(T)he Gilcomston South congregation have written to Aberdeen Presbytery confirming their intention to leave. There is a chance they could now join another denomination. It’s thought another Aberdeen church, Hilton High, may do the same.

A minister and his flock are quitting the Church of Scotland in protest at plans for gays in the pulpit.

The Rev Dominic Smart and his 380-strong congregation at Gilcomston South Church in Aberdeen are the first in the country to take the step.

They plan to strike out on their own – and are expected to be followed by other ministers and congregations.

Dad-of-four Mr Smart said: “This is us taking a stand against a decision we’re not happy with.

“It’s the strongest response a congregation can make and it’s a very serious step.
“But our convictions are clear. We have been discussing this for two-and-a-half years and feel our views are being compromised.

“However, you feel the gravity of what you are doing and it’s not something you do as a kneejerk reaction.”

Gilcomston South has been part of the Church of Scotland since 1929. Over the last 70 years, it has become one of the Kirk’s most notable evangelical congregations and Mr Smart and his congregation own the church building on Union Street.

Gay ministers first became an issue in 2009 when Scott Rennie was put in charge of Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen.

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