The Free Church of Scotland has claimed Kate Forbes is a victim of "bigotry" as her leadership campaign continues to sink.
The finance secretary, a committed member of the kirk, has faced a storm of controversy after she shared her personal opposition to same-sex marriage and children being born out of wedlock.
Forbes, who launched her campaign on Monday to replace Nicola Sturgeon, has lost the support of several senior Nationalists as a result.
The next day she said in an interview that having a child outside of marriage is "wrong" according to her religious beliefs as a member of the Free Church.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said yesterday that SNP members would have to make a "judgment about those views and whether they think those views are appropriate for someone to hold if they are leader of the SNP and First Minister".
The row over Forbes’s views has dominated the early days of the leadership campaign.
But a spokesperson for the Free Church of Scotland said it was "concerned at the level of anti-Christian intolerance which has been displayed on social media, and by some political and media commentators".
They added it was "lamentable that Kate’s honest adherence to simple traditional values would, for some, disqualify her from contributing to the public good of Scotland".
The statement declared: "Kate Forbes is standing on the basis of her policies – the fact that she is being criticised for her Christian convictions shows a level of bigotry that has no place in a pluralistic and diverse society."
The Free Church of Scotland confirmed its "historic Biblical position on marriage" that it should only be between a man and woman.
The spokesperson said: "As a nationwide denomination, the Free Church of Scotland is composed of people from all political persuasions, some of whom will not share Kate’s politics, particularly over an independent Scotland.
"Regardless of these differences, Kate is highly respected within the church as a skilful, hard-working and competent MSP.
"Furthermore, she is consistent about what she believes, irrespective of the consequences, a quality which makes for an honest politician."
Forbes is running against Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and former community safety minister Ash Regan for the leadership.
Yousaf and Regan – who will formally launch her campaign on Friday – have declared their support for same-sex marriage in light of Forbes’s comments.
Regan said she is "proud" same-sex marriage is legal in Scotland, while Yousaf has insisted he would not use his Muslim faith as a basis for legislation.
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