A CONGREGATION that quit the Kirk over gay ordination could face a legal battle for control of its worshipping hall that dates back to the 17th century.
About 500 parishioners at St George's Tron, one of the most prominently placed churches in Glasgow, have joined their minister in leaving the Church of Scotland, the first full congregation to do so over the issue.
A union with a stricter denomination is expected.
Rev William Philip, the minister at the church, which is off Buchanan Street, said it was because the Kirk is on a "trajectory towards normalising such relationships".
Other congregations are expected to follow, but not until next May when the issue of facilitating gay ministers is raised again at the General Assembly, the next key turning point for the Kirk.
It comes after the Church allowed Rev Scott Rennie, who is openly gay, to take up a post in Aberdeen.
It is unclear what prompted the new action at this stage, but one source suggested possible difficulties between minister and presbytery.
Talks will continue, but a parish spokesman said they were amicable so far, adding: "We don't want a fight."
However, a similar conflict in a separate denomination resulted in a lengthy court battle, amid claims one congregation locked another out from their place of worship.
The Free Church and the Free Church of Scotland Continuing are understood to still be in legal dispute over ownership of property after those two groups fractured in 2000.
A source said it would be difficult to place a market value on the Tron building. The current structure is 200 years old but the church has a Presbyterian history dating back to 1687.
It recently had a £3 million refurbishment, with members of the congregation raising most of the money for the project.
The congregation raises much of its £500,000 annual income. One of the major changes was the removal of the church organ, which was never used, but which blocked views of the church's two stained glass windows.
Plasma screens were put on either side of the cherry wood, glass and steel pulpit for showing films, notices and showing the words of hymns.
The congregation spokesman added: "It is our earnest desire to remain in the building and we believe we have a moral and social right to do so given the congregation pumped £3m into it in the last five years."
Mr Philip said: "Our decision to separate from the Church of Scotland is the culmination of careful thought, sincere discussion and prayer for more than 12 months.
"Last year, despite having had the clear opportunity, the General Assembly failed to reverse the stance taken in 2009 approving the appointment of ordained ministers in same-sex relationships.
"Instead, it clearly and deliberately chose to set an opposite trajectory towards normalising such relationships.
"In doing so the highest court of the Kirk has marginalised the Bible, the written Word of God."
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: "The Presbytery of Glasgow and the Church of Scotland General Trustees are saddened at the decision of the Minister and members of Glasgow St George's Tron to leave the Church of Scotland.
"Discussions will take place with representatives of the Tron over the coming weeks to clarify the situation and determine the best way of preserving a Church of Scotland ministry presence in Glasgow city centre.
"No decisions have been taken about the ongoing use of the building, or the outstanding financial obligations to the Church of Scotland and the General Trustees."
The Herald previously revealed a potential multimillion-pound "land-grab" by evangelical parishes. Ownership of buildings varies as title deeds differ. Any congregation thinking of quitting will have to scrutinise their legal rights to the buildings.
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