sex relationship.
This direction is one that explores inclusion but the new theological commission will report in two years time on that matter and no decisions have yet been made.
We very much hope that people who disagree with what has been decided will nevertheless remain in the Church and work with us as we seek to find a way forward.
Indeed I have had many expressions from commissioners today that they are willing to work for the greater good of the Church.
The existing moratorium on the ordination of ministers in same sex relationships is continued until 2013 so nothing will happen immediately. Importantly, the dialogue will continue.
I am aware that many people will be hurting today and the Church of Scotland has a pastoral duty to look after all our people and show them our love and compassion.
Today has been a challenging day for the Church of Scotland but our history shows that we are able to take on board many challenges and continue to be a clear voice in 21st century Scotland.
4 comments:
Gordon - all the emphasis from the central Church has been on deliverance 7 and the setting up of the Theological commission but actually Deliverance 4 was undoubtedly the key to the horses' stable for doesn't it now allow the acceptance of practicing gay ministers to be inducted into pulpits all over the land? The moratorium only applies to most recent people i.e. post 2009 but for everyone else the door is now unbolted. Has anyone from the Church made any statement whatever about this for it is this deliverance not 7 which is the cause of all the media's and the Church's understanding of what the Church really did in 2011.
Gordon - But what aboout Deliverance 4?? It seems to me that the central Church's statements drawing attention to deliverance 7 and the Theological Commission are just a smoke screen although none of the media have been blinded by it. Type in Church of Scotland and Gay to Google and you will see the wholesale acceptance by the media of the black and white of Deliverance 4. The key to the horses' stable was 4 not 7.
Gordon - But what aboout Deliverance 4?? It seems to me that the central Church's statements drawing attention to deliverance 7 and the Theological Commission are just a smoke screen although none of the media have been blinded by it. Type in Church of Scotland and Gay to Google and you will see the wholesale acceptance by the media of the black and white of Deliverance 4. The key to the horses' stable was 4 not 7.
Leslie,
I've been away and only just noticed your comment.
I disagree - I think no 4 in the deliverance was a wholly good and appropriate measure of justice. Pre 2009 no one was asked during selection or training about their sexual behaviour. People entered ministry in good faith and we can't now change the rules (to what they should have been all the time) and retrospectively discipline ministers ordained pre 2009.
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