Ukip considered taking legal action against a church which depicted leader Nigel Farage alongside Hitler, it has emerged.

Earlier this month St John's Church in Edinburgh, which as a 30-year tradition of politically provocative paintings, erected a mural depicting Mr Farage standing in front of Hitler, British Fascist Oswald Mosley and former BNP leader Nick Griffin.

The painting was considered even more provocative due to the German nationality of the church's rector and was defended by prominent figures in other Christian faiths.

In the aftermath, Ukip MEP David Coburn described the mural as an insult to party voters and victims of Fascism.

But in recent days, Facebook exchanges involving Ukip's Scottish chairman Arthur "Misty" Thackeray, who is expected to stand for the party in Glasgow East in next year's Westminster elections, Ukip Borders chairwoman Caroline Santos and former Aberdeen secretary Andy Lovie, show Ukip wanted to go further in its pursuit of St John's.

Mr Thackeray said that while "cautious mocking condemnation" of St John's had been "working well so far", the anti-immigration party had considered legal avenues.

One prominent clerical source has said the exchange between Mr Thackeray, Ukip Borders chairwoman Caroline Santos and former Aberdeen secretary Andy Lovie showed the party was "far removed from Scottish civil society".

Ukip said it amounted to no more than "chatter" on social media.

In social media posts since removed, Mr Lovie, expelled in November due to the emergence of racist and homophobic postings on a white supremacist site, states: "This is one church which should have its tax exempt status removed for blatant political campaigning."

Ms Santos responded: "Good point Andy, how can we find out more on that?"

Mr Lovie, who then confuses the Anglican status of St John's, says that as part of the "Established and Establishment Church" it should not engage in political activities, advises Ms Santos to seek legal advice and warns of a potential backlash.   

Mr Thackeray then responds: "Looking into it but cautious mocking condemnation working well so far. Oh and Coburn called the bishop."

It is the latest controversy to surround Mr Thackeray, who has been interim chairman since Ukip introduced "special measures" a year ago following a civil war which split the party in Scotland.

In January it emerged he claimed Scotland's largest council was run for the benefit of "gays, Catholics and communists", claiming Catholicism and Islam were based on "fascist ideology" and condemning curbs on a march by the far-right Scottish Defence League.

He was advised by others in the party to attend diversity training but it is understood this never took place.

One leading clerical source said the "unguarded exchange" on Facebook gave an insight into the thinking of senior Ukip personnel, adding: "I think this shows they are not working with Scottish society and as being outside of Scotland.

"They are removed from civil society and on the fringes of Scottish life."

Party regional organiser Kevin Newton told The Herald Andy Lovie was no longer a member of Ukip "when it became clear his views were found to be unacceptable to the party".

When told senior office bearers were still in contact with, and indeed taking advice from, Mr Lovie in the very recent past, Mr Newton said:  "It"s little more than chatter on Facebook. David Coburn did have strongly worded conversations

with the bishop but at the end of the day we are a libertarian party and will not be taking legal action.

"But we are outraged that the church would suggest that 10 per cent of the Scottish electorate was Fascist."

A spokeswoman for the Episcopalian Church referred to a previous statement on the mural, pointing to their tradition at St John's, the ongoing debate on immigration and adding while there had been negative comments the majority had been "positive and supportive".