Christians are alarmed by the launch of a public consultation asking Scots whether the law should be changed to redefine marriage to include same-sex relationships and allow civil partnership ceremonies to be conducted on religious premises.

The consultation was launched by the Scottish Government last Friday. The proposed changes are being fiercely opposed by social policy group CARE and the Evangelical Alliance, who fear they would “devalue” marriage.

They accused the Scottish Government of attempting to redefine marriage “at the behest of a tiny minority for largely political reasons".

They are calling on the Scottish Government to maintain the established societal definition of marriage, warning of “massive” consequences for society as a whole if the changes are introduced.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, parliamentary officer at CARE for Scotland, said: “Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman and not two people of the same sex.

"It provides the best context for raising children and contributes to social cohesion.

"The Scottish government is making a grave mistake by seeking to redefine marriage.”

The Rev Dr Fred Drummond, Scotland director of the Evangelical Alliance, echoed similar sentiments, warning that such changes could have a detrimental effect on society.

“Marriage is God-ordained and overwhelming sociological evidence points to the benefits of marriage for children in terms of emotional security, educational achievement, health and other life prospects," he said.

“Marriage has already been undermined in our society and the consequences are easy to identify.

"At this time of social fragmentation and instability, any attempts to redefine the traditional value of marriage will further damage the well-being of our society.”

Mike Judge, of the Christian institute, expressed concern over the implications of allowing civil partnership ceremonies on church premises.

He said the proposal would create a “religious liberty minefield”.

“There will undoubtedly be legal actions taken against churches that choose not to allow their premises to be used,” he said.

“The Westminster Government, which is drafting similar proposals for England and Wales, has already accepted this.”