The majority of Church of Scotland presbyteries have voted in favour of the appointment of gay ministers.
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Stirling backed the proposals which mean ministers and deacons who are in a civil partnership can apply for vacant posts.
Falkirk, Kirkcaldy and Inverness were among the areas to reject the proposal.
The Kirk said 32 of 45 voted in favour resulting in a 54.6%/45.4% split in the total 1,391 votes cast.
The final decision will be made at this year's General Assembly in May.
In 2009 traditionalist Church members tried to block the appointment of Revd Scott Rennie, who is gay, in Aberdeen.
That led to a divide over the issue and an interim ban on ordaining other gay ministers, which was lifted in 2011.
Several congregations have left the Church over the issue.
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