Ministers may quit Church of Scotland over gay clergy row

The church is the first major Presbyterian church to ordain openly gay and lesbian ministers – but there is a fear this decision may lead to a schism. Rev Scott Rennie (pictured) was ordained in 2009.

IN MAY, THE Church of Scotland became the first major Presbyterian church to allow openly gay and lesbian ministers.

But the fallout from this is that up to 150 ministers who disagree with this decision may quit, the Guardian reports today.

It says that this would be the largest schism in the Church of Scotland since 1843, when the Free Church of Scotland was formed.

Since May, six ministers have left the assembly, and more are expected to follow them.

Scott Rennie, an openly gay minister, was ordained as a Reverend in 2009, a decision that was disputed by some in the church but welcomed by equal rights activists.

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Ministers may quit Church of Scotland over gay clergy row

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Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.