The Church of Scotland has been forced to reiterate it is not taking sides in the independence debate.
It decided to act after more than 30 Kirk ministers signed a declaration of support for a Yes vote on September 18.
The ministers say they are backing separating from the UK to rid Scotland of nuclear weapons and create a more socially just country.
Among the signatories is the Right Rev Andrew McLellan, a former moderator of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly, who also served as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons until 2009.
The current moderator, the Right Rev John Chalmers, said: “Recognising the broad range of views among its members and ministers, the 2014 General Assembly decided almost unanimously to remain neutral on the issue of independence.
“In the light of a pro-independence statement from 33 serving and retired ministers, the church has been asked to clarify what proportion of ministers this represents.
“There are 794 serving ministers and 1,050 retired ministers, a total of 1,844, so approximately 1.8% signed this statement, as is their right.”
The Kirk ministers backing a Yes vote are allied to a group called Christians for Independence, led by Highland SNP MSP Dave Thompson.
Mr McLellan said: “Speaking against nuclear weapons is good, campaigning against nuclear weapons is good, and praying for their abolition is good.
“But what will change everything is voting Yes in the referendum.”
The Rev Dr John Ross, minister of Glenurquhart and Fort Augustus Free Church, said he reckoned most Christians would vote No.
“I expect the vote to be close, but with key questions still unanswered on issues like currency, defence and the place of Christianity in the public square, one suspects that many in the church will opt to stick with the Union,” he added.