The Scottish Episcopal Church will decide this week whether it should start a process to give ministers the freedom to marry same-sex couples if they wish.
The controversial issue is going to a vote at the General Synod on Friday and if approved it is likely that same-sex weddings could be held by late 2017.
Options being discussed by delegates representing the denomination’s seven dioceses, which account for 321 congregations, make clear that no cleric would be obliged to solemnise a gay marriage against their conscience.
The existing doctrine of the Church is that marriage is a “physical, spiritual and mystical union of one man and one woman created by their mutual consent of heart, mind and will thereto and is a holy and lifelong estate instituted of God.”
Same-sex marriage was legalised in Scotland in December.
The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, said: “During the last two years, our Church has committed itself to the cascade process of conversation across difference in the area of same-sex relationships.
“In province, dioceses and congregations, people have been courageous and open in expressing and listening to the diversity of views which are held within the Scottish Episcopal Church.
“We have sat together as one Church and shared thoughtfully and prayerfully.
“We now move to consider whether or not we should undertake a process of canonical change regarding marriage.”
Mr Chillingworth said members would be debating a comprehensive paper on the doctrine of marriage produced by the doctrine committee.
“Then we shall consider whether or not we wish to consider future change and look at a range of possible ways forward,” he added.
“It is my hope that here too we shall think and act as one Church.
“That doesn’t mean that we must, or that we shall, all agree.
“We are considering an issue which in our times is profoundly challenging for all churches.
“Our ability to do that depends on our commitment to sustaining our visible unity in Christ.”
Other issues being discussed by the General Synod, which is gathering at St Paul’s and St George’s Church in Edinburgh, include climate change and the living wage.