Kirk Commission (Church of Scotland) publishes civil partnership liturgy

Christian News ^ | April 23, 2013

[NYer]

The report sets out liturgy for a civil partnership blessing, along with the traditional view of marriage.

A report for the Church of Scotland on same-sex relationships has suggested an order of service for a civil partnership blessing.

The liturgy contains ideas for scripture readings, including passages about David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi.

The report by the special Theological Commission, which was appointed in 2011, also presents the traditional view of marriage as between a man and a woman.

Opinion

The Church of Scotland said the report described the breadth of theological opinion that existed and did not represent the views of the Church.

A spokesman said: “On the one hand the report offers the Church a way of allowing the ordination of ministers in same-sex relationships who have entered into a civil partnership, while protecting both individuals and congregations who in conscience do not agree with the theological principles which underpin that choice.

“On the other hand the report, while reaffirming its belief that homophobia is sinful, invites the Church to reaffirm its traditional stance that the only appropriate expression of sexual activity should be within marriage between one man and one woman.”

Report

The report does not offer any recommendations.

The Church of Scotland’s governing body will vote in May on the future position of the Kirk based on the report.

Revd John Chalmers, the principal clerk to the General Assembly, said: “The Report and the options which it provides are offered at this stage without comment from the convener or members of the commission; it will be for the General Assembly alone, based on the substance of the theological arguments to come to a mind on this matter.”

He added: “In the meantime, the report, which is wide ranging and detailed, is commended to the whole Church for prayerful study and consideration.”

[stop_fascism]

Have you read the Book of Ruth? Here’s a good exegesis:

http://alaskandreams.net/ekklesia/Sex%20and%20family/The%20Misthos%20and%20Dunamis%20of%20Ruth.htm

[plain talk]

Delude yourself all you like, but laying out the facts about the characteristics of the 70% of non-Catholic "Christians" in this country or anything else isn't "painting with a broad brush". It's correctly characterizing the majority. The vast majority (that means over seventy-five percent or better for those of you in Rio Linda) of the people who claim to be Christian in this country are in churches that are going along with both the ordination of queers and the marrying of queers to one another and whatever else is popular in their area. They reflect the society they're in, not Jesus Christ. Since another ten or twelve percent of those who claim to be Christian are not Christian to begin with, the remaining twenty percent or less are whistling past the graveyard of Protestant and Protestant derived "Christianity" in this country to hide from reality.

Thanks for spelling our your feelings for all to see.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

John Knox is rolling in his grave.

[Rashputin]

Facts aren’t my “feelings”, they’re facts.