Logie and St John’s Cross Church in Dundee has released a statement confirming its intention to leave the Kirk over the decision to allow the ordination of gay ministers.
The church told The Courier that, after consulting with its congregation, it had no alternative but to leave the Church of Scotland over the issue.
“Following the decision of the General Assembly on May 20 (to allow the ordination of openly gay ministers in civil partnerships), we have decided with deep regret that it is no longer possible for our congregation to remain within the Church of Scotland,” the statement read.
“The issue which we cannot accept is the Church’s departure from its Scriptural foundation,” it concluded.
However, sources close to the church informed The Courier that many of the congregation were not happy with the decision to split.
Officials at Logie and St John’s Cross refused to comment on the claims, but in their statement they offered “to be supportive of those in the congregation who may not wish to leave the Church of Scotland.”
The Dundee congregation is the fourth to decide to leave the Kirk over the gay clergy issue, which the General Assembly will vote on next year.
The Holyrood Abbey Church, Edinburgh, also announced its intention to split this week. Gilcomston South Church, Aberdeen, and St George’s Tron Church, Glasgow, have already left the Kirk for similar reasons.
However, officials from the Church of Scotland were quick to play down reports that the Church is in crisis, suggesting that fewer than ten congregations are contemplating leaving.
“While we would be saddened by the departure of any of our ministers and members, the Church is not in crisis,” a spokesman for the Church of Scotland said.
“The present situation is nothing like the historical event in 1843 known as the Disruption, when a third of ministers nearly 500 left.
“Presbyteries are now holding conversations with fewer than ten of our 1400 congregations,” he said, adding that “the vast majority of Church of Scotland ministers and members are committed to the Church and willing to work out, over the next couple of years, how we live with difference.”