TRADITIONALISTS have launched an online push to gain support for a new covenant against gay ordination in the Church of Scotland.
The architects of the Covenant Fellowship, unveiled in Glasgow, will spread the pact via evangelical networks online including on Facebook as well as through bloggers to build support against issues including greater acceptance of homosexual and lesbian clergy.
The group said it is seeking support from Church members "disillusioned and demoralised by the Church's position on ministers and deacons in same sex relationships". It is against the ordination of ministers and deacons in active homosexual relationships.
In a 600-word declaration, the Covenant Fellowship said it is offering those who are considering leaving the Church of Scotland "a way of remaining in the Kirk with integrity", while calling for "repentance on the part of the Church and beginning to build a movement that will work positively for the reformation and renewal of the Church".
Rev Professor Andrew McGowan, minister of Inverness East Church of Scotland and one of those involved in the fellowship, said it is expected that gay ordination will be accepted at the next General Assembly of the Church in May but that the fellowship planned to take its stance for the "longer term".
He said so far there has been support from ministers, elders and young and old people within the Kirk.
He said: "The Church of Scotland is facing a severe crisis over the issue of ministers and deacons in same sex relationships and many have decided that the only response to this is to leave the Church.
"With this covenant, we hope to encourage many more to stay and uphold the teaching of Scripture within the National Church.
"The Covenant Fellowship is not being formed simply to protest on one issue.
"We are committed to working for the reformation and renewal of the Church and so we are calling the Church to repent of its current trajectory and to return to its core beliefs and values."
Aberdeen minister Louis Kinsey was one of the first to put the covenant online on his blog called Coffee with Louis.
The majority of presbyteries has backed gay ordination. The issue must still reach a vote in May but this is expected to accept the proposals.
So far 28 of the presbyteries have voted in favour and 11 against, with six still to lodge their returns with the Kirk. A total of 45 are eligible to vote.
The gay ordination debate was sparked by the appointment of Rev Scott Rennie, who is in a civil partnership, to a church in Aberdeen in 2009.
Rev Dr George Whyte, acting principal clerk to the Kirk, said in a statement that the Kirk welcomed Professor McGowan's continued commitment to remain within the Church "but we disagree with his criticisms".
He said: "The focus of complaint is legislation which has been painstakingly considered. For many the discussion has been difficult.
"Some say the Church is going too far and others that is going too slow. Yet the issue has to be discussed and we are a Church which recognises liberty of opinion."
Mr Whyte added in a statement: "Our General Assembly has agreed that this proposal falls into that category and is not an attack on the fundamental doctrines of the Christian Faith.
"We share Professor McGowan's abhorrence of further disruption and we hope that across Scotland Christians will continue to work together despite their varied opinions."
Figures show 18 out of 795 ministers have left the Kirk over the possibility of the Church eventually agreeing to allow individual congregations to choose a gay minister.
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