Marriage rules
No-one with any understanding of Scottish church history and the relationship between church and state could argue that the Calvinist view was one of separation of church and state.
The Scottish church adopted the Establishment principle which avoided on the one hand, Erastianism (where the state in effect governed the church) or theocracy (where the church governs the state).
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Hide AdThe Establishment principle sought a middle way which was different from strict separation of church and state.
It meant that the state recognised the church and expected it to act as its agent in terms of marriage and moral issues.
This is why I, as a minister, am authorised by the state to perform marriages.
The whole of Mr O’Neill’s evidence is undermined by this basic error.
Once again I fear that, in its haste to appear progressive, the Scottish Government is rushing into the legislation on samesex marriage, without having adequate information as to the consequences and effects of this extreme change.
David Robertson
Solas CPC
St Peters Free Church
St Peter Street
Dundee