Monday 19 November 2007

Church of Norway votes in favour of homosexuals in ordained ministry

The Lutheran Church of Norway, with whom the Church of England is in partnership through the Porvoo agreement, voted last Friday to allow members in same-sex partnerships to serve in ordained ministry.

The vote came towards the end of a difficult week of debate on the issue during the Church’s General Synod, held last Tuesday to Saturday.

The Church remains deeply divided over homosexuality, with many feeling that the acceptance of homosexuals in the clergy goes against Scripture.

Last Friday’s compromise vote was testimony to the lack of clear consensus on homosexuals within the Church. While the long-standing absolute ban on employing homosexuals in the clergy has been lifted, the ultimate decision on whether or not to appoint them has been left to individual bishops to make.

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