Civil Partnerships was accepted by the Assembly but only by 8 votes out of 700. It was then sent down to Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions to be discussed and then will be discussed again at Assembly next year for a final decision. So it is certainly not clear cut. What may now happen is that the church finially will have a view on it rather than say nothing and let it happen when and where it happens. Having a view on it will cause a lot of anguish ecumenically and possibly with the unity of the church of scotland. So either way it's still got a long way to run.
Other assembly news bits are that the suppliment to the stipent all ministers are paid is to be phased out. This means eventually all ministers will be paid the same. At the moment all ministers receive a minimum stipend but some wealthier congregations pay their minister 5%, 10% or 15% above that. That is now on the way out. I suppose what will happen is that some congregations will give their ministers other benefits.
And the church will not be looking at the Westminster Confession. If you want a look at it then go here but otherwise I'd leave it alone! The church was being called to look at it again and its place in the church. That was rejected.
These are the three thing I've picked up so far that has happened at Assembly. Stuff going on behind the scenes but we'll hear of that when and if anything ever happens. Bet you're nails have been nibbled down to the quick in anticipation of all that.
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