A new church is starting in Broughty Ferry next month after a split caused by the Kirk’s views on homosexuality and humanism.
The minister of St James Church is leading an exodus of members 100 yards east to the Scout halls where his new Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church will worship.
The Rev Alberto de Paula stressed the new church has come about through “a respectful disagreement” and not a revolt.
He said the action is being taken to leave the Church of Scotland over its stance on the authority of the Bible.
He and his followers believe the decision to train, ordain and induct to the ministry practising homosexuals departs from its source of authority.
They also objected to Dundee Presbytery’s decision not to allow the growing St James congregation to have its own permanent minister because of a review of churches in Broughty Ferry.
A further issue is the Church of Scotland working with the Scottish Humanist Society to change religious observance in schools to a “time of reflection”, and the church “walking together” with the humanists.
Mr de Paula will conduct his last service at St James on August 10 and move to the Scout halls on David Street to lead his new church on August 17.
St James has a regular congregation of 120 and he said he does not know how many members will follow him, or how many new worshippers will join, adding: “I am stepping in faith into the unknown.”
There was regret and not rancour over his departure, and he was grateful to the St James congregation for allowing him to extend his stay in their manse.
St James will continue under interim moderator the Rev Janet Foggie of St Andrews Church, and it has been allowed to call a locum minister thereafter.