General Assembly: Kirk steers clear of same-sex marriage controversy

THE Church of Scotland’s General Assembly avoided engaging in the contentious same-sex marriage debate yesterday when it affirmed unchallenged its traditional stance that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Last night it was conceded that those within the liberal wing would be left feeling “disappointed” by the lack of discussion on the matter, but that others would be “relieved” that the Assembly had not engaged in another divisive debate on the issue of sexuality.

The issue of gay marriage formed part of a Mission and Discipleship report on the institution by its working group on Issues in Human Sexuality.

The report was delivered by Rev Peter Donald, convener of the working group.

At the end of his speech, Raymond Morton, of Buchan Presbytery, asked Mr Donald for clarification on his definition of what he meant by “a couple” in relation to marriage.

Mr Morton said: “When he started talking, I personally believe that everyone in this hall knew what he was talking about, before he mentioned a man and a woman. I would claim that that’s what people understood him to mean. Is that what you meant, convener, when you spoke about marriage?”

Mr Donald replied: “Throughout my report it is very explicit that is what I meant.”

The clarification drew little response from the Assembly.

The issue of same-sex marriage has seen the Kirk align itself with the Catholic Church, the Free Church of Scotland and other faith groups in opposing its intention to allow same-sex marriages.

The Scottish Government has carried out a consultation exercise over possible legislation with a view to possibly introducing a bill next year.

The Kirk’s report, which examines all aspects of marriage – cultural, historical and legal – has been characterised as “uncontroversial” in its content, generally reiterating the innate value of the institution.

Where the subject of same-sex marriage is touched, it is mainly to acknowledge the controversy surrounding it and the ongoing public debate.

The report, however, asserts the Kirk’s traditionalist stance: “Christian marriage has always been between one man and a woman...” and concludes “While extending marriage to same-sex couples is beginning to be debated in society and the Church, this would constitute a major break with scripture and Church practice through the ages.”

The possibility had been raised by Kirk insiders that questions from the floor, from either the liberal or traditionalist wing, could have sparked an argument.

But members of both sides last night said there had been “no appetite for debate” in the wake of last year’s divisive Assembly when it agreed to consider accepting openly gay clergy – a report on which is due to come before it next year.

However, one insider said: “Some might say it was an opportunity missed. Others might say that the time to have this debate will be in 2013. There will certainly be people who will have been left feeling frustrated by the way things worked out, but there will be others who are relieved.”

The insider added that there was a sense that both sides were “playing fair” and waiting until next year to revisit the debate.