Dear Ron: A church in Aberdeen recently appointed as its new minister, an openly gay man currently living with his partner. Naturally, this has led to petitions, allegedly signed by many other Church of Scotland clergy, objecting strongly to the appointment, which is to be debated at the Church's highest body, the General Assembly. (At Right: Gay area of Aberdeen, Scotland.)

The gay minister has his supporters outside his parish, as well as the support of the parishioners who appointed him in the first place. It will be interesting to see how the Church of Scotland "leaders" react. It is to be hoped that they don't shoot themselves in the feet, as so often appears to happen in the Catholic and Anglican communities! - L in Edinburgh.

News Update: The Church of Scotland has voted in favor of appointing an openly gay minister — the latest case involving sexuality to create a division in the Anglican Communion.

The church's ruling body voted 326 to 267 Saturday to support the appointment of the Rev. Scott Rennie, 37, who was previously married to a woman and is now in a relationship with a man.