WORLD BRIEFING / SCOTLAND

An openly gay minister praised the decision of the Church of Scotland to dismiss a challenge to his appointment by religious conservatives -- the latest case involving sexual orientation to create a division in the Anglican Communion.

The church’s ruling body voted 326 to 267 Saturday to support the appointment of the Rev. Scott Rennie, 37, who was previously married to a woman and is now in a relationship with a man.

Rennie was first appointed as a minister 10 years ago, but has faced opposition since he moved last year to a church in Aberdeen, Scotland. He has been unable to take up his post while the Church of Scotland considered critics’ appeals.

“I’m relieved, humbled, I’m obviously pleased and I’m really looking forward to going to be with my new congregation,” Rennie told reporters. “I’ve had a long time to wait, they’ve had a long time to wait and I’m just glad we can get on with life.”