St James’ Church in Broughty Ferry was filled with emotion during the last service before a split in the congregation over the issue of gay clergy in the Church of Scotland.
The Rev Alberto de Paula was embraced by scores of parishioners after delivering his final sermon before leading the controversial exodus.
“It was quite emotional,” said the Brazilian-born preacher. “We are leaving friends behind but we are doing so with no grudges and no hard feelings. I am sure our friendships will remain with the members of St James’.
“This is a time of transition but there is also a sense of sadness. I wish things were different but we have to act according to our convictions.”
Mr De Paula, most of his session and an unknown number of members are splitting from St James’ because of the Church of Scotland’s stance on the ordination of homosexuals as ministers.
As well as the proposal to train, ordain and induct practising homosexuals, the departing members are unhappy about changing religious observance in schools to a “time of reflection”, and the church “walking together” with humanists.
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will make a final decision on gay clergy at its assembly next year but dissenters at St James’ believe the very discussion is a departure from the scriptures and undermines the authority of the Bible.
The breakaway St James’ group will from next Sunday worship 100 yards east in the Scout halls as Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church.
Mr De Paula stressed the new church has come about through “a respectful disagreement” and not a revolt, and said there was regret and not rancour over the departure.
Last week, the Rev James Wilson, clerk to Dundee Presbytery, said those quitting in the row over gay clergy would be welcomed back if they change their minds.
He went on to question how many of the faction leaving St James’ are doing so for deep theological reasons and how many are going because of their personal relationship with the minister.
Mr De Paula responded yesterday: “I have no problem about what James said. People will make up their own minds about why they are leaving and I do not take what James said as a criticism.”
Mr De Paula and his wife Luciane were presented with chocolates and flowers by the congregation at the end of Sunday’s service.
St James’ will continue under interim moderator the Rev Janet Foggie, of St Andrew’s Parish Church, until a new locum minister is appointed.