The Church of Scotland may soon be allowing same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Scotland since 2014, but with the premise that individual churches can decide whether or not to perform such unions.

On Thursday, 25 May, Kirk’s General Assembly will be meeting in Edinburgh to discuss how the Church of Scotland can make amends with the LGBTI community by participating in same-sex unions.

‘The theological forum will be bringing a report to the General Assembly, and this year what they’re asking to do is for the assembly, first of all, to consider making an apology to the gay community for things that have have been said in the past and the assembly will have to make up its mind on that,’ says Reverend Dr Derek Browning, who will be a moderator at the meeting.

‘But also it’s going to be asking our legal questions committee to see what the issues are round about allowing ministers to perform same sex marriage if they choose to do so, and equally for safeguards for those who, for conscience sake, feel that this is not something they can do,’ Rev Browning continued.

‘Over the years the assembly has been very well aware that on both sides of the debate, very strong things have been said and therefore an apology certainly within the Christian context is always important because there’s been hurt caused on both sides of the debate.’

Eight years ago, the Church of Scotland appointed Reverend Scott Rennie – the Church’s first openly gay minister. This caused a deep divide in the church between those who are accepting of LGBTI individuals and the traditionalists who are not.

‘Loving marriages, whether they are gay or straight, can make for a good and happy life,’ says Rev Rennie, who had to marry his partner in a registry office instead of his place of worship.

‘I look forward to the day when I am able to conduct weddings for all couples, gay or straight, in the name of God.’