The Free Church of Scotland has called on a body examining new powers for Holyrood to recognise the strength of Christianity.
The organisation has told the Smith Commission, which is meeting for the first time in Edinburgh today, that it believed equality legislation has hindered freedom of speech.
The Free Church claimed it had led to a situation whereby the Scottish Government “ignores” Christianity.
The denomination’s board of trustees chairman James Fraser said: “We believe in a non-persecuting liberal society where religious tolerance and freedom of speech are embedded into the values upheld by the state.
“We do not believe that the state should continue to ignore the fact that more than 50% of the people of Scotland describe themselves as Christians and allow minorities such as the secular society to seek to bar Christian access to schools and to make it difficult for Christian organisations to recruit the Christian staff who share the beliefs and agenda of their employing organisation.
“We are simply asking that the level playing field is restored and as a religion which still represents the majority in Scotland, we believe that the state must in all fairness listen to our plea.”
Lord Smith of Kelvin was appointed to chair the commission which will oversee delivery of powers promised by pro-UK parties during the independence referendum.
Representatives from political parties are expected to attend the session today.
Last night Lord Smith said: “Having spoken to all of the parties individually, I believe the will is there to reach agreement.
“The talks give them the chance to sit down around the table together, find common ground and begin the process of delivering what the people of Scotland expect – a substantial and cohesive package of new powers which will strengthen the Scottish Parliament within the UK.”