Older Entries from the Forum

Topic: Keep Going!

Firth of Scotland!

2008-01-22 18:33:38

I am have no checked on your website much in the past year. I was encouraged to see the AS is not only still going, but is going from strength to strength. I wish you well for your meeting in Glasgow this coming Saturday.

I am delighted to see that a congregation has declared itself open and affirming. Have you got plans to advertise this type of initiative?

Convener

2008-02-04 17:58:01

Thank you for your encouragement! We had a good meeting on Saturday. Yes, we do plan to tell others about congregations which are affirming and welcoming. We can alsp supply details of ministers who are willing to conduct Ceremonies to bless same-sex relationships.

Topic: coming to terms with my self

Gareth

2008-01-17 23:11:31

for many yares i have had bad depreshion and resantly i have started to come to terms with it and the cores of it the other day i was so depresed so i went for a worlk down by the river at 3:00am at that point i desided to pray and ask hevanly farther for guidance about it a worm feeling came over me and i cryed not because i was sad this feeling of joy appered and i know why i had been doing this i blame my self for been gay.
but in that instance i know that i was loved by heavanly farther and the first time in years i felt comfort in that.
i felt the power of the holy gost and that gave me comfert that i have not felt in yares.
it was such a worm feeling whiched passed though my body and i felt a presance.
i care if anyone blives me as i know what i felt and just wonted to share that with others

Topic: "I'm not homophobic - my God is!"

Optimus Prime

2007-01-24 11:09:47

Is it possible to be opposed to the full inclusion of homosexual people (and by full inclusion I mean “in their relationships”) into the life of the Church and not be homophobic? I believe that some people genuinely are stuck at the fact that there are anti-homosexual verses in the Bible, and perhaps would find little or no difficulty in the full inclusion of gay people if there weren’t. Maybe these people really are different to those who gleefully identify with a God who hates homosexuality, and hates those he “inflicts” with it who can’t just ignore their sexuality as they try to live fully human lives. I think they are puzzled by the arbitraryness of a God who is alleged to be like that – but “it’s in the Bible” and they are stuck with it. Maybe such people are "stuck with a homophobic God" – and they need to be weaned off such a deplorable God-image. How do we get through to this group of people? Especially when "the other side" can mobilize their anxieties, as we've seen!

Topic: Glasss Half Empty, or Glass Half Full?

Optimus Prime

2006-12-18 10:09:42

Just wondering what people's take is on the voting in Presbyteries on the Declaratory Act. Since each Presbytery has only one vote in the process, 36-9 (four to one against) against looks pretty conclusive; but when you look at the numbers voting, it was 1563 to 1007 - pretty much 3 to 2. Most of the "pro" presbyteries had votes of 2-1 in favour, one had 73% and one 92%!! It's hard to imagine these presbyteries disciplining a minister or deacon for blessing a Civil Partnership. Surely that would have implications if a presbytery did discipline, and it went to the General Assembly. The status quo remains - unclarity over what might happen to someone performing a blessing - but the Presbytery vote under the barrier act has dispelled some uncertainty, and indicated something of a "postcode lottery". Surely now the only way forward is some sort of a "modus vivendi" - something, in other words, along the lines of the act we just rejected! Not all bad. How do others see it?

Vic

2006-12-19 01:23:34

I say the glass is half full...

Topic: Liturgy for the Blessing of a Civil Partnership

standrew@ukonline.co .uk

2006-10-04 11:54:36

Whilst thinking about the format and content of a liturgy for the blessing of a civil partnership over the summer - my first thought was that the Blessing for a Civil Wedding in Common Order would suffice - with one or two modifications. However, it may be that some members of Affirmation Scotland have material which might provide for an alternative.

If so, I'd be very happy to receive such material and work on it and acknowledge the sources.

Please feel free to email me the material: standrew@ukonline.co.uk

Best wishes.

Graeme Longmuir

Optimus Prime

2006-11-23 11:12:47

OK - partly (but not exclusively) in response to our convener's urging to Use The Forums... Really good liturgy- effective and moving. I'm straight; I wonder what gay people thought of it?

Vic

2006-11-28 23:43:13

I like the liturgy. It's simple and uncluttered, I wonder if there should be an element where the gathered ensemble could participate, perhaps a response for everyone, something along the lines of affirming their blessing and committing to support the blessed couple in the years to come. Would this be a welcome addition?

WEBMASTER

2006-09-16 18:37:36

The Forum is a space for comment, the sharing of stories, etc. It can be done anonamously.

Please do use it - hopefully in time it can become a useful resource.

Vic

2006-09-25 22:07:14

It's great to hear that people are discussing things now, I've just seen the first OneKirk journal, it looks great as a discussion starter. Does anyone know if it is being used widely to help promote discussion on "the blessing of civil partnerships"?

http://www.onekirk.org/publications.html

Polycarp

2006-10-29 23:19:29

Hi folks. Its just to say that Courage Scotland is being launched in December with an evening of carol singing. This will be held on Monday 18th of December at 7.30pm in the LGBT centre, Dixon Street, Glasgow. Courage has been operating in London for some time but this is the first time in Scotland. We are an inclusive christian organisation whose main priority is to help gay christians and share the Good News with the gay community. We believe the Bible is God's Word, but that the historic interpretation of the Church about homosexuality is wrong. We share the aims of Affirmation Scotland.

It would be great to see as many of you as possible for the event. Check out the website for more information! Thanks,
Malcolm MacKenzie (Rev.)

>> www.disciplescotland.org.uk

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Topic: PLEASE USE THE FORUM

WEBMASTER

2006-09-16 18:37:36

The Forum is a space for comment, the sharing of stories, etc. It can be done anonamously.

Please do use it - hopefully in time it can become a useful resource.

Vic

2006-09-25 22:07:14

Polycarp

2006-10-29 23:19:29