Church of Scotland sexism 'hindering women' in office, moderator warns

The Rt Rev Lorna Hood said some women were being held back

Sexism is preventing women progressing in office in some parts of the Church of Scotland, the moderator of the Kirk has warned.

The Right Reverend Lorna Hood has said women in some areas will never be allowed on a Kirk Session simply because they are women.

The Rt Rev Hood was speaking at an event in Dundee.

She said she had experienced the tears and pain of women "not allowed to fulfil their potential".

The moderator was addressing 2,000 members of the Guild, formerly known as the Women's Guild, at their annual event in Dundee.

She said she had spent time with women who, although dedicated to the church, had experienced real discrimination.

Rt Rev Hood told BBC Scotland: ''I have become aware just very recently that there are a number of women in different pockets, areas of Scotland, who are just not allowed to fulfil their potential. Particularly in regard to the eldership.

"Women who will never be allowed on a Kirk Session in their area or their church simply because they are women.

"Some women who were ordained in different parts of the country, having moved, haven't been allowed onto the Kirk Session just because they are women.

"And I've really been touched by that and I've experienced their tears and their pain and it's never been part of my background, it's never been part of my ministry and I've never really been so aware of that as I have been recently.''