Clergy Debate Gay Religious Rights
Jamie Mann
Leaders of five Scottish Religious groups assembled at the Scottish Youth Parliament Press Office this morning to support same sex marriage in Scotland.
Bishop Richard Holloway, former leader of the Scottish Episcopal Church fronted the conference alongside Reverend Maud Robinson (Unitarians), Rabbi Mark Solomon (Liberal Judiasm), Phil Lucas (Quakers), Rev Jane Clarke (Metropolitan Community Church) and John Macintyre (Pagan Federation).
The common interest of the united representatives is to have the ability to solemnise same sex marriages and do so on religious premises. Currently, gay couples may form a civil partnership but no ceremony can be held on religious ground. The views of leaders contrast that of existing Religious Organisations, most notably the Roman Catholic Church. There is to be no Catholic support for the Scottish Government to back gay marriage but following the 14 week plan launched by the government in early September has brought to light support from aforementioned Religious groups, as well as the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Holloway believes that “Christians who oppose gay marriage will, in time, be shown to be on the wrong side of Religion.” Expressing his belief that the sanctity of marriage and the love involved is of far greater importance than the gender/s of the couple.
Reverend Ross Bell suggested that the modern Zeitgeist already accepts and tolerates same-sex marriage and that Religious groups are beginning to look upon the matter in the same way. The bill is expected to be passed by 2013 in Scotland with open support from SNP Alex Salmond as well as UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
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