# Roundup: Church allows gay ministers, worship and civilisation, technology and families, RE in a secular society

> General assembly opens up prospects of church recognising civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

24 May 2011 · News

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/roundup-church-allows-gay-ministers-worship-and-civilisation-technology-and-families-re-in-a-secular-society/

## [Church of Scotland votes to allow gay and lesbian ministers](https://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/23/church-of-scotland-gay-lesbian-ministers)

General assembly opens up prospects of church recognising civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

## [The birth of religion](https://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text/1)

We used to think agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art and religion. Now the world’s oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilisation.

## [How technology is influencing families](https://www.barna.org/family-kids-articles/488-how-technology-is-influencing-families)

The Christian community needs a better, more holistic understanding of how to manage existing and coming technological advances.

## [Getting facts straight about religious education in schools](https://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2011/05/23/3224745.htm?topic1=&topic2=)

The role of the state in a multi-faith society, however, is to be neutral and fair with respect to the diversity of religious groups and other viewpoints within it, not favouring one over another, not being unduly influenced by any viewpoint, but deciding on what it deems best for its citizens and the society.