OneKirk: working for an inclusive, affirming and progressive church

This page also has information with particular significance to the current debate within the Church of Scotland with respect to a minister or deacon's freedom of pastoral conscience. We hope you will find these resources useful.

Seeing the World as Others See It
Christians & Homosexuality: A Resource for Congregations

Following the report presented to the General Assembly 2007 and the recommendation that the Mission & Discipleship Council produce some study materials to assist congregations to think through the issues raised in the report, this material is now available.

Please note that this is quite a large file (Adobe pdf) and may take a few minutes to download on a dial-up connection. More materials are available here.

A Challenge to Unity
Same-Sex Relationships as an Issue in Theology and Human Sexuality

The report to be presented by the Mission and Discipleship Council to the 2007 General Assembly on human sexuality. This report provides a nuanced overview of the breadth of opinion that exists within the Church of Scotland. It honestly admits that there is no simple resolution and encourages more conversation.

Note that this is a link to the actual report (Word Doc format) available also from the Church of Scotland website.

Declaratory Act anent Civil Partnerships

The Declaratory Act anent Civil Partnerships that was accepted by the 2006 General Assembly will pass under the Barrier Act to Presbyteries for their vote on whether to accept or reject the decision of the General Assembly.

Information is available here to assist a fuller understanding of this important issue.

What has the Church of Scotland said about Homosexuality?
A Summary of the Decisions and Reports of the General Assembly

Over the past 50 years the Church of Scotland has studied reports on issues of human sexuality produced by a number of different Committees, Panels and Boards.

This paper looks at the history of these debates and a number of other important incidents that give an insight into the diversity of views within the Church.

The Tip of the Iceberg
Is it really all about Civil Partnerships

Rev Owain Jones reflects on what the current debate on Civil Partnerships has brought to light about the church, and the Church of Scotland in particular.

What does the Bible say about Homosexuality?
An introduction to reading the Bible's verses on homosexuality

Rev Prof Bill Loader gives a short introduction to guide our reading of the Biblical texts frequently used by some to condemn same-sex relationships.

The Bible and Sexuality
A more extensive review of the Biblical Texts and Issues of Using the Bible

Dr Paul Middleton, Lecturer in New Testament, explores the use of the Bible in modern ethical debates and how the key texts often used in debates about homosexuality can be interpreted.

Determining Right & Wrong from the Scripture
Considering the Options

It is common for people to approach Scripture to determine what is right and what is wrong. In this paper, Rev Prof Bill Loader looks at the different ways that this can be done.

Hospitable God
A meditation on God's inclusive, gracious hospitality

The inclusive nature of God is a central theme in OneKirk's approach and understanding of human sexuality. Rev Prof George Newlands takes us on a study of the theme of hospitality to help us grasp the inclusiveness of God, and its rich ability to help us re-imagine this divine attribute of God.

"But, it's not natural!"
A Survey of the Biology and Sociology of Homosexuality

This paper surveys the current biological and sociological data on homosexual orientation.

A Psychotherapist's View
from Rev Alastair Moodie, formerly Chaplain at Crosshouse Hospital

As a minister and a psychotherapist, Rev Alastair Moodie gives his viewpoint on the current debates over sexuality.

A Personal Journey
A former Church of Scotland parish minister reflects on his experiences of being gay in the Church of Scotland

The Personal Repercussions of being Lesbian
in the Church of Scotland
A Church of Scotland member shares her story

Living with Integrity in the Church
Rev Elisabeth G B Spence, Church of Scotland minister

Libby Spence courageously decides to be as honest with the church as she is with herself, her family and her friends.

Buried Sexuality
The Experience of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people in the Church of Scotland

Drawing from his research previously published in Sexuality and Salvation, Steve Mallon shares some of the experiences of young lesbian, gay and bisexual people within the Kirk.

Confession is Good for the Soul
Carolyn Johnston reflects on latent homophobia and her own change of view on same-sex relationships

God Bless Adam & Steve?
Rev John L Bell explores the issues surrounding civil partnerships and the church's response

This paper is based on a seminar led by Rev John L Bell at the Greenbelt Festival in August 2006.

Check back regularly for new papers.