The divisions in the Church of Scotland over the appointment of gay ministers have not healed in the two years since the Rev Scott Rennie took up his position at Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen.
An investigation by the Kirk has concluded there is not enough support to endorse people in same-sex relationships becoming ministers, but there is a big enough section of the membership in favour to merit two options for the future to go forward to next month’s General Assembly.
The choice is between an outright ban on homosexuals training to be ministers and allowing them to be accepted for ordination on the basis that a theological commission is set up to carry out further research on the issue.
Given that the matter has threatened to split the Church at previous General Assemblies, the debate is unlikely to find consensus.
Whatever the final decision is, the ability, popularity and dedication of Mr Rennie is not in question and he appears to command almost universal approval and respect from his congregation.
Is that not all the Church needs to know?
Presbyterianism is the archetypal broad Church. It allows for all manner of opinions and tastes to gather together under a common doctrine and with shared purpose.
Mr Rennie has already been backed by a General Assembly and his congregation. He does not need to go through the whole process again, and the hierarchy of the Church should perhaps look at what he has achieved before embarking on another potentially divisive debate.
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