Church banned from using hotel following dispute over practising homosexual clergy
A church in Aberdeen has been prohibited from holding Sunday services at a local hotel because of its traditional beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics.
Split
Gilcomston church split from the Church of Scotland last month over its decision on the ordination of practicing homosexual clergy.
It booked a function room at Copthorne Hotel to hold its first Sunday service on 10th March under the name “Gilcomston church”.
Banned
But the hotel banned the congregation from using the room after it received complaints from clients and members of the public who found its views on marriage “offensive”.
Minister of Gilcomston, Reverend Dominic Smart said: “We were just going to have a church service. So much for the tolerant society. It made us feel hounded.”
Former building
The church, which has over 300 members, has now been temporarily allowed to use its former building on Union street, owned by the Church of Scotland.
Reverend Smart resigned from the Kirk after a vote at its General Assembly concerning the appointment of a practising homosexual minister in 2009.
But Aberdeen presbytery has agreed to allow Gilcomston church to use its buildings on an interim basis until it finds a more permanent venue.
Comment
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:
“The Government’s same-sex ‘marriage’ Bill does not provide adequate protection for churches with traditional beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics.
“Christians are already being penalised for expressing their genuinely held belief that marriage as between one man and one woman is the only correct context for sexual expression.
“This situation is likely to become far worse should the Government’s proposals pass into law.”
Related stories:
Aberdeen congregation latest to leave Church of Scotland
Congregation leaves Church of Scotland over homosexuality dispute
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