The 2011 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland appointed a Theological Commission to bring to the General Assembly of 2013 a report on same sex relationships and the Ministry.

The report describes the breadth of theological opinion that exists within the Church on the question of whether the Church of Scotland should ordain ministers who are in same-sex relationships. It also offers the General Assembly a choice of either legislating to allow for such ordinations or reaffirming the traditional understanding that it is inappropriate to ordain ministers who are in same-sex relationships.

Neither the report in its entirety nor any individual proposal, represents the considered view of the Church of Scotland. The report and the diverse proposals have been put forward by the seven members of the Commission who have a broad spectrum of views.

The General Assembly which is the sovereign body of the Church, will consider the various proposals.

On one hand the report offers the Church a way of allowing the ordination of ministers in same-sex relationships who have entered into a civil partnership, while protecting both individuals and congregations who in conscience do not agree with the theological principles which underpin that choice.

On the other hand the report, while reaffirming its belief that homophobia is sinful, invites the Church to reaffirm its traditional stance that the only appropriate expression of sexual activity should be within marriage between one man and one woman.

The report does not offer a recommendation of one option or the other but leaves this open for the Assembly to decide.