Kirk is asked to give green light for same sex ‘weddings’
RAYMOND DUNCAN

The Church of Scotland's highest court is to be asked to allow ministers and deacons to conduct church services marking civil partnerships free from fear of punishment.

A new report says the court will be asked to agree that "a sympathetic minister" carrying out some form of religious ceremony for same sex couples does not constitute a disciplinary offence.

However, the report into the implications of such partnerships being fully recognised in law also includes a request to the General Assembly to agree that no minister or deacon will be obliged to conduct such a service "against his or her conscience".

The legal questions committee, acknowledging the controversial nature of the issue, has shied away from including the word "blessing" in the document, which is described as "permissive in tone but will protect conscience on all sides". The Rev Ian McLean, the committee's acting convener, said members had "very carefully" not used that word. Story