First openly gay minister enters civil partnership

Rev Scott Rennie, Scotland’s first openly homosexual minister who was at the centre of the gay clergy row, has entered into a civil partnership.

Rev Scott Rennie. Picture: PA

The congregation at Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen, where he announced news of the civil ceremony to partner Dr David Smith on Sunday, showed its support by breaking into applause.

Mr Rennie’s appointment as minister at Queen’s Cross in 2009 sparked the controversy which has threatened to divide the Church of Scotland.

He and Dr Smith entered into the civil partnership at a ceremony at the city’s Marischal College on 8 May, at the same time the Kirk Assembly was debating the admittance of gay clergy into the church.

Rev Rennie said: “We were very keen to have a private celebration, without the glare of publicity.

“It was a great day for us both, and we were delighted to celebrate it here in the city.

“I am very grateful to my congregation and many others in the city and beyond, for all their support and kindness over these last few years.”