THE Moderator of the Church of Scotland has given a morale-boosting visit to what remains of an island congregation badly split by the gay clergy row.
The Right Reverend John Chalmers had tried to stop most of the worshippers leaving Stornoway High on the Isle of Lewis, which was one of the Kirk's biggest congregations.
But in May a group of 250 worshippers - including the entire kirk session - left to join the Free Church after the General Assembly voted last year for a proposal that would allow gay men and women to become ministers.
The issue has divided some congregations, with opponents arguing it goes against the word of God.
About 100 people have continued to worship at Stornoway High and Rt Rev Chalmer's visit yesterday will be a huge morale boost for those who decided to stay.
The new Free Church congregation is worshipping in a primary school in Stornoway.
Rt Rev Chalmers is visiting Lewis for a week with his wife Liz.
But his main preaching engagement was at Stornoway High yesterday when he took the morning service. Later he participated in the evening service at Martin's Memorial Church, also in Stornoway.
Earlier this year, Rt Rev Chalmers visited Stornoway High in his then role as the Principal Clerk to the Church of Scotland.
"We did all we could to persuade them that they have a valuable place in the life of the CoS and now was not the time to leave," said Rt Rev Chalmers.
Speaking ahead of the service, the Moderator said: "I anticipate a busy service in which I will share my enthusiasm for all that the CoS is doing across Scotland and I will encourage folk in their journey of faith.
"The motto of the town of Stornoway is 'God's providence is our inheritance' and I will enjoy assuring the people of the High Kirk that in keeping with their town motto God will not let them down.
"We could not have experienced any warmer a welcome."
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