An Aberdeen minister and his congregation have split from the Church of Scotland over its decision on the ordination of practising homosexual clergy.
Reverend Dominic Smart, the minister of Gilcomston South, has resigned from the Kirk after a vote at its General Assembly concerning the appointment of a practising homosexual minister in 2009.
St George’s Tron Church split from the Kirk over the same issue in December last year.
Integrity
Revered Smart said: “We have weighed up many different options and believe the decision we have reached has the most integrity.
“The decision by the Church of Scotland represented a clear and deliberate move away from the authority of scripture as the word of God and our supreme rule of faith and life.
Sincere
“Our decision to leave was the culmination of careful study, sincere discussion and prayer over the past four years.
“We are looking forward to the first chapter in the life of our new generation”.
The congregation of more than 300 people will now meet in the Copthorne Hotel in Aberdeen from March 10, and will use the name “Gilcomston Church.”
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Congregation leaves Church of Scotland over homosexuality dispute