AN outraged minister (Rev Mackinnon) has QUIT over the appointment of Scotland’s only openly gay reverend (Rev Rennie)
SCOTLAND: Minister quits over gay reverend
By KENNY ANGOVE
AN outraged minister has QUIT over the appointment of Scotland’s only openly gay reverend – as he branded homosexuality “abhorrent”.
Preacher Thomas Mackinnon, 56, insisted the controversial move to give Scott Rennie, 37, his own congregation flew in the face of Bible teachings.
And he warned other churchmen may now resign in protest.
Last night, Rev Mackinnon said: “It has been a very hard decision to make but the word of God has been questioned.
“The Bible covers homosexuality and quite simply it says it is abhorrent. If I didn’t follow to that I wouldn’t be a minister.”
Mr Rennie won his battle to take up his job at Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen earlier this month, despite attempts by other clergymen and members of his own congregation to block the move.
But the step has infuriated Rev Mackinnon, who has preached at the Kilmuir and Logie Easter Church in Delny, Easter Ross, since 2005.
He said: “If that which is called a sin in the Bible is allowed, then anything goes. I would prefer not to be a part of it.”
Rev Mackinnon, who announced his decision to quit to parishioners last Sunday, said he will move out of the manse with wife Julia at the end of the month.
Ministers from other churches earlier appealed the decision to give divorced dad-of-one Rev Rennie the job at Queen’s Cross.
The controversial case was eventually decided by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Mr Mackinnon added: “I should imagine many people will be examining their position in the church.”
Last night, George Morrison, an elder at Kilmuir and Logie, said: “From a kirk session point of view we did support his decision.”
Congregation member William Pattie said: “I am very saddened. It was a very brave decision.”
A Church of Scotland spokesman stressed Rev Mackinnon was not leaving the Kirk altogether.
The spokesman added: “He will be released from his duties in September.”
Tags: Church Life
August 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
WHY OH WHY DO YOU USE THE HOMOSEXUALS WORD THEY USE TO DESCRIBE THEMSELVES? THIS THREE LETTER WORD SHOULD NEVER BE USED BY CHRISTIANS. DON’T BE TRICKED BY THEM. WE SHOULD ALL SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE TAKING A STAND AGAINST THESE SHOCKING EVENTS IN THE SO-CALLED “CHURCH OF SCOTLAND”. NO WONDER MOST OF THEIR CHURCHES ARE NOW PUBS, CARPET SHOW-ROOMS AND CHARITY SHOP OUTLETS.