The decision to allow for the ordaining of gay ministers enjoyed a clear majority in the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. 309 people voted for it, while 183 voted against it.
Another vote will be held this week to determine if ordination will also be extended to people who are in same sex marriages. Despite the outcome of the last vote, the extension to same sex marriages may fall short.
Unlike civil unions, marriage is clearly defined in the bible as a union between man and woman.
A spokesperson for the church offered further clarification, emphasizing that the traditional view of marriages between a man and a woman still stands, but that the church is allowing individual congregations to appoint LGBT ministers in same sex civil unions.
Whether or not the Church will adhere strictly to this view of marriage will soon become apparent.
The Church of Scotland, which is locally known as “The Kirk” consists of approximately 400,000 members and traces its history back to the Scottish Reformation of 1560. That year the Scottish church broke with Rome.
The Church has roughly 800 ministers and is supported by a staff of 1,500 professionals, making it one of the largest professional organizations in Scotland.
