A HISTORIC step towards allowing the first gay marriages in the Church of Scotland is expected to be taken at the General Assembly next week but it could still be years before such ceremonies take place.
While it is understood there may be less vocal opposition at the annual gathering of the around 730 senior church figures when the landmark debate on how to greater accept gay marriage within the Kirk than expected, the legal assurances sought by traditionalist ministers could mean that even if the move towards gay marriage is supported its implementation would be stalled.
Read more: Rosemary Goring: Kirk could yet trip up on the march to new understanding
Current proposals affirm that nominated ministers and deacons could be granted authority to preside over gay weddings provided there are protections for the "conscientious refusal" of clergy who do not wish to officiate such ceremonies.
However, concerns remain among more conservative Church members that they could end up being compelled in the future to carry out gay marriage services.
One Church source said: "What could happen further down the line with different governments in place, and the pressure of public opinion, is an issue."
As well as backing same sex marriages there will be a vote on delivering an apology to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people for a history of discrimination by the Kirk.
The report by the Theological Forum, which counts former Moderator the Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance, below, as its convener, said: “We recognise that as a Church we have often failed to recognise and protect the identity and Christian vocation of gay people and believe that the Church as a whole should acknowledge its faults.”
A separate source close to the heart of the evangelicals said "the call for the Church to repent of the way it has treated LGBTs - even expecting individuals to apologise for their behaviour - will be a real concern to evangelicals", but it is not thought known if there will be any protest.
Read more: Rosemary Goring: Kirk could yet trip up on the march to new understanding
While the sanctity of marriage will be debated the Kirk earlier claimed its move towards greater acceptance of gay marriage the would not compromise the Church's traditional view of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
It is also thought Church ministers will not be able to solemnise same-sex marriages themselves for up to six years even if the current trajectory continues.
The Theological Forum showed that the notion homosexuality is "intrinsically unnatural" - one of the most pronounced arguments made by its detractors - is countered within the report by highlighting how a sex-same relationship is "evidently" natural to the partners involved.
It acknowledges that as the Kirk has come to recognise the ordination of women - that the person who reads out the Eucharistic prayer over bread and wine represents "Christ in Christ's humanity" not in his gender - in a similar way, "we gradually learn that sexual difference is not theologically all determining as we may have thought".
The official opening of the assembly will see incoming Moderator Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning installed, outgoing Moderator Very Rev Dr Russell Barr will give a short address on highlights of his year which is expected to include a call for greater action on homelessness.
Read more: Rosemary Goring: Kirk could yet trip up on the march to new understanding
Also during the week, Loretta Minghella, chief executive of Christian Aid and sister of the late film director Anthony Minghella, will address the assembly.
Below, The Herald earlier revealed the plans
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