I NOTE with interest your leader comment ("Gay clergy still at heart of Kirk strife", The Herald, April 16) and article on congregations leaving the Church of Scotland ("Funds lost as wealthy churches quit in new gay protest").

It is in fact the same issue relating to the openly-gay Rev Scott Rennie which is being resurrected and not any other quite separate case.

It is hardly coincidental that both churches intent on seceding disclose their intentions only four weeks prior to the annual gathering of the General Assembly. Some cynics might suggest the timing was to put pressure on Assembly commis­sioners for clear deliverance on this long-running, contentious issue.

Apparently census records of Restalrig, one of the breakaway churches, reveals a membership of more than 2000 whilst only just over 100 have actually exited to pastures new. I would suggest this is the key point for investigation and clarification as opposed to the potential loss of income to the church, which is continually highlighted in cases of church defection.

Sadly, for many Church of Scotland members, the final sentence of Brian Donnelly's exclusive, "the church declined to comment ..." was all too predictable.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue,

Giffnock.