Minister’s Message 13 April
Dear Friends
I would like to share a few reflections following the Kirk Session meeting on Wednesday at which consideration was given to the question of whether to open the vacancy for the second full-time team minister in Kinross-shire from applicants who are in a same-sex partnership.
Forty of the elders were present and a number of members of the congregation also attended to observe the discussion, one of whom asked permission to address the meeting. A couple of written submissions were also brought to the attention of the elders and the views of those who had spoken to the session clerk or one of the elders were also taken into consideration. There was a full spectrum of contributions and all those who wished to speak were given the opportunity to do so.
I think it would be fair to say that all who spoke made a positive contribution to the debate rather than seeking in any way to be negative about the views of those putting forward an alternative perspective and that is what stands out for me as I reflect on the discussion.
There are those in our united Kirk Session who speak passionately about acceptance of all just as they are and there are those who speak passionately about honouring the received Word of God. There is no-one who is actively seeking to exclude others from the church family and no-one who is dismissive of the important place of the Bible in our tradition.
When the votes were counted, there were 19 elders in favour of departing from the practice of the Church, one elder abstained and 20 elders voted in favour of the status quo. I suspect that the outcome is a fair representation of the breadth of opinion across the whole congregation and that all of you can be confident that the view you hold is represented amongst the leadership of the church.
It is not possible to square a circle and a decision had to be made one way or the other. I recognise that there will be some who are upset at the outcome just as there would have been if the vote had gone the other way. Whatever your views, please continue to be open to the opinion of others and gracious with one another in any discussions you may have. Let us be known as a congregation whose arms are open to all in welcoming love and whose minds are open to challenge from Scripture and from society.
As we enter into Holy Week may I invite you to read the Gospel story from Luke 19:28 through to Luke 24:35 which Alex and I will be reading aloud on the Kinross Church Facebook page each morning and evening during the week, and to join in one of the special services at each of the churches as intimated.
With all prayerful good wishes,
Alan
A.D. Reid