Gay group dubs minister a hero

Published on Friday 6 November 2009 21:46

A CONTROVERSIAL gay minister who sparked a huge Church of Scotland debate has been honoured as a hero.

The Reverend Scott Rennie was at the centre of a heated debate after members of Aberdeen's Queens Cross Church voted overwhelmingly to appoint him.

Dissenting members referred the matter to the Kirk's headquarters in Edinburgh.

Church of Scotland leaders later approved the decision to install the minister at the West End kirk because he was an "enthusiastic and gifted preacher".

Now Mr Rennie, 37, who lives with his partner, has been was named Hero of the Year by Stonewall, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group.

He said yesterday: " I do not see myself as a hero. I would rather accept this on behalf of all those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community who contribute to the life of churches and faith communities, simply by living out love in their lives, for God, for their neighbour, and who share their gifts with those communities in the hope of making a difference."

The Stonewall Awards were hosted by Gok Wan at London's V&A Museum to celebrate people who have made a positive impact on the lives of gay and lesbian people.

Carl Watt, director of Stonewall Scotland, said: "We're proud to give Scott this award in recognition of the courage, dignity and leadership he has shown over the past year."