A GLASGOW congregation has split from the Church of Scotland over its stance on gay clergy.
St George's Tron Church, in Nelson Mandela Place, formally seceded from the Kirk on Monday.
While the 500-strong congregation is no longer part of the Church of Scotland, its leaders are in "positive and constructive engagement with the denomination", its minister said.
Last year the Kirk's General Assembly voted to accept gay clergy, provided they declared their sexuality and were ordained before 2009.
The Rev Dr William Philip, minister at St George's, said the decision "marginalised the Bible".
He said: "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. We believe the Church of Scotland is choosing to walk away from the biblical gospel, and to walk apart from the faith of the worldwide Christian Church.
"We are saddened that the Church of Scotland has departed so dramatically and decisively from its moorings in the historic, reformed and biblical faith.
"Our ongoing work remains our priority. We are a diverse, growing Christian family made up of people from all walks of life, of all ages, from many nations. We are passionate about the life of our church in Glasgow city centre, serving the city seven days a week.
"To this end, although we are no longer part of the Church of Scotland, the leaders of our congregation remain in positive and constructive engagement with the denomination.
"Our goal is to ensure that all issues around this separation are d ealt with reasonably and peaceably, and for the honour of our Lord."