TWO congregations are planning to split from the Church of Scotland because of its policy on gay clergy.
The congregations in the Western Isles plan to leave after the Kirk's leaders decided on an overall traditionalist stance, but one which also allowed revisionist parishes at its key General Assembly earlier this month.
Difficult talks are understood to be ongoing in Kirk Sessions over the stance. The reported move by congregations to leave the Church has not been confirmed.
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: "We have not been informed of any congregation wishing to leave following last week's General Assembly and the debate on the proposals put forward by the Theological Commission, and we would be saddened if this were the case at such an early stage."
The General Assembly of the Church backed the ordination of gay clergy in same sex relationships following four years of debate since Rev Scott Rennie – the Kirk's first openly homosexual minister – was appointed to Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen.
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