The kirk is accused of trying to force Brian Casey out of a job during a massive five-year restructuring plan - but a local backlash has seen parishioners urge a rethink.
Supporters of Casey claim he must remain as minister of three Glasgow parishes that are being amalgamated.
But church leaders claim members of one the three parishes doesn’t want him and he must face up to being moved elsewhere.
The wrangle arose after falling church attendances led to a proposal to have one full-time minister for three congregations in north Glasgow - Springburn, Colston Wellpark and Tron St Mary’s in Balornock.
The Church has said the congregation of Tron St Mary’s in Balornock will not accept him as their minister.
One local campaigner said: “We feel Rev Casey is being singled out in Glasgow during the Presbytery planning process. There is clear evidence of a plan to oust him despite two congregations fighting for his installation as their minister.
“A strong workable solution has been presented to the church - the merging of Colston WP and Springburn. Questions have to be asked as to why these current plans are not only being subdued but silenced.”
The parishioner added: “How can the church attract new congregations and make people feel welcome when current hardworking ministers and their congregations are not welcome within their own church when the human rights of natural justice, equality dignity, fairness and respect are ignored?”
A petition raised by William McCool, of Springburn Parish Church, where Casey is a popular minister, states: “Brian Casey isn’t just a name. For countless people like me, he represents a guiding light and a source of faith, hope and love - a symbol of spiritual leadership that the Church of Scotland should be proud of.
“His kind words, late nights, and continuous efforts have seen thousands through their darkest days and helped them into brighter tomorrows.
“On top of this, he has campaigned nationally around drug deaths, closures of local industry and many other matters, providing a local face for people to rally around.”
The petition, which has attracted more than 500 supporters, adds: “We implore the Church of Scotland to act in the best interests of the people of North Glasgow and ensure that Rev Brian Casey continues to serve as our spiritual beacon.
“The call to sign this petition is not just a quest to save a job; it is a plea to keep a spiritual leader exactly where he is needed the most.”
Springburn MSP Bob Doris echoed local support.
He said: “Reverend Casey has served his parishioners and the wider Springburn community with great love, dedication, empathy and compassion for many years. I am sure the Church of Scotland will value that as much as I do.
“Brian offers not just spiritual support but practical help to some of the most marginalised people in our community such as those seeking refuge, living with addiction, blighted by poverty or families tragically bereaved.
“It shouldn’t take a petition to retain Brian’s service within the community. I would certainly be happy to help facilitate a positive outcome and I very much hope any reform of parish structures will secure Reverend Casey’s future for many years to come.”
A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: “The Presbytery of Glasgow is committed to continuing to serve the people of Springburn but, like all presbyteries, it has been instructed by the General Assembly to reduce staff numbers against a drop in income both nationally and locally.
“For the cluster of three congregations that Springburn is part of, this means a reduction to 1.5 full-time posts for ministers and a further 0.9 post devoted to community engagement.
“This means a total of 2.4 posts are allocated to the area.
“We recognise that having to make changes to some of our arrangements in the places where ministers serve is challenging. However, the reforms the Church has committed to make are focussed on ensuring that we make the best use of our finite resources; that all Scotland remains served by Church of Scotland ministers and to ensure the Church as a whole is equipped for Christian mission in the coming years.”
“All presbyteries of the Church of Scotland have been going through a process for a number of years and mission plans have been well examined and scrutinised.
“Although we accept that this means difficult decisions have to be taken and they come with an emotional cost, the five year mission plan affirms that the Springburn Parish Church building will remain open.
“The Presbytery of Glasgow hope the necessary reforms across the whole presbytery area will lead to growth and greater unity, shared resources, less duplicated administrative and practical work and new missional initiatives.”