Free Church of Scotland allows singing

The Free Church of Scotland has overturned more than a hundred years of tradition by moving to allow music and singing during.

The decision was made following two days of discussion in Edinburgh. Ministers voted 98 to 84 to allow congregations to choose whether or not to incorporate hymns and musical instruments into their services.

Until now, Free Church congregations were only allowed to sing the Psalms but without the accompaniment of musical instruments.

The vote made during the first plenary meeting to be held since the Free Church split from the Church of Scotland in 1843.

It came in spite of some opposition from traditionalists who wanted the Free Church to continue to worship without any instruments.