The induction of the Rev Scott Rennie as minister of Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen closes a dramatic chapter in the long and sometimes turbulent history of the Church of Scotland, but also ensures further debate - and the possibility of future division - over whether practising homosexuals should be accepted into the ministry.

The induction of the Rev Scott Rennie as minister of Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen closes a dramatic chapter in the long and sometimes turbulent history of the Church of Scotland, but also ensures further debate - and the possibility of future division - over whether practising homosexuals should be accepted into the ministry.

It was Mr Rennie's frankness about his committed relationship with a partner of the same sex in his application to the Queen's Cross congregation which brought about a petition to the General Assembly from members of Aberdeen presbytery who believe the presbytery's decision to sustain the call was wrong. The resultant public debate stirred considerable anger and prompted an online petition against the appointment which gathered 5000 signatures, including 400 from Church of Scotland ministers. The Kirk approved Mr Rennie's appointment, avoiding a divisive debate and the threat of a walk-out by setting up a two-year commission to consult with presbyteries and church members on the matter of homosexual clergy. That was a pragmatic move to avoid schism in the cauldron of publicity, but the edict that ministers should not discuss their views on gay ministers outside the institutions of the Kirk has been criticised as a gagging order. However, the question of whether homosexuals should be accepted into the clergy affects all branches of the Christian church, and is an issue that must be thoroughly aired and considered by churches which want to remain central to society. The two-year moratorium on ordaining homosexual ministers means Mr Rennie is likely to be the only openly gay minister in the Church of Scotland in the near future and his ministry in Aberdeen will be under particular scrutiny. Despite his divorce and subsequent homosexual relationship, his former parishioners at Brechin Cathedral held him in high regard and his dignified conduct since the controversy erupted suggests the congregation at Queen's Cross, where over 80% of members voted to appoint him, is likely to have a minister more concerned by parish matters than sexual politics.

The joint session clerks at Queen's Cross described Mr Rennie as reflecting "our real sense that he is the person best equipped to serve alongside us and to offer leadership to us". His ministry may also offer an exemplar to the wider Kirk as it wrestles with principles of biblical authority.