wonderful exchange

I missed the webcast of the General Assembly, and woder if I am reading this right…

It seems that — having decided to uphold the appointment of Scott Rennie to Queen’s Cross Aberdeen on Saturday–  the Church of Scotland is now engaging in a two year process of consultation and study on homosexuality, during which time they are imposing  a moritorium on the ‘ordination and Induction to Ministry’ of any gay person living in a relationship.

Does that mean that gay people who are already in ministerial posts will not be able to take up a new post until at least 2011?  Or does ‘Induction to Ministry’ mean something else in the C of S (Freda?).

I cannot see how the same kirk that argued so persuasively on Saturday that the bibilical teachings on homosexuality did not address the issue of faithful committed relationships can then turn around and exclude people from ministry today.

As I was cooking dinner tonight, I explored how it would feel if the C of S stepped so clearly into bravery while the SEC failed to speak, but it seems I wondered in vain.

Isn’t he doing well?

(and she was beautifully in flower too)

I’m carefully guarding the concept of holiday as I fend off weddings and funerals and phone calls and callers to the rectory —
and in the same spirit, I am refusing to let myself think very much about what is happening in Edinburgh today.

But, while I will not think or let my mind engage too deeply, I will say this:

please pray for Scott Rennie today, and for the wisdom of the kirk.
It will be a terrible day for a lot of people no matter what happens, but please God, let justice and mercy prevail.

Now, some of you will be wondering why you did not recieve an invitation to my Institution.

If you are one of those waiting bereft for a little ivory card to drop through your door, I have news:  you are special.   So special in fact that I thought I would write to you by hand.

Only I didn’t.

Which is why you haven’t been invited.

I’m sorry.

So, if I can do this without terrifying the vestry and catering crew at St Mary’s, please let this be your invitation:

My institution is next Thursday, 28 May at 7.30 pm.  We will be keeping the feast of the Visitation.  Clergy among you (don’t panic, vestry, there won’t be that many…) if you would like to robe would you please get in touch so we make sure we get the seating right.  The colour is white.