A Leading theologian has predicted the Church of Scotland will be debating the thorny issue of gay clergy for the next 20 years.
Divinity professor David Fergusson said he believed it would take another generation to achieve “complete resolution” of the question of admitting people in same-sex relationships to the ministry.
The former Aberdeen University academic said he was hopeful that the General Assembly would back his proposal which is aimed at finding a compromise solution.
Under the plan being considered, the Kirk would retain the traditionalist position a ban on gay people in relationships becoming ministers as its default stance.
However, a “conscience clause” would allow congregations to opt into a policy to appoint a minister who falls into that category if they wished.
The so-called mixed economy approach would ensure views on both sides of the debate could be accommodated within the legal framework of the Kirk, said Professor Fergusson.He said: “I think it is the closest thing we have to a compromise. It is a way of mediating between different positions and enabling the church to manage its disagreement.
“We are not likely to have a complete resolution of this issue in the near future the debate will continue for maybe a generation, 10 to 20 years.”
Professor Fergusson, principal of New College in Edinburgh, claimed the majority of Kirk members wanted the issue resolved because it had dominated the agenda for too long.