Free Church of Scotland minister the Rev David Robertson at St Peter’s in Dundee said it could provide a home for “hurt and angry” Kirk members.

The Free Church of Scotland is considering lifting a 110-year ban on hymn singing.

A group of 10 ministers is calling for a change in church law because they think congregations should be given the “individual freedom” to sing hymns or psalms and play music during services.

It could help pave the way for Church of Scotland congregations, unhappy about the fact gay people could soon be admitted to the Kirk’s ministry, to merge with Free Church congregations as the absence of hymn singing is the biggest barrier.

A Kirk commission was established last May to examine the induction and ordination of active homosexuals in the ministry following the controversial appointment of the Rev Scott Rennie to Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen.

Several congregations have already said that leaving the church would be a distinct possibility if members disapproved of the findings, which will be published next May.

Last July, Free Church of Scotland minister the Rev David Robertson, who led the congregation at St Peter’s in Dundee at the time, said it could provide a home for “hurt and angry” Kirk members.

Free Church of Scotland spokesman the Rev Iver Martin insisted the proposal had nothing to do with the situation facing the Kirk, however.