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Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Anger over codes in job ads for gay ministers amid Kinross church members split-vote row
Critic said the use of a red 'D' to distinguish between vacancies for which gay ministers may or may not apply is a "tactic to try and draw as little attention as possible to the issue." A code in job adverts to indicate gay ministers are welcome to apply for vacant posts has been revealed by a Kinross-shire Church of Scotland member. The capital letter D in red is used for vacancies open to candidates in same-sex relationships. It stands for departure from traditional male-female marriage. Last month, the PA reported that a bitter row had broken out within a Kinross church following a knife edge 20-19 Kirk Session vote to bar gay candidates. It followed the uniting of Kinross, Orwell and Fossoway churches as Kinross-shire Parish Church, which was set to advertise a vacancy for a second full-time minister post. A Kinross Kirk insider had pointed out there was a great deal of unrest within the congregation as a result of the narrow vote against gay candidates and members were considering whether they wished to remain in the church. Gay church members were said to be very distressed. Pointing to the code this week, the Kinross-shire Kirk member said: 'The approach appears to be to annotate the vacancy with a 'D' to indicate that the parish in question is departing from the Church of Scotland stance – and to permit applications from ministers in same-sex relationships. 'It is interesting that the majority on the current list are opting to depart, which makes the recent Kinross-shire decision even more out of step. 'The use of the red 'D' to distinguish between vacancies for which gay ministers may or may not apply, strikes me as weak and cowardly and a further tactic to try and draw as little attention as possible to the issue. 'The church, he continued, should state quite clearly in job adverts what it means and not hide behind the initial D. He added: 'If the church is comfortable and confident in its stance, why not have the courage to be honest and transparent by having two separate categories in their vacancy register: one for vacancies where all can apply and a second where applications from gay ministers are excluded? I suspect we know the answer.' In 2013 the Church of Scotland's General Assembly narrowly agreed to allow congregations to vote on admitting gay and lesbian ministers. It followed a four-year controversy after openly gay minister Scott Rennie was voted Minister Elect at Aberdeen's Queen's Cross Church in 2009. This spring Rev Rennie was appointed minister at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. In 2009 Kinross Parish Church minister Alan Reid was among those who signed an online petition opposing Scott Rennie's appointment along with eight other Perth and Kinross ministers. However, opening the inaugural Perthshire Pride in 2019, the then minister of Perth's St Matthew's Church, the Rev Scott Burton, told the LGBTQ event that the Church of Scotland apologised for any 'cruelty and injustice' caused. The General Assembly had endorsed a call the previous year to 'take stock of its history of discrimination at different levels against gay people' and to apologise 'individually and corporately.' Vacant Church of Scotland charges open to candidates in same-sex relationships include churches in Ayrshire, Glasgow, Fife, Stirlingshire, Angus, Aberdeenshire and the West Highlands as well as international Scots Kirks in Paris and Lausanne and Christ Church Bermuda. A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: 'The Church has affirmed its traditional doctrine on marriage, but permits congregations to depart from it as a matter of liberty of opinion. 'The page on the Church of Scotland website where ministers can find the list of vacant charges clearly states: 'If the charge is marked with a *D* this means that the congregation has departed from the Church's traditional position in respect of Ministers in civil partnership and same sex marriages, in so far as it has been mentioned in the Parish Profile.''
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as ‘Highland gateway' takes top spot
Scroll below to find out if you live in Scotland's happiest place ON CLOUD NINE Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as 'Highland gateway' takes top spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND'S happiest hotspots have been unveiled in a fresh study – with two places making the UK's list of most contented areas. The Guardian compiled the rankings using data from the University of Liverpool, considering factors such as access to green spaces, proximity to healthcare services, air quality, broadband speeds, public transport links, and crime levels. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 English border town Berwick-on-Tweed topped the list of UK spots Credit: Alamy Cultural and community amenities, including cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, and pubs, were also given additional weight. Introducing the list, money editor Hilary Osborne acknowledged: 'Not everyone will agree with our choices, and we can't guarantee happiness to everyone living in these locations. "However, one of them might be your happy place.' PERTH 7 Perth is considered one of the happiest places to live in the UK Credit: Getty Perth has earned its spot as one of Scotland's happiest places, proudly known as "the gateway to the Highlands." The paper described the Tayside gem as a city that "keeps its cards close to its chest" compared to Scotland's more famous hotspots. But with "hippest villages" and top-notch "food destinations," Perthshire has plenty to charm both locals and visitors alike. Dubbed a cultural powerhouse for its size, Perth boasts an impressive art gallery, a theatre, a concert hall, and a stunning art deco cinema – all for a population of just 47,000. 7 Perth has been dubbed a cultural powerhouse with an impressive Art Gallery and Museum Credit: Alamy Its annual arts festival adds to the buzz, while June's Potfest, the UK's biggest ceramics festival, and August's Perthshire Pride keep the city's events calendar packed. Perfectly placed, Perth offers easy access to Edinburgh in 90 minutes, Glasgow in under an hour, and breathtaking train journeys north through the Cairngorms to Aviemore and Inverness. 7 Perth is considered the "gateway to the Highlands" with easy access to the mountains Credit: Alamy HADDINGTON 7 The market town with Haddington is considered one of the happiest places in the UK Credit: Alamy Live News Just a half-hour from Edinburgh, the commuter town of Haddington also earned a spot on the list of happiest places. We live in Scottish town labelled one of the most boring in Britain Described as a "small, friendly" town, it's praised for its strong community spirit and plentiful amenities. 7 Amisfield Walled Garden is one of the attractions in Haddington Credit: Alamy The listing highlighted Haddington's rich history, noting: "Since being classified a burgh by King David I in the 12th century, Haddington has grown into a thriving market town, with a jumble of historic buildings and properties from different periods. "Today's town centre still revolves around the slim isosceles triangle of Market Street, High Street and Hardgate – its historic heart for centuries." This East Lothian gem is packed with independent shops, from clothing boutiques and a bookshop to a wellness emporium, as well as a deli, cheese shop, and a lively monthly farmers' market. 7 There is plentiful green space to enjoy in the East Lothian town Credit: Alamy The Guardian also revealed the top three happiest places to live in the UK, with the border town Berwick-upon-Tweed taking the top spot. Famous for its turbulent history, Berwick switched between England and Scotland at least 13 times before finally settling as England's most northerly town in 1482. Second place went to the Worcestershire town of Evesham, while the north Wales gem Caernarfon claimed third on the list.
The Courier
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Perthshire Pride 2025 to feature Still Game host and wrestling ring
The 2025 Perthshire Pride event will be hosted by a Still Game star as more details about the celebrations are confirmed. The LGBTQ+ event will be held on August 9 with new additions to the line-up. The 2025 parade through the city centre will be hosted by actress Jane McCarry, best known for her role as Isa in Still Game. Those taking part in the parade are asked to gather at Thimblerow Car Park from 10.30am. The event will also offer a rink run by LGBTIQ+ inclusive floorball team Perth Parrots and a full-size wrestling ring. Anyone interested in floorball – which is similar to ice hockey but without the ice – is invited to get involved. The main event at North Inch will feature 75 different market stalls and food vendors. Jack Simpson, Perthshire Pride chair, said: 'I'm super excited about Perthshire Pride 2025. 'With it being on the same day as the European pipe band championships, it's looking to be our busiest one yet. 'The day starts with the parade through the centre and then we see a day of colours and celebration on the North Inch. 'We have a market with 75 different stalls and food vendors. 'We are super excited as we have Perth Parrots setting up a rink for anyone wanting to try out the sport and we also have a full-size wrestling ring. 'We are looking to incorporate different factors for every person in the community. 'It sure will be a day to remember. Bring on Perthshire Pride 2025.' The event was alcohol-free and featured no big-name acts after losing out on £30,000 in funding last year.
The Courier
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Courier
'Discrimination' as Kinross-shire churches ban gay candidates from minister job
Kinross-shire Parish Church has been criticised for 'discrimination' after banning gay people from becoming a minister. Kinross, Orwell, and Fossoway churches merged at the start of the year and are set to advertise for a new minister. Now, kirk elders have voted to bar gay candidates from applying for the job. The decision has been backed by the Church of Scotland, despite gay ministers serving elsewhere in the country. But it has been met with dismay and concern from members of the congregation and local LGBTQ group Perthshire Pride. Perthshire Pride chairman Jack Simpson lives in nearby Abernethy. The 27-year-old's brother grew up in Kinross and much of the mother's side of his family still live in the town. 'It's not great to hear,' Jack told The Courier. 'They aren't allowed to discriminate against people with learning difficulties or for the colour of their skin, so it is weird they are trying to do it here. 'Last week we had the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman and now this. 'It feels as though there will be more and more stuff like this happening now. 'The concern is that it always starts with one group. 'And if they're banning gay people from applying, who will they ban next? 'It is disheartening because we have taken a step forward but now we've gone two steps back again. 'We are doing all this hard work to boost the community and make it a safer place but you feel you are getting pushed back straight away.' Jack says the attitude of the Kinross-shire kirk is at odds with his experiences in Perth. 'At Perthshire Pride we have connections with the churches in Perth,' he added. 'And I know the churches in Perth are so pro LGBTQ and they're so up for helping the gay community. 'Then to hear there is one down the road banning people from applying for a job as a minister is weird. 'I would like to know how the discussion began that led to this ban.' Kinross-shire Parish Church elders voted 20 to 19 to bar gay candidates. A kirk member raised their concerns to Perthshire Advertiser. He said: 'This has caused a great deal of personal hurt for many. 'There is a great deal of unrest within the congregation as it is felt that the views expressed by a subset of elders is not representative of the views of the wider congregation.' Kinross-shire Councillor Dave Cuthbert told The Courier: 'In principle, each unto their own. 'It's disappointing that they are selecting based on sexual orientation but they must've had a reason and I respect their decision.' Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. This means it is unlawful to discriminate against someone for being gay in areas that include employment. When approached for comment, The Courier was directed to the Church of Scotland. A spokesperson confirmed the organisation has gay ministers across Scotland. But, in relation to Kinross-shire Parish Church, added: 'Religion is a protected category under law, and the Church has the right to freedom of religion and belief. 'The Church has affirmed its traditional doctrine on marriage, but permits congregations to depart from it as a matter of liberty of opinion. 'If a congregation decides to depart from the traditional doctrine they may consider applications from ministers in same-sex marriages or civil partnerships.' 'Forty elders and a number of congregation members attended a public meeting of the Kirk Session and the views of everyone who spoke, as well as written and verbal submissions, were considered respectfully. 'The process was correctly followed and was exactly the same as for all congregations in the Church of Scotland, which are seeking to call a minister. 'The congregation holds a wide range of strongly held views on this matter so no matter what the outcome it would be upsetting for some people. 'Yet, despite these differences, the congregation is thriving with more than 70 people attending the Maundy Thursday service and its members are committed to treating each other graciously and welcoming everyone with love.'
