THE Church of Scotland's first openly-gay minister has called on the Kirk to rethink the same-sex marriage issue and triggered a new independence row with secularists who claimed they had been demonised.

Rev Scott Rennie spoke out after the Kirk's General Assembly moved a step closer to the ordination of ministers in same-sex civil partnerships.

It was Mr Rennie's first media event staged at the annual gathering in Edinburgh since his appointment to an Aberdeen Church in 2009 sparked the Church's struggle with homosexuality and the clergy.

He said the term marriage would soon cover all couples, that some parts of secular Scottish society misrepresent those of religion, and called for the cementing of the role of all faiths in the SNP's written constitution if there is a Yes vote.

Mr Rennie, who is in a civil partnership, told how he first heard the call to God aged 14, he was brought up in an evangelical community and that married life with his partner David is "wonderful, great, wouldn't miss it for the world".

Mr Rennie said his congregation of around 200 had grown by about 10 a year with young families from Roman Catholic and Episcopalian backgrounds joining his flock.

But a new row ignited when he said some sections of secular society have appeared "militant" in their position on the controversial debate. He said: "I feel there are elements within secular Scotland, and they are only elements, who are almost religious fundamentalists in that they mis-characterise other people.

"In reality, Christianity, the Church of Scotland in particular as the national Church, has played a huge part in the development of modern Scotland and will continue to do so."

He added: "I don't think militant secularism at all reflects the mainstream or reality of Scotland today."

The impact of secular Scotland on the Church after possible Scottish independence causes him concern, he said.

Garry Otton, Secretary of the Scottish Secular Society, said the "demonising of secularists must stop". He said: "What is 'militant' about campaigning to ensure parents are informed about what is happening to their children in Religious Observance in schools?

"I would have thought the efforts of the Kirk to oppose those moves is more deserving of the title 'militant'."

Mr Rennie said he has "no doubt" the Church will address marriage and same-sex couples adding: "I hope the Church will just come to see 'marriage'."

The Kirk commissioners passed the motion on gay ministers by 369 votes to 189. It means the Assembly has agreed to send a piece of draft church legislation, known as an overture, to its 49 presbyteries for further discussion.

Their decisions will be reported back to next year's gathering. If a majority are in favour, a final vote will be taken.

Mr Rennie, 42, of Queen's Cross Church, said the gay ministers move shows a shift in tone adding "there has not been the exodus that was predicted at all".

A Kirk spokeperson said "We welcome Rev Scott Rennie's commitment to the Church of Scotland, and recognise his view as one of many among the broad range of opinions within the Church."