The Rev Dominic Smart of Gilcomston South Church in Aberdeen said he had received letters of support from all over the world since announcing his decision to resign.

He will start a new church with his staff and the majority of his 300 congregation when he meets them in an Aberdeen hotel on Sunday. The minister said news of his decision to start a new church had reached people in China, Australia, South America, France, Ireland and the US.

Mr Smart said: "It has been enormously encouraging to receive emails, letters and cards of encouragement.

"Especially heart-warming have been those from people who differ either theologically or in terms of continued membership of the Church of Scotland but nonetheless wish us well."

Mr Smart and his flock decided to leave following a General Assembly decision two years ago allowing gay people to take leading roles in the church, after a consultation. Mr Smart said: "We felt that if we were going to be true to what we read in the Bible, then we were going in a different direction from the Church of Scotland."

The Rev George Cowie, joint clerk of Aberdeen Presbytery, said it was "sorry and saddened" the congregation had decided to leave.