An ordained Presbyterian Church elder forced from his role because of his same-sex marriage says he fears a “witch hunt” against other gay members after authorities dismissed his appeal. Defending its actions, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said ordained leaders should “in their own lifestyle reflect the clear and consistent position of the church with regards to marriage”. Rev Trevor Gribben, the Presbyterian Church’s Clerk of the General Assembly, said the commission ruled that “being in either a same-sex civil partnership or a same-sex marriage is not compatible” with Presbyterian leadership. Rejecting the dismissal, Mr Smyrl said: “Is there going to be a witch hunt from one congregation to another? DehumanisingThe Presbyterian Church is entitled to disagree with same-sex marriage, he said, but “they did not need to demean and diminish and dehumanise me, the way they have”.

Source: The Irish Times October 16, 2019 14:15 UTC