The Scotsman—A General Assembly decision has barred clerics in the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland from speaking publicly about homosexuality for at least two years. The motion followed a controversial decision to uphold the appointment of Rev. Scott Rennie, an openly gay minister living in a relationship, which passed with a vote of 326 to 267 at the May assembly.
In the wake of this decision, clerics worried that further debate about human sexuality could result in a motion that would seek to bar openly homosexual people from entering ministry. Such a move could split the church.
Members agreed to postpone any such vote until a commission has studied the issue and reported back in 2011. During the intervening years, no openly gay ministers can be appointed and members are forbidden to speak in public about openly homosexual ministers.
