Kirk facing crisis over gay clerics
THE KIRK is facing its biggest crisis for more than a century after pro-gay ministers set up a campaign group to lobby for the rights of homosexual clergy, Scotland on Sunday can reveal. Affirmation Scotland wants to lift what it claims is the “climate of fear” and intimidation surrounding homosexuality and is set to call for the admission of openly gay ministers. It is the first time the church has had a pro-gay group campaigning within its ranks and the stage is set for a bruising battle with traditionalists, who advocate celibacy for homosexuals.
The first skirmish is likely to take place at the General Assembly on Tuesday, when reformers will call for ministers to be allowed to bless gay partnerships.
Rev Ian Watson, secretary of Forward Together – the main evangelical group in the church – said: “If we go ahead with this it will be deeply damaging for the Church and for the many homosexual Christians who are trying to live their lives and resist temptation. Those pushing for these changes do not have a monopoly on compassion for homosexuals. The Church of Scotland should not take a position which is at odds with the Bible, with history and the great majority of the World Church.”
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