MSPs split as over 7,500 oppose gay clergy in Kirk

MSPs have responded to a 7,800 strong petition against the appointment of an actively homosexual Kirk Minister, Revd Scott Rennie.

SNP MSP Dave Thompson has lent his support to the petitioners, telling one newspaper that “active homosexuality is incompatible” with the Bible’s teaching.

Mr Thompson added: “I have no problem with people who have different beliefs or a different lifestyle.

“I do believe, however, that once someone declares himself as a Christian that they should comply with the teaching of the Bible”.

However, Tory MSP Alex Johnstone disagreed saying: “I know Scott personally. He has distinguished himself as the minister at Brechin Cathedral and he is a decent human being.”

Revd Rennie, a divorced father-of-one who lives with his male partner, was appointed as minister of Queen’s Cross Parish Church in November, despite opposition from a number of evangelicals in Aberdeen.

In an interview last month Revd Rennie said: “There are differing interpretations of Scripture on the issue of human sexuality and other issues in the church. There is nothing to be gained by wars of interpretation on this or any other issue in the church.”

But Forward Together, a group of evangelical members of the Church of Scotland, said: “Mr Rennie has openly stated that he is intending taking his male partner with him to live in the manse. We cherish the peace and unity of the Church and feel this new development will seriously undermine both.”

A motion will be heard at the Kirk’s General Assembly this month, when the assembly will also vote on whether to approve Mr Rennie’s appointment.

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