A parish church in Dumfriesshire has come under fire for maintaining the biblical position that marriage is between one man and one woman.
Glencairn and Moniaive parish church and Dunscore parish church share a minister. After the incumbent’s retirement the churches considered whether to change their position to allow those in a civil partnership or same-sex marriage to apply for the position.
While Dunscore was in favour, Glencairn and Moniaive was not, which meant that under Church of Scotland rules, the status quo remains.
Backlash
Some people took to social media to vent their anger against Glencairn and Moniaive. One wrote: “I’m shocked. This is appalling.”
Another said: “Absolutely despicable that anyone’s marital status should even be requested upon submitting a job application. This is why the churches are emptying — your moral compass is well behind your congregation. Shame on you!”
Moira McCrossan, a member of Glencairn Community Council, said: “I feel it’s discriminatory and I wish they could be a bit more open-minded about the whole thing.”
Official position
A spokeswoman for the Church of Scotland defended the parish church, stating it was still the official position of the Kirk that marriage is between one man and one woman.
However she also confirmed that the Kirk does allow individual churches to appoint a minister in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership.