Supporters rush to back gay Newburgh minister
A Fife minister who outlined proposals to "marry" her same-sex partner has been inundated with messages of support.
Earlier this week the Rev Lynn Brady of Newburgh Parish Church stunned elders with her plans to enter a civil partnership with her long-term girlfriend.
The development has disgusted some members of her congregation. At least one elder is believed to be "considering his position." However, there is also plenty of support for the minister.
Councillor Andrew Arbuckle said, "I think she is an excellent parish minister. Her pastoral care is very good and what she does in her own private life is up to her."
Writing on this website, one Newburgh resident said, "Most people in Newburgh could not care less about Reverend Brady's sexuality."
Fellow user LM agreed, saying, "The attitudes displayed by some of these ‘Christians' are really confusing."
Meanwhile, L Young from Newburgh was happy to wish Miss Brady all the best.
"Why should somebody's sexuality be anybody else's concern, regardless of their occupation?" she asked. "It is about time some churchgoers took a look at their bigoted views and start to consider what being a Christian really means."
Other comments referred to Miss Brady as a "great role model" and a "wonderful, selfless and kind" lady.
The revelations have re-ignited the row over gay clergy in the Church of Scotland, which has been torn apart in recent years, as church leaders have been unable to agree on the issue.
Back in May, the Kirk voted to allow the interim ordination of homosexual ministers pending a special theological report scheduled in 2013.
The issue hit the headlines in 2009 when homosexual Scott Rennie was appointed at a church in Aberdeen.
Miss Brady took over at Newburgh Parish Church in 2002, having previously worked as an aid worker in Africa and Pakistan.
While the announcement of her forthcoming civil partnership may have caused shockwaves in some areas, it seems the news has been largely well received in her parish.
Nevertheless, the development is likely to put more pressure on the Kirk to come up with a definitive position on gay clergy.
In June, a former Dundee minister became the first clergyman to break away from the Church of Scotland over its decision to lift the ban on gay ministers.
The Rev Dominic Smart, minister at Gilcomston South Church, Aberdeen, said his congregation disagreed with the General Assembly's decision to relax rules on the ordination of openly gay ministers, and would leave the Kirk.
Meanwhile, the Rev Brian McDowell, of Elie and Kilconquhar and Colinsburgh linked parishes, told his congregation he would be retiring before he had intended due to the decision.
Their position has baffled the Rev Dr John Cameron of St Andrews, who called on the Church of Scotland to "get in line."
"It is actually against the law to discriminate against gay people...and the church must obey the law," he said.
"People who cannot accept it really need to go off and form their own sect."
04.44pm - 31.08.2011 kevinreilly - newburgh, scotland Report This
Good luck to you Lynn, all the best for the future
06.16pm - 31.08.2011 Hazelkaye - not parochial Newburgh!, Scotland Report This
Why is this a 'newsworthy' item? Were Ms Brady a secretary, dentist, dinner lady, seamstress, or whatever- would anybody take notice or care? (Had to type in the code "foco" to submit this comment - HOW APPROPRIATE!!!)
08.15pm - 31.08.2011 Josie Urquhart - Newburgh, Scotland Report This
this is a private personal matter and lynn brady is a well liked respected and dedicated minister and friend I sincerely hope she will remain at the heart of our community.Lynn wishing you and your partner every happiness
08.17pm - 31.08.2011 Neill Broadrick - Newtonhill, UK Report This
Lynn married my wife and I 11 years ago in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire. She was fantastic to us both. Good luck Lynn, to both you and your partner.
11.00pm - 31.08.2011 Adrian - Newburgh, United Kingdom Report This
It is such a shame that we live are lives so constantly under the judgements of others and more importantly that we worry ourselves that failure to live up to their values makes us lesser people. Congratulations Lynn, my very best wishes to you and your partner for your future happiness.
02.13am - 01.09.2011 Annie de Vere - Cronulla, Sydney, NSW, , Australia Report This
Dear Lynn, You were very good to Brendan and I before we moved to Oz.We are doing well thanks to you. We wish you and your partner nothing but good luck for the future, Annie and Brendan de Vere
Add a comment