Affirming Congregations
Affirmation Scotland encourages congregations of any Christian denomination to publicly declare themselves to be ‘Affirming Congregations’ and to be listed on our website.
Many congregations will say that they are inclusive of lgbt persons but perhaps the Kirk Session or Church Council have never discussed this. Does a congregation know that its leadership wants it to be welcoming and affirming of same-sex couples, for example?
If you are looking for a Christian congregation in which to worship, be involved and find a welcome we hope that this list of congregations will be useful.
St James’ Pollok, Glasgow
(Church of Scotland)
At St. James’ we seek to affirm the dignity of all
people.
We welcome into the life of our community of faith people of
every age, gender, race, country of origin, ethnic heritage,
sexual orientation, mental or physical abilities or
condition, education, marital or economic status, cultural,
or religious background.
ALL PEOPLE ARE WELCOMED AND AFFIRMED at the Lord’s Table and at ours.
The minister is Rev Dr John Mann writes:
The challenge is to welcome and affirm
diversity. There may come a day when the church takes such
diversity for granted, but until then we need to be specific
in naming the ways that have historically disenfranchised
people.
Some areas of diversity might no longer be divisive, but
some remain so. Specifically – sexual orientation. The time
has not yet come when gay and lesbian people feel truly
welcome in the church. There are a number of churches that
would say, “sure, let them come, we don’t mind, we’ll
welcome everyone.”
But what it takes in today’s cultural climate is for
churches to specify the welcome as well as the affirmation.
To that end I would propose that St. James become a
“welcoming and affirming” church by adopting a statement of
welcome and affirmation that is specific in its inclusivity.”
Drumchapel St
Andrew’s, Glasgow
(Church of Scotland)
The Kirk Session of Drumchapel St. Andrew’s has declared that it will “provide services of blessing for same-sex relationships should we be requested to do so by couples who have a connection with our Church, and we will support and encourage our minister in the performance of such services.”
The minister is Revd John Purves
If your congregation would like to be listed on this page
please contact the
Affirmation Scotland Convener.