The Church of Scotland has reaffirmed its pledge to remain impartial over the issue of Scottish independence.

The Kirk has been meeting for their annual General Assembly over the last week, discussing a range of controversial topics, including a potential second referendum.

Instead of taking a position on the issue, commissioners endorsed the recommendation brought by the Faith Impact Forum, which recognises the diverse views of the Church's members.

Speaking after General Assembly commissioners reaffirmed the policy, Rev Karen Hendry, convener of the Faith Impact Forum, said: "The Church has an important civic role to play in the debate about Scotland's future –

in terms of helping the nation think about its values, hopes and vision.

"Impartiality does not mean neutrality or non-interest; on the contrary we seek to provide spaces for constructive dialogue and to help people recognise that we have more in common than that which divides us.

"In line with the position taken by the General Assembly 10 years ago, we have reaffirmed our position of impartiality on the question of whether Scotland should become an independent country

"This allows us to build bridges and hold honest conversations with political movements on both sides of this divide, to remind them that despite their differences they must always seek the highest interests of the people.

"Our position of impartiality reflects the fact that there will be members and ministers of the Kirk who hold contrary views on this question."