Island congregation splits in protest over gay ministers 8/9/14
A third of the congregation of the biggest Church of Scotland in Harris has voted to quit the denomination in protest of the decision to allow gay ministers and the departure from Biblical teaching.
In an official ballot, some 94 worshippers voted to disassociate and 131 people opted to stay.
A further 87 churchgoers did not take part in the vote but their intentions may become clearer when the breakaway group set up a separate congregation, perhaps within three weeks.
Rather than create yet another denomination in the Presbyterian landscape, it is understood they are in talks with the Free Church with a view to continue as a new, distinct congregation.
The Free’s recent decision to drop its traditional ban on music and hymns in worship is seen as a factor in attracting the dissenting worshippers.
The secret ballot results were announced on Sunday.
Acting principal clerk of the Church of Scotland, Rev Dr George Whyte, said: "We are saddened by the planned departure of 94 members and adherents from Tarbert Church; they will be missed and we wish them well for the future.
"However, our duty now is to the 131 members and adherents who are choosing to remain with the Church of Scotland.
"The Presbytery of Uist will ensure that worship will continue as normal. Rev Colin Caskie remains interim Moderator and Rev Donald Maclennan has been appointed as locum (minister).
"We are very encouraged that so many members wish to remain with the Church of Scotland and we will be working with the congregation and its new leaders to ensure that the Word of God is preached faithfully in Tarbert."
Tarbert Church has not had a permanent minister since 2011.
Feelings that the national church was growing ever more distant from Biblical teachings have been strong amongst many within the congregation for some years though it was only after Rev Norman Maciver retired in 2011 that the issue came to the fore in Tarbert.
Two weeks ago, the presbytery organised a postal ballot of all members and adherents, sending out 312 forms. 225 were returned, a response rate of 72%.
131 people indicated an intention to remain in the Church of Scotland with 94 people expressing an intention to leave.