Facing the Reality - April 2013

The reality of same-sex relationships is an important topic in which the church needs to engage; one in which Christians sometimes disagree.  It will be debated at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in May.  A group which is strongly opposed to same-sex relationships has recently distributed to all Church of Scotland ministers a DVD promoting their views. Others in the church and community feel that their voice needs to be heard.  To this end, on Sunday 28th April 2013 Mayfield Salisbury hosted an evening of presentations in support of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. This does not mean that Mayfield Salisbury endorsed the views expressed; rather it says we were willing to listen and not to silence a minority inside and outside our faith community.
 

The evening featured a range of speakers on issues surrounding same-sex relationships and gay clergy.  It put forward a positive Christian critique as a counterbalance.  There was a scientific perspective (Revd Russel Moffat) and a biblical perspective (Revd Scott McKenna).  It also offered an opportunity to Tom French of the Equality Network to describe his experience of listening to the churches.