The Kirk has been torn by the controversial selection of Scott Rennie to Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen and his intention to live in the manse with his partner.

The 37-year-old divorcee, who has a child, was accepted by his prospective congregation, but the decision has sparked a storm of protest in the area's presbytery and the Church across the country. The issue will now be debated at the General Assembly in Edinburgh, which begins on 21st May, and a vote will be taken afterwards by 800 commissioners.

An online petition calling on Mr Rennie to be de-selected has attracted 7700 signatures — including a number of Inverness ministers, who say active homosexuals should not be accepted as preachers.

Rev Professor Andrew McGowan, of the East Church, Academy Street, said his Kirk Session had unanimously decided to oppose Mr Rennie's appointment. He believed the appointment posed problems because society had accepted homosexuality as a norm but it flew in the face of the Bible's teachings.

"In society in general, or at least those who have a voice in the media but maybe not on the ground, the prevailing voice is that homosexuality is a valid alternative lifestyle," he said. "In the scripture it's a sinful perversion. The Christian church has always said these things are determined by God and he has told us how to live.

"He has done this through the scriptures and the church is not at liberty to make up its own word as it goes along. People must read the Bible theologically and intelligently, in the New Testament homosexuality is on a list of sins to be avoided."

If the appeal fails, Mr McGowan would not leave the church, although he feels it is inevitable that people will quit. "I would remain within to do battle against the decision," he added.

Rev Alistair Murray, of Trinty Church, Merkinch, is one of the 800 commissioners who will be able to vote at the assembly. He is also against Mr Rennie's appointment and signed the petition himself, but stressed it was not about being "anti-gay".

"It's contrary to what we believe to be fundamental beliefs and the biblical teaching of the church," he said.

"To be blunt, sex should be within a marriage and between a man and woman — not a man and man or woman and woman.

"I realise people's sexuality and gender is a fact of life, people can take or leave the church's beliefs."

Mr Murray said his views would not prevent him having gay friends and criticised the Kirk for not having the debate earlier.

"It's now become a hot potato but should have been dealt with a long time ago," he said.

"I don't think it will split the church and I won't leave, but the decision is not going to please everybody."

Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson, who is a member of Kinmylies Church, mulled over signing the petition, but said the impending debate was more important.

He respected the rights of his constituents to be practising homosexuals and hoped they would respect his democratic right as a practising Christian not to accept gay ministers.

"I have no problem with people who have different beliefs or lifestyles," he said. "I supported civil partnerships. However, I believe active homosexuality is incompatible with the teachings of the bible."

Who signed

THE local ministers who have signed the petition at www.confessingchurch.org.uk so far include Rev Peter Humphris, Kinmylies; Rev John Tallach, Cromarty. Rev Alistair Murray, Trinity; Rev Alex Whiteford, Ardersier and Petty; Rev Professor Andrew McGowan, East Church; Rev Grant Bell, Resolis and Urquhart Church of Scotland. Rev James Robertson, Barn Church, Culloden and Jonathan Fraser, probationary minister, Hilton.

h.ross@inverness-courier.co.uk

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