The Reverend Bill Wallace, a former convenor of the Church of Scotland’s Board of Social Responsibility, has written to the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, citing “great dismay and perplexity among many traditionalists” at the decision.

The call for a probe follows The Herald’s revelation that 42-year-old Demetrius Ross, who is in a civil partnership, has been put forward for training.

It deepens a bitter dispute which threatens to split the Kirk. If ordained, Mr Ross would be the first openly gay minister to be approved since a two-year moratorium was agreed on gay appointments by this year’s General Assembly of the Kirk.

Mr Wallace’s letter to “121”, the church’s administrative centre in George Street, Edinburgh, asks if Hamilton Presbytery has acted “contumaciously” -- rebelliously.

The Aberdeenshire minister writes: “Since I understand Hamilton Presbytery sought advice from ‘121’ on the matter, it would appear, on the face of it, that no barrier was put in their way. I would be grateful if the advice given by ‘121’ could be made public. I ask this, not just because many people have expressed to me their confusion and perplexity caused by this decision but also because similar situations may occur in other presbyteries.”

The Reverend David Court, of New Restalrig Church in Edinburgh, said: “Part of what is being asked is whether the spirit of the instruction from the General Assembly has been broken. I think it has been, certainly in spirit.”

Hamilton Presbytery was unavailable for comment yesterday.