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Category - LGBT

  • August 15, 2013
    Ex-archbishop feels he may have let down LGBT people

    The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has admitted his concerns about having let LGBT people down during his time in office.

  • June 17, 2013
    Children's needs and a new campaign against same-sex marriage

    As if there weren’t enough groups already campaigning against same-sex marriage – such as the Coalition for Marriage and Keep Marriage Special – today (17 June) sees the launch of another one. It’s called “Gay Marriage, No Thanks” (yes, really; that’s the organisation’s name).

  • June 14, 2013
    Opponents seek to weaken equal marriage bill

    As a law to allow equal marriage in England and Wales reaches committee stage in the House of Lords, those most strongly opposed are still trying to weaken or block it. Despite large majorities for the Marriage (Same Sex) Couples Bill in the Lords and earlier House of Commons, some peers have put forward amendments which would delay or undermine marriage equality.

  • June 8, 2013
    Church of England’s stance on marriage and sexuality still unclear

    Some people may be understandably confused about the Church of England’s position on same-sex partnerships and equal marriage. Official statements, the publicly-voiced views of senior clergy and broader opinions among church members point in different directions. Part of this is to do with realism, but shifts in understanding also play a part.

  • May 31, 2013
    Kirk refuseniks are looking backwards rather than forwards

    Two rural congreagtions say they will vote to leave the Church of Scotland over possible further ordinations of lesbian and gay ministers. In truth, the landscape is changing, says Simon Barrow. Larger numbers may well stay or join the Kirk if it ends its rejection of same-sex relationships, than will leave for the same reason. The refuseniks are looking back, not forward.

  • May 28, 2013
    Russian LGBTI activists arrested, despite being victims of violence

    An impression of state sanctioned violence and discrimination against LGBTI people is taking root in Russia, Amnesty International says.

  • May 21, 2013
    Church 'issues' are about people, not abstract ideas

    Ask anyone reporting or commenting on the 2013 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and they will tell you that proceedings this year are being dominated by two 'issues': the reception, or otherwise, of same-sex persons in the life and ministry of the Kirk; and later this week 'The inheritance of Abraham: A report on the promised land' (which has provoked a substantial preemptive assault by the pro-Israeli government lobby, on account of its advocacy of justice for Palestinians and Jews alike).

  • May 21, 2013
    Kirk opens a door it will be very difficult to close again

    The Church of Scotland vote to allow civil partnered gay and lesbian ministers, despite no change in the official teaching on sexuality, shows that the drift towards accepting gay people in the Kirk is continuing, says Simon Barrow. Indeed, while seeking pastoral sensitivity towards their opponents, the advocates of change believe that full inclusion is now inevitable.

  • May 21, 2013
    Church of Scotland votes to allow partnered gay and lesbian ministers

    The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has voted to permit an individual Kirk Session to call a minister in a civil partnership if it so chooses.

  • May 20, 2013
    Kirk appeal for unity and respect as sexuality debate begins

    The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Lorna Hood, has called for respect for different views among Kirk members.