Aberdeen minister and members quit church over gay appointments

Reverend Dominic Smart and his church's 300 members have left

The minister of an Aberdeen church and its members have become the latest to leave the Church of Scotland in protest at the Kirk allowing the appointment of gay ministers.

Gilcomston South's minister Reverend Dominic Smart and its membership of more than 300 have been discussing the issue for some time.

Now they have decided to set up in a hotel.

The Church of Scotland said it was sorry and saddened by the decision.

The congregation took issue with the General Assembly approving the appointment of the openly gay minister Scott Rennie to Queen's Cross church in Aberdeen in 2009.

Revered Smart said: "Our decision to leave was the culmination of careful study, sincere discussion and prayer over the past four years.

"We have weighed up many different options and believe the decision we have reached has the most integrity.

"We are looking forward to the first chapter in the life of our new generation."

Reverend Rennie said he did not want to make any comment.