A CHURCH leader has criticised a move by humanists to establish how much privilege religion receives under Scots law.

The next Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland spoke against the move by the Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) to fund a study into how religion affects law.

The £40,000 research project is being carried out by a team at Glasgow University.

History professor Callum Brown - who the HSS said was a member of the society - is conducting the research along with law professor Jane Mair and research assistant Dr Thomas Green, neither of whom are members.

Rev David Robertson, who will become Free Church Moderator in May, described the move as "propaganda dressed up as research".

Mr Robertson said: "The Humanist Society, whose membership could fit into a phone box, has paid £40,000 to a humanist to investigate religion.

"I could have saved them the money because I can tell you now this particular investigation will say religion is privileged. Frankly it's laughable."

The St Peter's Free Church minister in Dundee added: "This is simply anti-Christian propaganda, dressed up as research.

"Personally I'd like to see a study of the privileged status of humanists and why they think their principles should be the only ones allowed in Scotland."

The Church of Scotland also responded to the plan, saying it "works for and welcomes moves to make Scotland a more equal society".

Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Church and Society Convener at the Kirk, said: "One of the greatest strengths is our diversity and Scotland is not a blank-slate, but is composed of a number of institutions and groups, from within politics, business and civil society that make up its DNA.

"As one of these groups, religious organisations play an important role within society through our civic engagement, our work and advocacy for the poor and marginalised, and our contribution to the cultural ­heritage of Scotland, all of which should be reflected within Scottish law.

"Playing our part is not about privilege, but about service. Moreover, if we truly wish to make Scotland a more equal society then money and time might be better spent tackling issues such as child poverty, financial inequality and ending the need for food banks."

HSS chief executive Douglas McLellan said the aim was to "demonstrate where religion currently has privileges, which will then allow us to work with the Scottish Government and MSPs to take opportunities to amend legislation".

He said yesterday: "We find the (Free Church) comments insulting to the academics involved. This is high-quality research."

Mr Brown, who was not available yesterday, said earlier: "We will write reports based on the findings on various aspects of law, such as education and human rights."