US extremists to picket Kirk vote on gay preacher
SECURITY is being stepped up at the Kirk’s General Assembly to deal with a planned picket by American fanatics opposing the appointment of a gay minister.
Police have confirmed extra officers will be drafted in tomorrow to monitor an expected demonstration by supporters of hate preacher Fred Phelps, who is banned from the UK.
Yesterday as the Church of Scotland’s most important gathering of the year got underway in Edinburgh, a lone protester carrying placards condemning same-sex relationships stood outside.
But the controversial Westboro Baptist Church, from Topeka, Kansas, is expected to stage a larger demonstration as the Kirk discusses the appointment of Reverend Scott Rennie, who lives with his male partner.
The hardline group has provoked outrage in America for protesting at the funerals of homosexual murder victims and at the funerals of servicemen killed in Iraq, brandishing placards stating “Thank God for dead soldiers”.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police confirmed they were aware of the potential protest.
She added: “Based on current intelligence, we are planning to increase police numbers on Saturday, but the exact numbers remain fluid and are under constant review.”
Rev Bill Hewitt, 58, the new moderator of the General Assembly took up his post yesterday.
He will immediately be plunged into controversy when he oversees tomorrow’s debate on Mr Rennie’s case. He has personally refused to be drawn into speaking about the row.
Nearly 11,000 people, including 271 Church of Scotland ministers, have signed an online petition opposing the openly gay minister’s appointment to Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen.
Twelve ministers and presbytery elders have presented a report to the General Assembly, which has the authority to make laws determining how the Kirk operates, appealing against the decision to appoint Mr Rennie.
Yesterday a spokeswoman for the Church of Scotland said police were aware of the planned protest, but refused to comment further.
