Church of Scotland finally votes to allow same-sex marriages
The Church of Scotland has voted to allow parish ministers and deacons to marry same-sex couples if they wish to do so. The motion passed by 274 commissioners in favour to 136 against at the 2022 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on 23 May.
Church law will now be changed to enable parish ministers, known as Ministers of Word and Sacrament, and deacons to apply to be able to conduct same-sex ceremonies.
No one will be required to participate in a same-sex marriage unless they explicitly want to, a report to the General Assembly stated.
Reverend Craig Dobney told the Evening Standard: “I’ve seen the heartbreak of those in same-sex relationships in our congregations who are unable to marry in their home church, devout Christians though they are.
