Affirmation Scotland

Affirming the place of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians in
The Church of Scotland and the Churches in Scotland

How unique is Affirmation?

There are other lesbian and gay Christian organisations and support groups. AS is unique in that, while membership is open to anyone from any denomination, we are rooted within the Church of Scotland. There has never been such a group in Scotland before; we think we’re unique.

Who can join?

Anyone who agrees with our vision and aims – see the page ‘What we believe'.You don’t need to be a member of any church. Go to the membership page to find out more.

What does AS do?

We’ve developed a pattern of gathering together every few months for worship, learning and food, with an annual retreat-cum-conference. Being around a table for Communion or for food is important for us. There is the offer of pastoral care through our chaplain. Members receive regular updates via e-mail. See the Action section of ‘What we believe.’

What’s it like to come to an AS gathering?

It’s usually a lot of fun! It’s a safe time and space which is advertised only to AS members. People have found our times together to be supportive to their faith and affirming of who they are.

Why does Affirmation Scotland exist?

In May 2006 The General Assembly of The Church of Scotland was asked, by its Legal Questions Committee, to agree that a minister or deacon who conducted such a ceremony would not face discipline by the church. This was proposed in order to clarify the principle that a minister or deacon has a freedom to act according to their conscience in pastoral matters. In the heat of the debate before May 2006 a small group of Church of Scotland members – some gay, some lesbian, some straight – formed Affirmation: it was a way of saying ‘there are lgbt people in the Kirk.’ This still has to be said.

What is happening in the Kirk now on this sexuality debate?

At the 2007 General Assembly the subject of human sexuality was again debated after a special report on the subject was presented. The church at large has been encouraged to discuss human sexuality and, while there are differing and strongly help opinions, the aim must be to learn to respect each other. More importantly, lesbian and gay people in the church and in congregations must be allowed to speak out without fear.
But isn’t it the case that most lgbt people have given up on the church?
Many sadly have and many have not. Those who remain are often unable to offer their gifts to the work of the church through fear of rejection. There are some congregations where lesbian and gay people are affirmed – sometimes by a declared policy but more often than not quietly and without fuss. At the same time there are many parents, relatives and friends of lgbt in the pews every Sunday – and their voices need to be heard and affirmed too.