The Scottish Episcopal Church has voted to review and possibly revise their canons to allow for same-sex marriage.
The Synod today instructed the Church’s Faith and Order Board to begin the two year process which may lead towards canonical change. That change would potentially allow the marriage of same gendered couples in Church in late 2017.
The option which Synod voted for states: Removal of section 1 of Canon 31. General Synod also decided to add a conscience clause that ensures that no cleric would be obliged to solemnize a marriage against their conscience.
The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church said: “Our General Synod has taken two important steps forward today.
“We have decided that we wish to consider possible change to our Marriage Canon. We have identified one possible expression of that change.
“This potentially creates a situation in which same-Sex marriages could be celebrated in churches of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
“That would also allow our clergy to enter into same-sex marriages. It is important to realise that at this point this is an indicative decision only.
“Any change to the Canon will require the normal two year process and two thirds majorities will be required. That process will begin at General Synod 2016 and cannot be complete until General Synod 2017″
Posted by Andrew Gerns.