The Church of Scotland 2010 General Assembly Published in 2010 by the CHURCH of SCOTLAND ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN

Scottish Reformation 450th anniversary

The Church of Scotland 2010 General Assembly Published in 2010 by THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN

ISBN 978-0-86153-611-5

British Library Catalogue in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

All copy keyed by the Church of Scotland Designed and produced by APS Group, 7-9 North St David Street, Edinburgh EH2 1AW Indexer Peter B Gunn

Embargoed until 21 April 2010 Authorised for official use within the Church of Scotland only, and not for publication until 21 April 2010 CONTENTS

Council of Assembly ...... 1/1 Housing and Loan ...... 15/1

Church and Society Council ...... 2/1 Church of Scotland Investors Trust ...... 16/1

Ministries Council ...... 3/1 Iona Community Board ...... 17/1

Mission and Discipleship Council ...... 4/1 Nomination Committee ...... 18/1

Social Care Council ...... 5/1 Panel on Review and Reform...... 19/1

Assembly Arrangements Committee ...... 6.1/1 Committee on The Parish Development Fund ...... 20/1

Central Services Committee ...... 6.2/1 The Church of Scotland Pension Trustees ...... 21/1

Committee on Ecumenical Relations ...... 6.3/1 Returns to Overtures ...... 22/1

Legal Questions Committee ...... 6.4/1 National Youth Assembly 2008 ...... 23/1

Safeguarding Committee ...... 6.5/1 Special Committee on the Review of Charity Governance ...... 24/1 World Mission Council ...... 7/1 Special Commission Anent the Third Article HIV/Aids Project Group ...... 7.1/1 Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland in Matters Spiritual ...... 25/1 Chaplains to Her Majesty’s Forces ...... 8/1 Joint Report of the Mission and Discipleship and The Church of Scotland Trust ...... 9/1 Ministries Council on the Emerging Church ...... 26/1

Church Hymnary Trustees...... 10/1 Minutes of the Commission of the General Assembly, November 2009 ...... 27/1 Church Without Walls Planning Group ...... 11/1 Minutes of the Judicial Commission Delegation of The General Assembly ...... 12/1 May 2010 ...... 28/1

General Trustees ...... 13/1 Index Church of Scotland Guild ...... 14/1

COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Agree the proposals set out in the Report for continuing the work of the Parish Development Fund. (Section 1.2) 3. Agree to disband the Support and Services Council with immediate effect. (Section 1.3) 4. Agree that the Ecumenical Relations Committee should sit within the Department of the General Assembly and that the Ecumenical Officer should be in attendance at meetings of the Council of Assembly. (Section 1.4) 5. Approve the proposals set out in the Report for continuing the work of the HIV/AIDS Project as the “Church of Scotland HIV Programme”. (Section 1.5) 6. Appoint the Rev John Chalmers as Principal Clerk of the General Assembly with effect from 1 July 2010 and as Associate Principal Clerk from the commencement of the General Assembly. (Section 2.4) 7. Appoint Mrs Pauline Weibye as Secretary to the Council of Assembly with effect from 1 July 2010 and as Associate Secretary with immediate effect. (Section 2.5) 8. Agree that the Secretary to the Council of Assembly should be a corresponding member of the General Assembly in terms of Standing Order 32 (2). (Section 2.6) 9. Receive the 2009 Report and Accounts of the Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the General Assembly. (Section 5.5.1) 10. Agree that the review of the arrangement that the Convener of the Panel of Review and Reform is a member of the Council of Assembly be deferred until the completion of the Panel’s work on a new Presbytery structure. (Section 7) 11. Agree that the Council in terms of section 22 of its remit should be the body to deal with issues arising in relation to trust bodies to which the Church of Scotland appoints members. (Section 9)

REPORT

1. Governance opportunity is provided at every meeting for bringing 1.1 The Council’s Monitoring, Co-ordinating and matters before the Council. More detailed scrutiny of Evaluating Role budgets and requests for replacement or additional 1.1.1 The Council meets monthly except in January, staffing are first undertaken by the Finance or Staffing May and July and each meeting’s agenda includes Group as appropriate. reports from Councils and Committees which come within the monitoring, evaluating and co-ordinating 1.1.2 It may be of interest to commissioners to see the remit of the Council. Through a rota system Councils basis of discussion used by the Council in its engagement make substantial presentations twice a year, though the with the other Councils and Committees. This is set out 1/2 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY in the following series of requests/questions to which 1.2.2 The Fund was set up in 2002 as a five year project written answers are provided in advance: and received initial funding of £3 million (£1 million in year (i) Please give details of current areas of work and/or one and £0.5 million in each of the next four years) from the reports received at your last Executive or Committee reserves of the Mission and Renewal Fund. In addition the meeting. Fund received a proportion of a levy on the sale of church (ii) Please highlight current priorities. properties from the General Trustees. In 2006 the General (iii) Please indicate any other areas which you would Assembly agreed to continue the Fund until 2010. draw to the attention of the Council of Assembly. 1.2.3 In anticipation of this cut off date, a joint report (iv) What are the possible effects of your work on other from the Council of Assembly, the Fund Committee and Councils or Committees? the Mission and Discipleship Council was presented to last (v) Please identify any issues which concern you as year’s Assembly. This recommended that the Fund should charity trustees. continue within the Mission and Discipleship Council. (vi) Do you anticipate working within your annual However, the General Assembly referred the matter back budget? In particular, are there any issues arising to the Council of Assembly in the terms noted above. from the most recent set of management accounts? (vii) Please advise on progress towards achieving a break 1.2.4 What lay behind last year’s proposal was a even budget. concern by the Council of Assembly to control central (viii) Have you any staffing issues? costs. Clearly the Fund could not be supported (ix) Have you had or do you anticipate any significant indefinitely from the reserves of the Mission and Renewal changes in the membership of your Committee? What Fund. Indeed, over the past three years this core funding succession plans do you have in place to deal with has been at a level of £250k per annum compared with changes eg in the convenership/vice-convenership? the original £1 million in its first year and £0.5 million (x) Risk Register: Please indicate any change to your in each of the four succeeding years. The Council was Committee’s Risk Register and indicate when the also concerned, at a time when budgets are under Register was last reviewed. pressure, to ensure that all areas of work were included (xi) What are the particular needs or opportunities of within the prioritisation exercise in which Councils are your Committee that you would wish to highlight to regularly engaged. The Council is also charged in its the Council of Assembly? remit “to keep under review the central administration of the Church, with particular regard to resolving issues 1.1.3 Through discussion of the above areas, with follow of duplication of resources.” up as required, the Council takes the opportunity to ask the questions which the Assembly itself has neither the 1.2.5 Against this background the Council has time nor the detailed information to ask during the annual engaged in continuing consultation with the Fund with presentation of reports. a view to securing its future. During the course of these consultations the Ministries Council, having regard to its 1.2 Parish Development Fund work on Priority Areas Staffing and Emerging Ministries as 1.2.1 Last year’s General Assembly instructed the well as its engagement with Faith in Community Scotland, Council to consult the Fund Committee with a view to its offered to host the Parish Development Fund with a view continuation with its present structure after 2010 and to to streamlining the administration of these Funds. These report to the General Assembly of 2010. Funds will together total around £1million and have the 1 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY 1/3 potential to attract significant grants from trusts and other through the General Treasurer, Principal Clerk and funding agencies. Solicitor. This provides a mechanism for a two way flow of information. In addition the Council has agreed to 1.2.6 Under this arrangement the sum of £300K, including co-opt an Assembly appointed member of the Legal the General Trustees levy, will be “ring fenced” for the work Questions Committee, nominated by that Committee, of the Parish Development Fund for each of the years 2011 to its Governance Group. The one body which is not so and 2012. The Fund Committee will continue to oversee represented is the Ecumenical Relations Committee but the distribution of funds but will do so as a Consultative the arrangements detailed below address this situation. Forum within the Support and Development Area of the The Council of Assembly will continue to invite the Ministries Council. The Convener will become a member ex Conveners and Secretaries of these Committees to attend officio of that Council, and the Fund staff will become part the Council on a rota basis each year, and Conveners will of the Ministries Council staff team. On the expiry of the two be able to raise matters of concern with the Council at year “ring-fenced” funding the Fund will become part of the any time. In light of these considerations and following prioritisation process of the Ministries Council. consultation with the various committees, the Council 1.2.7 In commending these arrangements to the of Assembly now recommends that the Support and General Assembly the Council is pleased to do so with the Services Council be disbanded. concurrence of the Parish Development Fund Committee and the Ministries Council. 1.4 Ecumenical Relations Committee 1.4.1 Following consultation with the Ecumenical 1.3 Support and Services Council Relations Committee the Council brings forward the The 2005 re-structuring of the central agencies of following two proposals. the Church brought a number of former boards and committees into five new Councils, namely Church and 1.4.2 Firstly, the Council proposes that the Ecumenical Society, Ministries, Mission and Discipleship, Social Care Relations Committee should come within the new and World Mission. A small number of Committees whose Department of the General Assembly which it has been work did not fit into any of these Councils continued to agreed will bring together the Secretary to the Council report direct to the Assembly and were grouped into of Assembly and the Principal Clerk, along with the a “Support and Services Council”. This was essentially a main bodies which they support, namely the Council of mechanism for enabling the officials of these committees Assembly, the Assembly Arrangements and Legal Questions to meet from time to time and to appoint one of their Committees, the Committee to Nominate the Moderator conveners to the Council of Assembly. The Support and and the Nomination Committee. The placing of the Services Council had no governance role in relation to its Ecumenical Relations Committee here will bring into one member committees and its value has been called into department the support of the General Assembly and the question. Meetings are poorly attended and over the Moderator, the supervision of the agencies of the General past year none of the conveners has felt able to devote Assembly, the maintaining and development of church the time required to serve on the Council of Assembly. law, practice and procedure and the management of the The five committees – Assembly Arrangements, Central Church of Scotland’s relationships with other churches. Services, Ecumenical Relations, Legal Questions and The Council, while recognising the distinct and specialised Safeguarding – report to the Council of Assembly and roles of Council Secretary, Ecumenical Officer and Principal four of them have ex officio members on the Council Clerk, believes that value will be added to the work they 1/4 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY do through the regular contact that flows from working grants made in the future will be limited to support our within the one Department of the General Assembly. Partner Church projects furth of the UK.

1.4.3 Secondly, it is recommended that the Ecumenical 1.5.3 In all the circumstances the Council of Assembly Officer should be in attendance at meetings of the Council welcomes this commitment and has confirmed that the of Assembly to assist the Council in fulfilling its remit “to World Mission Council may engage in external fund raising encourage all Agencies of the General Assembly to work with a view to awarding grants through the “Church of ecumenically wherever possible and to have regard to Scotland HIV Programme”. the international, evangelical and catholic nature of the Church”. 1.6 Declarations of Interest As a matter of good practice the Council agenda and 1.5 HIV/AIDS Project those of its committees contain “Declarations of Interest” 1.5.1 The Project was established by the General as a standing item. The Council commends this practice to Assembly of 2002 with funding of £50K per annum all Church courts, councils and committees and, in terms until November 2007 through the then Board of World of Standing Order 125, has asked the Legal Questions Mission. In 2006 the General Assembly approved the Committee to bring forward a new Assembly Standing recommendation of the Council of Assembly that the Order in the following terms: “Members shall make relevant Project be continued for a further three years beyond declarations of interest where the topic of debate makes it November 2007 with an annual budget of £50K appropriate to do so.” contributed principally by the World Mission Council, but with additional support from the Ministries, Mission and 2. Appointments of Principal Clerk and Discipleship and Social Care Councils. The Project Group Secretary to the Council would continue to operate within the aegis of the World 2.1 The General Assembly of 2008, on the Report of the Mission Council though reporting direct to the General Special Commission on Structure and Change, determined Assembly. that the position of Secretary to the Council of Assembly, upon the retirement of the present Principal Clerk, should 1.5.2 Over the past year discussions have taken place become (i) a separate role from that of Principal Clerk, and regarding the future of the Project beyond the end (ii) a full time position, and last year’s General Assembly of 2010. It became apparent that, due to budgetary approved the remits and job descriptions for the two posts. pressures, the Councils which had given additional funding support would not be in a position to continue 2.2 The Special Commission summed up the “principal to do so. In light of this the World Mission Council has functions” of the Principal Clerk as being “to act as Clerk agreed in principle to resourcing the project, in the first to the General Assembly and, both during the Assembly instance from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013, from and throughout the year, to give advice and guidance on within its core funding. The Project will be re-named matters of procedure and church law to those who may “The Church of Scotland HIV Programme” and will be require it”. The Commission also referred to the Principal supported by a level of management and administration Clerk’s role as that of an “independent and authoritative which is agreeable and affordable to the World Mission legal adviser.” Council and consistent with the need for that Council to achieve an overall balanced budget. As the World Mission 2.3 Of the Council Secretary post the Special Commission Council has no mandate to fund projects within the UK, advised: “We would see the Secretary of the Council’s 1 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY 1/5 responsibility as one of leading change, motivating 2.7 Under these new arrangements the post of Depute people and undertaking the task in accordance with the Clerk to the General Assembly ceases to be full-time and principles of good governance. It may be appropriate for reverts to an honorarium based position. The Council will an appointment to be made of someone with relevant bring a name to the General Assembly for appointment experience gained in the private or public sector, that on this basis with effect from 1 July 2010. experience including experience in the management of change.” 3. Communication 3.1 Head of Media and Communication 2.4 In accordance with these criteria the Council is 3.1.1 In January, following the retirement of Mrs Pat pleased to ask the General Assembly to appoint the Rev Holdgate, Mr Stuart Wilson took up his appointment John Chalmers BD, CPS as Principal Clerk with effect from as Head of Media and Communication. An elder at 1 July 2010 (the date of Dr Macdonald’s retirement) and Kilmacolm: Old Kirk, Mr Wilson was previously Head of as Associate Principal Clerk from the commencement Corporate Communication with Inverclyde Council. The of the General Assembly. Mr Chalmers has considerable Council is pleased to welcome him as Head of the team experience of the life of the Church and of the working of which has responsibility for media relations, the editing its courts, councils and committees. From 1982 to 1986 he and development of the Church’s website, design services was Clerk to the Presbytery of Dumbarton and has exercised and the Church’s internal and external communication. ministries in Renton and at Palmerston Place in Edinburgh. Since 1995 he has been on the staff of the Ministries Council 3.1.2 In recognition of the key strategic role of this post (formerly the Board of Ministry) where he has had particular and of the whole area of communication it has been agreed responsibility for pastoral support of ministers. that Mr Wilson should attend and report to the Council of 2.5 Again, following the criteria set out by the Special Assembly, rather than to the Central Services Committee Commission and adopted by the General Assembly, the and that he will be line managed by the Council Secretary. Council is pleased to ask the Assembly to appoint Mrs This ensures that communication is clearly on the agenda Pauline Weibye MA, DPA, Chartered FCIPD as Secretary of the Council’s monthly meeting which brings together to the Council of Assembly with effect from 1 July and as the elected members, Council conveners and secretaries Associate Secretary with immediate effect. Mrs Weibye, and the Assembly appointed officials. Session Clerk at Craigmillar Park Church, Edinburgh, has 3.1.3 The Council sees this appointment and its placing spent her working life in the public sector in a variety within the Church’s central organisation as fulfilling the of management roles, joining local government soon instruction of the General Assembly “to develop further a after graduating from the University of Edinburgh. She is strategic approach to directing external communication, currently Head of Human Resources at the National Library including the possibility of establishing a post for a Director of Scotland. Mrs Weibye has been a member of the Central Services Committee of the Church of Scotland since 2005 of Strategic Communication”. However, the Council and Vice Convener (Human Resources) since 2006. preferred the job title “Head of Media and Communication” considering that this more accurately reflected the non 2.6 The Council proposes that, like the Secretaries of the “top down” structure of the Church. That said, the Media other Councils, its Secretary should be a corresponding and Communication Department is available to assist member of the General Assembly under Standing Order Presbyteries and congregations and keen to relate to local 32(2). and regional communication networks. 1/6 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY

3.2 Website 5. Finance A major ongoing piece of work is the re-development of 5.1 Budgets the Church of Scotland website. The first phase involves 5.1.1 As is customary, due to the necessities of printing building the structure of the new site and transferring deadlines, the detailed budget proposals for 2011 will be content from the old site. The new website will have presented in a Supplementary Report. improved navigation and search facilities and much more functionality than the current website. This will help church 5.1.2 The Council has been following a medium term plan users to find the information they need much more easily aimed at balancing the Church’s income and expenditure and improve the website’s function as a communication at a national level in a measured way. It recognised that tool for the Church. financial management information controls required to be updated. There were some significant pressures on 3.3 Presbytery Training local congregational budgets and severe pressures on the Media and communication staff have provided media budgets of Councils which will take some time to rectify. training sessions for Presbytery Clerks over the year. Financial reporting to Councils has improved significantly Around half of the Clerks took part in the training which giving more regular and timely information. This, along included how to deal with local media and how to devise with the necessary use of reserves held by Councils, has a communication strategy for Presbytery. allowed the Council of Assembly to maintain for 2010 its policy of recent years to increase the proportion of total 3.4 Annual Review resources available to congregations. Total contributions The Church’s third Annual Review will be themed to mark for 2010 of £43,670,000 are still £300,000 below the 2006 the 450th anniversary of the Reformation in Scotland. The figure. Early indications are that congregational income in second Annual Review in 2009 was again well received by 2009 was very slightly down on 2008, but, in the light of congregations and was also distributed to MSPs and local the current global economic situation and in comparison authority chief executives. with other charities, the offerings of Church members appear to have been encouragingly resilient, and for that 4. Staffing we give thanks. 4.1 The Staffing Group has continued to meet regularly to ensure that there is strong and effective 5.1.3 The Council, through its Finance Group, has governance in relation to recruitment of staff employed continued to monitor closely the financial performance by the various Councils and departments in the central of all Councils by reviewing monthly management administration. accounts and by regular dialogue with elected members and senior staff. The highlighting of the level of 4.2 Whereas the Council had established a protocol which operating deficits budgeted for 2010 in Appendix II of gave powers to the Staffing Group to progress requests for the Council’s 2009 Supplementary Report has resulted in straight replacement posts by e-mail and without recourse major reviews of spending in several Councils and it is to the Council of Assembly, a more rigorous approach has anticipated that the budgeted deficits for 2011 will show been introduced over the past year. This reflects pressure a clear improvement representing significant first steps on budgets and requires statements to be provided as to on the path to financial sustainability. This has only been the reason for the vacancy, the need for filling it and the possible as a result of robust prioritisation by Councils assurance that funding is in place to cover the costs. and painful pruning in many areas of work, but if and 1 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY 1/7 when the financial position improves again it should the giving of money. This is not the case. The hard work of allow for more vibrant growth. a stewardship programme is urgently required in many congregations which have hitherto avoided this challenge. 5.1.4 The Finance Group has also encouraged Councils to prepare budgets for more than one year ahead and 5.2.3 There was particular awareness of this problem there is evidence that better financial management when all congregations in a number of Presbyteries and greater accountability are becoming the norm were urged to undertake the pilot programme ‘Together among Councils as they strive to ensure that necessarily we make a difference’ and many were unwilling to do limited resources are used in the best ways possible. The so. The Stewardship and Finance Department can offer Stewardship and Finance Department now offers training guidance and support to congregations but cannot to budget holders in how to interpret and use the financial compel congregations to embark on stewardship information available. programmes. The support of Presbyteries is vital, and the firm support of the Presbytery of Ardrossan was greatly 5.1.5 After the sharp losses in the capital value of the appreciated. In moving away from the pilot programme investments held in reserves by Councils in 2008, there approach, the Stewardship and Finance Department is was a modest recovery in 2009. The Council continues to still endeavouring to promote stewardship programmes monitor the reserves held by individual Councils in order in particular Presbyteries through holding Presbytery to ensure that these are maintained at appropriate levels Stewardship Conferences, which inform representatives in relation to the various sources of income available and of congregations about the ‘Gifts for God’ programme and the types and patterns of expenditure necessary to carry remind them that giving enables the sharing of the gospel out Councils’ remits. through the worship, mission and service of the Church.

5.2 Stewardship 5.2.4 The Head of Stewardship and the Stewardship 5.2.1 Stewardship programmes continue to work for Consultants have addressed the issue of continuing many congregations. Results point to increases in the stewardship in congregations. While stewardship giving of money which are many times the national average programmes which involve five months’ planning for a increase for the Church as a whole, and increased numbers major event in the life of a congregation are essential when of Gift Aid Declarations and bank standing orders as a nothing has been done for some time, there is a need for committed way of giving. Where programmes have been something different to maintain the momentum created concerned with the giving of time, talent and money, there by such a stewardship programme. Materials have been have also been indications of greater involvement in the life produced to encourage the development of an annual of congregations. These programmes involve a considerable stewardship season in the life of congregations. This will amount of time and effort on the part of planning groups, help congregations to look at the giving of time, the giving and a considerable number of meetings for the Stewardship of talent and the giving of money as separate stewardship Consultants, who provide guidance and support on behalf issues over a three year period, and will mean that each of of the Stewardship and Finance Department. these aspects of Christian stewardship is addressed every three years. 5.2.2 As reported by the Stewardship and Finance Committee to the General Assembly of 2009, some 5.3 Legacies congregations still believe that their financial problems can 5.3.1 Legacies received by councils and agencies of the be solved without talking to members and adherents about General Assembly, including unrestricted legacies to the 1/8 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY

Church of Scotland, amounted to £3.77 million in 2009. has produced a more attractive leaflet, together with This is a large increase on the total of £2.15 million in 2008, guidelines for its use, which will be sent to all Congregational but a similar total to the amounts received in years prior to Treasurers after this General Assembly. The Church will 2008. In addition to these legacies, many congregations continue to advertise in The Scots Law Times and Charity have received gifts in the Wills of their members and Choice to bring its work to the attention of solicitors. adherents. While figures for 2009 are not available at the time of writing this report, the total in 2008 amounted to 5.4 Ministries and Mission Contributions £4.75 million. These legacies were received by less than half 5.4.1 By 31 December 2009 congregations had remitted of our congregations. Some congregations seem to receive £41,515,638 as Ministries and Mission Contributions for legacies regularly, while others seldom receive any. 2009. This was 98.1% of the total required. Late payments for 2008 and previous years, which were made during 5.3.2 The work of congregations and the work of 2009, amounted to £757,973. The Council wishes to councils and agencies of the General Assembly have record its thanks to all congregations which made their benefited greatly from the gifts in Wills of members and 2009 Ministries and Mission Contributions monthly by adherents. A considerable amount of the Church’s mission standing order and to all congregations which made these and service – local, national and global – would not have contributions in full by 31 December 2009. happened without these gifts. 5.4.2 Comparative returns for recent years are as follows: 5.3.3 The Council is indebted to the Church of Scotland Guild for carrying out a survey about legacy-giving among Total those who attended their national theme and topic days received in 2009. An analysis of 101 returns shows that 80% would Total to be by 31 consider a gift in their Will to a charity; that most of this Year Contributed December 80% would regard a gift to the Church at a high or medium level in their list of good causes; that a clear majority would ££% give to their local congregation if making such a gift, but 2006 43,588,762 42,836,513 98.3 some would prefer to give to a Council or the Guild. Some 2007 43,713,751 42,997,314 98.4 of those who responded indicated that they had already 2008 42,158,156 41,259,161 97.9 included such a gift in their Wills. There was a general feeling that any money given must be used, and used to 2009 42,306,451 41,515,638 98.1 meet a need, rather than fund anything which might be 5.4.3 The Stewardship and Finance Department seen as an extravagance. Any sense of misuse or waste continues to produce an annual leaflet about Ministries of money would deter people from making a gift to the and Mission Contributions. The 2010 leaflet is entitled Church. It was also clear from the responses that people do not wish to be hassled in any way where legacies Funding our Faith and has been sent to congregations and are concerned and that publicity should be restricted to circulated to commissioners. In addition to this general material being available in congregations for those who information, the Head of Stewardship has repeated last wished further information. year’s exercise of writing to each Session Clerk, giving details of his/her congregation’s Ministries and Mission 5.3.4 To ensure that information is available in Contribution, how it is used, and whether it meets the full congregations the Stewardship and Finance Department cost of ministry in the parish or not. As a result of these 1 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY 1/9 letters being sent in 2009, some congregations realised 5.5.2 Attestation of Presbytery Accounts for the first time that they were not meeting the full cost After the Accounts have been approved by Presbyteries at of their own ministry and made additional contributions the end of each financial year, they have to be submitted for during 2009. These additional contributions amounted to attestation to the Stewardship and Finance Department, £57,217. which then has to report to the General Assembly through the Council of Assembly. This fulfils the supervisory 5.4.4 The General Assembly of 2009, in revising the function required by the Church’s Designated Religious Regulations for Ministries and Mission Contributions Charity status, which is incorporated in the Regulations from Congregations, introduced provision for a for Presbytery Finance (Regulations III, 2008, section D). Giving Agreement between a Presbytery and one of The department has attested the 2008 Accounts of 42 its congregations (Regulations I, 2009, section 15). Presbyteries. At the time of completing this report the These Giving Agreements are designed to increase the 2008 Accounts of the Presbyteries of Duns and Moray had Ministries and Mission Contributions from congregations not been submitted. which are below the appropriate scale amount and from congregations which, in the opinion of Presbytery, 5.5.3 Presbytery Attestation of Congregational are capable of giving more generously. While some Accounts Presbyteries have indicated an interest in using this Presbyteries are required to attest the Accounts of permissive legislation, the negotiation of individual Giving congregations within their bounds and to report to the Agreements was not possible before determining the Stewardship and Finance Department that they have 2010 Ministries and Mission Contributions. completed this attestation and details of their findings. This fulfils the supervisory function required by the Church’s 5.5 Accounting Matters Designated Religious Charity status, which is incorporated 5.5.1 Central Accounts for 2009 in the Regulations for Congregational Finance (Regulations As in previous years, separate sets of Accounts for 2009 II, 2008, section D). Reports from 40 Presbyteries on the have been produced for each of the following: inspection of Congregational Accounts for 2008 and the • The Church of Scotland Investors Trust • The Church of Scotland General Trustees analysis undertaken within the Stewardship and Finance • The Church of Scotland Trust Department indicated that the vast majority were found • The Church of Scotland Pension Trustees to be compliant with the Regulations for Congregational • The Unincorporated Councils and Committees. Finance. At the time of completing this report the department had not received reports on the Attestation The first three of the above bodies are statutory of 2008 Congregational Accounts from the Presbyteries of corporations and the Pension Trustees are an Duns, Annandale and Eskdale, Orkney and England. unincorporated body constituted by the General Assembly. These four bodies are responsible for producing and 6. Audit Committee approving their own Accounts. The Council of Assembly 6.1 Following the decision of the 2009 General Assembly is responsible, on behalf of the General Assembly, for to merge the work of the Stewardship and Finance preparing and approving the Report and Accounts of Committee with that of the Council of Assembly, a single the Unincorporated Councils and Committees, which Audit Committee was established to take on the roles comprise Ministries Funds, Mission and Renewal Funds, of the Internal Audit Committee of the Council and the Social Care and Miscellaneous Funds. External Audit Committee which reported to Stewardship 1/10 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY and Finance. As a result, a more coordinated approach to a member of the Council of Assembly and that this the oversight of the financial controls, reporting processes arrangement should be reviewed after two years. Over and overall risk management has begun to develop which the past two years the Panel has had a major remit to will benefit all areas of the Church’s work. bring forward a revised presbytery structure and it has been mutually beneficial during this period to have the 6.2 During the year the internal auditors Scott-Moncrieff Panel convener on the Council. Noting that the Panel will (Chartered Accountants) carried out reviews of Budgeting be asking for an extension of time to complete this task and Planning and Human Resources Management. As 2009 the Council considers that the review should await the was the final year of the three year programme of evaluating completion of the task and asks the General Assembly to internal controls, a position paper on Risk Management agree with this recommendation. was also prepared. These reports made a number of recommendations to improve procedures and controls, but 8. Co-opted Members no serious weaknesses were identified. Recommendations The Council reports that Mr Martin Sinclair is a co-opted made in previous reports were also followed up and most member of the Finance and Governance Groups; Mr Findlay had been implemented or were under review. Turner (Chairman of the General Trustees) also serves on the Governance Group; and the Rev Peter Johnston is a 6.3 In his Annual Report to the Council, the partner in co-opted member of the Communication Committee. Scott-Moncrieff stated that “in my opinion the Church of Scotland has a sound framework of control which provides 9. Appointments to Trustee Bodies reasonable assurance regarding the effective and efficient 9.1 The Council reports that, acting under section 22 of achievement of its objectives. In order to consolidate and its remit which authorises it to deal with urgent matters build on the current control environment the Church arising between General Assemblies, it has appointed the needs to reinvigorate its risk management arrangements Rev Charles Robertson as a member of the Esdaile Trust. and continue to promote the role of effective risk management in all Councils.” 9.2 The Council draws the Assembly’s attention to the fact that there are a number of trustee bodies on which 6.4 In the spring of 2009 a tender exercise was the Church of Scotland is represented, either by holders of conducted for the provision of external audit services and specified offices or by appointed individuals. In the absence PricewaterhouseCoopers were appointed to audit the of any clear mechanism for dealing with matters such as the four main sets of Church accounts for five years from 2009. reorganisation of such trusts and the appointment of new Early in 2010 a similar exercise was conducted for internal trustees (the Nomination Committee deals only with General audit services and Deloitte was appointed for a three Assembly Councils and Committees) it seems to the Council year period from 2010. Deloitte intends to review the risk that it is the body best placed to take the necessary action management process before preparing a programme of and report such action to the next General Assembly. work which will look beyond the required assurances on financial policies and controls to broader issues of value In the name of the Council for money and organisational improvement.

7. Panel on Review and Reform ALAN GREIG, Convener The General Assembly of 2008 resolved that the Convener PETER BRAND, Vice-Convener of the Panel on Review and Reform should become FINLAY MACDONALD, Secretary 1 COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY 1/11

ADDENDUM understanding of the Kirk. Finlay has a way with words Retirement of the Principal Clerk and which can helpfully encapsulate the agreed outcomes Secretary to the Council of Assembly, The Very of discussions. Moreover, he has an openness to new Rev Finlay A J Macdonald MA BD PhD DD ideas and new ways of thinking which is stimulating and refreshing for all involved. Finlay’s friendly caring manner When the Council of Assembly was established in 2004 and approachability have been greatly appreciated by the General Assembly endorsed the recommendation of staff and Council members. the then Assembly Council that the Principal Clerk should be its first secretary. For the past six years Finlay Macdonald With Finlay’s impending retirement the Council would has undertaken this additional heavy responsibility with wish to put on record its sincere thanks to him for his great enthusiasm and with a deep belief that the General unstinting commitment to its work for the past six years. Assembly has given the Council a crucial role in the We wish him and his wife, Elma, a long, healthy and happy ongoing reforming and coordinating of the administration retirement with plenty of quality time to spend with their of the Church. In the early years of the new Council’s life much-loved grandchildren. there were many meetings as the task of restructuring the Boards and Committees was undertaken. Since Finlay attended the vast majority of these the workload was In the name of the Council particularly heavy with long hours in the office and further work undertaken at home. Throughout this process the ALAN GREIG, Convener Council benefited from his wide-ranging knowledge and PETER BRAND, Vice-Convener CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2 May 2010

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report.

Parish Action Resource Development (Section 4.3 of the Church and Society report) 2. Instruct the Church and Society Council to work with other partners to develop worship and discussion resources, where appropriate using real life experiences and reflections of the issues, to support congregations to engage in and act on the questions and challenges explored in its reports.

Congregational Representatives (Section 4.3 of the Church and Society report) 3. Instruct Presbyteries to ensure that each congregation has a Church and Society contact person and to provide an email address to which information can be sent and from which information can be received.

Science and Ethics 40th Anniversary (Section 7.1 of the Church and Society report) 4. Commend and congratulate the Society, Religion and Technology Project (SRTP) for its huge contribution to public debate on issues around science, religion and ethics over the last 40 years.

Economics Commission (Section 7.2 of the Church and Society report) 5. Welcome the preparatory work with respect to the proposed Economics Commission.

Mental Health (Section 7.4 of the Church and Society report) 6. Instruct the Church and Society Council and the National Youth Assembly to continue to work together to develop a better understanding of the issues of mental health in young people.

Suicide Amongst Young Men (Section 7.5 of the Church and Society report) 7. Instruct the Church and Society Council to develop the work begun on suicide amongst young men and to report to the 2011 Assembly.

Microcredits (Section 7.6 of the Church and Society report) 8. Instruct the Church and Society Council to continue in its discussions on the issue of microcredits and to report to the 2011 Assembly.

Synthetic Biology (Section 7.7 of the Church and Society report) 9. Instruct the Church and Society Council to create opportunities for congregations to engage with the issues raised by the report on Synthetic Biology. 2/2 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

10. Instruct the Church and Society Council to encourage further debate within civil society on the issues raised by the report on Synthetic Biology. 11. Encourage HM Government and European Union to develop a regulatory framework for Synthetic Biology that includes a code of ethics.

Caring for the Earth Campaigning (Section 8.3 of the Church and Society report) 12. Endorse the leading role that the Church plays in responding to climate change and instruct the Church and Society Council to work with UK and Scottish Government and others to meet the national targets in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act.

Congregational Actions (Section 8.5 of the Church and Society report) 13. Note the success of those presbyteries that have put into effect the instruction of the General Assembly 2009 to prepare a plan to enable congregations to measure their carbon footprint and ask the Church and Society Council to work with General Trustees and others to ensure all presbyteries share successfully in this work.

Eco-Congregation Scotland (Section 8.7 of the Church and Society report) 14. Welcome the incorporation of Eco-Congregation Scotland as a charitable company and encourage all eco- congregations to consider how they might fundraise to allow them to make a financial donation each year to enable the charity to grow and flourish.

Societal Issues Practical, Congregational Responses to Poverty (Section 9.1 of the Church and Society report) 15. Commend all congregations involved in practical projects with people who are experiencing poverty, and especially those featured in the report. 16. Encourage all congregations to conduct a community audit to identify how debt and unemployment affect their parish; and take positive action in response to their findings. 17. Commend to all members and congregations, the importance of welcome and hospitality and encourage Kirk Sessions to reflect on their practice in this area. 18. Urge the Council of Assembly to keep the Gospel priority for the poorest and most marginalised at the forefront of its considerations. 19. Call on Scottish and UK Governments to recognise the destructive impact of inequality on the wellbeing of all, the disproportionate impact of cuts in services on the poorest, and therefore to poverty proof all budget decisions. 20. Encourage the Church and Society Council in partnership with the Priority Areas Committee and others to continue to engage with the issues involved in benefits and routes out of poverty.

Priority Areas Action Plan (Section 9.2 of the Church and Society report) 21. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, Section) and commit the Council, in partnership with others, to its effective delivery over the next seven years. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/3 2 Travellers (Section 9.3 of the Church and Society report) 22. Note that the Church and Society Council is working with the Scottish Churches Racial Justice Group to bring forward a report on the attitudes of the Churches in Scotland to Travellers.

Politics and Government Working Ecumenically (Section 10.1 of the Church and Society report) 23. Welcome the continued ecumenical work of the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office and the capacity it gives for the Churches in Scotland to influence the framing of legislation and public debate.

Scotland’s Constitutional Future (Section 10.4 of the Church and Society report) 24. Instruct the Church and Society Council in partnership with other denominations to provide materials for discussion and reflection on the issues raised by the debate on Scotland’s constitutional future and to report to the 2011 Assembly.

Living Wage (Section 10.7 of the Church and Society report) 25. Welcome the announcement on the level of a Scottish Living Wage, and instruct the Church and Society Council to work with presbyteries to help congregations become Living Wage employers.

Human Rights (Section 10.8 of the Church and Society report) 26. Instruct the Church and Society Council to seek to establish an ecumenical working group to reflect theologically on human rights law, the practical applications of rights based policy and their implications for society.

Peacemaking Working with Military Chaplains (Section 11.1 of the Church and Society report) 27. Welcome the discussions between Church and Society staff and military chaplains on common work and encourage further dialogue.

Ethics of Campaigning (Section 11.2 of the Church and Society report) 28. Affirm that there are times when non violent direct action, involving potential or actual civil disobedience in the form of deliberate lawbreaking, may be regarded as a legitimate approach to expressing the Gospel.

Education Religious Observance (Section 12.1 of the Church and Society report) 29. Commend the development of a Master’s Module in Religious Observance and encourage school chaplains to attend the course with school staff where possible.

RME resources (Section 12.2 of the Church and Society report) 30. Welcome the proposed developments of Religious and Moral Education resources in partnership with the Religious Education Movement Scotland. 2/4 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

International Affairs Afghanistan (Section 14.1 of the Church and Society report) 31. Instruct the Church and Society Council to progress work on this issue including meeting with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence to express the concerns of the Church about the long term consequences on global stability from this conflict.

International Development and the Financial Crisis (Section 14.3 of the Church and Society report) 32. Recognise the importance of taxation in developing countries for ensuring sustainable development finance and building accountability between state and citizen. 33. Instruct the Church and Society Council to raise with HM Government the concern regarding the negative impacts of tax evasion and avoidance which are estimated to cost developing countries $160bn each year. 34. Welcome the commitment from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, supported by the UK Government, to include a country by country reporting standard in their Guidelines for Multinational Corporations by the end of 2010 and seek to see this extended to an international binding standard for all multinational companies.

Thanks and Distribution 35. Thank all those who assisted the Council in the preparation of the Report and instruct the Council to send copies of the Report with the Deliverance to appropriate Scottish and UK Government Ministers, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Members of Parliament representing Scottish constituencies, Members of the European Parliament representing Scotland, and others involved in the issues addressed by the Report.

REPORT 1. Introduction gives us a significant edge when the Council is called to 1.1 The task of the Church and Society Council is be the voice of the Church at national tables; be that in often seen or even heard in public debate and political politics, education, science and technology, moral and engagement. In that public square, the Council is called social matters or international issues. With this partnership to be the voice of the Church. But that voice is only of Council members, staff and the local church, it is the authentic if it is reflected and rooted in the experience of Council’s aim to offer wider society a distinctive Christian the living Christian Community in city, village, street and perspective in the public square. island. The true witness to God’s love, care and justice is 1.2 The Council’s remit is broad and for every issue it perhaps best demonstrated, and experienced, face to face takes up there is a queue of others waiting to be dealt with our neighbour. That is why we begin this report as with. This year’s agenda runs from Kabul to Dundee, we do every year with a report on our work to increase from Assisted Dying to Climate change, from Religious local involvement in national societal issues. Resourcing Observance to Synthetic Biology, Travelling Communities that local voice is our primary task as it is the primary to Digital Communications, Alcohol to Trident and much task of many other Councils of the Church. An authentic more. In each case the Council’s work is to help the voice voice rooted in real lives and dynamic living communities of the Church be heard and the voice of the congregation CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/5 2 be informed. Because of the breadth of its agenda, the 2.3 Media and Communications Council constantly has to make choices about what to do 2.3.1 The Council has significantly increased its use of and what to put to one side. To aid this judgement, the digital media which has allowed it to be more accessible, Council uses a specific set of criteria when deciding how more effective in its communications and more able to to allocate its scarce resources. Why this issue? Why this speak with an authentic, 21st century voice. issue now? What real difference will be seen because we pursued this concern? What is the insight from the Gospel 2.4 Science and Ethics that the church can bring to bear on study and action in this 2.4.1 Economics Commission area? The Council has to combine this reflective thinking 2.4.1.1 If ever there was a time for a fundamental look with the ongoing work to which it is already committed at what and who our economics is for it is now. Following and to decide whether or not to take up opportunities that last year’s report, the Council held three conferences with come its way beyond that formed by deliverances to the some very high profile speakers and some challenging General Assembly, critically important though these are. workshops. A supplementary report will lay out the Participation in the so called Robin Hood Tax Campaign proposed remit for a two year commission that will provide (see Church and Society website for details) is one such a unique space in Scottish Civic life for a fundamental example. Whatever conclusions the Council reaches, all discussion about what we need our economic system to that it does is rooted in the desire to communicate the do for everyone, not just those who know how to make it Gospel that is needed in every part of Scotland. work for them 2.4.2 Assisted Suicide 2. Executive Summary 2.4.2.1 With a Bill coming before Parliament which 2.1 Grid Reviewing the Action on Previous Deliverances would allow assisted suicide, the Council has been at the 2.1.1 The Table at section 3 of the report, reviewing forefront of the political debate on this issue based on the action on previous deliverances, not included elsewhere, 2009 report entitled End of Life Issues. A supplementary is a very brief review of what happened following the report will give an up to date account of what’s happening 2009 Assembly. The Council had 53 deliverances to act on this issue and what we can all do about it. on, some required very little, others involved a great deal of work. This Table gives some indication of that range or 2.4.3 Synthetic Biology responses with cross referencing to those areas that are 2.4.3.1 Synthetic Biology is the cutting edge of scientific referred to in the main report. The Council hopes that research, so cutting edge that in some ways it is difficult to this Table will give commissioners a flavour of its activity define and has a whole new language! That’s why we have outside the Assembly but also will be seen as the Council a glossary and why it is a difficult subject to comment being pro-active in being accountable to the Assembly. on. But comment we must as it raises age old questions about what we mean by progress, how we add an ethical 2.2 Parish Action dimension to debates about risks in scientific investigations 2.2.1 The Council’s work is grounded in its interaction and whether knowing how to do something means we with local congregations. It is hoped that this year the should go ahead and do it. Council can begin to achieve having a representative in every congregation, ideally some-one other than the 2.4.4 Society, Religion and Technology Project 40th minister as that both shares the load and speaks of the Anniversary events – reports on events to celebrate this whole people of God. significant milestone in the life of a project that adds 2/6 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL a great deal to our life as a church and our capacity to 2.7 Politics and Government comment on some tough issues in society. 2.7.1 Parliamentary office 2.7.1.1 The Council hosts and manages the 2.4.5 The report also includes a commitment to continue Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office on behalf of 11 to work on Mental Health issues and Micro Credits. denominations. It is a key component of the Council’s ecumenical work. The monthly update on parliamentary 2.5 Caring for the Earth activity is highly regarded by more than simply the Church 2.5.1 Responding to Climate Change Project community. This report also covers work on the General 2.5.1.1 This section reports on the work of the Climate Election, constitutional issues, the campaign on alcohol Change project and its not inconsiderable achievement in pricing and the living wage, Parliamentary visits and putting the Church at the heart of this issue in Scotland. indicates the bills that the SCPO was asked to do specific In particular, the amendment to the Scottish Parliament’s work on by one or more denominations as well as giving Climate Change Scotland Act which now puts a statutory an index of responses made to consultations. duty on Scottish Ministers to publish a public engagement strategy. The report covers the Assembly’s 2009 instruction 2.8 Peacemaking to Presbyteries to produce plans to reduce carbon 2.8.1 Following the debates at the 2009 Assembly, emissions by 5% which is now being put into effect. The the Council agreed to produce a paper on Christian report also records the success of Eco-Congregation campaigning and whether in particular it was ethical to Scotland and its successful progress towards becoming a break the law in an act of civil disobedience as part of charitable company. that campaigning. This paper outlines the arguments for and against and concludes that it is acceptable but only 2.6 Societal Issues in specific situations and after careful thought, prayer 2.6.1 Congregational Responses to Poverty and Debt and reflection. It also includes a commitment to continue report dialogue with Military Chaplains. 2.6.1.1 The credit crunch has thrown the effects of 2.9 Education poverty and debt into sharp relief and congregations 2.9.1 This section gives details of a new Master’s module across the country are looking for ways to respond. in Religious Observance created and delivered by the Congregations cannot change global economics but can Council in partnership with Glasgow University and the help their own communities. Through real examples and Scripture Union. There are 26 students on the first course. theological reflection, this report helps give the direction It also outlines new work on resourcing religious and moral that might well make the difference in other congregations education, the Stevenson Prize and support for School taking that leap in faith and making that difference. Chaplains.

2.6.2 Travellers 2.10 Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs 2.6.2.1 Travellers’ communities have been excluded 2.10.1 The European ecumenical dimension of the and discriminated against for too long. At times the Council’s work no longer involves supporting a paid institutional church has been part of that exclusion and staff member but it is still very relevant to its agenda. In discrimination. The Council is committed to working particular the rise of the far right in Europe is a cause of ecumenically towards a common response to a difficult considerable concern and one that the Council continues part of our history as a church. to monitor closely. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/7 2 2.10.2 The report also gives three examples of the 2.11.1.2 It commits the Council to lobbying for political Council operating ecumenically in the delivery of its core answers and working with others to develop a position activities: Racial Justice, FE Chaplains and Travellers. on a conflict that is in danger of seriously affecting global stability. 2.10.3 The work of the Joint Faiths Advisory Board on Criminal Justice continues to be very practical and 2.11.2 China influential. 2.11.2.1 This section explains why, after some careful reflection and ecumenical conversation, it was felt that 2.11 International Issues the time was not right to bring a full report on China to 2.11.1 Afghanistan the Assembly. 2.11.1.1 This report asks four questions about the conflict. 2.11.3 International Development and the Financial • What are the benchmarks now being used to define Crisis. success given that the war in Afghanistan is now 8 years 2.11.3.1 If ever there was a time to reach out to the old? poor of the world, it’s at a time when the rich world is itself • What are the indications that the present elected struggling. Global unemployment will reach 241 million, structures have brought any sense of stability to another 120 million will be reduced to living on less Afghanistan? than $2 a day. With some key changes to the global tax • Is this yet another sign that any commitment by nations regime which stop multi national companies avoiding tax to the UN does not include relinquishing the right in developing countries, those countries could begin to to attack another country without reference to the recover. Arguably there has never been a more opportune collective international view? time to establish systems to support sustainable sources • What role has the Church in encouraging and even of revenue for developing countries. If international facilitating alternative approaches like the traditional policymakers take the right measures now, not only could Afghan method of bringing as many leaders as possible they reduce the chances and severity of another crisis, from the ranks of opposing forces into a general but they could also kick away a major structural cause of assembly or Loya Jirga in order to actively take part in poverty. conflict resolution and the negotiation of a cease-fire? 2/8 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

3. Grid reviewing action on previous deliverances not included elsewhere

2009 Deliverance Outcome 2. Instruct the Church and Society New discussion leafl ets produced on Credit Crunch, End of life issues and Council to work with other partners the McLeish Report along with a more general one on the work of the to develop worship and discussion Church and Society Council. Leafl ets on the SRT Project, on embryos and on resources, where appropriate using stem cells have been produced. The Church and Society YouTube channel real life experiences and refl ections of now has 10 videos and 3 thematic Convener’s Blogs and a blog have been the issues, to support congregations launched (see section 5.4 for links). A monthly themed e-newsletter with to engage in and act on the links to worship material is now produced. To sign up for this please email questions and challenges explored in [email protected] its reports 3+4. Welcome the work of Link on web to Mission and Discipleship Council the Mission and Discipleship Council in producing material for Included in Education promotional materials congregations to work towards Promoted in e-news letter becoming a child friendly church and urge congregations to engage with the material and process. Instruct the Church and Society Council to work with other Councils to introduce a Child Friendly Church initiative based on URC model. 5. Urge Scottish and UK Governments Letters written to Scottish and UK Government Ministers to evidence as a matter of course how young people’s voices are heard Meetings held with Children’s Commissioner and agreement to include in the development of legislation church groups in Children’s Commissioners “big blether” and policy. 6. Instruct the Church and Society Presbytery of Melrose and Peebles and Presbytery of Argyll have informed Council and the Mission and the Church and Society Council about how they have responded to this Discipleship Council, together with deliverance Presbyteries and other Councils of the Church, to bring to the General Church and Society Council successfully advertised for Council members at Assembly of 2010 a report on the National Youth Assembly (NYA) and made 2 appointments ways in which each is enabling the Members of NYA involved in “Internet and Society” working group voices of young people to be heard in their decision-making processes Further work with other Councils ongoing CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/9 2 7. Instruct the Church and Society Letters written to Scottish and UK Government Ministers Council to lobby Scottish and UK Governments to invest further in support for parenting and to work together to ensure a consistent policy approach to supporting families 8. Encourage Church members and Web links to information on fostering and adoption created on Church and congregations to engage in and Society website support those involved in fostering, adoption and befriending. 9. Instruct the Church and Society Workshop held at Youth Assembly Council to work with representatives of the National Youth Assembly to Section 7.4 of Report outlines next steps develop awareness of models of support in congregations on the issues involved in mental illness among young people. 10. Instruct the Church and Society Agreement reached with Children’s Commissioner on joint hosting of event Council to work with other Councils later in 2010 along with other stakeholders. to facilitate dialogue between young people and the media to develop a more positive portrayal of children and young people. 11. Urge Scottish and UK Letters written to UK and Scottish Ministers Governments to end child poverty by 2020 and ensure that policies Hustings programme for General Election on issue and adequate resources are in place Information on SCPO website for churches who want to hold hustings on to achieve that aim. issue

Meetings held as part of ECP group with Alex Neil MSP, minister for communities to discuss the implementation of the Child Poverty Action group 2/10 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

12. Urge the Scottish Government Letters written to UK and Scottish Ministers to ensure that resources, including partnerships with Churches and others, are in place to deliver the ambitions of the Early Years Framework 13. Demand that HM Government Letters written to UK and Scottish Ministers uphold, respect and protect the rights of children who are asylum Moderator raised issue with Prime Minister seekers or who are traffi cked into Issue raised with MPs on Westminster visit by Church and Society Council our country. delegation (see Church and Society website for more information on visit)

Articles written in Moderator’s name in several newspapers and on Convener’s Blog

Campaign highlighted in December enews 15. Commend the development of a Course received university accreditation and launched in January with 26 major partnership delivering training participants. See section 12.1 of Church and Society report for full details for Religious Observance in schools and instruct the Church and Society Council to report to the General Assembly on progress toward implementation 16. Instruct the Council to consult Conference held with Scottish Joint Committee on Religious and Moral with a wide range of organisations Education for RME teachers with Christianity in Scotland as main topic. with a view to setting up a panel of Application to be made with Religious Education Movement Scotland to trained RME teachers, educationalists fund web based project. See section 12.2 of Church and Society report. and early years offi cers drawn from all the main Christian denominations to explore the preparation of material for publication in print and other media to aid the teaching of RME as part of the Curriculum for Excellence. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/11 2 17. Commend to congregations Copy of publication sent to every parish the Action of Churches Together in Scotland publication “A Christian Vision of Education” and encourage them to discuss the implications for their own circumstances. 18. Commend the increased work in Action of Churches Together in Scotland Education Network has taken on supporting school and FE chaplains. FE work

2 Conferences (Edinburgh and Aberdeen) delivered on defi ning the role of the chaplain by developing a template job description (see Church and Society Website) to be shared with local authorities. Future conferences planned for September (Edinburgh) and March 2011 (venue yet to be agreed)

Web based network for school chaplains created 19. Instruct the Council to discuss Work ongoing to understand opportunities this off ers with the Scottish Catholic Education Service the adaptation of their “Called to Love” materials with a view to producing faith-based sexual health materials for non-denominational secondary schools. 20. Instruct Presbyteries, in Signifi cant progress made by several presbyteries association with the Church and Society Council, to produce a plan for See section 8.5 of Church and Society report each congregation in their bounds, setting out how they will measure energy consumption in their church buildings, ascertain their carbon footprint and achieve a year-on- year reduction of 5% of their carbon footprint using the Eco-Congregation Scotland carbon footprint module; and instruct the Church and Society Council, in consultation with the General Trustees, to report to the General Assembly of 2010 2/12 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

21. Welcome the proposed Task Completed incorporation of Eco-Congregation Scotland as a Charitable Company See section 8.7 of Church and Society report and continue to support the work of eco-congregations 22. Affi rm the current commitment Funding for posts secured and 3 year work plan in place of the Church and Society Council to the ‘Responding to Climate Change See section 8.4 of Church and Society report Project’ and instruct the Church and Society Council, in partnership with other Councils, to complete the review of this project with a view to its development. 23. Instruct the Church and Letter written and reply received. Meeting agreed as part of Westminster Society Council to meet with HM visit by Church and Society Delegation (see website for more information Government ministers in the Foreign on visit) and Commonwealth Offi ce and the Ministry of Defence to urge that they carry out a fundamental review of HM Government’s foreign and defence policies with the view of taking the lead in better supporting the UNO in its peacekeeping/ making roles. 24. Affi rm that the use of torture or Letter written to UK minister ‘enhanced interrogation’ is to be deplored under any circumstance. Press release and Convener’s Blog entry 25. Continue to oppose the presence Moderator raised issue with Prime Minister on Westminster visit of nuclear weapons within the UK defence strategy, and urge HM Letter written and meetings arranged Government to have the courage Articles in newspapers and leadership to repudiate them to help facilitate international nuclear Speeches by Conveners at several events disarmament CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/13 2 26. Urge congregations to participate Campaign launched in February in partnerships with several denominations in non-violent campaign activities with postcards and information for parishes for worship, discussion and against the renewal of Trident and campaigning. in particular, to meet with or write to their MP to urge them to vote Specifi c materials included in holding hustings information for General against its renewal. Election (see section 10.3 of Church and Society report) 27. Remember before God the Army chaplains’ resources for remembrance on web commitment of all members of the armed services and their families, especially all those who daily face danger in the course of their duty and those who continue to suff er or who have paid the ultimate sacrifi ce in the service of others. 28. Commend the re-examination of Letter written and reply received (Available on the Church and Society the Military Covenant in the recent pages of website) Government initiative and urge HM Government to ensure that it is both Discussion begun with Chaplains’ committee about further joint work on fully implemented and resourced. this issue Meeting held with MOD as part of Westminster visit of Church and Society Council Delegation 29. Note the 15th anniversary of the Letter written in name of Moderator and reply received. Further letters and Chinook helicopter crash on the articles in press and on Convener’s Blog following more recent information, Mull of Kintyre, renew the call to HM (see Church and Society website for letters and links to press articles) Govt to reconsider the judgement of “gross negligence” on Fl Lts Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook, and re- iterate the pastoral concern of the Church for victims families 30. Strongly encourage HM Letter written to appropriate UK Minister Government urgently to seek a political settlement in Sri Lanka which would be fair to all communities within the island and which recognises the legitimate concerns of the Tamil people. 2/14 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

31. Express deep regret at the loss of lives in Sri Lanka following the civil war between the government and the LTTE 32. Recognising the diffi culties and Prayer requests on website dangers facing Sri Lankan Christians in being a prophetic voice, urge Church members to remember them and their plight in their prayers. 33. Encourage the Church, at all Web link to Christian Aid for access to resources levels, to support the work of agencies working with internally displaced people within Sri Lanka, in calling for their safe return to their homes. 34. Express deep regret at the loss of Letter written to appropriate UK Minister lives in Gaza and Israel following the recent incursion by Israel into Gaza. 35. Strongly urge HM Government Letter written to appropriate UK Minister to continue to engage fully in the peace process and the two state solution for Israel/Palestine. 36. Whilst recognising that the Addictions Blog launched (http://www.addictedlifestyles,blogspot.com) responsible use of alcohol has a place within today’s society, encourage all Church members to re-examine our attitudes to alcohol in the light of its potentially addictive nature and the damaging consequences of its use. 37. Commend those congregations which make premises available to groups and agencies which support those suff ering from addiction and encourage other congregations to do the same as appropriate. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/15 2 38. Encourage congregations and Church and Society Website now has links to Crossreach, Alcoholics Presbyteries to support Crossreach Anonymous and the programme ‘How to Drugproof Your Kids’ and other care projects concerned with addictions in their local area. 39. Commend the Scottish Govt on Letter written to Scottish Ministers the recent Scottish Government reports on drugs and alcohol; Campaign on alcohol pricing begun (see section 10.5 of Church and Society “Changing Scotland’s relationship report) with alcohol”, and “The Road to Minimum pricing campaign on agenda of Moderator’s visit to Holyrood Recovery”, and welcome the emphasis on recovery within its approach to drugs. 40. In the light of changing cultural End of life discussion starters available via Church and Society Website. attitudes, instruct the Church and Letters written to MSPs (http://www.churchofscotland.org). Articles in Society Council and the Worship newspapers, on End of Life and Convener’s Blog and in Life and Work. and Doctrine Committee of the Worship materials produced. This is a live political issue. More details in Mission and Discipleship Council supplementary report to prepare material to encourage debate in churches and Presbyteries on the issues raised in the ‘End of Life Issues’ report. 41. Commend the work undertaken Life and Work article published and Starters for Discussion leafl et produced by both the health care and voluntary sectors in providing care and comfort to all those approaching the end of their lives; encourage local congregations, the government and the wider community to affi rm the intrinsic dignity and worth of all people and recognise the pastoral needs of families, friends and the professionals involved in end of life issues. 2/16 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

42. Commend the report “Living and Report link on web and Starters for Discussion leafl et produced Dying Well: A National Action Plan for Palliative and End of Life Care in Letter written to appropriate UK and Scottish Ministers Scotland”, recognise the need for Facilitated ecumenical response through working group on wider discussion increased resources in many aspects on issues of death, dying and bereavement. of palliative care and instruct the Church and Society Council to raise this matter with the Scottish Government recognising the priority of improved co-operation, education and co-ordination among relevant agencies and service providers, individuals and families.’ 43. Instruct the Church and Society See section 7.5 of report Council to examine further the issues surrounding suicide in Scotland, especially amongst young men. 44. Encourage Church members to Web link created on Church and Society pages of website make blood donations regularly, to join the Organ Donor register and to make their wishes known to their family; and honour the families who have agreed to donation of their loved ones’ organs after death. . 45. Instruct the Church and Society Remit created through a programme of conferences. See section 7.2 of Council to prepare a remit for a Church and Society report. Commission on agenda for Moderator’s Visit to Commission which would consult Holyrood. widely and refl ect theologically and which would aim to contribute to changing perspectives on how values and ethics should inform the operation of economic systems at a global, local and personal level and report to the General Assembly of 2010. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/17 2 46. Encourage the Church and Discussions held with Glasgow Caledonian University to research the best Society Council to explore the issues methods of delivering this involved in the provision of micro credit and fi nd ways in which the Church may consider supporting or enabling the use of micro credits as a means of contributing to ending poverty in Scotland, and to consult with other Councils and bring proposals to the General Assembly of 2010. 47. Note with concern the impact of Letters written to NI and UK Ministers the collapse of Presbyterian Mutual, and urge the UK Government and devolved executive in Northern Ireland to take urgent action to resolve the situation. 48. Instruct the Church and Society Meetings arranged with CBI Scotland and Scottish Council for Development Council to meet with business and Industry. Reports of those meetings on the Church and Society organisations to discuss the Cadbury website Code of Conduct, asking how it might be updated so that the culture within the fi nancial services sector refl ects greater social responsibility and justice. 49. Urge congregations to assess Discussion starters available on Church and Society Website local community needs in light of the credit crisis and identify areas where resources can be found to help meet those needs. 50. Commend to congregations Copy of the publication was sent to every parish. A working group is doing the Joint Faiths Advisory Board on an audit of churches and groups involved in family support in order to Criminal Justice publication, “What coordinate their work and encourage more involvement across Scotland Can I Do?” and encourage them to respond to the suggestions contained in the document. 2/18 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

51. Commend to Presbyteries Leafl et completed and available via website and Kirk Sessions for study the Report of the Prisons Commission entitled “Scotland’s Choice” (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ Publications/2008/06/30162955/0), which seeks to tackle overcrowding in Scotland’s prisons by recommending an end to sentences of less than six months with a strengthening of community sentences and services, and encourage Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions to express their views to the Scottish Government 52. Instruct the Council to consider Discussed at ACTS Rural Network and Scottish Churches Racial Justice Group. the question of how the Travelling Proposal for next steps at section 9.3 of the Church and Society report People have been treated in the past and how they might be properly recognised by the Church and the state in the future 53. Thank all those who assisted the Letters written to PM, First Minister and Scottish, Ministers, all MPs and MSPs Council in the preparation of the and others as indicated. Some acknowledgements of interest and follow-up Report, and instruct the Council to requests for information were received as a result of distributing the report send copies of the Report with the to all MPs and MSPs. Deliverance to appropriate Scottish and UK Government Ministers, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Members of Parliament representing Scottish constituencies, Members of the European Parliament representing Scotland, and others involved in the issues addressed by the Report Deliverances from other Councils

Ministries Council CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/19 2 21. Instruct the Ministries Council, Plan in draft stage. Details in the Ministries report in partnership with the Church and Society Council, to bring forward to the General Assembly of 2010 a template for use by all Parish Ministers and employees in creating a ‘Green Travel Plan’, and to set up a Reference Group to assist in this task

4. Parish Action make use of its resources. They include news, campaign 4.1 Visiting Presbyteries materials, discussion starters and information about a wide 4.1.1 Staff from the Church and Society Council have range of issues. They are available to download freely from been invited to full presbytery meetings, committee the website or can be posted directly to congregations. meetings and events organised by presbyteries for church There is still a limited awareness of the Council’s work in members. These have all been valuable opportunities supporting congregations. The aim is to have an email to raise awareness of the issues covered by this report. contact in each congregation who will receive our news The most sought after topic this year has been ‘Climate and keep their own members updated with information. Change’, but the ‘Credit Crunch’ and ‘End of Life Issues’ Recent campaigns on issues such as the ‘minimum pricing have also been high on the agenda. We hope that of alcohol’ and ‘assisted suicide’ could be even more more church members will be inspired to take action in effective if we could reach more church members. Send a their communities to share the hope of the Gospel. We contact address to [email protected]. More encourage presbyteries to plan local events and make use than ever we need a Christian voice to be heard in our of the Church and Society Council to provide resources increasingly secular society… and 600,000 Christian voices and speakers. would be even better.

4.2 Annual Conference 5. Media and Communications 4.2.1 This took place in Aviemore in September and was 5.1 The Council has continued to play its role as the well supported by people from Abernethy Presbytery and voice of the church in civic debate using both traditional beyond. The main theme was the ‘Credit Crunch’ but a and new media. As noted elsewhere the Convener has wide range of workshops was offered including valuable developed a significant media profile. He has given over input from the Parish Development Fund. Summaries, 200 interviews often having to take quick advice and make presentations and film clips of the event are available on rapid judgements whether or not to make comment. our web pages. The 2010 conference will take place in the Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling, on Saturday 11 September. It Details of the coverage in printed press can be found on would help the Council’s ability to be most effective in its the Church and Society website. New media have meant support for congregations if each presbytery could ensure that the Church’s voice is being heard, and commented that they are represented at that conference. on, world wide which is what might be best described as a mixed blessing. The Council is pleased to take part in the 4.3 Resources wider review of communications that is being undertaken 4.3.1 The Council would encourage congregations to within the Church. 2/20 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

5.2 The Council has developed diverse information blogs. The web-pages are updated regularly with news products that address the variety of its audiences. Some of and events, and allow readers to consult, download and the products are specifically paper-based (leaflets, reports, print required sections. The purpose of the blogs is to keep booklets) and others are digital. The Council has developed the audience updated on current information, events and a number of topical leaflets addressing bio-ethical issues, news relating to the life and the work of the church. They end of life issues and poverty and economic issues. Some are instruments to voice opinion and develop allegiance. include discussion starters so they can be used within the context of study groups. Generic leaflets on the work of the 5.4 The Council’s blogs were developed gradually Council and the work of Society Religion and Technology throughout 2009 to reflect the areas of interest of the (SRT) project have also been produced. These resources Council, namely climate change, end of life issues, and are available during presentations to congregations and addictive behaviours. The fourth blog presents the views at events. of the Convener on a variety of issues relating to the work of the Council, and his life as a parish minister. http:// 5.3 The three main digital products used by the Council churchsociety.blogspot.com/. Council members and staff, are the Church and Society web section within the Church as well as specialists, have contributed set pieces for the of Scotland website, an electronic newsletter and the blogs. To date, their visibility is presented in Table 1.

Name of Blog URL Readership Geographic Spread Eco-Congregation http://www.ecocongregationscotland.blogspot.com 1402 hits 70% UK Scotland from March 2009 - Feb 18% USA 2010 3% Canada

53 diff erent countries have visited End of Life Issues http://www.endofl ifeissues.blogspot.com 593 hits 42% UK and Debate from April 2009 to Feb 37% USA 2010 5% Canada

5% Brazil

31 diff erent countries have visited CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/21 2 The Convener’s http://www.convenersblog.blogspot.com 581 hits 90%UK Blog from October 6% USA 2009 to Feb 13 diff erent countries 2010 have visited Addicted Lifestyles http://www.addictedlifestyles.blogspot.com 117 hits 73% UK from July 2009 to Feb 20% USA 2010 9 diff erent countries have visited

5.5 The electronic newsletter contains commissioned currently has 3 films with an average number of 20 visits per articles written by Council members or specialists in specific film. It is expected that as the range and variety of films fields. The articles and news items reflect themes relating increase, the channels will develop a steady following. to the work of the Council. Links to Starters for Sunday and other prayer resources relate the work of the Council 5.7 Twitter is currently used to disseminate news about to its spiritual perspective and have addressed topics recent postings in the blogs and the YouTube channels. such as climate change, end of life, poverty, economics There are currently 190 subscribers to our tweets. and justice, and peacemaking. The newsletter is a prime 5.8 Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/group. mechanism to generate support for specific campaigns as php?gid=45318197008 The Council has maintained its it is delivered to over 4,000 people by email. You can sign presence on Facebook continually updating its “wall” up to receive this e-news on the church’s website or by with news of information resources, activities and emailing [email protected] events organised by the Council. There are currently 165 5.6 YouTube. The Council has developed two channels subscribers. in YouTube as well as a presence on Facebook and Twitter. 5.9 In addition, the Council experimented with the The Church and Society Council’s channel is available at use of video conferencing facilities at “121” and hosted http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ChurchandSociet y#g/u. Currently this channel has 10 films ranging from an a conference on the impact of virtualisation on Scottish overview of the Council’s annual conference, to excerpts society. The main speakers were distinguished academics of conferences by experts in economics and banking. from the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Melbourne Collectively the channel has received over 450 visits, and Texas A&M. The latter two delivered their presentation averaging slightly over 40 views per film. and handled questions from the audience entirely through the use of Skype. It is expected that this type 5.6.1 The second channel was established for Eco- of communication will increase as the Council strives Congregation Scotland and is available at http://www. to achieve more cost effective use of communication youtube.com/user/EcoCongregationScot#g/a. This channel media. 2/22 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

6. Convener’s Report unforeseen consequences. Many have raised ethical and 6.1 The tasks required of the Council Convener have grown moral questions as to how and where technology can over recent years to include a great deal of representational and should be applied to benefit the largest number of work on behalf of the Church and to be one of the public people. faces of the Church in the media. This year the Convener 7.1.3 The Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) project has spoken at many events as diverse as conferences was initiated by the Church of Scotland in 1970, to help on housing and homelessness to a rally about the G20 the church to engage constructively with the scientific meeting in St Andrews. He has spent some significant time community in Scotland and beyond. For almost 40 years, working with the Muslim community on issues of aid and the SRT project has been involved in informed debate with support for countries under environmental threat and in many interested parties: government, regulators, industry, support of them as they face racist attacks from others. The scientists, the church and the general public. The variety task is to communicate our values to public debate and be of publications which has resulted from the work of the present when those debates are happening. SRT project stand as eloquent testimony to the dedicated 6.2 The Convener has represented the Church on work of many people over the years, and many individuals and been involved in discussions with: The Scottish have been stimulated to think and to act through the work Government’s group Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons, of the project. the steering group for the proposed Scotland Mandela 7.1.4 The Church has something to say… Centre, the Faith Communities, the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual 7.1.4.1 The Church in Scotland comprises people with and Transexual group and the Scottish Government’s professional expertise in many areas. Some of these may Equalities Unit. He has also attended several one-off events be considered by some people as controversial. As the on behalf of the Council. national Church, the Church of Scotland can call on a this wide range of expertise and experience from within and 7. Science and Ethics to be able to harness even a fraction of this strength in 7.1 Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) Project 40 depth, and to then apply the resulting wisdom, is of great years on benefit to all. The SRT project seeks to assist the Church 7.1.1 In 2010, the SRT project celebrates its 40th in being faithful to Jesus’ call to his followers to be “salt anniversary, with events including sponsored lectures and light” in the world, including the arena of science and at both the European Society for the Study of Science technology. and Theology (ESSAT) and the Edinburgh International Science Festival. A conference was also held on May 1st in 7.1.5 Honest Disagreement Edinburgh City Chambers. 7.1.5.1 Within the Church, there is a variety of views on almost any subject. The ability to honestly engage in 7.1.2 For those 40 years, the SRT project has engaged with dialogue with those who don’t necessarily agree is one a huge variety of issues: GM foods, climate change, embryo of the strengths of scientific investigation. While this may research, nuclear weapons, the internet, nanotechnology not result in the “black and white” answers that many seek, and synthetic biology. Science and technology have had faithful honesty before each other is healthy and useful; an enormous impact on all aspects of human life, in many progress on breaking down prejudice and misinformation cases changing the way we think of ourselves and society. (the false “science versus faith” dichotomy, for example) Most of these impacts have been positive; some have had is contingent upon informed debate and discussion. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/23 2 Dialogue with the scientific community demands that Special Commission might best address. The main part of we maintain integrity and respect, while engaging in this consultation has been a series of three agenda setting constructive debate. conferences, each of which brought together about 50 well-informed participants, bringing a wide range of 7.1.6 Current and Future Interests perspectives on economic matters, broadly defined, and 7.1.6.1 Current areas of interest for the SRTP include so the conferences formed a high level consultation across economic matters, end of life issues and synthetic biology. many elements of Scottish society. The committee sought A number of other issues remain on the horizon, for to bring together participants with a varying experience in future consideration: areas such as nanotechnology, order to enable profound debate about the nature of the risk, neuroethics, sustainable agriculture and genetic economy rather than achieving a cosy and unchallenging enhancement are likely to be among these. consensus. Participants were also repeatedly reminded that 7.2 Economics Commission the meetings were not designed to answer questions, but 7.2.1 Economics Committee - This committee was instead to provoke them. Given that purpose, the format established following a deliverance of the General of high level consultation was very successful. Full reports Assembly of 2009. It was charged with preparing a report of each meeting are included in appendices (accessible for this General Assembly that would include a remit through the Church and Society webpages). for a Special Commission on the Economy. The Church and Society Council sought the authority of the General “What is the international economy for?”: Keynote Assembly for this project. It believed that it is important speaker: Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander, MP, Secretary for the Church to speak to the great uncertainty caused of State for International Development. by the recent financial crisis, which has led to the partial nationalisation of two of Scotland’s largest companies: Against the backdrop of increasing globalisation and • to make the case for the widespread adoption of the the sudden emergence of fragility in international exemplary standards of economic virtue that have for finance, this conference brought together people centuries been an integral component of Christian with an understanding of economic development, teaching; from churches, the third sector and formal institutions. • to continue to provide a voice for those people excluded Substantial debate revolved around the capacity of by a market oriented economic structure. market oriented institutions to engender equitable growth and the achievement of social goals. The 7.2.2 While the immediate responses to the current crisis key question for the Commission might be, “What will be in place by the time the proposed Commission constraints does an understanding of development on Economics reports, it is important for the Church to based on the achievement of human flourishing understand the nature of the institutional fragility that has (within the context of the creation narrative) place on been demonstrated in the past two years and to prepare the design of international economic institutions?” itself to engage in a public ministry appropriate to the presumably difficult conditions of a long, slow recovery.

7.2.3 To fulfill the General Assembly’s charge, the committee has consulted widely both within and beyond the Church, to determine the nature of questions that the 2/24 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

“What is the market economy for?”: Keynote speaker: be a priority to answer questions such as, “There is a John Swinney, MSP, Finance Secretary in the Scottish place at the Lord’s Supper for everyone; how might we government ensure that the economy is a social institution serving those in greatest need?” Informed by the consequences of the bank nationalisations required to avoid the complete 7.2.4 The Committee has considered how the Special collapse of the payments system in the UK in late Commission might best be designed. The working group 2008, this conference was attended by representatives on Justice and Markets recommended the model of the of the financial services industry, business and wider Baillie Commission of 1940 – 19451 as a previous occasion civil society. While there was consensus that a return on which the Church of Scotland systematically considered to ‘business as usual’ is undesirable and impossible, large social questions. While the social dislocation caused once again, there were substantial disagreements by the recent financial crisis is relatively mild compared about the nature of the interventions in economic with the descent of Europe into total war, it is possible activity that best serve the needs of society, perhaps to conclude that one reason for success of the Baillie reflecting disagreement on the value of measures of Commission was the failure of the Church throughout the economic activity as measures of social well-being. 1930s to respond imaginatively to the Great Depression, The Commission may wish to consider questions and in particular its failure to represent the needs of the such as, “How should economic activity be structured unemployed and dispossessed. It might be considered in a society in which market-oriented institutions that the Baillie Commission provided a theological predominate in order to achieve Kingdom values?” justification for social measures, such as the creation of the welfare state, the National Health Service and widened access to educational opportunity immediately after the “What is the social economy for?”: Keynote speaker: Second World War. In doing so, it spoke of the needs of its own time, providing a model of Christian compassion, Julia Unwin, CBE, Chief Executive, Joseph Rowntree sympathy and imagination that strengthened the Church’s Foundation witness. To some extent, there was greater consensus among the participants of this conference. The nature of the 7.2.5 Adopting the Baillie Commission model, this social economy, in which charitable institutions and Special Commission on the Economy would undertake its other organisations with not-for-profit objectives have investigations over a period of two years, reporting to the an important role, is perhaps broadly consistent with General Assembly in 2012. much of the Church’s recent thinking on social matters. The consensus seemed to be based on an awareness 7.2.6 These considerations suggest that the model of the Baillie Commission requires substantial amendment of the differences between an informal, relational economy, in which the parties to any transaction are 1 Church of Scotland. Commission for the Interpretation of God’s Will in fully aware of each others’ needs, and a formalised the Present Crisis. 1942 God’s will in our time : being the report presented market economy, in which a veil of anonymity prevents to the General assembly of the Church of Scotland in May 1942 / by such identification of needs. For the Commission, it may the Commission for the interpretation of God’s will in the present crisis Student Christian Movement Press, London CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/25 2 before being applied in this case. The extent to which this strengths and weaknesses of existing work relevant to the might be necessary emerged quite late in the committee’s Commission’s investigation. The Committee has begun deliberations. As a result, this report contains only the the process of seeking funding from other sources, such principles recommended to guide the work of the as the Joseph Rowntree and Templeton Foundations. proposed Special Commission. Detailed recommendations will be included in a supplementary report. 7.2.10 The Commission would report to the General Assembly of 2012. However, one reason for establishing 7.2.7 The Committee believes that the main role of the the Commission is so that the Church might speak Special Commission should be to support the Church’s authoritatively on matters of current concern therefore universal ministry. The remit of the Special Commission the Commission should feel free to issue discussion might include consideration of: papers and other publications separately from the cycle of 1) What is the Church’s role in providing global society reporting to the General Assembly. with a new vision of what might be achievable? 2) How might we link community values (such as justice) 7.3 Assisted Suicide to economic measures of success? 7.3.1 The Council has continued to be active in a number of 3) What changes in people’s attitudes and beliefs towards fora with regard to the public debate on assisted dying. This the economy might be desirable? has included the publication of a number of articles and letters in the press, as well as submissions to official consultations 7.2. 8 The Committee recommends that the Special and engagement in political and social debate. Commission should be given the duty of listening to the experience of the people of Scotland, working with 7.3.2 A number of important issues are encompassed Presbyteries to arrange meetings that continue and widen within this debate from good access to palliative care the conversation. (in the widest sense, caring not just for the physical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of people coming 7.2.9 The Commission will receive support from the towards the end of their lives), to the notion of autonomy Church and Society Council, but to succeed, it will and the effects which our actions have on those around be necessary to build a network of external support. us. Fundamental to the entire debate, however, is the Discussions have begun with Heriot-Watt University recognition that a boundary exists within society which intended to lead to the formation of a Knowledge Transfer prohibits the deliberate ending of the life of another human Partnership. This would be an agreement between the being. All forms of assisted dying, by definition, remove that Church and the University, where the University would boundary. The key question, which is often ignored in the make available technical skills to enable the Church to debate around assisted suicide, is what impact the proposed develop activities that would not otherwise be possible. removal of that taboo will have on society as a whole not just The Partnership would be part funded by the Church on the small numbers of individuals whose lives are likely to and Heriot-Watt University, but it would also receive be directly impacted (at least in the first instance). grant funding from the Technology Strategy Board of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. The 7.3.4 The presentation in January of the End of Life cost would be approximately £30,000 per year, and the Assistance (Scotland) Bill2 to the Scottish Parliament has partnership would provide for the appointment of a full allowed the Church and Society Council to, once again, time Knowledge Transfer Associate with the skills to drive forward the Commission’s activities, and evaluate the 2 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/38-EndLifeAssist/index.htm 2/26 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL be actively engaged in this debate. Given the potential 7.4.5 Suggested ways of improving mental health effect of this legislation on the most vulnerable in included diary-writing, emptying thoughts out of your society, the Church is concerned that it is not enacted. A head onto paper, exercise, allowing yourself to express supplementary report will be submitted to the General emotion and being part of a group. Also recommended Assembly which will take account of the progress of this were Ignatian / awareness prayer: trying to discern where legislation. God is in situations in your life, identifying aspects of the day that were good, and aspects that were bad, and trying 7.4 Mental Health to spot God in them. 7.4.1 A consultation on mental health with the 2009 National Youth Assembly was facilitated by Church and 7.4.6 Among the issues that participants would like to Society Council member Rev John McMahon on Saturday see addressed by the Church in relation to mental health 5 September. is a more open and honest approach to mental health issues, including clarity from the pulpit: fostering the idea 7.4.2 A group discussion took place on mental health that sometimes it is OK and normal not to feel great; and awareness. Points arising from discussion included noting that sometimes life can feel awful. that everyone has a mental health status of some sort; 25% of people live with a mental health issue, and there is 7.5 Suicide Amongst Young Men a major stigma attached to mental health issues. 7.5.1 Following debate at the 2009 General Assembly, the Assembly instructed the Church and Society Council 7.4.3 Churches in general are not seen as being good at to “examine further the issues surrounding suicide in addressing mental health issues. There is often a perception Scotland, especially amongst young men.” of Christianity that perpetuates a pressure to appear “fine”: a sense that if you reveal mental health issues, your faith 7.5.2 To this end, a working group has been set up is judged, because as Christians we should be relying on under the chairmanship of Dr W Sinclair Scott. The group God. comprises a number of people from different churches with expertise in areas related to this issue. It is anticipated Mental health impacts on all aspects of life including that a significant and useful outcome will emerge from social and employment status. While there are benefits to this piece of work not only in helping local churches to therapeutic relationships, one of the best ways of dealing actively engage with the issues and consequences around with mental health issues is having someone to listen in a youth suicide, but also to make a contribution to the wider healthy relationship. debate. The Church has much to offer, and also much to learn. 7.4.4 One participant shared a little of their personal experience with having a mental health issue – fully 7.6 Microcredits expecting the church environment to be the worst place 7.6.1 The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland of to reveal the issues they were facing, they held off for a 2009 endorsed a report entitled “Justice and Markets”. This long period of time, choosing to conceal this aspect of report reflected on the current economic situation, and life. When they had enough courage to finally confide in sought to bring an ethical perspective to economic activity. someone at church, they found the church community The report highlighted the role that individuals within the to be incredibly supportive and loving, but it had taken a Church (eg Rev Henry Duncan, widely recognised as the long time for them to feel able to do this. founder of the savings bank movement) as well as the CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/27 2 church as an institution has played in economic issues in (Faith in Scotland Community Action Fund and/or the past. Parish Development Fund) to encourage them to move towards including a loans method of supporting new 7.6.2 It was also noted that the Church has a responsibility developments in their work. to care for those who have fewer monetary resources, who • support the development of a new, dedicated will be at the front line of many of the effects of the current microcredits organisation for Scotland (effectively a recession; the report sought to explore ways in which the Church might be able to contribute to the alleviation of Church of Scotland microcredit company). difficulties encountered by people within the Church and 7.6.5 All these models need to be set in the context of the in the communities the Church serves. need for an agreement with the Department of Work and 7.6.3 Among the areas to be explored is that of Pensions about how loans and early income from micro microcredit. The Church has opportunity and capacity businesses would affect benefits and to take into account to invest deliberately, but also has a responsibility to see at the changing political scene at a UK and Scottish level. that resources invested show some return even if this was over a long period, eg over 10 years. In addition, it 7.7 Synthetic Biology is recognised that the Church, other than in partnership, 7.7.1 Introduction does not necessarily have the right expertise or 7.7.1.1 This report has been produced under the infrastructure to make the best use of its capacity to auspices of the Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) provide microcredit. Project of the Church of Scotland, and sets out to examine some of the ethical, theological, moral and social issues 7.6.4 There have been discussions around a number around the field of synthetic biology. This field of research, of options about how to take forward this opportunity. which has been styled as ‘creating life’ and ‘Life, version 2.0’, These have looked at a number of possible models, holds out much promise, but also raises many questions. A identifying strengths and weaknesses and potential glossary of some of the technical terms used is provided at impact against investment risks for the Church. the end of this report; in addition a longer, more technically It is proposed that a small piece of research be detailed version of this report is available on the pages of commissioned, to investigate possible ways of moving the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland forward with this in order to ensure that the maximum website (www.churchofscotland.org.uk). benefit is gained both by the Church and the potential beneficiaries. Models which may be looked at might be 7.7.1.2 Synthetic biology is a new field of scientific for the Church to: endeavour that has strong parallels with the development • Make a commitment to another organisation being of the synthetic chemistry revolution of the 19th and 20th developed in this area (eg Grameen Glasgow) that the century which resulted in many of the great industries of Church would promise to invest a significant sum to be the 20th century3. In the 19th century chemists learned used as loan capital once that organisation is set up. how to synthesise compounds that had previously only • reach an agreement with organisations already in existence (eg credit unions, Scotcash, grand central 3 Kitney, R.: An engineer’s view of applications. People and savings, etc.) that they could administer microcredit Science, Sept 2009, p. 18. http://www.britishscienceassociation. loans locally using cash the church invested in them org/NR/rdonlyres/FC99C5C7-C79A-400D-8C3F-4762954DD981/0/ • Work with structures within the Church of Scotland PeopleandScienceSept09.pdf 2/28 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL existed in nature4. In 1828 Friedrich Wohler was the first effort to sequence the entire human genome, a 10 year person to synthesise an organic compound – urea – from project completed in 2001. Work by Claude Shannon purely inorganic components. This sent shock waves in 1948 established the basis for the information and through the scientific community of the time because communication technology (ICT) revolution that led to it was thought that there was something special and the high speed telecommunication networks and high irreducible about living things5. This was followed in 1858 performance computers which have been essential to the by the production of synthetic quinine from benzene development of synthetic biology8. leading to the production of a new synthetic purple dye named mauve, and in 1897 the Bayer Company in Germany 7.7.2.2 A number of reports which include details of the produced the synthetic drug Aspirin6. Synthetic chemistry technical development of synthetic biology have been made possible the development of the pharmaceutical produced; interested readers are particularly referred for industry as well as much of the food industry, detergents further information to the reports of the Royal Academy of 9 and plastics. Many observers believe that the field of Engineering and the Royal Society . synthetic biology has the potential to create in the 21st 7.7.3 What is Synthetic Biology? century a technological revolution as great as, or even 7.7.3.1 Synthetic biology, as the term implies, is concerned 7 greater than that generated by synthetic chemistry . with artificial or unnatural10 living organisms or life. Life is a difficult concept, especially as we tend to think in terms of 7.7.2 Historical Emergence of Synthetic Biology human or sentient life. However, in the present applications 7.7.2.1 Major developments over the last sixty years in of synthetic biology, life is considered in biochemical terms the fields of biology, physical sciences and engineering and is mostly concerned with some of the simplest forms were the precursors to the recent emergence of of known life, such as bacteria and viruses. It is important synthetic biology. Increasing understanding of biological to grasp that all life forms are composed of molecules (eg mechanisms and an ability to deploy computing power proteins, sugars, DNA, RNA, lipids), which are in themselves to analyse large amounts of information have contributed non-living. These molecules are sometimes referred to the development of synthetic biology. Perhaps the to in synthetic biology as ‘bioparts’. The biochemical most significant relevant breakthrough in biology was the definition of life is that of such bioparts assembled within discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in a physical container (ie the bacterial cell wall) which are 1953 which triggered the molecular biology revolution. The able to continually regenerate, replicate and evolve11. development of DNA sequencing led to the international

4 Johnson, B.: Scientific community leads on societal response. People and Science, Sept 2009, p. 22. http://www.britishscienceassociation. org/NR/rdonlyres/FC99C5C7-C79A-400D-8C3F-4762954DD981/0/ PeopleandScienceSept09.pdf 8 The Royal Academy of Engineering: ibid 5 Calvert, J.: Tensions between biology and engineering. People 9 Please see: http://www.raeng.org.uk/news/publications/list/reports/ and Science, Sept 2009, p. 19. http://www.britishscienceassociation. Synthetic_biology.pdf org/NR/rdonlyres/FC99C5C7-C79A-400D-8C3F-4762954DD981/0/ and http://royalsociety.org/Synthetic-biology-scientific-discussion- PeopleandScienceSept09.pdf meeting-summary/ 6 The Royal Academy of Engineering: Synthetic Biology: scope, 10 Cole-Turner, R.: Synthetic Biology: Theological Questions about Biological applications and implications (2009). http://www.raeng.org.uk/news/ Engineering (p. 136) in “Without Nature? A New Condition for Theology” publications/list/reports/Synthetic_biology.pdf (Albertson, D and King, C (Eds), Cabell. Fordham University Press (2009) 7 The Royal Academy of Engineering: ibid 11 The Royal Academy of Engineering: ibid CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/29 2 7.7.3.2 Synthetic biology brings together the two 7.7.4.2 The utilitarian motivation imagines that disciplines of biology and engineering and is essentially technologies enabling improvements in human about the redesigning and reassembly of biological functioning and well-being can be brought about by systems, in other words redesigning life12. It is about the synthetic biology research: for example, better functional modifying of present life forms or the creating of new life materials, food, drugs or energy sources; environmental , , , , , . forms. The biologist wants to understand living systems remediation (clean-up) and computation.15 16 17 18 19 20 The better, and the engineer wants to create new things13. interest shown in synthetic biology research by some The biologist identifies the individual bioparts of the living parts of the military-industrial complex also suggests that organism, the engineer then standardises the bioparts (eg the utilitarian motivation for some might include a drive to enhanced and novel weapons systems21. DNA BioBricksTM as is being undertaken by the BioBricks foundation14). The analogy which is sometimes used is 7.7.4.3 The second kind of motivation is curiosity- that of car manufacture, where the different bioparts are driven and attempts to answer the question of ‘what is then fitted onto a common ‘chassis’, usually a bacterium life?’ or to test the evolution paradigm22, 23. There is a natural such as E. coli, where they perform the desired function. human desire to test the limits of what can be done. The de novo construction of such systems offers: 7.7.4 Why undertake Synthetic Biology? “valuable quantitative insight into naturally 7.7.4.1 The reasons for developing synthetic biology occurring information processing activities.” 24 have much in common with other areas of scientifi c research, and fall roughly into three classes: utilitarian, curiosity-driven, and wealth-creation. 15 McDaniel, R. and R. Weiss: Advances in synthetic biology: on the path 12 Royal Society: Synthetic Biology. Policy Document 16/08 (2008), p. 2. from prototypes to applications. Curr. Opin. Biotech. 16: 476–483. (2005) http://royalsociety.org/Synthetic-biology-scientific-discussion-meeting- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2005.07.002 summary/ 16 European Commission NEST Pathfinder: SYNBIOSAFE: Safety and 13 Calvert, J: ibid ethics of synthetic life. (2007) http://www.synbiosafe.eu/ 14 The BioBricks Foundation (BBF) (http://bbf.openwetware.org/) is 17 Kaznessis, Y. N.: Models for synthetic biology. BMC Systems Biology 1: a not-for-profit organization founded by engineers and scientists from 47. (2007) http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1752-0509-1-47 MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Harvard University, and the 18 van Est, R., H. de Vriend, and B. Walhout: Constructing Life: The World of University of California. BBF encourages the development and responsible Synthetic Biology. Rathenau Instituut. (2007) http://www.rathenau.nl/ use of technologies based on BioBrick™ standard DNA parts that encode 19 Schmidt, M. et al.: SYNBIOSAFE e-conference: online community discussion basic biological functions. Using BioBrick™ standard biological parts, on the societal aspects of synthetic biology. Syst Synth Biol. 2: 7-17 (2008) a synthetic biologist or biological engineer can programme living http://www.springerlink.com/content/rtt71124tn6096kh/fulltext.pdf organisms in the same way a computer scientist can program a computer. 20 Haseloff, J. and J. Ajioka: Synthetic biology: history, challenges The DNA sequence information and other characteristics of BioBrick™ and prospects. J. R. Soc. Interface. (2009) http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/ standard biological parts are made available to the public free of charge rsif.2009.0176.focus currently via MIT’s Registry of Standard Biological Parts. Any individual 21 Synthetic Biology. The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, or organization can design, improve, and contribute BioBrick™ standard January 2008 Number 298. http://www.parliament.uk/documents/ biological parts to the Registry. BioBrick™ standard biological parts are upload/postpn298.pdf used as part of the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 22 Benner, S.A., and A. M. Sismour: Synthetic Biology. Nature Reviews competition. Genetics 6: 533–543. (2005) http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrg1637 The BBF supports an open technical standards setting process that is 23 Harvey, M.: Synthetic Biology: scientific discussion meeting summary. used to define BioBrick standard biological parts, and other technical Royal Society (London). (2008) http://royalsociety.org/syntheticbiology matters relevant to synthetic biology research and applications. 24 McDaniel, R. and R. Weiss: ibid 2/30 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

7.7.4.4 The exercise of freedom in rational thinking prophetically, the church must always be careful that it goes one notch deeper in its philosophical motivation. actually listens and understands before it speaks. If we Synthetic biology has thus been heralded as introducing wish to discern the mind of God, then we surely have a ‘Life, version 2.0’25. responsibility to listen to and understand what God says to us. 7.7.4.5 The third major category of motivation could be defined as wealth generation. The fostering of new 7.7.5.3 A number of important issues are raised by the wealth creating industries and technologies through field of synthetic biology. These include issues such as: synthetic biology is a stated objective of the UK and other governments26. Just as synthetic chemistry led 7.7.5.4 Reductive approach to life. In treating biological to the establishment of some of the major industrial organisms as little more than sophisticated machines, companies of the 19th and 20th centuries, synthetic synthetic biology seems to reinforce a reductive approach biology is advocated by many (including governments to life and challenges different world-views which do not and regulators) as a source of jobs, manufacturing and agree with this particular understanding of life. wealth generation. 7.7.5.5 ‘Playing God’. In trying to create new life-forms, 7.7.5 Why is the Church interested in Synthetic synthetic biology raises the question of whether humans Biology? have elevated themselves to the status of gods, in their 7.7.5.1 What is the right relationship between humanity ability to create. Some might argue that science has thus and nature? Does God give us authority to unpick and transgressed its proper boundaries and acts hubristically reconstruct nature in the fundamental way which seems against nature and/or God. to be at the core of synthetic biology? While many focus on 7.7.6 Current Activities and Applications of 27 the call early in Scripture for humanity to ‘subdue’ creation , Synthetic Biology our relationship with our environment as Scripture unfolds 7.7.6.1 There has been much research activity in the is of course much richer and more complex than simply areas of health, energy, the environment and agriculture. one of master and servant. As Hodson and Hodson explore For example, some parts of the production of the anti- 28 in “Cherishing the Earth” , for example, the spiritual element malaria drug Artemisinin have already been developed must be held in concert with the more familiar emotional applying synthetic biology techniques in the University of and physical aspects of a Christian’s stewardship of Earth’s Berkeley. The low cost full scale industrial production of resources. The spiritual, while perhaps less tangible, is this naturally occurring plant product is presently being always important to the people of God. studied and it has been claimed that, if successful, this could potentially save 1 million lives each year. 7.7.5.2 How far is far enough, and to what extent should our God-given ability to be creative be hemmed in by 7.7.6.2 The development of advanced biosensors for moral and ethical considerations? In seeking to speak detection of urinary tract infections can also be adapted to detect the hospital superbug MRSA (Methycillin resistant 25 Gibbs, W.W.: Synthetic life. Scientific American 290: 74-81. (2004) Staphylococcus aureus). A similar biosensor can detect 26 The Royal Academy of Engineering: ibid 27 Gen. 1:28 arsenic in drinking water – a major problem in Bangladesh. 28 Hodson, M.J. and M.R. Hodson: “Cherishing the Earth: How to Care for As up to 90% of the biomass from crops such as sugar God’s Creation” Lion (2008) cane and palm oil is wasted using current processes, more CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/31 2 efficient biofuels are being developed which may alleviate Proteins: Organisms with an expanded genetic code problems with land use competition between energy and may allow the manufacture of protein drugs with novel food crops. or enhanced properties – for example, enhanced half- 7.7.6.3 An example of synthetic biology based life. Examples of such non-natural protein drugs are biomaterials is a synthetic version of spider silk. Because of already making their way into industrial application (for its strength and light weight it can be used in a wide range instance, a modifi ed human growth hormone). 29 of applications . Some other areas where the application Novel imaging & targeting methods: Introducing of synthetic biology could be of potential benefit are novel chemistry may enable the design of biomolecular described in boxes 1- 4. sensors that operate independently from natural protein networks and pathways. These might then be used Box 1: Expanding the chemistry of life to sense, for example, cancer cells, allowing sensitive Synthetic biology may allow the creation of organisms detection and therapeutic targeting. containing proteins that are comprised of non-natural amino acids or that contain genetic material composed 7.7.7 Potential Social and Ethical issues in Synthetic of non-natural nucleic acids. Expanding the chemistry of Biology life in this way could have wide-ranging consequences 7.7.7.1 Biosafety is a more difficult area in synthetic biology for medicine and biotechnology. than in traditional genetic engineering, as components Expanding the genetic alphabet: One way to expand may be introduced which do not exist in nature. Artificially the chemistry of life is by extending the genetic alphabet synthesized organisms could have unpredictable and so that it contains more than four characters (A, T, G, potentially damaging effects when released into the and C). This could allow new types of information to be environment either intentionally or accidentally. Although genetically encoded. researchers are trying to come up with ‘safety locks’ which could prevent an environmental hazard, it is very difficult to Nucleic acids: Nucleic acid drugs hold therapeutic predict the effect of these organisms on nature once they promise but currently suff er from shortcomings inherent leave the protected environment of a science laboratory in natural DNA/RNA chemistry. Modifi ed nucleic acids or test site. In addition, the build–up of novel biological may be easier to transport across membranes. elements in the food–chain is unpredictable and may have unexpected effects.

7.7.7.2 Bioweaponry and bioterrorism. Biosecurity awareness has been studied in a SYNBIOSAFE project30. This focused on developments mostly in the US and revealed an overall low level of awareness. The potential for development of bioweapons is real. Synthetic biology

29 Widmaier, D.M., Tullman-Ercek D., Mirsky E.A., Hill R., Govindarajan S., 30 Kelle A.: Synthetic Biology & Biosecurity Awareness In Europe. Bradford Minshull J. and C.A. Voigt: Engineering the Salmonella type III secretion Science and Technology Report No. 9 (2007). system to export spider silk monomers. Mol Syst Biol. 5: 309 (2009). http:// http://www.synbiosafe.eu/uploads///pdf/Synbiosafe-Biosecurity_ www.nature.com/msb/journal/v5/n1/pdf/msb200962.pdf awareness_in_Europe_Kelle.pdf 2/32 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL could be used to create new biological weapons or to Box 2: Complex molecular devices recreate extant viruses, as has already occurred with the Tissue repair/regeneration: synthetic biology could Spanish Flu virus or the polio virus31. In addition to the risk aid the development of small assemblies which could of a terrorist client obtaining the necessary materials from sense damage in blood vessels and repair them. a DNA synthesis company, however, there is the possibly greater risk of ‘state bio-warfare’ as part of a weapons Vectors for therapy: the design of viruses to deliver programme to be considered. healthy genes to the target tissue in an effi cient way, or viruses which may be able to recognize specifi c cells 7.7.7.3 International justice. Synthetic biology holds out and target them for destruction. the promise of the creation of new drugs and therapeutics. However, the questions of fair distribution of resources, Personalized medicine: Synthesis of personalized availability of new drugs and therapeutics to all people drugs, adapted in their mode of action, formulation, still remain. Furthermore, patenting synthetic biology dosage, and release kinetics to the specifi c requirements developments could lead to an increased dependence of the patient. of poor people and countries on rich countries and companies. For example, the previously mentioned anti- Cells with new properties that improve human malarial drug Artemisinin was originally derived from health: We may be able to modify human cells to achieve new functions and to introduce them back into a plant native to China. Some have argued that the the donor - for example, cells could be programmed to manufacture of such medicinal and other commercially target specifi c viruses in a more effi cient way. It may be important chemicals through synthetic biology deprives possible to reprogramme cells in order to regenerate a poorer country of a potential source of income. organs. 7.7.7.4 Patenting and creation of monopolies. In order Environmentally friendly production of chemicals: to allow the interchange of parts of an organism which As the world’s fossil fuel reserves are coming to an end, is fundamental to synthetic biology, a certain amount chemistry needs a new raw materials base. of ‘standardisation’ of biological molecules is necessary. Much of the oversight of this work, as has been noted, is Pharmaceuticals: more eff ective discovery of new undertaken by a small number of academic institutions drugs, through new screening and design strategies for in the United States through the BioBricks Foundation. anticancer and antituberculosis compounds. Synthetic This has raised concerns for some about the creation of biology tools may provide avenues to discover small de facto monopolies, for example potentially ‘locking antimicrobial molecules or design new drugs. out’ some developing countries from the technology. Improved drug production: The production process for a number of drugs (for example, artemisinin for malaria and taxol for cancer) has been made signifi cantly 31 Tumpey, T.M., et al: Characterization of the Reconstructed 1918 Spanish more effi cient by genetic engineering of yeast and Influenza Pandemic Virus. Science 310: 77-807 (2005) http://www. bacterial cells to undertake some of the steps involved sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/5745/77. Cello, J., Paul, A.V., in their synthesis. and E. Wimmer: Chemical synthesis of poliovirus cDNA: generation of infectious virus in the absence of natural template. Science 297: 1016–8 (2002). CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/33 2 7.7.7.5 Another potential issue of concern is patenting. facilities. Comparisons have been drawn to the explosion While much of the work going on in the field of synthetic in computer usage and capability over the last two biology is conducted under ‘open source’ agreements, and decades, and it could be argued that such a development is therefore not currently under patent, the whole rationale might not necessarily be harmful. Some would contend for granting a patent is that it provides the inventor with a that developments in synthetic biology should not monopoly of their invention, albeit for a limited period. be the preserve of large companies or governments. However, there are still issues around control and misuse, Box 3: Environment and energy as well as with unexpected or unintended interactions Bioremediation: The modifi cation of bacteria and when synthetic biology creations with the capability to other microorganisms to eliminate toxic waste from soil reproduce are released into the environment. has been pursued for many years. Improved abilities to design complex behaviour and degradation capabilities 7.7.8 Factors influencing the Progress of Synthetic as well as adaptation strategies within ecosystems Biology might bring this dream into reach. 7.7.8.1 Several technological obstacles remain which may inhibit the potential of synthetic biology. For example, Production of energy: Just as our societies need to the reliable transfer of large pieces of DNA into living cells seek alternatives to fossil fuels as raw materials for still presents significant technical challenges. bulk chemicals production, so they must replace such sources, ideally with renewables, for energy generation. 7.7.8.2 The design and construction of basic bioparts The challenge is to design a set of converging chemical and their assembly into small modules has characterised pathways that allow an essentially quantitative the early years of synthetic biology. Bringing these bioparts conversion of readily available solar energy and natural together to build functional systems is not simple as they or waste materials to (for example) biofuels. may arise from very different biological sources and require considerable standardisation. GMO safety: Encoding transgene genetic information in non-natural nucleic acids might provide a safer path to 7.7.8.3 Some observers believe that we are now entering genetic modifi cation, as the presence of the transgene a ‘second wave’ of synthetic biology where modules may 33 would at all times be dependent on the external supply be integrated to create systems-level circuitry . This may of non-natural nucleic acid precursors. involve incorporation of adaptive, intelligent processes potentially leading to systems which may impinge on multiple pathways, systems or targets. However, the level 7.7.7.6 Unregulated developments: The manipulation of uncertainty and variability in biology may present of DNA and other biological materials by hobbyists (as significant challenges in modelling systems behaviour, as opposed to trained and supervised professionals) already biological systems tend to behave less predictably than appears to exist as a significant phenomenon32. The conventionally engineered systems. availability of key reagents and components has opened 7.7.8.4 Additional tools. Selection of the ‘chassis’ or host up the possibility of a ‘garage industry’ in synthetic biology organism for the synthetic system may influence the – by definition, operating outwith normal regulated research networks such as university and research 33 Purnick, P.E. and R. Weiss: The second wave of synthetic biology: from 32 Schmidt, M. et al (2008): ibid modules to systems. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 10: 410-22. (2009) 2/34 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL functionality of the designed process. Cell viability and towards his or her creatures. This manifests itself in the interference from host cellular processes may influence realisation that the creator has responsibility for his/her host selection and construction of a minimal genome. It creation, and a responsibility to the creature. is also possible to manipulate the genetic code in tandem with modified translation machinery resulting in the Box 4: Smart materials and biomaterials incorporation of novel amino acids and consequently Synthesis: Biology achieves synthesis with atomic novel proteins. precision; synthetic biology could expand the range of potential target materials - for example silk-like or 7.7.8.5 Standards and regulation. There is a drive to bio-adhesive domains. Engineered cells could make adopt universal standards covering tools and components materials with useful electrical or optical behaviour, or ranging from complex systems to genes. As previously proteins which can ‘glue’ other materials together. indicated, the BioBricks Foundation is currently a leading facilitator promoting the setting and adoption of Organisation: One of the major challenges for standards. nanoengineering is to gain control of materials manipulation at such small scales. For example, motor 7.7.8.6 Research networks. Support from various proteins have been used to transport nanoparticles in a Research Councils seeks to foster research networks within directed fashion, while DNA has been used for enabling the UK. In addition, the EU has established several initiatives the assembly of nanoscale objects at precisely defi ned designed to stimulate inter-disciplinary and international locations on a surface. These approaches might allow research. Academic and commercial organisations in the the production of molecule-based memories. USA are major players. Integration: While it has proved possible to use 7.7.9 Responsibility and Synthetic Biology individual biological components, the big challenge 7.7.9.1 Responsibility can be defined as a state of is to integrate and synchronize such components being accountable and answerable for something or in functional systems. For example, coupling for someone. In other words, it means that one could photosynthetic machinery to motor proteins could eventually be called to give an account for an action, an enable light driven molecular motion. It might turn object or subject with which one is seen to have a special out that the simplest way of achieving this is to encode relationship. Responsibility also means that one may be and express them in engineered or synthetic organisms accountable before society, the law or God when the in a manner analogous to the current engineering of actions, things or people for which one is responsible may metabolic pathways. negatively impact upon other people, the environment or society. 7.7.9.1.2 While it must be remembered that, at present, synthetic biology will result in simple organisms rather Several concepts important in considering responsibility than sentient beings, this bond between the creator and are explored: the creature has often been explored in fiction. Among the 7.7.9.1.1 Principles of responsibility. All involved have a most well known is Pinocchio. The character of Pinocchio, responsibility to guard against negative effects resulting created as a wooden puppet carved from a piece of pine, from new synthetic biology products. This is a resonance of but who dreamed of becoming a real boy, first appeared the traditional understanding of the creator’s responsibility in a book by Carlo Collodi in 1883. A number of other, CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/35 2 more contemporary, works of fiction explore very similar result in some disadvantage to its welfare35. themes – for example, Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot”, and Philip K. Dick’s “Do androids dream of electric sheep?” (popularised 7.7.9.3.3 In Sweden, legislation has been introduced in the film “Bladerunner”) which stipulates that farm animals must be allowed to live their lives in accordance with their telos36. In addition, 7.7.9.2 Responsibility for under Dutch law, telos is an important issue in deciding 7.7.9.2.1 It is necessary to take into account the possible whether or not transgenic animal research should be risks of any negative outcome which may be occasioned allowed to go ahead37, 38. by synthetic biology. These may include using synthetic 7.7.9.4 The precautionary principle biology as a source of destruction, or the possibility 7.7.9.4.1 The precautionary principle is enshrined in EU of bringing about unacceptable suffering and distress law. This principle indicates that if a new action or policy through the use of synthetic biology. Experimentation may cause severe or irreversible harm to an individual, a on animals which causes unnecessary suffering has often community or the general public, in the absence of full invoked revulsion among the general public. The scientific scientific certainty that harm would not ensue, the burden of community must take seriously the responsibility for proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. life-forms brought about through synthetic biology, or affected by it. 7.7.9.4.2 The precautionary principle is often applied to biological procedures because changes cannot easily 7.7.9.3 Responsibility to: the concept of telos be contained and may affect everyone. In the case of 7.7.9.3.1 While bearing in mind that synthetic biology technological innovation, it may be all the more difficult is currently dealing with non- sentient organisms such to contain the impact because of the possibility that the as bacteria, another issue which should be addressed by technology can self-replicate. Application of the principle scientists and society is the concept of telos, sometimes modifies the status of innovation and risk assessment: it also termed the ‘intrinsic value’ or ‘integrity’ of a being. It is not the risk which must be avoided or amended, but has been described as ‘the pigness of a pig’, the sum total a potential risk which must be prevented. However, it 34 of an organism’s potentialities (whether realised or not) . should be remembered that no activity or process can By interfering with a living being’s inherent characteristics, ever be guaranteed to present no risk whatever and to be one may be changing what this being ‘is’, its ‘natural’ form completely safe. of life, its purposes and ends. 7.7.9.5 The proportionality principle 7.7.9.3.2 Telos can be applied to any living organism, 7.7.9.5.1 The proportionality principle states that whether sentient or not. Modifying telos is not necessarily the scientific benefits or advantages expected from a the same as violating telos and one must also ask if all genetic manipulations must necessarily compromise 35 de Pomerai, D.: ibid telos. Despite its lack of conceptual clarity, however, the 36 Straughan, R.: Ethics, Morality and Animal Biotechnology, p. 21 (1999) question of telos deserves serious attention. In most cases Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. http://www. bbsrc.ac.uk/ it is obvious that violations of an animal’s telos may also 37 Brom, F.W.A. and E. Schroten: Ethical questions around animal biotechnology: the Dutch approach. Livestock Production Science 36, 99- 34 de Pomerai, D.: Are there Limits to Animal Transgenesis?, Human 107 (1993). Reproduction and Genetic Ethics: 3 (1997). http://geneticethics.org/ 38 de Pomerai, D.: ibid 2/36 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL procedure being considered should be weighed against cannot be accepted if a subject matter may undermine the perceived resulting disadvantages or risks. Thus, ‘ordre public’.40. Refl ecting this, there is a specifi c exclusion according to the proportional principle, an act can be from patentability in EU Law on certain forms of genetic justified if the overall good involved in doing the action engineering41 compares favourably with the overall disadvantages which it would bring about. Alternatively, an action is 7.7.9.6.4 The concepts of public policy and of ordre not undertaken if the overall disadvantages compare public are constantly changing in tune with the mores of unfavourably to the overall benefits which it is considered society. Ordre public and public policy are, in reality, not to bring about. shapers, but lagging indicators of public morality. 7.7.10 Regulation and Synthetic Biology 7.7.9.5.2 In other words, it is a tool assisting in moral 7.7.10.1 Public awareness and the need for decision–making according to which an agent ought regulation. to choose – through a preliminary assessment – that 7.7.10.1.1 Developments in synthetic biology are alternative course of action which promises the greater bringing new horizons into view, but with them come new proportion of good over disadvantages39. problems. There has always been an ambivalence in the 7.7.9.6 The concepts of public policy and ‘ordre eyes of the public around medical or scientific advances. public’ In Greek the word ‘pharmakon’ translates both as ‘remedy’ 7.7.9.6.1 Patent legislation has long contained provision and as ‘poison’. In medicine, heightened public awareness allowing patents to be refused on public policy grounds. of the possible side effects of therapies together with some At the root of these exclusions is the common law concept therapeutic disasters (eg thalidomide) have led to a suspicion of public policy, by which is meant not government policy, of new initiatives. Synthetic biology would appear, however, but what is off ensive to the sense of morality of society. to have created less concern in the media than, for example, Where there are public policy considerations, a court will genetic modification. One public consultation found that 42 refuse to recognise an otherwise legal act. 67% of those sampled had not heard of synthetic biology .

7.7.9.6.2 To similar eff ect is the concept in Napoleonic 7.7.10.1.2 Public perception of a new technique systems of “ordre public”. Although there is no universally or development can be critical, especially if there is accepted notion of ‘ordre public’, the concept is useful to suspicion that there is a potential for harm. With a field consider since it includes the protection of animal and as complex as synthetic biology there is real difficulty in plant life in addition to health and may be applied to any raising awareness. Ordinary citizens, however, must be subject matter which may lead to serious prejudice to the aware of both the potential risks and benefits of synthetic environment. biology and need assurance that controls are in place to

7.7.9.6.3 This concept is already established on the 40 European Patent Offi ce Guidelines for Examination, Part C, Chapter international stage with, for example, the European Patent II, 7. Prohibited matter, 7.2 Matter contrary to ordre public or morality, http://www.european-patent-offi ce.org/legal/gui_lines/e/c_ii_7_2.htm Offi ce Guidelines for Examination, which state that a patent 41 Directive 98/44/EC, Article 6 (2) 42 Ethical Aspects of Synthetic Biology. European Group on Ethics. 39 Lawler, R., Boyle, J. and W. May: Making good moral choices: Two (2009) See Pauwels, E.: p41 http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/ approaches (1994) http://www.ewtn.com/library/DOCTRINE/PROPORT. publications/docs/round_table_ethical_aspects_of_synthetic_biology. TXT pdf CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/37 2 avoid harm. Undoubtedly openness and transparency 7.7.11 Synthetic Biology and Theology are prerequisites in achieving public acceptance of new 7.7.11.1 Reductive approach to life technology, and there is a need for researchers to address 7.7.11.1.1 Scientists can now create new life-forms this issue. which could never occur naturally. Does this mean that science has finally managed to answer the millennia- 7.7.10.2 Regulatory models. old question ‘What is life?’. If a synthetic virus can now 7.7.10.2.1 Some control can be imposed by patents be created in a scientific laboratory, does this mean that or property rights. There is concern that research can be synthetic biology has proved that life is nothing more than hindered by patenting of basic tools. One of the leading a series of chemical reactions? proponents of synthetic biology, for example, has already established patents on an artificial microbe. 7.7.11.1.2 Reduction is the process by which an object, property, concept or theory is shown to be explicable in 7.7.10.2.2 The European Commission (EC) has estab- terms of another, lower level object, concept or theory. lished a model which recommends a: Such a method is very popular in science because it promotes conceptual and theoretical economy. Some “code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and scientists appear to believe that synthetic biology proves 43 nanotechnologies research” . the superiority of reductionism over other life-theories and has unravelled the fundamental nature of life. However, 7.7.10.2.3 The EC European Group on Ethics (EGE) others in the scientific community have pointed out that: has produced a paper specifically on synthetic biology; recommendation 3 of this report takes the view that a “scientific definitions of life are working hypotheses Code of Conduct would seem more appropriate than – tools – used in the process of research that do legislation, national or international, which is viewed not necessarily cover what counts as life from the as difficult to impose44. This report also specifically everyday-life experience, or other perspectives.”45 recommends ‘philosophical and religious input’ into debate on these issues. 7.7.11.2 Holistic approach to life 7.7.11.2.1 Christian theology supports a completely 7.7.10.2.4 Any successful model should have a different ontological theory which is based on the doctrine participatory approach, involving lay as well as scientific of creation, the Trinitarian doctrine and Christology. stakeholders. Transparency is critical to the process. The According to the Christian tradition, God created complexity of the science involved in synthetic biology may, everything which exists ex nihilo, out of nothing. The ex however, present a challenge to scientists in presenting the nihilo creation affirms that God created everything out of issues involved in an understandable form. divine sovereignty and freedom and not out of necessity. God did not create the world and then abandon it. The 43 European Commission Recommendation of 07/02/2008 on a code of incarnation of Christ demonstrates that God remains in an conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research. intimate and loving relationship with creation. Creation is ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/nanocode-recommendation. seen more like a project and less like a static work of art. pdf 44 Opinion of the European Group on Ethics in science and new The whole cosmos, being the work of God, was created technologies to the European Commission. No 25. 17/11/2009. Ethics of synthetic biology. 45 Boldt, J. and O. Müller: Newton of the leaves of grass, Nature http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/docs/opinion25_en.pdf Biotechnology, 26: 337-339 (2008) 2/38 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL good46; nature followed humanity in the fall but will also “…nature may still be the matrix….but it is hardly be redeemed at the end of time47. the norm”50..

7.7.11.2.2 The Christian doctrine of creation offers a holistic 7.7.11.2.6 Just as the church would hold that wealth understanding of the cosmos. Holism affirms the goodness is more than money, religion more than ritual, and of the created world and therefore gives a particular relationships more than sex, it views life as being more normative ethical meaning to all creation. Nature should not than simply the interactions of chemicals. be abused, exploited or destroyed; on the contrary it should be approached with respect and love, and nurtured in 7.7.11.3 ‘Playing God’ stewardship. Boldt and Müller argue that if we start creating 7.7.11.3.1 Markus Schmidt and colleagues identify lower forms of life and thinking about them as ‘artefacts’ then ‘playing God’ as a central theme within synthetic biology: there is the fear that in the long run we might lose respect for higher forms of life too48. Christian theology, by affirming “the idea of ‘creating life’ from scratch, in a way only the inherent goodness of creation, offers a normative reason nature has done so far (‘playing God’) as well as for why life should always be respected. the often powerful yet difficult to pin-point feeling of uneasiness which surrounds the emergence 7.7.11.2.3 Yet, is ‘artificial’ life of the same moral calibre of such a technology, a feeling which may either as ‘natural’ life? Is artificial life also worthy of protection in reflect our prejudices or be an indicator of deeper the same way that we believe that ‘natural’ life is (or should ethical problems.”51. be)? These questions have engaged theologians as well as wider society. They have also been repeatedly explored in 7.7.11.3.2 According to Christian theology, the divine fiction, as noted previously49. creation of life and its inherent goodness affirms its normative status. There is clear distinction between the 7.7.11.2.4 Synthetic biology seeks to treat biological created cosmos and the Creator God. God pre-existed systems as analogous to mechanical and electronic ones, everything; the cosmos is created by God, ex nihilo, out so that individual components can be removed and of nothing. God always existed and thus God pre-existed replaced at will. Technological advances have allowed the creation52, whereas the cosmos came into being through addition of a small number of genes to a biological system. divine action. God and the cosmos do not share the same Synthetic biology seeks to take this a step further, by substance (ousia). God is eternal, self-existent/uncreated, developing the ability to add or subtract whole biological self-contained and self-sufficient. Creation, on the other pathways in a single unit. hand, is temporal, created and dependent on God for 7.7.11.2.5 Perhaps one of the fundamental areas of its existence. If God, in His eternal nature, is ‘Being’, then disquiet over synthetic biology is the deliberate blurring creatureliness by contrast is a state of ‘non-Being’. This of the border between the natural and artificial: as Cole- doctrine describes and underlines the origin and the nature Turner puts it, in synthetic biology: of created beings, and sets the basis of the relationship between God and creation. It is not just a juristic or ethical 46 Gen. 1: 31 47 Rom. 8: 19- 22 50 Cole-Turner, R.: ibid 48 Boldt, J. and O. Müller (2008): ibid 51 Schmidt, M. et al (2008): ibid 49 See, for example, “I, Robot”: I. Asimov; “Do Androids Dream Of Electric 52 It is recognised that time (and thus the concept of pre- or post- Sheep?”: P.K. Dick existence) is itself part of creation CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/39 2 form of relationship, but a more meaningful, causative image of God) gives a special status to humankind over the relationship where finite existence derives directly from, rest of the creation. As Gunton points out: and depends entirely upon, infinite existence.53 “Genesis makes the human race both the crown 7.7.11.3.3 Does synthetic biology challenge the of, and uniquely responsible for, the shape that distinction between Creator and creature? Has synthetic creation takes.”56 biology turned humans into a ‘Creator’ too? Pat Mooney of the Erosion Technology and Concentration (ETC) Group, 7.7.11.3.6 Humanity’s unique position in the cosmos commenting on the work which created the first synthetic cannot be understood outside Christology. bacterium, claimed that “By speaking of Jesus Christ as the true image of God, “For the first time, God has competition”. 54 the New Testament shows that this responsibility takes shape through him.”57 7.7.11.3.4 In order for this claim to be true, though, scientists must be able to create something out of nothing. 7.7.11.3.7 As mentioned above, creation is seen in However, as Boldt and Müller note: Christian theology more as an evolving project rather than a static work of art. In order for creation to achieve its end, “in contrast to the impression which bold statements in the lay redemption is necessary. Humanity’s relationship with the press may give rise to, synthetic biology research is currently a rest of creation must not be confused with a wrongful good way off from the point where the creation of life as such domination and exploitation. Creation should not be will become feasible. After all, the platform organism that perceived as sacred, as a given which needs to be kept synthetic biology relies on when attempting to create new untouched (pantheism). Rather, it needs to be viewed as life forms is a modified, stripped-down version of an existing a gift: organism, not an organism assembled from separate small 58 molecules in the laboratory.”55 “to be cherished, perfected and returned.”

7.7.11.3.5 Furthermore, the concept of idolatry (of 7.7.11.4 A Christian response human capability) enters into the debate: we are not gods; 7.7.11.4.1 Synthetic biology is a new scientific and it would be a false premise to assume so. Creating new application which, if used correctly, could revolutionise forms of life in the way described above does not constitute medicine, transform the primary and secondary sector of ex nihilo creation. Humanity has not managed to transcend industry and offer solutions to energy and environmental the boundaries of creatureliness and become a ‘Creator’. problems. If appropriate legislation and effective control Human beings are part of nature. Humanity’s creative nature could make sure that all potential risks were eliminated, is defined and underlined theologically by the doctrines of or at least avoided, there is no compelling reason to creation and redemption. The doctrine of Imago Dei (the stop or ban synthetic biology. Everybody, including the Christian world, could welcome this scientific innovation. 53 Matsoukas, N.: Dogmatic and Symbolic Theology B, Thessaloniki: Eliminating human suffering, protecting the environment, Pournaras, (1999) p. 144ff. 54 ETC Group, Patenting Pandora’s Bug: Goodbye Dolly …Hello, Synthia! 56 Gunton, C.E., “The doctrine of Creation”. Continuum International 7 June 2007. http://www.etcgroup.org/upload/publication/631/01/ Publishing Group - T & T C (2004), p. 144. etcnr_syn_final2.pdf 57 Gunton, C.E., ibid, p144 55 oldt, J. and O. Müller (2008): ibid p. 387. 58 Gunton, C.E., ibid, p. 155. 2/40 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL promoting general well-being and advancing scientific ingenuity, some may argue, than to circumvent the need knowledge using reason and human ingenuity are goals for selective breeding, and to start with a clean slate, a in harmony with Christian teaching. God has endowed basic platform or chassis on which to build the organisms human nature with mental and intellectual capacities. It is that we need? our responsibility to use the divine gifts for the benefit of humanity, and of nature as a whole. 7.7.11.4.6 The practical application of synthetic biology in order to achieve the benefits described above need 7.7.11.4.2 Humanity has long sought to tame nature, to not constitute a problem for Christian theology. It is the bring the wilderness under control. From the domestication philosophical/anthropological connotations of synthetic of animals and plants in prehistory to current attempts to biology which may be seen to be ‘treading on religious alleviate drought by ‘seeding’ clouds to produce rain, or to toes’. Christian theology fundamentally disagrees with ameliorate climate change using ocean seeding, ingenuity a reductive understanding of life. Reductive life theories and innovation have been important to the progress of argue that the only thing which exists is matter and that all human society. Could synthetic biology be viewed as just phenomena, including mental and spiritual phenomena, another step along the road of humanity adapting the can be reduced to physical and chemical processes. environment to our own benefit? However, reductive theories are unable to satisfactorily and fully explain events such as beliefs and emotions, and 7.7.11.4.3 We live in – and are thus called to have a ideas such as free will. Christian holism holds that life is an prophetic role in – the digital age. In many ways, synthetic interrelation of spirit and matter, and is able to account for biology could be viewed as being the perfect approach to physical as well as mental and spiritual phenomena. the natural world for the digitally–inspired ‘net generation’. In his book “Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is 7.7.11.4.7 Reductionism as a methodological approach is very useful for scientific research: it allows Changing Your World”, Don Tapscott identifies: scientists to break down a system and focus on the part “eight norms that define Net Geners”. which most interests them. As an ontological theory, however, it is neither the only one available nor the most 7.7.11.4.4 These include valuing freedom and choice comprehensive.60 As Caplan argues, the fact that scientists in everything they do, a love of customisation and can create a virus does not mean that they have found personalisation, an expectation of constant innovation, the answer to all questions regarding life61. Christian and that everything will be achieved quickly59. holistic ontological theory has strong philosophical and theological foundations and encompasses all aspects 7.7.11.4.5 Much of what goes on in nature could be of life, human and non-human. Furthermore, it justifies seen as being wasteful in a purely mechanistic sense: biological pathways contain redundancy (often to prevent 60 Ontology is the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence catastrophic failure of the organism), reproduction results or reality in general, as well as of the basic categories of being and their in some offspring which are better adapted to survival relations. Traditionally listed as a part of the major branch of philosophy (and, as a corollary some which are less well suited, and known as metaphysics, ontology deals with questions concerning what entities exist or can be said to exist. which consequently perish). What better use of human 61 Wilson Centre, Synthetic Biology: Is Ethics a Showstopper? Video available at: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/ondemand/index. 59 Tapscott, D.: “Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing cfm?fuseaction=home.play&mediaid=D1679245-99F8-2253- Your World” McGraw-Hill (2008) E3E356E66B1798F5 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/41 2 the normative ethical status of nature. Scientists are to be disassembled and reassembled at will, are we as making great progress in unravelling and explaining the humans pushing the boundaries of manipulation of mechanistic mysteries of life. When attempting to transfer our environment too far? Do we fully appreciate the their scientific discoveries into the area of ontology and potential consequences of our actions in this area? Is the metaphysics, scientists need to collaborate and engage in unregulated nature inherent in much of what is possible open dialogue with philosophers and theologians. through synthetic biology an opportunity or a problem?

7.7.11.4.8 Too often the church comes across as simply 7.7.12.3 Humanity is charged not only with the wanting to say ‘no’ to anything new- thus the impression is stewardship of the world around us but also the care given to those outside the church that our main purpose and concern for other people. To deny the technological is to stand in the way of progress. Progress which, if it fulfils breakthroughs and consequent benefits promised by its promise, could have a profound effect on many aspects synthetic biology would be irresponsible. The Bible of our lives - and on the environment in which we live. makes clear the need for humans to act in a humble and responsible manner toward God, their fellow creatures 7.7.11.4.9 Synthetic biology need not be opposed and the environment63. to Christian theology as long as it aims at preventing unintended and unexpected consequences and 7.7.12.4 This report has sought to explore the promoting the common good. However, close relationship between synthetic biology and theology. collaboration of scientists and ethicists – religious and Despite some protestations to the contrary, synthetic non-religious – and regular ethical checks are necessary to biology does not put humanity on a par with God: our ensure that synthetic biology is used for the best. As has creatureliness remains, our undoubted creativity in such previously been noted, the report on synthetic biology of areas notwithstanding. Much of what is highlighted the European Group on Ethics, in its final recommendation, illustrates afresh the need for all aspects of human specifically recommends ‘philosophical and religious input’ endeavour to be carried out in an appropriate ethical into debate on these issues62. framework, and the responsibility of the church to engage constructively with those seeking to utilise science and 7.7.12 General Conclusion technology in a responsible manner. The participatory 7.7.12.1 Although still a relatively novel area of scientific ‘Deliberative Meetings Of Citizens’ (DEMOCS) card game exploration, the field of synthetic biology potentially holds developed by the Genomics Network in collaboration great promise in a wide variety of applications. From novel with the New Economics Foundation on the subject is to forms of biofuels to improved medical interventions, the be highly recommended. This allows a small group to find manipulation of microorganisms in the ways envisaged by out about an issue, discuss it, seek common ground, and synthetic biology has the potential to revolutionise much give their views64. of our lives. 7.7.12.5 There are potential benefits to be gained from 7.7.12.2 And yet, for many, some nagging disquiet synthetic biology, and the church has a responsibility to remains: in treating organisms as Lego-like constructs

62 Opinion of the European Group on Ethics in science and new 63 See, for example, Gen 11: 4 technologies to the European Commission. No 25. 17/11/2009. Ethics of 64 Available to download at synthetic biology. http://www.genomicsnetwork.ac.uk/esrcgenomicsnetwork/news/ http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/docs/opinion25_en.pdf title,22223,en.html 2/42 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL be in discussion with those carrying out such research. It molecules is the long-term storage of information. is to be hoped that this paper might act as a starting point for such discussion with the scientific community. Extropianism: An evolving framework of values and standards for continuously improving the human Acknowledgements: condition. Extropians believe that advances in science and In addition to members of the Church and Society Council, technology will someday let people live indefinitely. we would gratefully acknowledge the following who were involved in the preparation of this report: Gene: The basic physical unit of heredity; a linear sequence of nucleotides along a segment of DNA that provides the Rev Dr Alistair Donald Chaplain to Heriot-Watt University. coded instructions which, when translated into protein, leads to the expression of hereditary characteristics. Genes Dr Angeliki Kerasidou The Wellcome Trust Centre for hold the information to build and maintain an organism’s Human Genetics, University of cells and pass genetic traits to offspring. Oxford. Genome: The entirety of an organism’s hereditary Dr Donald Morrison Microbiologist information. The genome includes both the genes and the non-coding sequences of the DNA. The genome of many Dr Kaihsu Tai Research Associate, Department of organisms is made up of a number of chromosomes. Biochemistry, University of Oxford Inorganic: Inorganic compounds are considered to be of Glossary a mineral, not biological, origin. By contrast, most organic Amino acids: The building blocks from which proteins are compounds are traditionally viewed as being of biological constructed. There are 20 different amino acids found in origin. nature; just as the letters of the alphabet can be combined to form an almost endless variety of words, amino acids Lipid: Lipids are a group of naturally-occurring molecules can be linked together in varying sequences to form a vast which includes fats and waxes. The main biological variety of proteins. functions of lipids include energy storage and as structural components of cell membranes. Biomass: The amount of living matter that can be converted to fuel and is therefore regarded as a potential Metabolism: The set of chemical reactions that happen energy source. in living organisms to maintain life. These processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their Biosensor: A detection device that combines biological structures, and respond to their environments. and mechanical components. Molecule: A group of at least two atoms in a definite Codon: A triplet of nucleotides in the messenger RNA arrangement held together by strong chemical bonds. chain that codes for a specific amino acid in the synthesis of a protein molecule. Nanomotor: A device capable of converting energy into movement. DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning Nucleotide: Any of a group of molecules that, when of most known living organisms. The main role of DNA linked together, form the building blocks of DNA or RNA. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/43 2 Four different nucleotides are found in DNA: adenine, condition, such as disability, suffering, disease, aging, and cytosine, guanine, and thymine (often abbreviated as A, involuntary death as unnecessary and undesirable. C, G and T). Translation: The process by which a messenger RNA Ontology: Ontology is the philosophical study of the molecule specifies the linear sequence of amino acids on nature of being, existence or reality in general, as well a ribosome for protein synthesis. as of the basic categories of being and their relations. Traditionally listed as a part of the major branch of 8. Caring for the Earth philosophy known as metaphysics, ontology deals with 8.1 The Imperative questions concerning what entities exist or can be said to 8.1.1 In November 2009, two hundred delegates from exist. faith groups around the world gathered in Windsor Castle at a meeting organised by the Alliance of Religions and Organic: Organic compounds are considered to be of Conservation (ARC). The meeting, which was hosted by the biological origin. By contrast, most inorganic compounds Duke of Edinburgh and Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of are traditionally viewed as being of a mineral origin. the United Nations, highlighted the importance all faith Protein: Highly varied organic molecules constituting a groups attach to the care for creation, expressed in their large portion of the mass of every life form. Composed own terms and in their own languages. The meeting was of amino acids linked in a genetically controlled linear titled Many Heavens, One Earth and concluded: sequence into long chains, proteins include such specialized • “Care for the earth is a common duty for all faith groups. forms as collagen for supportive tissue, haemoglobin for • Our use or misuse of the earth and its resources is now transport, antibodies for immune defence, and enzymes apparent: faith groups cannot ignore the enormous for metabolism. problems that this is now causing. • Faith groups have a duty to help transform our attitudes Replication: The process by which double-stranded to nature and our place within nature.” DNA makes copies of itself: each strand, as it separates, synthesizing a complementary strand. 8.1.2 Martin Palmer, Secretary General of the ARC, summed up the role of churches. RNA: Ribonucleic acid: any of a class of single-stranded molecules transcribed from DNA in the cell, containing ‘We believe that the key contribution the religions along the strand a linear sequence of nucleotide bases can make is to develop programmes that will deliver that is complementary to the DNA strand from which it responses based not on fear, guilt, or apprehension, but is transcribed. because they are true to what the faith understands’

Transcription: The process by which genetic information 8.1.3 The work of the Church of Scotland is an important on a strand of DNA is used to synthesize a strand of part of this process. While we may be numerically complementary RNA. small compared to other churches or faith groups, the Responding to Climate Change project and our Transhumanism: An international intellectual and cultural involvement in Eco-Congregation Scotland can play a movement supporting the use of science and technology leading role not only in Scotland but as part of a global to improve human mental and physical characteristics and movement to help people care for the earth at a time of capacities. The movement regards aspects of the human change and uncertainty. 2/44 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

8.2 The Challenge in Scotland footprint. The reason for doing this is not to do the work 8.2.1 There have been a number of important of the Scottish Government but to put into effect our developments since the General Assembly 2009. The Christian duty to care for others and to care for creation. Scottish Parliament passed the Climate Change (Scotland) This commitment leads us to work with others, to work Act. This is one of the most demanding pieces of climate with the Councils of the Church and with congregations change legislation in the world and sets legally binding across Scotland. targets for the Scottish Government to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in Scotland by 42% by 2020 and 80% 8.3.3 The General Assembly is asked to endorse this by 2050. These targets are unlikely to be fulfilled without role; particularly that the Church of Scotland works with the active involvement and support of individuals and others including Members of the Scottish Parliament, communities across Scotland. The Church of Scotland, in the Scottish Government, and the Stop Climate Chaos conjunction with Eco-Congregation Scotland, lobbied coalition to provide spiritual and practical leadership in MSPs to include in the legislation a duty on the Scottish reducing Scotland’s carbon footprint. Government to help people across Scotland put the Act 8.4 Action Within the Church into effect. The lobbying was successful and a duty was included in the Act requiring the Scottish Government 8.4.1 The project is managed by the Church and Society to publish a ‘public engagement strategy’ before the end Council but belongs to the Church of Scotland as a whole. of 2010. The engagement strategy offers the opportunity It offers the opportunity for all Councils, presbyteries for churches and congregations to play an important role and congregations to contribute. During the year the in helping meet the targets set out in the climate change Council of Assembly reviewed the project and accepted a legislation. recommendation proposed by secretaries to the Councils of Church and Society, Ministries, Mission and Discipleship 8.3 Can the Church of Scotland Play a Leading Role? and World Mission that the project should be continued 8.3.1 On 5 December 2009 in Glasgow there was the for a further three years. This represents an important largest climate change demonstration ever seen in commitment at a time of uncertainty and reflects the Scotland, The Wave. Following an ecumenical service importance that the General Assembly has attached to held at St Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church in the issue. Bellahouston, which was led by the Moderator, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic 8.4.2 All four Councils have identified tasks that they can Cardinal, the march was led by the three faith leaders contribute to promote action and awareness on climate through Glasgow. The march was organised by the Stop change and these are reported elsewhere. These include Climate Chaos coalition and the presence of leaders of work on travel plans for ministers led by Ministries Council; Scotland’s churches at the head of the march indicates our action to reduce energy use in the Church offices by growing role in this movement. Central Services Committee and work by World Mission Council in bringing stories to congregations in Scotland 8.3.2 The Church now engages significantly in the about the serious impact of climate change elsewhere. national debate, particularly with the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government, and there is an opportunity 8.5 Action With Presbyteries to play a leading role in helping others to make the 8.5.1 The General Assembly 2009 agreed a deliverance changes that will be needed to reduce Scotland’s carbon to: CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/45 2 Instruct Presbyteries, in association with the Church congregations in the presbytery met together with the and Society Council, to produce a plan for each Climate Change Offi cer, a speaker from the EST, and congregation in their bounds, setting out how the Minister of Abbotsford Church in Clydebank, Roddy they will measure energy consumption in their Hamilton, to discuss the General Assembly instruction church buildings, ascertain their carbon footprint and how they could respond. As an example of practical and achieve a year-on-year reduction of 5% of action in the presbytery, the congregation of Radnor their carbon footprint using the Eco-Congregation Park Church has reduced the carbon footprint of their Scotland footprint module; and instruct the Church church heating by over half by joining a district heating and Society Council, in consultation with the General system operated by Clydebank Housing Association. Trustees, to report to the General Assembly of 2010 on Such an opportunity is not open to all congregations the implementation of this instruction. but demonstrates the remarkable results that can be achieved in church buildings by creative approaches to 8.5.2 A major part of the work of the project during the church heating. year has been to fulfil this instruction. In summary we have: All presbyteries are invited to contact Church and • sent guidance to all presbytery clerks on the instruction Society Council to discuss holding a conference on and how it could be put into effect climate change or other issues of current concern. • published supporting material and guidance on the climate change pages of the Church of Scotland website 8.6 Reaffirming our Commitment • responded to many inquiries from presbyteries and 8.6.1 All presbyteries have been asked to report back to congregations Church and Society Council on the implementation of this • encouraged and supported presbyteries holding instruction giving details of the data they have received climate change conferences from all congregations on their carbon footprint. The 8.5.3 Presbyteries have made great progress in results from this work are being published on the Church responding to this challenge, meeting to discuss the of Scotland website. instruction, debating its role in their lives and encouraging 8.6.2 The challenge of measuring and reducing our congregations to become involved. collective footprint is not one that can be achieved in one year but requires a growing effort over a number of years. Presbytery Conferences Presbyteries and congregations have made a great start in Presbytery conferences on climate change have responding to the challenge and the General Assembly is been particularly successful in bringing together asked to note this success and re-affirm its commitment congregations to learn about climate change and to the instruction issued last year. The Church and Society encouraging them to learn about each other’s work, Council is committed to working with the General Trustees the work of eco-congregations and about external and others to support presbyteries in this task. sources of advice and support from organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust (EST). An example was 8.7 Eco-Congregation Scotland: Becoming a Charity the conference held by the Presbytery of Dumbarton 8.7.1 There are now over 230 eco-congregations on 23 January 2010, when representatives from most registered with the programme and it continues to grow steadily. There are 8 local networks across the country, 2/46 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL and 2 more are in the process of being established. They Eco-Congregation Scotland should consider making a are active in bringing together eco-congregations in financial donation each year to enable the charity to grow their local areas to share experiences and to encourage and flourish. partnership working with other local agencies. Two new modules have been published; Module 13, Climate 9. Societal Issues Change: Managing your carbon footprint and Module 2, 9.1 Practical Congregational Responses to Poverty Celebrating Creation: Ideas and Resources for Worship. ‘Priority for the poorest and the most marginalised Eco-Congregation Scotland (ECS) has also been involved is the gospel imperative facing the whole Church, in a number of national events with other agencies, like a not just the Church in the poorest places’ conference focussing on Climate Change issues in Priority Areas, together with the Priority Areas Committee. 9.1.1 This commitment and challenge from the 2002 General Assembly report, “Sharing the Pain – Holding the 8.7.2 As reported to the General Assembly last year Hope” sums up the motivations that drove the Church and the ecumenical Eco-Congregation Scotland Steering Society Council to write this report. Group received advice that it should now incorporate the organisation as a charitable company. This 9.1.2 Around 950,000 people in Scotland currently live recommendation has been taken forward during the in poverty, 19% of the population.65 And for our children year. Draft memoranda and articles of incorporation this startling statistic rises to 25% living in poverty.66 have been agreed by the Office of the Scottish Charity These statistics do not give a full picture of the effect that Regulator (OSCR) and submitted to Companies House for poverty and inequality have on Scottish society, but they incorporation. Becoming a charity will legally empower indicate a clear priority for practical congregational action. ECS to take actions that have been problematic until now. This has to start with those congregations in areas where a For example it will now be able to raise funds by asking for significant proportion of the community is poor. However, donations from members and from charitable foundations. action is not confined to these areas; all congregations can This is a major milestone and an opportunity to celebrate contribute to this work. its coming of age. In a little over ten years it has grown from a few dedicated congregations to the largest movement of 9.1.3 This report takes a look at individual stories and community based environment groups in Scotland. This is explores how successful projects which are linked with an achievement of which all member congregations and congregations have developed, what have been the supporting partners can be proud. triggers and what have been the challenges. The main intention is to encourage other congregations to tackle 8.7.3 As an ecumenical organisation ECS has great local poverty as a practical priority. potential to help congregations of all denominations respond to climate change and take action in other ways 9.1.4 In March 2009 the Church jointly sponsored the to allow congregations to care for creation, for example establishment of Scotland’s first Poverty Truth Commission in promoting biodiversity or in encouraging recycling. The hosted in Glasgow City Chambers. In front of an audience General Assembly is asked to welcome the incorporation 65 of ECS as a charity and to encourage congregations Defined as a household income that is 60% or less of the average (median) British household income after deducting housing costs. and individuals to offer support. It is suggested that (Source – Department of Work and Pensions 2009) Church of Scotland congregations in membership of 66 Source – DWP 2008 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/47 2 of 400 people the Commission brought together two used to going to nursery and me not being there.” groups of people: people who are experts about poverty because they live with the struggle every day and people 9.1.8.2 Jane describes the particular challenges in her in power who speak of their desire to make a difference life as: having twins, living back home with her mother and but who often see their attempts to understand and tackle having to cope with her mother having breast cancer on the causes and symptoms of poverty fail. Since March the two occasions. She has also had periods of unemployment Commission has continued to meet, focusing on the critical but is currently in work. issues of kinship care, promoting positive alternatives to 9.1.8.3 “I have been employed for a year now, working violence and advocating for more positive images of people behind a bar but I’ve been unemployed in the past. It was in poverty in the media. At the heart of all the Commission’s so boring I didn’t like sitting about.” work lies a simple understanding – unless people in poverty are included all attempts to develop a better and fairer 9.1.8.4 Jane has also experienced some financial difficulties Scotland will fail. “Nothing about us without us is for us.” particularly related to bank charges. “I have debt due to an overdraft on the bank. They tried to say I’d gone over it and 9.1.5 However, it is primarily in the work of local I refused to pay them the 29p or whatever it was and they congregations across Scotland that the Church’s response keep sending the letters out charging £30 or £50 every to poverty has to take shape. As one congregation put it: time. It’s mounted up to about £600. But I’ve started paying it back now, giving a tenner a month. I have also had rent “Because we witness daily the local issues of arrears which I’m paying back at £6 per week.” poverty and meet and care for and worship with and marry and baptise the people living in that 9.1.8.5 Jane is due to be rehoused in the next couple of poverty, we wish to creatively partner local people weeks and is anticipating financial challenges. She works in improving all our physical, emotional and less than 16 hours per week at £5 per hour and only spiritual well-being” gets £25 per week income support as money is taken off for her rent arrears. She also has tax credit and child 9.1.6 Individual stories come first in this report; they are benefit which goes into her mum’s account. When she followed by details of the projects. These 4 people have previously had a house Jane found it hard to cover her each been involved in one of the projects described costs – eg £50 per week electric. “If I could I would work later. Forty funded projects were surveyed; identifying full time but I don’t know if the wage would cover my the journeys taken by the congregation and the impact costs. I would lose my housing benefit. That’s why a lot of those journeys on both the congregation and their of people don’t take jobs because they couldn’t afford to community. More information about the survey findings lose housing benefit.” is included later in this report. 9.1.8.6 When asked what would make things easier Jane 9.1.7 Individual Stories (names have been changed) says that people should still be able to get at least some of 9.1.8 Jane’s Story the housing benefit even if you work full-time. She thinks 9.1.8.1 Jane has been coming to the project for about that, if that were the case, a lot more people would be a year. She has two year old twins. “It gets me out of the having jobs instead of sitting about doing nothing. house. It gives me a couple of hours when the children go to crèche to go and do things like beauty therapy and look 9.1.8.7 Jane feels that other churches should develop for jobs. And it gets the children out and helps get them similar projects “because it’s good for the mums – and 2/48 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL dads because they can come to the groups as well. They improvements have come from projects like this which should do parenting groups for young mums. It’s good help and encourage people to look after their babies because I’ve made new friends. The project has helped me properly, building confidence to gain education to get out a lot, with getting the house and helping to sort out back to work. People aren’t being judged here but are furniture. It’s good to have a support worker to speak to.” included.”

9.1.9 Joan’s Story 9.1.9.4 “It’s an excellent idea for churches to get involved 9.1.9.1 Joan has been coming to the project for about in this kind of project. They should ask volunteers to come 18 months having had some quite significant challenges along. It’s so good that people are volunteering here in her life. She is now about to go to college with a view to because they really want to be here. They’re not here eventually going on to university. because they are getting paid for it. If the C of S wants to encourage Christianity they need to think at the level we 9.1.9.2 “Coming to the project has helped build up my are at – not an ideal world. In order to encourage people to confidence. This is the place where I don’t get judged. The have a good life they should open more projects like this.” project offers information about college courses and work and helps to make links with other support organisations. 9.1.10 Anna’s Story This project is perfect for developing the social skills of the 9.1.10.1 Anna left school when she was 16 to “try to get children. Everybody who comes to this project is improved. into work”. Now 18 years old, she has “had lots of jobs, but There are opportunities to give back via volunteering. It never for more than a month at a time”. She did complete allows me to take all the bad stuff that’s happened to me a course at college which qualifies her “to work as a chef”, and turn it around and use it to help other people.” but Anna found the atmosphere in which such work takes place to be “repressive”. She has tried “lots of jobs” but saw 9.1.9.3 “This project should be expanded. Projects like these as “just work”. this for people who have special support needs shouldn’t be having to scrounge around for money. There should 9.1.10.2 Anna had a period of unemployment during be Government funding. I think Gordon Brown’s recent which she began to feel depressed. She really tried to find comments about young mums and single mums being work, sending out over 60 CVs but getting no replies. “Just put into homes and workhouses are very stupid.67 That’s sitting in the house I began to wonder ‘am I no good”. She not the way. Things used to be much worse and the had a negative outlook on life. At this point, Anna decided to volunteer at the project, working in the kitchen. Anna 67 The comments made by Joan refer to a speech by Gordon Brown to is now just completing a 13 week work-placement in the the Labour Party Conference in September 2009. The speech was the project, which has given her experience in administrative subject of significant press coverage at the time. The full speech can be found at http://www.labour.org.uk/gordon-brown-speech-conference work and helped her develop new skills. The relevant section reads: “And I do think it’s time to address a problem that for too long has gone unspoken, the number of children having 9.1.10.3 At the project, Anna found that people welcomed children. For it cannot be right, for a girl of sixteen, to get pregnant, be her and accepted her, showing her understanding. “They given the keys to a council flat and be left on her own. From now on all kept believing in me”. She now has a different view of work, 16 and 17 year old parents who get support from the taxpayer will be seeing all experiences, even negative ones, as of value. placed in a network of supervised homes. These shared homes will offer not just a roof over their heads, but a new start in life where they learn She is now looking for a career and is willing to start at responsibility and how to raise their children properly. That’s better for the bottom and work her way up. Her interest is in fashion them, better for their babies and better for us all in the long run.” and she talks with conviction about the role that fashion CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/49 2 plays in the confidence of young people. She believes that 9.1.11 Tam’s Story youngsters buy and wear what they think their peer group 9.1.11.1 Tam used to work on the oil rigs and then was value, rather than what they themselves like. “They need to a self-employed contractor with 5 employees. Five years learn not to worry about what others think, or what they ago he had a “nervous breakdown and lost everything, wear. If they were happy with their own style, they’d be less family, home, job and ended up in a homeless unit.” Tam worried about what other people think.” She recognises became an alcoholic and spent all his days sitting alone in that her confidence and self-esteem have grown since she his house “sad and lonely.” He says that the project “saved came to the project. me from suicide – it’s changed my life.”

9.1.10.4 Anna has mixed with a wide range of ages 9.1.11.2 Tam’s son found details of the project on a and of cultural backgrounds. “You see the background of website and persuaded him to go along. To his surprise, the asylum seekers and refugees and know that we are people welcomed him and accepted him. He was “not better off.” She has gained confidence in communicating forced to do anything” but could choose duties with with a wide range of people. Excited about the future she which he felt comfortable. He now has “something to believes that “you can do whatever you want.” The project focus on” and “people care for me, accept me as I am.” He has helped her build her CV, is helping her look for jobs, has now has a structure to his day – something to get up for given her more qualification to look for jobs and shown and somewhere to go. He sees the project as a stepping her that people can “stick with” her and believe in her. stone to help him “get back to real life”.

9.1.10.5 Anna and her partner, who has just lost his 9.1.11.3 In the group, Tam feels that people listen to him job, live at present on £55 per week, receiving no grants. and respect his views. His skills are valued and he can see “Money is tight and it’s hard to manage, but I think it’s a ways to use them to benefit the project. He contributes good experience. It’ll make us appreciate money”. Their to decision making, which increases his self-esteem. He flat “has no wallpaper on the walls and the floors are bare, can now see a future ahead, where previously there was but I love it.” She thinks that, in the future, they’ll look back none. Tam thinks we “need more places like this. There are on it with happy memories. They don’t go out much and lots of folks sitting at home alone and sad – OAPs, addicts, are grateful for family members who supply a couple of folk who are ill. Just sitting there lonely.” Tam believes that meals each week. “The project gave me determination the church could provide a meeting place for all ages and and helped me to grow into this person”. that they could be run by volunteers, just like him, thus 9.1.10.6 Anna now has confidence in herself and her extending the impact and benefit of such centres. But he ability. She says she was immature when she first came stresses “you have to tell folk you are there and what you but has learned so much about herself and about others. do. I’d have been here 2 years ago if I’d only known about She will continue to volunteer when she does start work. it”. He thinks that a meeting place like the project enables conversations to start – but “folk have to feel welcome. It 9.1.10.7 When asked about messages for others, Anna takes a lot to come through that door and so you have said that they need to see the person and not be put off to feel accepted as you are”. Tam believes that the project by how they speak or how they dress. People need self- literally saved his life. It has given him stability, confidence respect and so we should treat them with respect. If we and belief that he is still of value. “We need more places welcome people and are enthusiastic about meeting like this,” he says, “to get the kids off the streets and the old them, then they will want to come back. folk out their houses.” 2/50 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

9.1.12 Project Case Studies deprivation, and issues of social exclusion. Services are 9.1.12.1 These individual stories came from their open to all, but they have developed particular expertise involvement in the following projects. for asylum seekers in the area. Around 400 people a week take part in a wide variety of activities within CCP. Those 9.1.13 Cranhill Community Project - http://www. available are: cranhillcp.co.uk/ 9.1.13.1 Cranhill Community Project (CCP) was Citizen Advice Bureau (3 times per week); advice for asylum established in 2001 in response to the changing needs seekers; employability advice; English classes for asylum and environment of the local area. Funding from the seekers, refugees and migrant workers; volunteer training; Church has continued in recent years through the Parish IT classes, literacy and numeracy classes; access to smoking Development Fund. The organisation developed as a joint cessation; healthy eating via café; fitness classes, cookery initiative involving local churches, local people and other classes, arts & crafts for 55+; Girls and Boys Brigades and community-based groups, under the vision statement youth clubs; a low-cost community café; nearly new shop “We aim for justice for the people of Cranhill”. It was and a food co-op. committed to develop an open and inclusive community facility within accommodation provided by Cranhill Parish 9.1.13.4 The project works in partnership with a variety Church; made possible by the congregation’s vision of their of organisations: Glasgow East Regeneration Agency; building being used 7 days a week to benefit the wider Glasgow Community Planning Partnership; John Wheatley community. From the outset ownership of the project has College; Glasgow City Council; Church of Scotland; The rested with the people of Cranhill, with community views Robertson Trust; Lloyd’s TSB Foundations. and perceptions always being important. 9.1.14 Ruchazie Community Café 9.1.13.2 As with many such initiatives, and reflecting 9.1.14.1 Against a background of social problems - the partnership nature of the work, CCP was set up as a including high unemployment, mental illness and street Company Limited by Guarantee, and is recognised as a violence - and bad publicity for the area, Ruchazie Parish Charity in Scotland. The organisation is governed by a Board Church is breaking new ground with its Open Space of Directors responsible for the strategic management. The initiative. Expanding its traditional role, the church offers project is committed to the development of joint working space for prayer, one-to-one conversations, groups and arrangements. The underlying ethos is the Christian vision clubs, even alternative therapies. The church describes the of justice, compassion and the possibility of transformation work in its own words as follows: “’Open Space’ focuses the for all. The project is promoted as a gateway for those who services of Ruchazie Parish Church for our community as need protection or respite from the relentless pressures a centre for wholeness, wellbeing and spirituality. We are of modern life, whether young mothers struggling with creating a welcoming, people-friendly environment to children, asylum seekers suffering from bigotry or living meet the needs of our community and offer openings into in fear, young people written off at a tender age, isolated new ways of thinking and being that are caring, supportive older people, those paralysed by mental health problems, and challenging.” or those simply struggling to make ends meet. 9.1.14.2 The project was a response by the Parish Church 9.1.13.3 There is a wide range of services, designed to to the changing needs and opportunities, as a result of promote and develop the wellbeing of local residents by the community undergoing substantial regeneration. addressing health-related issues, addressing poverty and This has brought new housing and new people into the CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/51 2 community. The church has always physically been at 9.1.15 Tibal Community Projects, Benarty and the heart of the community and has always been seen as Lochgelly in Fife http://www.tibal.org.uk/ being for all the community and was itself substantially 9.1.15.1 TIBAL (Together In Benarty and Lochgelly) is a redeveloped. However, when the initiative began in 2007, charity which was established in 2003 as a result of three the congregation was at a very low ebb with few attending local Church of Scotland congregations working jointly on a Sunday and most being either over 70 or under 12. with three Roman Catholic Churches, the local Episcopal The development of the project has brought engagement church and a number of key local agencies and community with people of all ages in the community and the growth organisations. The motivation was to try to make a of activities is recognised locally as being the work of difference within a former mining community which was the church. To quote from a recent report to the Parish characterised by a lack of self esteem, low aspirations, a Development Fund, “while people have not flocked to sense of purposelessness, high unemployment and drug Sunday services there is a real openness to our work.” and alcohol problems. Lochgelly is now classed as a town in need of regeneration “economically and socially” and 9.1.14.3 At the heart of the project, and seen as a real has the cheapest average home price in Britain. community hub, is the Shell Café where local people are welcomed with no pressure to join anything; they’re free 9.1.15.2 TIBAL aims to create extra choices and to come and go or to stay and that’s what many do. This chances for the people of the area. The project seeks to provides for many people the route into other groups and listen to the local community and work in partnership activities. They join Women on Wednesday or Space4Weans with like-minded organisations to make a difference or Tai Chi or beauty therapy classes. Others, perhaps feeling to people’s lives. It presently has two main areas of isolated in their community, find themselves sitting next to involvement: the Edge Project for 5-18 year olds and the neighbours and starting new friendships. For some it is just Elderly Befriending Project for over 60s. Plans are also in that they now feel that they can ask for help. place to develop the Gap Project which will work with 9.1.14.4 Local staff and volunteers have a renewed sense the 18-60 age group, the gap in between the projects. of self-worth too. The work began with two part-time local The Edge Project, which began in 2004, has five distinct staff. It now has 6 people employed as well as the minister. strands of involvement with the young people: Primary Representatives of the project, together with local people, and Secondary School Work, Out of School Youth have been very active participants in the Poverty Truth Work Activities, Street Work, Alternative Curriculum Commission, a sign of the growing confidence of local Projects and Personal Development Training. The Elderly people to begin to speak out with their own voice about Befriending Project which began in May 2007 now has 20 their experiences of poverty and struggle. volunteers and is providing a much needed befriending service, and a comprehensive schedule of social events 9.1.14.5 Church on Sundays continues in the midst which both volunteers and clients eagerly look forward of all this and is at the heart of all the work. The church to every month. is working on blurring the edges between church and community through all that they do and hope to be 9.1.15.3 The churches remain actively involved through able to offer alternative worship experiences to people serving on the management committee and through at different times, especially for young people who have members being involved as volunteers. There is no doubt been in church as children but might not feel it holds that the project has made a significant difference to the much for them now. lives of a great many people both young and old. 2/52 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

9.1.15.4 Examples of the work of the Edge Project fact that it was located in a church. However, these issues include older teenagers learning how to run a disco for have been overcome and the project is well established younger teenagers and learning to orienteer. These are both and valued by those who benefit from it. examples of helping individuals to grow in self-confidence, as well as learning to respect themselves and others. The 9.1.16.4 The work is led by what the mums ask for opportunity to widen skills and gain confidence means and includes parenting support, emotional and social that individuals are better able to take up opportunities support, assistance with housing and financial issues, to study or train for work as well as being better equipped addressing drug and alcohol misuse, “back into education” to avoid drug and alcohol related problems. In all these programmes, training, and jobseeking. activities the Church is a quiet presence, providing helpers, 9.1.16.5 Peer education has been of tremendous value space, and a focus for the community. Youngsters develop to the young girls, and they have written and produced a a curiosity about what the Church is all about from this five-minute play about their lives from school until now community commitment by the congregation. Funders include: the Parish Development Fund, Children in Need; – a fascinating and moving insight into the poverty and Coalfield Regeneration Trust; Fife Council and Lloyds TSB. isolation the girls face.

9.1.16 St Andrew’s Family Support Project, Dundee 9.1.16.6 The project is now a registered charity and http://www.standrewsfamilysupportproject.org/ opens two days a week for four hours. A crèche is provided 9.1.16.1 In January 2005, with vision and a leap of faith, on Monday and Tuesday afternoons to allow parents the St Andrew’s Parish Church in Dundee opened its doors to attend literacy, numeracy, and IT classes. They are weekly for two hours to single parents under twenty-one seeking funding to employ two crèche workers for Friday and their children. In partnership with the Early Years and mornings, allowing Sue, the Team Leader, to address moral Childcare Team of Dundee City Council, they provided a and spiritual issues now being raised by the girls, eg “Why free healthy lunch for all followed by an hour of activities do you believe in God?” or “What is this Easter thing all which were designed to encourage the mums to interact about?” positively with their children, and give them “time out” via 9.1.16.7 Those who use the service have had to deal activities such as cooking, crafts, aerobics etc. with challenges during their lives, including homelessness, 9.1.16.2 The project came into being as a result of unemployment, domestic abuse and chaotic families and elders from the Church wanting to become involved in an lifestyles. “outreach project”. The decision to focus support on single 9.1.17 Wider review of funded projects parents aged 16-21 years and their children was driven by 9.1.17.1 Forty successful funding applications from local research which identified that many such mothers were not accessing mainstream facilities for reasons such faith-based community projects tackling poverty and as, “I feel that other people are judging me” or “I didn’t fit related social problems were reviewed by a post-doctoral in.” researcher at New College, The University of Edinburgh, with a view to understanding why a congregation (or 9.1.16.3 The motivation was to be a “church without ecumenical group) gets involved in such projects; how it walls”, showing God’s love and care to young people who sees and expresses the ethos and purpose of the project at present have a negative perception of 'the church'. in the community; and how it views the impact of the Indeed an initial difficulty in setting up the project was the project on the church. The quotes (which have been CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/53 2 made anonymous) throughout this section have been 9.1.17.5 Many start by seeking to develop their taken from applications to the following funds: understanding of their community and identifying needs a) the Church of Scotland’s Parish Development Fund within that community. In many applications, the need (PDF); for a piece of work is established through statistics of b) the (ecumenical) Scottish Churches Community Trust deprivation, and of health and other social problems (SCCT); (including “statistics for mission”); sometimes this is c) the Faiths in Scotland Community Action Fund (FiSCAF, amplified by drawing up a community profile (several since 2008 the inter faith successor to SCCT). acknowledged the help of Faith in Community Scotland in doing so), or by contact with local and statutory 9.1.17.2 What emerges is a hugely positive picture of organisations. These groups are generally found to be churches engaging faithfully and imaginatively with their sympathetic, confirming and encouraging – one said that communities. And this is happening where many churches statutory bodies had “without fail, been entirely open to are, by our most commonly used criteria of membership what we are doing, taking into account its Christian basis” and money, struggling: one application speaks of a while another found them “a little bemused that our church congregation having to define more closely its own role wants to develop what is seen as an unusual project for a and mission and unique contribution to regeneration as religious organisation especially when there are no overt a “wee community of faith with a big heart”, and another religious undertones to it.” The Parish Development Fund of a “small church of some 30 members but making a big and Faith in Community Scotland are both available to difference”. provide support to congregations as they seek funding from external sources. 9.1.17.3 There is a wide variety among applications as to the faith basis and motivation of the work. Some make 9.1.17.6 Other churches built on experiences gained no mention of any theological dimension, while others through existing work. Several applicants had deepened tell the story of a project emerging from prayer, bible their understanding of need through conversations, study and theological reflection. Particularly for Church of for example with homeless people, or interviews with social workers followed up by “walking the area talking to Scotland congregations the traditional notion of a parish people”; another said “the project began by listening to as an area for mission and service seems still to be deeply the young people. The action began by asking the young engrained in their ethos. That basis is not confined to the people what they’d want to do and how they could make church; there are clearly shared values between the work it happen”. Visits to other church projects had helped of churches in responding to poverty and the Muslim several. group which says “the hope and struggle is to counteract the causes and effects of deprivation and poverty and to 9.1.17.7 One congregation highlighted the impact of develop a society where communities respect and value Ann Morisy’s book, “Journeying Out”, as a model for mission: each other”. “we should journey out and offer people opportunities for discipleship (venturesome love)”.68 This had sparked 9.1.17.4 In areas where people’s lives are under daily a process by which an office-bearers conference led to pressure, the church shares that pressure. The stories of a mission strategy group which “has considered Gospel community projects reveal a refusal to retreat into the defensiveness of holding on to an island of church, rapidly 68 Ann Morisy: “Journeying Out”, Continuum International being eroded by cultural change. 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Values that should inform the church’s mission” and church territory by meeting them on their own ground: reflected on the statistics for mission for the parish. Several “risking is not about inviting them into our ‘safe’ places but had drawn inspiration from the “Church Without Walls” meeting them in theirs and making friendships with them report and subsequent work on that theme. as Jesus calls us to do”.

9.1.17.8 Some congregations gained a challenge from 9.1.17.12 The low self-esteem closely associated with using the “Just Church” study programme, produced by poverty was frequently identified as a major problem to Church Action on Poverty (CAP), (see www.justchurch. which churches are well-placed to respond: “The main info/). Designed for group work this includes a variety of concerns about young people … are in relation to low self- resources to expose common views on poverty and debt. esteem and the behaviour that results – lack of focus and The group is then asked to complete a questionnaire motivation, truancy and low educational attainment, petty which helps to identify areas where their knowledge is crime and substance abuse”. One project was designed limited or aspects they wish to explore as a stimulus to to offer “…hope to young people within a community action at a local level. where there is a sense of hopelessness and resignation”, 9.1.17.9 Other applicants, after a community audit, while another said “we aim to increase self-esteem and became “more and more aware of the crippling effect autonomy and help people regain (in some cases gain for debt has in our community”, leading them towards a the first time) control of their lives”. partnership with Christians Against Poverty, a national UK 9.1.17.13 “When we create more obviously ‘spiritual’ debt counselling charity (see www.capuk.org ). Based on a activities such as the prayer time or the… discussion recognition that “often the Christian message of hope cannot groups then the God who is being worshipped and the be shared until this millstone is removed”, this approach sets gospel which is proclaimed are familiar to people who the work on tackling debt clearly in the context of faith, and have seen Christianity being lived out in compassion, as the removal of a barrier to evangelisation. faithfulness and grace through the project. The project 9.1.17.10 Others see the work itself as an expression of has functioned for several people as a stepping stone to faith. One project was described as “in its origin, sustaining relating to church and exploring Christian faith through motivation and everyday outworking … an expression of the relationships and experiences they have found there”. the compassion and grace which Jesus showed us in his incarnation and ministry. Our aim is to help people find 9.1.17.14 Most established projects recognise that fullness of life … having concern for all parts of their life building relationships of trust is not easy. One spoke and being” (seeing it as crucial that Christians and non- candidly about a careful assessment of need leading to Christians work together on this). Another group found the launch of a project with drug addicts, with little idea that an exchange visit to Malawi “made us more confident of who would come and, “to begin with – and for almost of offering our services with a faith basis as it is so much the whole of the first year – almost no-one did”. Patience more part of everyday life there”; their experience that and better partnerships with statutory bodies eventually “we do not force it on people but offer it and people are bore fruit. Another described a “resurrection phase” after a interested and open” is frequently echoed. major set-back when a building burned down.

9.1.17.11 Some see a contrast to other forms of church 9.1.17.15 This work can also be challenging for the outreach, reversing the tendency to invite people onto congregations involved, at all levels: CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/55 2 “From time to time things go wrong in the use of the to unconditionally serve and respect all people. church hall, and not only are roles, responsibilities We are motivated by the love of God, especially and boundaries redefined but the congregation for the poor … we value all people in a way that grows in maturity of reaction. In particular, they is consistent with our distinct Christian ethos are tested as to the exact nature of Christian by creating an environment where everyone is forgiveness and the levels of appropriate sanctions able to realise their potential, empowered to take used with children and young people”. responsibility for their own learning, and are able to value a balanced and holistic lifestyle” 9.1.17.16 There is a recognition that “living and sharing the gospel and following in the footsteps of Jesus means 9.1.18 Common Project Features being vulnerable, being open to ridicule because we 9.1.18.1 The things that stand out are: believe in the kids whom others no longer believe in”. 1) The value of an audit of local needs to decide priorities Indeed several churches felt a particular calling to work for serving the parish; with those “whom others may see as undeserving or 2) projects worked with others (other faith communities, difficult”, in ways that demonstrate their belief “in these and community organisations), using a variety of kids and the potential that is within them and that they sources of funding and exploring ways of overcoming too are created in the image of their God”. the barriers to working together; 9.1.17.17 There is no unified theological vision 3) they are overcoming barriers of low self-esteem, consistently expressed through these applications, nor hopelessness; any magic formula guaranteed to spark a congregation 4) churches in some of the poorest communities are into effective local action. But there is a range and depth of regaining confidence in their faith through practical faith-based reflection and insight – rooted in communities service to their parish; – both as the inspiration for action in the community and 5) the value of long term rootedness in communities; as its outcome. And there are diverse examples of good 6) the faith to take risks. practice from which congregations who want to do something but are unsure what, can readily learn. 9.1.18.2 This report had originally been planned to highlight projects specifically aimed at helping people 9.1.17.18 “We believe that what we do does glorify with debt and unemployment. However, most are in fact God but we also believe that Christian projects cannot concentrating on overcoming social exclusion and low only compete but shine in any company… as the Church self-esteem. Some congregations are providing space for struggles more and more to deal with the issues of other organisations working on debt or unemployment, Scotland’s poorest communities, (this) and similar projects and many individuals help with Citizens Advice Bureaux are proof that the Church can still have a credible presence (www.cas.org.uk/) and the like. A few congregations have in areas of social exclusion” linked up with the very specific programme of Christians In the stories of many community projects, our Against Poverty. Relationship building is crucial to the commitment to life in all its fullness is taking shape. ethos of all the projects, and establishing trust clearly a key element. These are seen as important in themselves, “Our Christian distinctiveness comes from our and also offer the context on which a sharing of faith can deep-rooted faith in Christ but its incarnation is happen naturally. 2/56 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

9.1.19 What We Have Found health and almost every indicator of well-being, and on 9.1.19.1 These stories from congregations are everyone, not just for the poorest: “Rates of mental illness challenging. As we mark the 450th anniversary of the are five times higher in the most unequal compared to the Scottish Reformation they show the best of confident least unequal societies. Similarly, in more unequal societies faith, meeting people where they are, and they challenge people are five times as likely to be imprisoned, six times as the whole church – “it is the church as a whole that is likely to be clinically obese, and murder rates may be many missionary, not just a few mad adventurers”69. times higher”.70 The negative effects of inequality pervade the whole fabric of society. This cannot be a surprise to 9.1.19.2 The Church’s long term rootedness in those familiar with the story of the Exodus, the words of communities is a strength for starting with people right Old Testament prophets, the Gospels and the account of there. Those who share in the life of the community the early church. All point to a fullness of life that does not and feel the recurrent blows that erode self-esteem are depend on the increasing affluence as measured by GDP, and working to build personal relationships which affirm folk to the destructive power of injustice and inequality. Again where they are, recognising and nurturing gifts rather and again, God calls his people to share His blessings. than knocking people down further. 9.1.20.2 When members of congregations contribute 9.1.19.3 The Church is being faithful to Jesus, who was financially to the Church some of this money is kept for attractive to those who had been written off by others (not local work and some of this money is pooled nationally. least by religious authority), like the woman who interrupts Our shared wealth is distributed according to need and Simon’s dinner party for Jesus, bursting in with her jar weighted toward priority areas. This radical redistributive of perfume (Luke 7). Much public discussion of poverty model of sharing our wealth (Acts 2) is both counter intuitive still looks to find the “sin” in those who are poor, like the and counter cultural but has been the oft declared policy argument among the disciples about the man born blind of General Assemblies over the years. Therefore the whole (John 9). Government policy on welfare benefits taps into Church is enabling the work in priority areas to take place. this blame culture. For some people today, condemnation is what they expect from the Church too. Sadly, even for 9.1.20.3 Financial resources are important. In addition some who are part of the Church, the Church is the last there are many other equally valuable ways in which place they would go when things have gone wrong. But in congregations can share love, gifts and resources for the projects described in this report we find the authentic example: gospel of non-judgmental love simply caring, when some 1) the sharing of stories, such as found in this report; other agencies seem quick to condemn. 2) building closer relationships through twinning and other partnerships; 9.1.20 Gross Inequality and the Church 3) praying for each other. 9.1.20.1 Absolute poverty still kills people in many parts of our world: relative poverty and inequality shorten 9.1.20.4 This report seeks to encourage and challenge and blight lives here in Scotland. The massive amount of congregations to engage further in these important issues. research assembled recently by Richard Wilkinson and Kate This is not an easy journey but it is the one that reflects the Pickett in “The Spirit Level”, shows the corrosive effect of Gospel bias to the poor. inequality in relatively affluent societies like Scotland – on 70 Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett: “The Spirit Level: Why More Equal 69 Paul Gallet: “Freedom to Starve”, Gill& MacMillan, Dublin, 1970 Societies Almost Always Do Better”, Allen Lane, March 2009 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/57 2 9.1.20.5 That engagement should include reflections economy.74 What we heard from the people in the projects on questions such as: we visited underlines the Churches’ support for the Living 1) Are we offering a liveable critique of endemic Wage. poverty amongst which we are seeking to live the 9.1.21.3 The work of the Church in this field is vital. Gospel? Alarmingly the latest survey of social attitudes across Britain 2) Do we offer a sustainable alternative way that shows reports that “Support for redistribution from the better off another world is possible? to those who are less well off has dropped markedly. Fewer 3) How have congregations incorporated this thinking than two in five (38%) now think the government should into their own common living? redistribute income from the better off to those who are 75 9.1.21 Gross Inequality in Society less well off, down from half (51%) in 1994.” 9.1.21.1 We are also acutely aware of the effects of 9.1.21.4 In this climate of acceptance of inequality, the the economic downturn on the already marginalised in Church has a prophetic role in ensuring that the voices society. According to Oxfam GB “People in poverty have of those who feel the impact of poverty and inequality on been hit particularly hard by recent cost of living rises, their lives are clearly heard. with incomes – both benefits and wages for the low paid 9.2 Priority Areas Action Plan – failing to keep pace. We are seeing recent reductions 9.2.1 The 2009 General Assembly reaffirmed the in some forms of poverty reverse.”71 Young people have Church’s ongoing commitment to its work in priority area been far harder hit by unemployment than any other age parishes – the poorest 5% of neighbourhoods in Scotland. group72 and those young people furthest away from the It approved seven strategic priorities for that work and labour market face an even greater barrier to realising instructed the Ministries Council to bring a Priority Areas their potential. Action Plan to this year’s Assembly. 9.1.21.2 All levels of Government should adopt a 9.2.2 Over the last year the Church and Society Council ‘poverty proofing’73 approach to budgeting and priority has worked with the Priority Areas Committee of the setting; taking action to raise the incomes of the Ministries Council to develop this plan. Priority to the poorest, alongside protecting the incomes of those who poorest and most marginalised is a commitment shared by are vulnerable to poverty. There must be unflinching the whole Church. In the Council’s work, this commitment prioritisation of the poor and marginalised but this cannot is demonstrated through the report of Congregational be seen in isolation to a wider lens of social justice; we Responses to Poverty and Debt. must build a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive 9.2.3 The Council welcomes the Priority Areas Action 71 Moussa Haddad with Antonia Bance: “Close to Home: UK poverty and Plan from the Ministries Council and looks forward to the economic downturn”, Oxfam GB, March 2009, page 2 72 Source: Labour Force Survey, Office for National Statistics, June 2009 74 The Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland and Faith 73 “The process by which government departments, local authorities in Community Scotland submitted a joint response to the Scottish and state agencies assess policies and programmes at design and review Government consultation the UK Equality Bill Specific Public Sector stages in relation to the likely impact that they will have or have had on Duties to Promote Equality, and Socio-economic Duty in October 2009 it poverty and on inequalities which are likely to lead to poverty, with a is available on the Church of Scotland website. view to poverty reduction” Department for Social Development Northern 75 Press release, National Centre for Social Research, 26 January 2010 Ireland http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/seminar3section6-2.pdf http://www.natcen.ac.uk/media-centre 2/58 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL working with the Priority Areas Committee, other Councils engage actively with the Governments in London and and Committees of the Church as well as a wide range of Edinburgh through the Scottish Churches Parliamentary partners to deliver the Priority Areas Action Plan over the Office (SCPO). By working ecumenically in our political next seven years. engagement as a core activity of the Council, the Church is better able to be both informed and have influence on 9.3 Travellers public and political debate. The SCPO continues to provide 9.3.1 In the wake of the deliverance passed by the General monthly Parliamentary Updates and regular briefings Assembly the Council’s representatives on the Scottish on areas of particular concern to the churches. This Churches Racial Justice Group (SCRJG) took the matter to work receives some financial support from the Scottish that Group. The SCRJG met with Mrs Jess Smith, a member Government (funding for part of one staff member’s salary). of the Travellers Community, accompanied by the Rev Anyone can read the Update on the website at www. Russell McLarty. A transcript of the meeting was prepared actsparl.org or subscribe to the free email distribution list and this has been shared with the ACTS Rural Group as it for the Update by emailing [email protected]. raised matters that were also pertinent to them. The Scottish Government continues to work with 9.3.2 In her evidence Jess explained why and how she the Faith Liaison Advisory Group as a regular channel believed that the Travellers had been mistreated over of communication with churches and other faith the years in Scotland and drew attention to a number of communities. SCPO is represented on that group. instances in which she believed the Churches had been complicit in the mistreatment. The mistreatment and 10.1.2 The SCPO continues to support the Scottish persistent propaganda against Travellers had resulted in Churches Social Inclusion Network (SCSIN). This year the a state of affairs where Travellers hid their identity and SCSIN has been enquiring into funding for community were afraid to acknowledge their distinctive culture. She based social inclusion work in Scotland. A number of was campaigning to bring about a change in attitudes politicians, civil servants and policy makers within NGOs which would allow Travellers, and those descended have met with the Network. These include Pat Watters, from Travellers, to acknowledge their own culture, to be President of COSLA and Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing openly proud of it and to preserve it. She also hoped that and Communities. organisations responsible for some of the mistreatment could be persuaded to apologise for their past decisions. 10.1.3 The SCPO continues to provide a forum for ecumenical discussion on current Parliamentary business. 9.3.3 The SCRJG subsequently reflected on the meeting This year SCPO has facilitated discussions about the Scottish and decided to set up a small ecumenical group, to include Government’s Alcohol Strategy, the consultation on the End those within the Churches who had worked with travellers, of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill prior to it being introduced to recommend to the Group and the Churches how the to the Scottish Parliament and a wider discussion of death, matter might best be addressed. It is hoped that this group dying and bereavement across society. will complete its work during 2010, with recommendations available to the General Assembly in 2011. 10.1.4 The Church and Society Council has established a Working Group on criminal justice. This group has 10. Politics and Government produced a leaflet on “Scotland’s Choice: Report of the 10.1 Parliamentary Office and Update. Scottish Prisons Commission” including background 10.1.1 The Church and Society Council continues to information and Bible based discussion starters. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/59 2 10.2 Preparing for the General Election • A joint Easter statement from Church Leaders 10.2.1 The SCPO has participated in the work of • Draft letters made available on the Scottish Churches Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) to develop Parliamentary Office Website for members to send to ecumenical materials to assist congregations in planning local press for and participating in the 2010 General Election. CTBI has • Congregations were encouraged to hold Election produced a leaflet called “Faith in Politics” which provides hustings where this issue could be raised with background information on a range of current topics and candidates suggests questions for the reader to reflect on or ask local candidates. CTBI has also produced guidance on how 10.4 Debate on Scotland’s Constitutional Future to plan a hustings meeting for local churches, groups of 10.4.1 The Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution churches or Christian organisations. These materials are published its report in June 2009 and incorporated available on the CTBI website at www.churcheselection. references to evidence which had been presented by org.uk. the Church of Scotland. As highlighted in the Church and Society Report to the General Assembly in 2009 “The 10.2.2 The Church and Society Council worked in Church has not taken a stand for or against independence, partnership with the Poverty Truth Commission to hold a nor would we urge it to do so; but we believe strongly hustings event calling on all parties to combat poverty in that a significant contribution to this, as to any debate the UK. about Scotland’s future, can and should still be made.”76 The Church and Society Council, in partnership with other 10.3 Trident Campaign denominations, intends to provide materials for discussion 10.3.1 For a long time the Christian community has led and reflection in congregations on the issue and bring a the way in challenging the morality of nuclear weapons. The report to the 2011 General Assembly. General Election has offered an opportunity, in a way that has rarely been seen before, to challenge the philosophy 10.5 Alcohol Pricing Campaign that nuclear weapons are a necessity for modern warfare. 10.5.1 In November 2009 the Scottish Government The Council took the view that there was a chance that the introduced the Alcohol Etc (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish renewal of the Trident system which is due very soon, could Parliament. This Bill contains a variety of provisions be overturned if enough political pressure was applied, including the introduction of a minimum sales price per especially at a time when voters were asking hard questions unit of alcohol. The General Assembly discussed and about how we best use our tax revenues for the benefit of supported the principle of pricing mechanisms as a method the maximum number of citizens. of reducing alcohol consumption in 1983, 1986 and 1987 10.3.2 In response, the 2009 Assembly Deliverance and reaffirmed this position in 2009. In December 2009 encouraging church members to lobby their MP on the the Church and Society Council launched a campaign to issue was developed into one aimed at aspiring candidates. encourage members of congregations to write to MSPs In addition further contributions to public debate was and alcohol producers in support of minimum pricing as a encouraged. mechanism to reduce alcohol consumption. Background information and the campaign materials can be found on 10.3.3 There were 4 actions in this campaign; the Church of Scotland website. • A post card campaign for church members to send to aspiring candidates 76 Church and Society Council Report 2009 paragraph 4.2.1 2/60 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

10.6 Parliamentary Visits 10.7 Living Wage 10.6.1 In June and July 2009 representatives of the 10.7.1 In May 2009 the Living Wage campaign Standing Committee on Education met with the Minister announced a figure of £7 per hour as the definition of a for Schools and Skills as well as Education Spokespeople living wage for Scotland (http://www.povertyalliance.org/ from other parties. The agenda for the visit was: campaigns.asp). This was based on wide ranging research • A Curriculum for Excellence in relation to Religious and and on information from other Living Wage campaigns. Moral Education and to discuss broader concerns about The Church and Society Council remains committed to the delays in implementing the Scottish Government’s this work and is engaged in discussions with potential “Curriculum for Excellence” funders to take forward further research on the economics • To provide an update on work relating to Religious of the campaign in partnership with the Poverty Alliance. It Observance also intends to develop ways to support congregations to • Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Bill achieve Living Wage status whilst recognising the particular • To highlight a recent Action of Churches Together in challenges that will bring for many congregations. Scotland publication entitled “A Christian Vision for 10.8 Human Rights Education”. This publication can be downloaded from 10.8.1 Over the last year there has been a range of the Council’s web pages. public debate around human rights and the Human Rights Act. There is an ongoing discussion around what a rights- 10.6.2 In January 2010 the SCPO supported the based agenda would look like and how competing rights Moderator’s Annual visit to the Scottish Parliament. The can be managed in British society. Recent political debate visit included: includes calls for the repeal of the Human Rights Act and • The Moderator delivering Time for Reflection in the consultations around a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Scottish Parliament There is a need for active theological reflection to enable • Meeting with the First Minister and leaders of other the Church to more fully understand and speak about parties to discuss areas of concern to the Church these issues. • A Parliamentary Reception hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP and attended by the Minister for Climate Change, 10.9 Bills Worked On Stewart Stevenson, church representatives, MSPs Climate Change (Scotland) Act: SCPO successfully and environmental organisations. The theme of the supported Eco-congregations to lobby for the inclusion of reception was based around the Climate Change a Public Engagement Strategy in the Bill. (Scotland) Act and was intended as a celebration of this Act, particularly the duty on the Scottish Government Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill specifically sections on: to publish a public engagement strategy in 2010. • Proposals for a Scottish Sentencing Council 10.6.3 In March 2010 representatives of the Church and • Community Payback Orders Society Council visited Westminster to meet with Scottish • Presumption against short periods of imprisonment or MPs from all parties as well as Government Departments detention to discuss issues of current concern to the Church. • Prosecution of Children (raising the age of criminal responsibility by prohibiting the prosecution of children Reports of all these visits are available on the Church of under 12 while still allowing them to be referred to a Scotland website. Children’s Hearing on offence grounds) CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/61 2 • Market Operator’s License: SCPO supported the Church • Calman Commission - requested by The Calman of Scotland Guild in campaigning to retain the charity Commission exemption to this license. • Proposed End Of Life Choices (Scotland) Bill - requested by Margo Macdonald MSP, The Scottish Parliament Health Etc (Scotland) Bill: launched a campaign in support • Ending Child Poverty: Making It Happen - requested by of minimum pricing sections and responded to call for UK Government evidence. • Petition PE1239 - requested by Scottish Parliament, End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill: launching a campaign Public Petitions Committee to oppose the Bill • PE1262 – Faith Schools - requested by Scottish Parliament; Public Petitions Committee 10.10 Index of consultation responses: • Alcohol Etc (Scotland) Bill - requested by Health and • Draft Gaelic Language Plan (Scottish Government) on Sport Committee behalf of the Gaelic Group of the Church of Scotland Council of Assembly The full consultation responses can be found on the • Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill-Call for Council’s website. Evidence (Justice Committee, Scottish Parliament) 11. Peacemaking • UK Equality Bill Specific Public Sector Duties to Promote 11.1 Working with Military Chaplains Equality, and Socio-economic Duty (Scottish Government) 11.1.1 Following discussions at the 2009 Assembly, – joint response with Faith in Community Scotland meetings between staff and military chaplains have explored • Health Etc (Bill)-Call for Evidence (Health and Sport ways for continued dialogue about the work of the Council Committee, Scottish Parliament) and that of the military chaplains. This requires the creation • The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Bill - requested by of dedicated space and time and further conversations are The Scottish Parliament planned to devise ways of achieving this. • General Teaching Council Scotland - requested by Scottish Government 11.2 The Ethics of Campaigning • Conserve And Save: Consultation by The Scottish 11.2.1 Introduction Government On The Energy Efficiency Action Plan 11.2.1.1 The Council’s report to the 2009 General For Scotland (October 2009) - requested by Scottish Assembly included a section on the Ethics of Defence, and Government the Assembly approved an associated deliverance – ‘Urge • Forced Marriage: A Civil Remedy? - requested by Scottish congregations to participate in non-violent campaign Government activities against the renewal of Trident and, in particular, • The National Minimum Wage - Service Charges, to meet with or write to their MP to urge them to vote Tips, Gratuities, And Cover Charges - requested by against its renewal’. There was some discussion at the time Department For Business Enterprise And Regulatory about the scope and nature of ‘Christian campaigning’ Reform, Uk Government and the Council undertook to prepare this brief further • Proposed Palliative Care (Scotland) Bill - requested by reflection on the ethical aspects of campaigning. Roseanna Cunningham MSP, The Scottish Parliament • Climate Change (Scotland) Bill - requested by Transport 11.2.2 The purpose and nature of campaigning – a Infrastructure And Climate Change Committee, The Christian perspective Scottish Parliament 11.2.2.1 It is unnecessary to rehearse in any detail the 2/62 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL theological and practical justification for the engagement It may involve joining a church-related or other voluntary of the Church, and of individual Christians, with social organisation pursuing a specific range of concerns or and political concerns. This is in concern about the gap focussed on a single issue (eg, Church Action on Poverty, between the way the world is within which we live and Child Poverty Action Group; Scottish Churches Action the promise and hope of God’s kingdom, the Biblical on Housing, Shelter; GreenPeace, Friends of the Earth, vision of fullness of life, justice and peace for all, as testified World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF); Christian Aid, World by the prophets and embodied conclusively in the life and Development Movement, Campaign against the Arms teaching of Jesus Christ. Trade, CND; Howard League, Amnesty International, and many others). It may involve writing letters to and seeking 11.2.2.2 The church is thus called and challenged, meetings with MSPs, MPs, MEPs or local councillors. It as indeed are all people of faith individually, not just to may involve taking part in marches (eg in recent years, hope and pray for this better, fairer world but to share in Make Poverty History, Stop the War and last year just God’s work which is transforming the present order. This prior to the international conference on climate change calling involves more than performing ‘works of mercy’, at Copenhagen, The Wave), attending demonstrations or necessary as they are to mitigate suffering and relieve even engaging in more direct non-violent action, involving need. It requires also seeking to serve the common good some form of civil disobedience. by pressing for changes to ensure that so far as possible social policies and priorities reflect the vision and values of 11.2.3 ‘Civil Disobedience’ God’s kingdom – in other words ‘campaigning’. 11.2.3.1 In a democratic state the government is accountable to the electorate and the assumption is 11.2.2.3 A measure of discernment is often required that government will be exercised responsibly and fairly as to the means of campaigning to be adopted, which according to social needs and often within a previously will depend on the particular issue and circumstances. declared policy framework. There are well-established At national level the Church of Scotland itself has been ways (public debate, media discussion, correspondence campaigning for many years now through passing General and meeting with – and ultimately voting out – elected Assembly deliverances on matters of consequence to representatives, etc.) through the democratic process the well-being of the nation and following them up in of seeking and bringing about changes in policies and correspondence, through meetings with Government priorities. ministers and politicians of all parties, and with public statements. At local level campaigning is often both 11.2.3.2 Where individuals or groups are discontented appropriate and necessary, particularly where issues of and wish to express their views, a number of courses may strategic significance are being discussed by local or be open to them, ranging from such activities as prayer, health authorities or a controversial matter calls for the letter-writing, and verbal persuasion through discussing church’s voice to be heard: some Presbyteries are active and meeting, to forms of non-violent direct action involving in this way; in many cases, however, there is considerable more active protest – economic boycotts, demonstrations, scope for seeking ways to develop relations and bring rallies, etc – that may, in extreme circumstances and as a further influence to bear. last resort, extend to or involve deliberate flouting and breaking of the law. 11.2.2.4 For individuals, campaigning may involve becoming a member of a political party or standing for 11.2.3.3 There is a long-standing tradition of resistance office as a local councillor or even member of parliament. or protest against authority, particularly in cases where CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/63 2 the government remains intransigent in the face of conduct. The New Testament’s account of the life and conscientious objection or where there is a substantial teaching of Jesus makes it clear that the primary reason body of ‘dissident’ opinion. Such resistance may be entirely for his conviction and crucifixion lay in the threat he on grounds of conscience, where the individuals concerned presented to the religious and political authorities of the feel morally unable to conform to the requirements of the day (as exemplified in his words and actions concerning law, or it may be used as a deliberate strategy or tactic – the Sabbath, his Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem and to keep an issue in the forefront of public attention or to his overturning of the tables in the temple – both instances seek public or political opinion with a view to bringing of ‘direct action’) and his message (reinforced by the Acts about change. However, in all such cases, those who account of Peter’s defence before the authorities (Acts 3 & decide to resort to a form of direct action that involves civil 4) that the ultimate loyalty of people of faith was to God, obedience do so very deliberately and ready to accept the not to any worldly authority or religious institution. The legal consequences of their decision. ‘render to Caesar’ text (St Mark 12.17) is to be understood as an injunction to faithfulness, not an indication of the 11.2.3.4 The current practice of non-violent direct action separation of church and state (‘spiritual’ and temporal): it is has been largely shaped and influenced by such significant an affirmation of the sovereignty of God over all things and precedents as, within Britain, the Chartist movement of of the provisionality of every earthly form of government. the 19th century and the Suffragette movement of the And Paul’s injunction (in Romans 13) to obedience to the 1920s that secured the women’s vote, the non-violent authorities is to be seen in the context of what he says protest movement in India led by Gandhi in the 1930s about just government, according to God’s loving purpose (rooted in the concept of ‘satyagraha’ – truth-force), and for all (and of where he was at the time of writing – in in the United States, the civil rights movement, led by prison in Rome on account of his civil disobedience!), and Martin Luther King and others, and the anti-Vietnam war needs to be read alongside the insight of Revelation 13, protests. More recent examples include the anti-poll-tax seeing government as ‘the beast’, in conflict with the will movement of the late 20th century, the demonstrations and purposes of God. against nuclear weapons at Aldermaston, Greenham Common, Faslane and elsewhere, the range of activities 11.2.4.2 Down the centuries, within the history and and events organised by environmental and animal rights theology of the church, there is a strong tradition of activists, and parents’ ‘sit-ins’ protesting against impending resistance and protest (seen in its most extreme form, school closures. Where laws have been broken, in almost against the background of the persecution of the early all cases, the charge has specified relatively minor offences Christians, in martyrdom, as described in the writings of – the crime of trespass or, in Scotland, ‘breach of the peace’, Tertullian and others). Augustine and Aquinas from different and in some cases ‘violence against property’ (regarded as perspectives, while regarding the state as exercising a separate crime – and in a different moral category, and God-given power for the common good, indicated that, thus legitimate and less exceptionable - from ‘violence precisely because of God’s absolute sovereignty, Christians against the person’). had the right, even the duty, to disobey an unjust law and, in limited circumstances, to resist the authority of an unlawful 11.2.4 The Christian Tradition or ungodly government, even by force of arms. Calvin, for 11.2.4.1 The essence of the Gospel is counter-cultural, all the emphasis he placed on the role of and obedience perpetually challenging the prevailing social ethos and to political authorities, left room for the ‘exception’ where values and calling for change in individual attitudes and higher obedience to God demanded it. The documents of 2/64 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL the Scottish Reformation and the Westminster Confession decided on – such as proportionality, discrimination, just point unequivocally to the sovereignty of God and the cause, last resort, likelihood of success; and there is also subordinate, and therefore, provisional role of ‘the civil the complex question of the relation between means and magistrate’. In the turbulent times of the 17th Century, ends (and in what situations, for instance, good ends may the stance of the Covenanters in Scotland, and such justify questionable means). Such considerations assume, dissenting groups as the Diggers and Levellers in England, however, that the main object and intention of the action was rooted in their strong conviction that the authorities is to achieve change: this may be so in some cases; but whom they opposed were pursuing policies contrary to in others, while this may be the ultimate aim, the more the will of God, and indeed they were ready to resort to immediate purpose may be to promote public awareness violent resistance - an anticipation of the perspective of or keep an issue before public attention, and there are the liberation theologians that violence is a legitimate other situations again where the primary motive behind response to a violent state. More recent theologians too, direct action is conscientious witness in its own right on such as Barth, Brunner and Bonhoeffer, believed that, as religious or moral grounds. As Luther said about his great a last resort, civil disobedience was permissible, indeed act of civil disobedience, ‘Here I stand; I can do no other.’ in extreme circumstances imperative. A cautionary note, however, was sounded by Thomas Merton, emphasising 11.2.5 Conclusion that civil disobedience, to be effective, particularly as a 11.2.5.1 Thus, within the Christian tradition and as form of communication and awareness-raising, must never applied to current circumstances and issues, there are be undertaken lightly or as a matter of routine: he referred various forms of campaigning that can be pursued and to the danger of protests and demonstrations becoming justified. In particular, non-violent direct action, involving a ‘form of political snake-handling’, the celebration of ‘our potential or actual civil disobedience, in the form of own favourite group-myths in a ritual pseudo-event’. deliberate law-breaking, may be regarded as a legitimate approach in situations where other possibilities have 11.2.4.3 In the view of many within the churches it is been exhausted or such considerations as the magnitude not an option but an obligation for Christians to stand up, or confessional nature of the issue justify it, and where speak out and campaign for what is right and good and those who engage in the action do so conscientiously, just and to be ‘a voice for the voiceless’. Clearly it is a matter deliberately and ready to accept the legal consequences. of individual and collective discernment in each case as to what form campaigning should take and whether direct A Bibliography on this issue is available on the Church and action is justified – measured against Christian values, Society website. derived from scripture and tradition, and taking account of pragmatic as well as conscientious factors. There is a 12. Education view that within a state where the government is generally 12.1 Religious Observance in Schools on acceptable lines, direct action can seldom be justified. 12.1.1 The Education Committee reported to the 2009 But others have held, with long-standing theological Assembly on the effect and opportunity that the 2005 backing as indicated, that it is the Christian’s obligation guidelines on Religious Observance (RO) have brought to disobey an unjust or bad law. Within the tradition of to schools. Those guidelines can be seen on the Church Christian ethics, criteria, corresponding broadly to those and Society webpages. The Committee indicated in that relating to ‘just war’ theory, have been identified that report that discussions had begun with a wide variety should be applied before any course of direct action is of organisations involved in education delivery on the CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/65 2 creation of a professional training opportunity for both to discuss opportunities for further development of the church and school staff in Religious Observance. The new REMS website as a vehicle for making resources more Committee is delighted to inform the Assembly that this accessible for teachers. qualification is now available through the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme of Glasgow 12.2.3 The outcome of those discussions was an University. It is being delivered by staff from Church and agreement to make a joint application to the Jerusalem Society Council, Glasgow University and Scripture Union Trust, (who funded previous work on the REMS website), with the assistance of practitioner facilitators. to create a 2 year post within the Council’s staff team, to research available RME resources for the study of 12.1.2 Twenty six students are enrolled on the first course Christianity, to critique their quality and to offer them which began in January 2010. A second course will begin online through the REMS website in a form that matched in September 2010. The course is at modular masters level the RME Curriculum for Excellence guidelines. and it is the intention of the Committee to support this work to the point where a Post Graduate certificate in RO 12.3 Religious and Moral Education (RME) is achievable. The Council has significantly subsidised the Continuous Professional Development Proposal course for all students enrolled to make sure that finance 12.3.1 Through its work with the Scottish Joint is not a barrier for this work. Committee on Religious and Moral Education (SJCRME), the Education Committee has identified a gap in 12.1.3 The course is designed to: the resourcing of RME on the issue of access to faith • be experience based practioners. The consequence of that lack of resource is • involve learning using reflective practice that it is increasingly difficult for staff to help pupils explore • be fully accredited by the University the idea of faith and being faithful beyond the intellectual • be peer delivered across the nation in flexible modules aspects and around views on specific subjects. using a variety of methods including practical workshops, theory exploration, distance learning and mentoring 12.3.2 East Dunbartonshire Council has done some significant and ground breaking work on this issue. Further information about the background to the Course Religious Observance Practitioners have been given the can be found on the Church and Society Website along opportunity to engage at a deep and personal level with with information on enrolment. members of a wide variety of faith groups to explore how being someone of faith and belief affects their whole lives, 12.2 Religious and Moral Education (RME) Resources choices and relationships with others. 12.2.1 At the 2009 Assembly a deliverance was received urging the creation of new resources for the Christian aspects 12.3.3 The Committee has therefore entered early of Religious and Moral Education. Further discussion within discussions with Council Officers and with Edinburgh the Education Committee suggested that the issue was not University to explore how this work might be developed that there was a dearth of such resources but that they were and offered to a wider audience. not easily accessible by teachers. It was also noted that they were mostly web-based. 12.4 Stevenson Prize for Excellence in Religious Observance and Religious Education. 12.2.2 At the same time, the Council was approached 12.4.1 Last year’s prize was very successful with a by the Religious Education Movement Scotland, (REMS), significant increase in the quantity and quality of entries. 2/66 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

The focus in 2009 was Religious Observance and it was since the advent of proportional representation in Local significant that those entering were showing Religious Government. The outcome of this was a letter sent on Observance spreading thoughout the life of their school behalf of all representatives to Chief Executives outlining community and it being not simply restricted to “assembly some of their concerns. This letter can be seen on the style” events. A further development was an additional Church and Society Website. award to a special school. This has led the Committee to add a new category for special schools. 12.5.3 The annual overnight conference took place in Aviemore. The Conference participants visited Lagganlia 12.4.2 The 2009 winners were Outdoor Centre, heard from school pupils, staff, the Scottish Government and each other about a wide variety Kersland Special School - a special award of issues, all around the themes of the opportunities of Ben Nevis Road , Paisley Curriculum for Excellence and the challenges brought by Uyeasound Primary School - Stevenson Prize for Primary proportional representation. A full report can be found Schools on the Church and Society Website along with a report Uyeasound, Unst, Shetland Islands from a conference participant.

Williamwood High School - Stevenson Prize for High 12.6 Support for Chaplains Schools 12.6.1 At time of writing the department had run Clarkston , Glasgow, G76 8RF one conference for school chaplains since last year’s Assembly with another one planned for the spring of The 2010 prize again focused on excellence in Religious 2010. The feedback from those attending is that this is Observance. an invaluable resource and that there is a great need for continual support for those involved in school chaplaincy. 12.5 Religious Representatives on Local Authority It is the intention of the Committee to run at least Education Committees two conferences a year to support the work of school 12.5.1 The Religious Representatives on Local Authority chaplains. It is further intended to aim these events at Education Committees met twice this year. The first both church and school staff to help support that church/ gathering was a joint event with the Roman Catholic school relationship. Where there are ecumenical teams, Church and was held in the offices of the Scottish all team members will be encouraged to attend. Catholic Education Commission (SCEC). SCEC Director Michael McGrath, gave a very helpful introduction to 12.6.2 The department is just beginning to explore the Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) ways of offering digitally based support resources but has publication “A Christian Vision for Education” to which not yet been able to create the capacity required within all the major denominations had contributed. (Copies the staff team to develop this work to its full potential. are available from the Church and Society website). He looked at how the thinking in that document reflected 12.6.3 The ACTS Scottish Education Committee has the implementation of the Scottish Government’s indicated that it would take on support for Further “Curriculum for Excellence”. Education Chaplaincy. It is expected that a number of events will be forthcoming following an excellent 12.5.2 This was followed by workshops on some of consultation meeting hosted by the Chaplaincy Team at the challenges faced by Education Representatives Reid Kerr FE College in Paisley. CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/67 2 12.7 Scottish Joint Committee on Religious and Commission. There was a proposal for the The Churches’ Moral Education (SJCRME) Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) to become 12.7.1 The Committee has supported the work of the part of CEC in 2008 but this has gone into abeyance. SJCRME again this year. The Council Secretary was the CCME will continue to share the same office building in main speaker at the SJCRME annual conference for RME Brussels as the CSC. teachers talking about the role of the Christian Community 13.1.3 The election of BNP candidates to the European in shaping Scottish political and social life. Work is being Parliament has thrown light on the work of elected developed on a statement on the differences and overlaps members at European level and in particular how money of RME and RO and significant work is being done with used to support them is used for agendas that would other faith groups on the opportunities for exploring the undermine those institutions, in particular to create idea of faith in the Curriculum for Excellence. barriers between peoples on the basis of ethnic origin, 12.8 Meetings with Parliamentarians and Policy something that is the antithesis of the European ideal. Makers Following the election of the two BNP MEPs, Churches 12.8.1 The Committee continues to meet with education Together in Britain and Ireland organised a conference spokespeople of all the mainstream political parties. A fuller reflecting on how the churches should respond to the report is to be found under the section dealing with the politics of the Far Right. The day, “Voting With our Feet, Parliamentary Office. The Committee has representation on it The Challenge of the Politics of the Far Right and the from the HMIe and has had meetings this year with Learning Churches”, was well attended and included a key note and Teaching Scotland and the General Teaching Council address from Jon Cruddas MP (who represents an area Scotland. They also responded to four consultations, details with 12 BNP councillors) who emphasised the importance of democratic and political engagement at all levels as key of which can be found under that section in the report. to overcoming the rise of extremist parties. The Council 13. Ecumenical and Interfaith Aff airs would see this issue as an example of why engagement in 13.1 Europe the political process by church members as well as by the institutional church is very important and will continue to 13.1.1 Following the return of Rev Matthew Ross to monitor the issue of the growth and consequences of far parish appointment from his role in the Church and Society right political parties. Commission (CSC) of the Conference of European Church (CEC) the Council took the decision this year to stop part 13.1.4 CEC marked its 50th anniversary in 2009, holding funding that post and to facilitate a review of how British its 13th Assembly in Lyon, France, 15-21 July. The former Churches can best engage with European issues. To that Council Secretary Rev Dr David Sinclair was one of the end the Council has been represented in two discussions Church of Scotland representatives. His successor as with ecumenical partners and is involved in widening that Council Secretary, Rev Ewan Aitken, has been appointed conversation. The Council would want to pay tribute to to the Commission for a 4 year term. the diligence and hard work of Matthew Ross during his time on our behalf with the CSC. 13.2 ACTS Networks 13.2.1 The Council represents the Church on 4 ACTS 13.1.2 The CSC’s main office is located in Brussels networks: Church and Society, Racial Justice, Education (with a second, smaller office in Strasbourg) in close and Rural. In each case the Council endeavours where proximity to the European Parliament and European possible to make its ecumenical work its core activity on 2/68 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL the issues raised by each network’s agenda. Thus the work 14.1.1.1 The International Security Assistance Force on FE Chaplains, formerly directly under the remit of the (ISAF) was created in December 2001 at the same time as Education Committee is now led by the Education Group, steps were taken to begin the process of reconstructing the work on Travelling people, although a deliverance from the country by setting up a new government structure, the the 2009 General Assembly, is being developed by the Afghan Transitional Authority (ATA). The concept of a UN- Rural network and our work on Racial Justice is delivered mandated force to assist the new Authority was to enable by supporting the work of the ACTS Racial Justice Officer. development of a more secure environment around Kabul, In that instance, in 2010 the Council has increased its primarily in support of the reconstruction effort. These contribution from £10,000 to £16,000 per annum to allow early agreements paved the way for the formation of a the post to be advertised with an increase in hours from 2 three-way partnership between ATA, the United Nations ½ days a week to 4. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and ISAF.

13.2.2 The Council Secretary is also one of the Church of 14.1.1.2 Strong arguments were put forward by the US Scotland representatives on the ACTS members meeting. and many other nations that there was no realistic, viable alternative to military action. They argued that a military 13.2.3 Full details of the work of each of the ACTS response was the most effective means by which terrorist networks can be found on the ACTS website. atrocities could be quickly prevented in the future and 13.3 Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) that there was no other effective means of destroying the 13.3.1 The Council continues to play an active part on al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan. In 2002 an Assembly the CTBI Church and Society Network, for example by report noted that the Church understood the thinking organising an event for a UK wide audience to discuss behind these arguments, but would strongly question debates about constitutional changes that are taking whether such a policy offers a lasting solution. place in devolved countries. 14.1.1.3 The Assembly accepted that there could be 13.4 Joint Faiths Advisory Board on Criminal Justice some international situations in which a military response 13.4.1 Through SCPO the Council continues to support could be justified. In its report to the 2002 Assembly the then the work of the Joint Faiths Advisory Board on Criminal Church and Nation Committee reminded Commissioners Justice (JFABCJ). This year the JFABCJ has participated that the Church of Scotland had expressed the view prior in the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Scottish to the invasion of Afghanistan that: Parliament Inquiry into female offenders in the criminal “if military action was to take place in Afghanistan, justice system and the Board continues to encourage the then it should be proportionate, accurate and involvement of local faith groups in the criminal justice have a reasonable expectation of success. In view system. JFABCJ has also responded to the Criminal Justice of the scale of the bombing campaign and the and Licensing (Scotland) Bill call for evidence. Rev Elaine large number of civilian casualties, we contend MacRae, member of the Church and Society Council, has that these criteria were not met. We accept that been elected as JFABCJ convener. determining casualty figures is difficult. While some estimates have been as high as three thousand, 14. International Issues one of the most cautious estimates from a US 14.1 Afghanistan source is provided by the Boston-based Project on 14.1.1 Background Defence Alternatives. PDA, drawing on western CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/69 2 media reports, concluded that over one thousand resource it properly. Copies of the correspondence can Afghan civilians were killed by the bombing and be found on the Church and Society website. several thousand more have died or will die from • Governance: ISAF, through its provincial reconstruction hunger, disease or exposure as an indirect result of teams, is helping the Afghan authorities to strengthen the war” the institutions required to fully establish good governance, to promote the rule of law and the 14.1.1.4 In 2002, the Assembly took the view that military recognition of human rights. This approach consists action alone had no prospect of eliminating international of building longer-term capacity by supporting the terrorism and in this case had probably strengthened the growth and improvement of governance structures. resolve of terrorists to strike back. Following the initial intervention into Afghanistan in 2001, an FBI assessment at 14.1.2.2 In August 2003, NATO assumed leadership the end of that year concluded that the al-Qaeda network of the ISAF operation and became responsible for the had had its capabilities diminished by no more than 30%. command, co-ordination and planning of the force, Even by the beginning of February 2002, it was reported including the provision of a force commander and that 16 of the top 22 al-Qaeda leaders were still free. headquarters on the ground in Afghanistan. An effective NATO headquarters enabled smaller countries in the 14.1.2 ISAF and NATO Involvement alliance to play a significant part without assuming the 14.1.2.1 The ISAF mission can be summarised as follows: leadership responsibility. The dominant partners in ISAF • Security: in accordance with the relevant UN Security have continued to be the USA and UK. Council resolutions, ISAF’s main role is to assist the Afghan government in the establishment of a secure 14.1.2.3 ISAF’s mandate was initially limited to providing and stable environment. To this end, ISAF forces security in and around Kabul. However, in October 2003, conduct security operations throughout the country the United Nations extended ISAF’s mandate to cover the together with the Afghan National Security Forces whole of Afghanistan, (UN Security Council resolution 1510) thereby extending the mission across the country. and are directly involved in the development of the Afghan National Army through mentoring, training and This assessment of the reduction of risk levels to other provision of equipment. nation states remains similar 8 years on. In his annual threat • Reconstruction and development: through its assessment of the intelligence community for the Senate provincial reconstruction teams, ISAF supports the Select Committee on Intelligence on 12 February 2009, rebuilding of Afghanistan in many of the traditional Director of National Intelligence Dennis C Blair, said 77 population centres. Where appropriate, and assisted by “Al-Qa’ida and its affiliates and allies remain UNAMA representatives on the ground, ISAF provides dangerous and adaptive enemies, and the threat the essential practical support for reconstruction they could inspire or orchestrate an attack on the and development alongside humanitarian assistance United States or European countries. Under the provided by Afghan agencies and international NGOs. strategic direction of Usama Bin Ladin and his This work is outlined in a response received by the deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qa’ida remains Council following a letter written in November 2009 intent on attacking US interests worldwide, at the request of Glasgow Presbytery to the Ministry of including the US Homeland. Although al-Qa’ida’s Defence asking whether the Government was confident that they were both sure of their mission and able to 77 http://www.dni.gov/testimonies/20090212_testimony.pdf 2/70 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

core organization in the tribal areas of Pakistan …lawlessness and disorder are affecting much of is under greater pressure now than it was a year the country. The UN special envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, ago, we assess that it remains the most dangerous has urged a major expansion of peacekeeping component of the larger al-Qa’ida network. Al- operations. Brahimi is widely regarded as one of Qa’ida leaders still use the tribal areas as a base the most able diplomats in UN service, with a long from which they can avoid capture, produce record of work in Afghanistan. His conformation propaganda, communicate with operational cells of the need for a level of peacekeeping that far abroad, and provide training and indoctrination to exceeds the work of the small … force in Kabul new terrorist operatives.“ indicates the extent of the problem facing the interim administration.78 We lack insight into specific details, timing, and intended targets of potential, current US Homeland 14.1.3 Present Political Decisions plots, although we assess al-Qa’ida continues to 14.1.3.1 The political justification for maintaining pursue plans for Homeland attacks and is likely the NATO engagement in Afghanistan is often stated focusing on prominent political, economic, and quite simply and starkly. The Prime Minister and other infrastructure targets designed to produce mass Government Ministers hold to the view that the primary casualties, visually dramatic destruction, significant aim is to contain the Taliban insurgency as far as possible. economic aftershocks, and/or fear among the They argue that this will help to keep the streets of Britain population. safe and to protect the UK population as far as possible from further terrorist threats by al Qaeda and its affiliated Increased security measures at home and abroad organisations. Britain currently has around 9,500 troops have caused al-Qa’ida to view the West, especially in Afghanistan in support of ISAF. However, the steadily the United States, as a harder target than in the increasing losses amongst NATO forces, particularly past, but we remain concerned about an influx amongst those UK troops deployed in Helmand Province, of Western recruits into the tribal areas since mid- is the visible price of this strategy. 2006.

Al-Qa’ida and its extremist sympathizers in 14.1.3.2 The UK is not alone in taking an aggressive Pakistan have waged a campaign of deadly and military posture against the Taliban, carrying the fight daily destabilizing suicide attacks throughout Pakistan, into the villages across extremely inhospitable terrain. including the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Indeed the President of the United States has recently Islamabad in September, which killed 60 people agreed to increase the US presence by 30,000, to a total and wounded hundreds.” of 100,000 US troops committed to NATO operations in Afghanistan over the coming year. Some see this as a 14.1.2.4 While the fall of the Taliban is to be welcomed, courageous policy decision by the President echoing the it is far too early to know whether the new Afghan scale of US involvement in Vietnam, where the attempt Government will be able to stabilise the country in the was made to counter emerging threats during a different long term. The past history of Afghanistan indicates that era. Others take a contrary position and maintain that the creating such stability will be an extremely difficult task. President’s proposed exit strategy, which depends on the According to Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University: 78 article on open democracy website Feb 14 2002 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/71 2 USA progressively withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan end of the first decade of the 21st century, it is necessary during 2011, is hopelessly optimistic and cannot be to raise the question before many more lives are lost in achieved in practice on the timescale envisaged. this desperate conflict and ongoing struggle for military supremacy – ‘What is the alternative?’ 14.1.3.3 In his policy statement on 1 December 2009, President Obama made a number of significant points 14.1.3.5 The United Nations is caught in the middle of that are the official benchmark for coming years: this ongoing conflict. It has extremely limited resources • An end in sight: Mr Obama gave a pledge to his field and is largely dependent on the goodwill and partial commanders to begin to end the US commitment by effectiveness of ISAF itself. The traditional Afghan method July 2011. As he stated: “These are the resources we is to bring as many leaders as possible from the ranks of need to seize the initiative, while building the Afghan opposing forces into a general assembly or Loya Jirga in capacity that can allow for a responsible transition of order to actively take part in conflict resolution and the our forces out of Afghanistan.” negotiation of a cease-fire, hopefully en route to a peaceful • More Afghan forces: the top US commander had asked settlement in the short to medium term. This method has to double the size of the Afghan army and police to much to be commended, while acknowledging that it about 400,000 (currently the Afghan army has about would require intense diplomatic efforts on all sides. The 92,000 troops and the police 84,000). A substantial churches and the faith communities will continue to be training programme, one year at a time, will need to be strong advocates for any such approach that results in carefully evaluated to achieve this objective. all weapons being laid aside and improvised explosive • An accelerated pace: a wary and war-weary American devices being permanently dismantled. More political public needed to see an immediate return on this pressure is needed in this country and elsewhere to ensure increased effort, and the President has directed that the that this possibility is not neglected in the rush to impose latest military surge must therefore occur quickly over a military solution over the year ahead. the course of the next eight months. 14.1.3.6 In an interview shortly after the Taliban fell, • Hamid Karzai: US officials recognise that they have little Tony Blair79 stated that he believed that the world was now choice other than to reinvent their relationship with a safer place. However, it will take more than the fall of Mr Karzai, despite the uncertainties and fraudulent one evil regime to achieve this. To do that requires much practices of the recent presidential election. They will more fundamental changes in human affairs. For example, continue to press the Karzai government to operate the world will be a safer place when the obscene trade more effectively so that it can take over governance and in arms across the planet has come to an end and when security of the country within the next few years. we eliminate nuclear weapons altogether. It will be a safer place when far more effective means of overcoming the 14.1.3.4 Arguably the use of overwhelming force by injustices prevalent in the world’s poorest nations are NATO troops, especially the continuing deployment pursued. It will not be any safer when governments believe of highly-trained US and UK combat brigades against that going to war is the only viable means of resolving the the Taliban insurgency in Helmand Province, will only problems which face our world today. serve to perpetuate the bitterness, resentment and misunderstanding amongst many militant tribesmen, thereby making the possibility of UN peace-making and peace-keeping operations a very distant prospect. At the 79 Interview FCO website 7th Dec 01) 2/72 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

14.1.3.7 It remains an open question whether there is any What are the indications that the present elected structures real alternative to the continuation of the armed struggle. have brought any sense of stability to Afghanistan? At some point in the near future, probably after a general election, British public opinion may shift strongly against 14.1.3.11 The UN’s role, as is the case in many other accepting the mounting losses of young soldiers on the international conflict situations, seems to be viewed as one of picking up the pieces when the fighting is over field of battle. The linkage between the war in Afghanistan and providing humanitarian assistance. Is this yet another and terrorist activity on the streets of Britain will need to sign that any commitment by nations to the UN does not be critically examined by a new generation of politicians include relinquishing the right to attack another country at Westminster. The stream of evidence presented to the without reference to the collective international view? ongoing Inquiry on the Iraq War chaired by Sir John Chilcott suggests that there will be many factors that demand open 14.1.3.12 What role has the Church in encouraging and scrutiny and public debate in this country. One thing remains even facilitating alternative approaches like the traditional beyond dispute. The efforts to rebuild the governance of Afghan method of bringing as many leaders as possible the vulnerable and failing state of Afghanistan, bringing from the ranks of opposing forces into a general assembly democratic principles and human rights to the fore, are or Loya Jirga in order to actively take part in conflict commendable in themselves and deserve to be supported resolution and the negotiation of a cease-fire? and sustained by the international community. That is a price that is well worth paying in the longer term. There is 14.2 China no going back to former days. 14.2.1 At the Assembly in 2009, the Council reported that it was working on a report on China. A considerable 14.1.3.8 This conflict and its consequences will have a amount of information was gathered, and a working profound effect on wider geo-political stability. As well as group met on a number of occasions and a draft report monitoring the conflict itself, further thinking is needed was brought to a fairly advanced stage. about these wider global consequences. Given the 2002 Assembly report and this further brief review a remit for 14.2.2 However, throughout its work, the group had such thinking might be well shaped by these following struggled with a number of issues, in particular the need to be extremely careful not to publish any material which four questions: might have had the effect of imperilling the work done 14.1.3.9 In 2002 the Assembly said that “if military by British and Irish Churches in China. This work has been action was to take place in Afghanistan, then it should be painstakingly built up over many years and depends, to a proportionate, accurate and have a reasonable expectation large extent, on the goodwill of the Chinese authorities. of success”. It has long been understood that this work can only be done ecumenically. What are the benchmarks now being used to define success given that the war in Afghanistan is now 8 years old? 14.2.3 At the Scottish level, the Church of Scotland traditionally worked through the Scottish Churches China 14.1.3.10 “While the fall of the Taliban is to be Group (SCCG). Despite the change in the relationship welcomed, it is far too early to know whether the new between the SCCG and the Church of Scotland consequent Afghan Government will be able to stabilise the country upon some decisions made by the World Mission Council, in the long term”. the Church and Society Council continued to benefit CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/73 2 from the expertise of members of the SCCG and wishes to 2009, increasing their trade deficit from 6.3% to 9.2% of GDP record its gratitude to them. according to the World Bank, while global unemployment is set to reach a record high of 219-241 million. 14.2.4 At the British and Irish level, churches, including the Church of Scotland, have worked in China through 14.3.2 The result for governments in developing the China Desk of Churches Together in Britain and countries has been less money to meet their spending Ireland (CTBI) and the China Forum. Following discussions plans on health, education and infrastructure. Although with the leadership from CTBI, the Council came to the the unique circumstances of each country mean that conclusion that to continue work on a report from one the damage from the crisis will not be felt evenly, the denomination could put at risk work in China as well as World Bank estimates an additional 30-50 thousand infant contributing to the impression that the Church of Scotland deaths in sub-Saharan Africa alone, with numerous other was not committed to working ecumenically. It therefore malnourished babies ending up with long term brain decided that the most appropriate course of action was to damage hindering their ability to earn a living as adults. commit to work within the China Forum so that common concerns, issues and opportunities might be taken forward 14.3.3 It has also been estimated that the crisis may also effectively. lead to an extra 120 million people’s incomes drop to less than $2 a day by 2010, through the combined effect of 14.2.5 This does not signal that the Church of Scotland unemployment and a fall off in remittances sent back from is not interested in China. China plays an increasingly relatives overseas. For individual families, with no safety important role on the world stage. No major issue, be it net to fall back on, that means having to compensate by economics, climate change, energy policy or human rights taking their children out of school and/or spending less on is without a Chinese dimension. The Church and Society food – mothers, particularly, are more likely to go without Council therefore will continue to keep a careful watch on food in order to feed their youngest. developments in China and seek to play a constructive part within the Scottish and UK ecumenical framework in 14.3.4 At the very time when developing countries the work being undertaken by British and Irish Churches need more money, less has been available for their in China. governments and businesses to borrow, while aid budgets have been squeezed as rich countries try to shore up their 14.3 International Development and the Financial own economies (the UK and Scotland being honourable Crisis. exceptions having maintained their aid commitments). In 14.3.1 The economic crisis sparked by financial addition, aid agencies in the UK have been hit by a double institutions in the richest nations has taken a heavy toll whammy - a fall in donations from the public, while a on the world’s poorest. Whether the crisis can be turned drop in the value of the pound (due to excessive public into an opportunity to review the structures and systems borrowing by the government to bail out the banks), has that keep people trapped in poverty depends on how led to a significant rise in the cost of overseas operations. governments respond. 14.3.5 The Millennium Development Goals are now The impact of the crisis on developing countries has unlikely to be delivered by 2015 and climate financing is been a significant drop in exports, a fall in the price of raw also likely to take a hit unless governments look beyond commodities and rising unemployment. Low-income short-term fixes to solutions that will benefit both rich and countries’ exports were estimated to drop by almost 15% in poor nations. 2/74 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL

14.3.6 One such response has been a call for the to support sustainable sources of revenue for developing implementation of a Financial Transaction Tax, which countries. If international policymakers take the right would introduce a levy on all financial market transactions measures now, not only could they reduce the chances (this would be more far reaching than a Tobin Tax which and severity of another crisis, but they could also kick away would only target currency transactions). A potential a major structural cause of poverty. advantage of such a tax, in addition to raising additional funds for development, would be its restraining effect on 15. Staffing speculators, resulting in less volatility in financial markets. 15.1 We welcome 3 new staff to the Church and However, critics have argued that a Finance Transaction Tax Society Department: David Bradwell as Associate Council would only provide another source of aid and would not Secretary and Aniko Schuetz and Sheena Cowan who in itself support a system to enable developing countries will be working with the Responding to Climate Change to mobilise their own resources. Project and the Society, Religion and Technology Projects respectively. 14.3.7 An additional means of averting another global financial crisis, which would also free up a sustainable 16. Thanks source of income for developing countries, would be to 16.1 The Council would like to thank everyone who has impose greater transparency and more regulation on helped in the writing of this report and in particular Rev global financial transactions. This would address the main Norman Shanks for his work on the Ethics of Campaigning causes of the crisis – that financial integration among and Una Bartley of Christian Aid for her work on International rich countries ran far ahead of the capacity of national Development and the Financial Crisis. The Council, would regulators to maintain domestic credit restraint, and that also like to thank Prof Ewan Brown, Rev Dr Graham Blount, by using secret and little-regulated jurisdictions, banks Rev Martin Johnstone and Dr Robbie Mochrie for their and other financial institutions were able to hide their risk- significant contribution to the preparatory work on the taking. Economics Commission. 14.3.8 This same lack of transparency has also played a major role in denying revenue to developing countries, In the name and by the authority of the Council, by facilitating an estimated one trillion dollars annually of illicit capital flows due to corruption, money-laundering and above all tax dodging. IAN GALLOWAY, Convener ALEXANDER HORSBURGH, Vice Convener Arguably, in the wake of the financial crisis, there has EWAN AITKEN, Council Secretary never been a more opportune time to establish systems CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2/75 2 ADDENDUM Sandy Horsburgh Rev Alexander Horsburgh is due to retire at this Assembly after many years involvement in the work both of this Council and its part predecessor the Church and Nation Committee. Sandy has brought a deep ecumenical commitment to this work along with theological insight, humour and a significant capacity for improving the grammar of the Council’s reports! He has also played a welcome role as pastor to staff and Council members alike. His contribution to the life of the Council at many levels will be greatly missed and we wish him well.

On behalf of the Council

IAN GALLOWAY, Convener EWAN AITKEN, Council Secretary MINISTRIES COUNCIL May 2010 3 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE 1. Receive the Report. 2. Note the ongoing work of the Council in relation to the review of tenure, affi rm the ongoing commitment of the General Assembly to an overhaul of the system of tenure, and instruct the Council to bring forward to the General Assembly 2011, full and detailed plans for the implementation of the range of issues documented in the Council’s consultation with Presbyteries in the autumn of 2009. (Section 1.1) 3. Note the continuing work of the Council in reviewing its patterns of training for ministries and approve in principle the key pointers towards the future shape of ministries training outlined. (Section 1.2) 4. Note the outline of Strands for Ministries presented below and instruct the Council to bring to the General Assembly 2011 plans for the implementation of an Ordained Local Ministry. (Section 1.4.6.2) 5. Affi rm the long term objective of the Council to ensure that all training for ministries in Scotland be conducted intentionally in ecumenical partnership and instruct the Council to work together with the Ecumenical Relations Committee in encouraging all denominations in Scotland to consider ways in which ecumenical partnership in training can be strengthened. (Section 1.2) 6. Note the collaborative work undertaken with others in the production of the Priority Areas Action Plan, approve its content and instruct the Council to continue to work together with the many partners who have agreed to commit to joint working. (Section 1.3) 7. Note with concern the issue of sustainability in relation to the future funding of the ministries of the Church and instruct Presbyteries to work closely together with the Ministries Council to achieve a balanced budget for ministries by 2014. (Section 1.4) 8. Instruct Presbyteries to begin an immediate review of Presbytery Plans using the principles and numbers outlined in section 1.4 of this report. (Section 1.4) 9. Instruct the Council to work together with the Mission & Discipleship Council in preparing plans for the delivery of such training as is necessary to ensure the provision of well-equipped local ministries to work alongside Parish Ministers in the fulfi llment of the remit of the Church of Scotland as a National Church.(Section 1.4.6) 10. Instruct the Council to work together with the Council of Assembly’s Finance Group in seeking to address the fi nancial issues arising out of the Council’s commitment to establishing a balanced budget.(Section 1.4.11) 11. Note the continuing development of A Place for Hope and instruct the Council to continue its programme of mediation training to assist in confl ict resolution throughout the Church. (Sections 1.5 and 4.2) 12. Note the pointers to the future outlined in relation to developing a green travel plan for those engaged in ministries and instruct the Council to contribute appropriately to the Church & Society Council’s eff orts in bringing this matter before the whole Church. (Section 1.6) 13. Pass an Act Anent the Ordination of Professors and Lecturers of Theology and Biblical Studies as laid out in Section 1.10 below. (Section 1.10) 3/2 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

14. Instruct the Council, in consultation with the General Trustees, the Legal Questions Committee and the Housing and Loan Fund, to prepare a report for the General Assembly 2012 on the future of manse provision. (Section 1.12) 15. Pass a Consolidating and Amending Act Anent Deacons (incorporating the provisions of Acts VIII 1998, IX 2001, VII 2002 and II 2004, all as amended) as set out in Section 1.13 and Appendices A, B, and C. (Section 1.13) 16. Instruct the Council, through its Priority Areas Committee, to engage with the General Trustees and Faith in Community Scotland in enabling the development of sustainable buildings in designated priority area parishes. (Section 2.7) 17. Note the work being undertaken on a Youth Work Strategy for priority areas and instruct the Council to continue the implementation of this important work. (Section 2.10) 18. Welcome the report on numbers of Women in Ministry and instruct the Council to continue to monitor and report on the issues raised therein. (Section 3.4) 19. Instruct the Council, as part of its training review for ministries, to explore further the relationship between the Accompanied Review process and the variety of opportunities that are available for personal development and further study. (Section 4.3) 20. Note the work done on devising a liturgy for the Introduction of Chaplains who work outside of the structures of the church and encourage Presbyteries to devise services which are sensitive to the local context and circumstances. (Section 4.5) 21. Instruct Presbyteries to ensure their membership of Local Spiritual Care Committees and to work collaboratively with their colleagues across the denominations and other faiths to develop best practice in the delivery of Spiritual Care within the NHS. (Section 4.6) 22. Resolve to raise the New Charge Development charge of Glasgow: Whiteinch to a parish in full status and pass an Act as set out in Section 5.6, Appendix 1. (Section 5.6) 23. Pass an Act amending Sections 1 – 25 of Act XIII 2000 anent New Charge Development (as amended by Acts V and VIII 2003 and Act VII 2004), as set out in Section 5.8 and Appendix 2. (Section 5.8) 24. Pass an Act amending Sections 26 – 37 of Act XIII 2000 anent New Charge Development (as amended by Acts V and VIII 2003 and Act VII 2004) as amended, as set out in Section 5.8 and Appendix 2. (Section 5.8) 25. Instruct the Council to adopt a policy for future recommendation for stipends and salaries whereby these will not rise by a fi gure greater than any increase in income coming to the Ministries Council from congregational contributions (Section 6.1.7.2)

1 Introduction – 2020 Vision Ministries Council is responsible for 87% of the Church’s “Where there is no vision, the people perish”(Prov 28:19), budget, this is a crisis for the whole Church, not just for the declares the Wisdom writer. This was a sentiment most Ministries Council. likely forged in crisis, addressed to people who found the pressures around too great to raise their heads and look Out of crisis, however, can come both vision and around. These are words which speak into our current opportunity. The remit of the Council is: the enabling of situation in the Church of Scotland, facing as we do a ministries in every part of Scotland and elsewhere where signifi cant crisis in relation to ministries. A defi cit budget appropriate, giving special priority to the poorest and most of £5.7M is quite simply unsustainable. Given that the marginalized, through recruitment, training and support of MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/3 recognised ministries of the Church and the assessment and The project A Place for Hope (1.5 & 4.2) seeks to eff ect monitoring of patterns of deployment of those ministries. In change in the way that we approach confl ict as a fulfi lling this, we want to take seriously the scale of work Church. Its contribution towards 2020 Vision is to off er 3 which needs to be done, initially to 2014, then beyond a new impetus in mediation, bringing hope that the towards a revitalized ministry at the end of this new Church in every community throughout Scotland might decade. 2020 Vision does not imply that we can wait until become increasingly recognised as a place of healing and 2020 to sort things out! Far from it, change must begin reconciliation, in line with Gospel values. now and continue as a full and natural part of life for the years ahead. Undoubtedly the most urgent part of the 2020 Vision in terms of decision-making this year will be Building In the light of this, the Council presents, as a common for Sustainable Future Patterns of Ministries, Finance and theme running through the report, its 2020 Vision. In giving Presbytery Planning (1.4). In presenting the overall vision priority to the poorest in our country, the Priority Areas for the future, the theological and economic challenges Action Plan (1.3) represents the Council’s vision towards a contained in the proposals for reshaping ministries, more just and equitable society in the decade ahead. This planning for variety and achieving a sustainable pattern area of the Council’s work has not only been instrumental for the future through pruning for growth, the Council in shaping a strategy for those to whom fi rst priority is to recognises the size of the task ahead for all of us. In the be given, the poor, but also, arising out of that, has off ered overarching context of 2020 Vision, however, it is a task strategic insight for all our forward thinking and planning. which is full of opportunity if we can grasp the vision together. The task is both theological and fi nancial: there is Now in its second phase, the Ministries Training Review (1.2) a budget to be balanced and that is a fi nancial challenge. forms a clear part of 2020 Vision. The principles set out in There is also, of more lasting theological signifi cance, the this report will not only shape the next decade’s training need to establish patterns of ministry for the 21st century programmes, but will also continue to shape the Church’s which see the stipendiary ministries of the Church more ministries in the lives of those training for the next half- clearly in their proper context, the ministry of all God’s century. people. The Council invites the General Assembly to step forward into the future boldly and with hope. 3/4 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 1 OVERALL COUNCIL WORK

1.1 Note the work The Council issued a consultation document to Consultation with 2 undertaken to this point Presbyteries in June 2009 and received responses Presbyteries on in respect of the review from all but two. The overwhelming indication Tenure (Section 1.1) of tenure, instruct the is that Presbyteries want to see the various ideas Ministries Council to outlined in the document worked out in detail continue to consult and brought forward for further consideration. The Presbyteries, the Legal Council intends to bring such detailed work for Questions Committee consideration to the General Assembly, but the time and other appropriate available in writing this report is not suffi cient to do bodies and instruct justice to the importance of the subject. A full report Presbyteries to respond will therefore be prepared for the General Assembly to the Council by 1 Dec in 2011. 2009. In the meantime, some of the main results of the feedback from Presbyteries are listed below (section 1.1). In the light of this, the Council asks the General Assembly to affi rm its ongoing commitment to an overhaul of the system of tenure to enable maximum fl exibility in planning for the future deployment of ministries. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/5

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 3 1.2 Note the work already The Council has continued its three-year programme Key Pointers to 3 – 5 undertaken on a major of reviewing the training processes for which it is Future Shape of review of training responsible. Year two has been spent in seeking to Models (1.2) processes within the establish some broad models of training, consistent remit of the Council and with the theological outlook expressed in the instruct the Council to paper Enabling Ministries, with a view to defi ning bring a further update programmes of training in the third year of review on progress to the beginning after the General Assembly 2010. General Assembly 2010. The task of defi ning models for training has proved more complex than fi rst anticipated. A questionnaire was drawn up in Aug 2009 and circulated to more than 30 institutions worldwide, seeking responses about the models of theological education for ministries which they employ. Only three responses were actually received, two of these from existing academic partners in Scotland. This was disappointing and led to a rethink in our methodology.

In Jan 2010, three Council representatives visited staff of the Ecumenical Theological Education and Lay Formation Projects division of the World Council of Churches in Geneva to gain from their global experience of theological education. Out of this visit, a number of partners were identifi ed who will assist the Council in refl ecting further on appropriate models of theological education for the future ministries of the Church of Scotland. It was also a reminder to us that theological education is a task for all the Churches in Scotland and it is in that context that our particular plans will be forged.

The information gathered during the visit to the WCC has contributed to the Council identifying a number of key pointers to the future shape of such models. These are listed below (Section 1.2). 3/6 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material As this report goes to print, the Council is continuing to sharpen up the models it will present to the General Assembly in 2011, alongside proposed programmes for future training. If there are further developments, particularly in relation to learning from partners in the worldwide church, these will be outlined in a Supplementary Report to the General Assembly 2010. The Council welcomes comment on the broad principles outlined above as it seeks to provide, for the Church of the 21st century, training patterns which are both relevant and enabling.

1.3 Affi rm the principles The principles and priorities outlined in last year’s Priority Areas 6 and priorities identifi ed report from the Priority Areas Committee have been Action Plan in the report Celebrating fully embedded in the work of the Council over the the Past – Glimpsing the past year. A detailed Action Plan for the next seven (Section 1.3) Future and instruct the years of the Committee’s work has been drawn up, Council to bring forward discussed and agreed with a wide range of partners to the General Assembly within the Church and beyond. 2010 a detailed programme of activity The Action Plan is presented below (Section 1.3) for for the next phase of adoption by the General Assembly. Priority Areas work. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/7

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 3 1.4 Note with concern the In its report to the General Assembly 2009, the 2020 Vision – 7 – issue of aff ordability in Ministries Council fl agged up the fact that the cost Building for 10 respect of the ministries of sustaining ministry had reached a critical point Sustainable of the Church and and would require signifi cant action to be taken. Future Patterns instruct the Council to Over the past year, the Council has conducted of Ministries, bring forward a report careful research into the question of how it can Finance and with recommendations fulfi ll its responsibilities with regard to the provision Presbytery on future policy with of ministries in a sustainable way. This has involved Planning regard to stipends, work internal to the Council, and also included two salaries and numbers to consultations with representatives of Presbyteries. (Section 1.4) the General Assembly This report now brings forward a number of proposals 2010. based on that work of research and consultation. The key issues to note at this point are: • There is a massive defi cit which must be dealt with: in 2010, the Council is budgeting for a defi cit of £5.7 million. Since Ministries receives 87% of Ministry & Mission funds from congregations, this is a problem for the whole Church, not just for the Ministries Council. If we do not achieve a balanced budget in the next few years, the Council’s reserves will be exhausted and we will not be able to sustain ministry across the country. • We need to prune in order to grow: since 2006, the Council has been producing reports indicating the need for a change in the patterns of ministry we use, calling for a far wider involvement by people trained and ordained to local, part-time paid or non-stipendiary forms of ministry, alongside the core of paid Parish Ministers. The only way a serious diff erence can be made to the defi cit is by reducing the amount of money spent on paid ministries. The Council sees this, as it has consistently said, as an opportunity for growth in new ways, through new patterns – it is not merely a cost-cutting exercise, even though that is now also clearly necessary. 3/8 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material • We need to realign the Church for mission through a reshaping of ministries: working in partnership with others, the Council needs to enable and sustain ministries, which are orientated towards mission. To this end, a major review of training patterns is already well under way (see section 1.2), and the Council is working together with the Mission & Discipleship Council to foster patterns of emerging ministries. • We need to revise Presbytery Plans with purpose and variety, taking account of fi nance: existing Plans take no account of what is aff ordable, indicating that 1,234 posts will be funded. A sustainable, balanced budget fi gure is 1,000 full- time equivalent (FTE) posts and Plans will need to be revised to refl ect this. We need to break the automatic connection between one post and one person, so planning should be for FTE posts. In the additional material below (section 1.4), these key points are expanded and proposals to take forward new patterns of ministry are outlined. This includes a table outlining the numbers of FTE posts which will be funded by 2014, but it is clear that planning for this must begin immediately if the necessary changes are to be undertaken successfully within the time scale.

The Council will continue to work on the steps which need to be taken to reach a sustainable future for ministries and in doing so will communicate regularly with Presbyteries. It is very likely that in going about the work of reshaping ministries, a number of Presbyteries will also want to think about their own viability: the Council stands ready to help in any discussions, should that prove of value. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/9

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 3 1.5 Affi rm the commitment of The Council held a conference entitled Christianity, See further under 11 the Council to investment Confl ict and the Soul of the Nation in Aviemore in Section 4.2 of this in the implementation Nov 2009, with around 240 participants. Keynote Report of the Action Plan on addresses were given by John Sturrock QC, one of Congregational Confl ict, Scotland’s leading mediators; Prof Ken Cloke from submitted to the General the USA, recognised as a leading world authority on Assembly 2008, and mediation; Dr Cecelia Clegg, Edinburgh University, commend to the wider who has worked in mediation particularly in Northern Church the conference on Ireland and Prof David Brubaker of Eastern Mennonite The Church and Confl ict, University, VA. Around 40 workshops were held on a to be held from 15 – 18 wide variety of subjects relating to the overall theme Nov 2009 in Aviemore. and participants were able to attend at least three of these. Feedback indicated that many had found this to be a very important, even life-changing, experience, setting them on a pathway to diff erent and more positive ways of dealing with confl ict.

The conference was held as part of the overall work of the Council in fostering the wider development of mediation and confl ict resolution skills under the title, A Place for Hope. Thanks are due to the Guild for their role in supporting A Place for Hope as one of the special projects for the next three years. The Council hopes, by the end of that period, to have established a network of people, well-resourced in the skills of mediation and confl ict resolution, off ering hope of transformative ways of dealing with confl ict, overcoming its destructiveness to individuals and communities.

Further information on this key work of the Council can be found in the Support & Development section of the report (Section 4.2) 3/10 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 1.6 Instruct the Ministries The Council has worked together with the Church Green Travel 12 Council, in partnership & Society Council, with the support of the Energy Plans: Pointers to with the Church & Savings Trust, to consider recommendations on how the Future Society Council, to to implement a green policy in respect of travel. bring forward to the It became clear early in discussions, that a single (Section 1.6) General Assembly 2010 solution for the geographically challenging spread a template for use by of Scotland (and beyond) was not realistic. all Parish Ministers and employees in creating In order to pursue a solution which takes seriously a ‘Green Travel Plan’, and the needs of all, the Council has drawn up some to set up a Reference broad pointers to the future for consideration and Group to assist in this development (Section 1.6). It is hoped that this task. will lead to a fi rm plan for the whole Church being presented to a future General Assembly.

1.7 Note that the Ministries At the time of writing this report, the Council had Council will (a) engage not yet been able to engage in conversations with over the next year in the partner churches in South Africa on the issue of conversations with ministers leaving that country to come to Scotland. partner churches in It is hoped, however, that by the time of the General South Africa concerning Assembly, this issue will have been discussed in the the numbers of ministers wider context of developing relationships around the seeking admission from Council’s review of training. Forging good working those denominations to relationships with the South African church remains the Church of Scotland; an ongoing desire for the Council. A further report (b) report the outcome will be brought to the General Assembly 2011. of conversations to the General Assembly 2010. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/11

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 3 1.8 Affi rm the current The Council participated fully in the review of the commitment of the Responding to Climate Change Project and has Church & Society supported, through devolution of budget resources, Council to the the outcome whereby a more permanent fi nancial ‘Responding to Climate structure has been put in place to ensure ongoing Change Project’ and commitment to the issues. instruct the Church & Society Council, in partnership with other Councils, to complete the review of this project with a view to its development.

1.9 Instruct the Project When this instruction was brought forward at the Group to work together General Assembly 2009, it seemed to assume that with the Ministries no such education in HIV / Aids work was currently Council in exploring being undertaken by candidates. In fact, the work of ways in which HIV and the HIV / Aids project has been included for some Aids education can be time in the Candidate training programme, but a off ered as part of the review of this has taken place in the past year, with candidates training some strengthening of links. The Council is grateful programme. for the opportunity provided to revise and enhance its delivery in this area. 3/12 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 1.10 Explore the possibility of Along with recognised partners in the delivery of Act Anent the 13 Professors and Lecturers theological education for candidates for the ministries Ordination of of Theology and Biblical of the Church, the Council has been concerned at Professors and Studies in recognised the increasingly small numbers of ordained ministers Lecturers of institutions being ord- serving in University departments of theology. The Theology and ained to ministry within ever-present need for such departments to keep up Biblical Studies the Church of Scotland research ratings places pressure on those in academic life to publish original work on a regular basis. This has (Section 1.10) meant that the opportunity for younger candidates who show academic promise at the highest level to go on to gain higher degrees and then to lecture in the departments, while at the same time being able to spend a period of time in Parish Ministry, has now virtually disappeared.

Recognising that the call to ministry may well include for some a call to minister through equipping others in ministry in the partner institutions in which candidates for ministries train, the Council brings forward to the General Assembly legislation which will permit professors and lecturers of theology and biblical studies to be ordained while holding such a post. The Council believes this will enhance the opportunity for Church of Scotland ministers to maintain the tradition of delivering theological education within the University context in Scotland.

The Council recognises that this will involve the creation of a new form of probationary period for those who wish to be ordained into such a post. This will be considered over the coming months and an appropriate amendment to legislation brought to the General Assembly 2011 in conjunction with the Council’s overall Training Review. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/13

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 3 1.11 Resolve the tension From time to time, relationships break down between which can arise between a Parish Minister and a member of staff (Presbytery / the role of the Council as Parish Worker = PPW), where the Ministries Council an employer and that of is the employer of the PPW and the minister is acting Presbyteries in relation as line manager. This may result, for example, in a to offi ce holders, where grievance being lodged against the minister, who as a dispute between an offi ce holder is responsible to Presbytery in terms a PPW and a Parish of discipline and grievance. The PPW is responsible Minister arises. in relation to such matters to the employer, under civil law. A tension, therefore, exists between the conduct of a process of investigation, which the Presbytery will conduct under the terms of Act III 2001, and the normal pursuit of a grievance under the terms of employment law, administered by the Council with the assistance of the Human Resources department.

The Council at present has no direct involvement in an investigation under Act III, which leaves a very diffi cult situation if a Presbytery decides, after internal investigation, that there is no case to answer in respect of the minister. The Council, operating under employment law, still has an outstanding grievance, which cannot be heard, because it has no power to engage with the minister. This is an unsatisfactory situation for a number of reasons, not least because it leaves the Council vulnerable under employment law to a claim that a grievance has not been properly dealt with.

In the light of this, the Council is currently in conversation with the Principal Clerk and the Church Solicitor with a view to bringing forward in a Supplementary Report recommendations on how to proceed in such cases. 3/14 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 1.12 Look into the future The Board of Ministry brought forward a report to 14 sustainability of retaining the General Assembly in 2005 (Reports 17/19, 2005) manses in every parish. which concluded that the issue of manse provision should only be reconsidered in future if changes took place in either Church law or civil law which necessitated a new look at the subject. While no such changes have taken place, the Council believes that the time is right, some fi ve years on and facing a very diff erent fi nancial situation, to consider again whether a ‘one-size-fi ts-all’ approach is the best way forward, or indeed, if any other solutions to some of the problems around the provision of housing are possible. The Council, therefore, invites the General Assembly to instruct it to look into this matter in partnership with the General Trustees and the Housing & Loan Fund.

1.13 Revise and consolidate Over a number of years, Church legislation with Consolidating 15 materials relating to the regard to the role and function of Deacons within and Amending role of the Diaconate in the Church of Scotland has being evolving. This Act Anent the Church of Scotland has often been rather piecemeal in fashion, largely Deacons (1.13) due to the fact that changes were being made in + Appendices A, legislation relating to issues such as assessment and B, and C training which includes all forms of ministry. Such Acts of the General Assembly made reference to the Diaconate, but this material was not drawn together in an easily accessible format. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/15

Task Progress/Update Additional Del Material 3 In the light of this, the Council has worked together with the Diaconate Council and the Legal Questions Committee to bring forward a Consolidating Act in relation to the role and function of Deacons and of the Diaconate Council. This has off ered the opportunity to update a number of issues in terms of practice as well as to highlight again the important role which Deacons and the Diaconate Council play in the life and work of the Church of Scotland. The Act and the related Appendices outlining the Constitution of the Diaconate Council, its Standing Orders and the role of Local Associations are also included for information and completeness. 3/16 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

1.1 Consultation with Presbyteries on Tenure The Council consulted with Presbyteries in the autumn of 2009 on the issue of the future of tenure. The following general points should be noted:

• Eight key proposals were put forward for discussion. • Responses were received from 40 Presbyteries. • 2 of the 40 did not give any indication of whether they wished the Council to prepare detailed proposals, leaving a maximum number of responses to any issue as 38. • 3 Presbyteries voted against preparing any of the proposals in detail. • 8 Presbyteries did not offer any detail in response to the questions, some of these offering only a couple of sentences. • Not all Presbyteries responded to every issue.

The following table indicates the breakdown of responses:

Proposal Prepare Do not Comments Detail Prepare Detail Unrestricted tenure should remain Wide agreement that, despite being the norm often a barrier to ease of planning, this is 35 3 the best expression of a sense of calling to a particular setting. One Presbytery, however, called it a “luxury we cannot aff ord”. Revise Act VII 2003, Section 13(1) There was very broad agreement that (b) this revision should take place, but that 34 3 there needed to be appropriate care for a minister in a situation where conversations were taking place. Revise Act VI 1984 to make it usable Broad agreement that this would be worth in changed circumstances amending, but some lingering doubt that 32 4 it would be workable in practice. Enact a Capability Policy for There was general agreement that this ministers would be a good thing in principle. Nearly 33 4 all had questions about how it would operate, what the scope would be and what the detail would look like. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/17

Restricted Tenure Most saw this as an improvement on Reviewable Tenure, but some questioned 3 33 5 the need for compensation. Transition Ministry While many saw this as an extension of Interim Ministry, many doubted the 29 8 value of an additional form like this. Many thought it should be combined with Interim Ministry to give it more fl exibility. There was still a desire to see the detailed proposal. Interim Ministry Almost all saw this as a successful form of ministry already and 4 of the 7 against 29 7 seeing further detail indicated this was because it was not necessary – it has proved its worth. Continued Vacancy Many could not see the point of the proposal. The name is generally deemed 26 9 unfi t and it was seen as a last resort for some particular places. 3/18 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

1.2 Key Pointers to Future Models of Training for community, engendering modes of collaborative Ministries. working and resisting any tendency to isolate an The following key pointers are indicative of the principles individual in study. All programmes of training will aim which support the models of training and corresponding for the highest standards in intellectual and practical programmes which the Council will bring to the General engagement. Assembly 2011. They build on the theological principles • Opportunity needs to be given to candidates for training outlined in the Enabling Ministries report (2009), which in specialist ministries, recognising the necessity for all indicates that all ministry is shaped around the model of candidates for ministries to be trained for ministry which Jesus, in whose own ministry we are called to participate. is mission-centred. • Training for ministries should be delivered in as fl exible • Candidates for all ministries should be enabled to and accessible a manner as possible using a variety of exercise leadership with integrity, courage and open- delivery modes (including distance learning, part-time heartedness. and full-time options). • Training for ministries requires active and ongoing • An ongoing dialogue needs to be established between dialogue with academic partners and to that end, an the planning and deployment function of the Council eff ective interactive forum needs to be established. and vocation and training, enabling the development of • Close attention should be given to the way in which selection and training patterns which take into account those engaged in supervision, mentoring and the changing demographics of Scotland. accompaniment are themselves selected and trained • Theological training for ministries should be delivered for the work of supporting candidates in training for in a manner whereby the intellectual, practical and ministries. spiritual elements of formation are held together in • Training for ministries must be seen as a lifelong task for balance and fully integrated. At all times it will seek to those engaged in ministries and should be integrated model patterns which are collaborative, refl ective and with a process of personal appraisal and development. formative. • A clear path, including additional training requirements, 1.3 Priority Areas Action Plan needs to be mapped out to provide for movement 1.3.1 Introduction between the various ministries which the Church The 2009 General Assembly approved a set of strategic recognises. principles and priorities for the Church’s work in its poorest • Those engaging in training for ministries should be neighbourhoods over the next seven years (Celebrating preparing to work ecumenically and the content of the Past, Glimpsing the Future, May 2009). In doing so it programmes of training must refl ect this. Alongside instructed the Ministries Council, in collaboration with this, candidates for ministries should be enabled to others, to bring forward a detailed Priority Areas Action Plan understand better their Reformed origins and their to the 2010 General Assembly. identity within the Church of Scotland. • Training patterns for recognised ministries should The responsibility for the Church’s work within priority areas always complement patterns for wider theological is the shared responsibility of all parts of the Church in line training of all God’s people, requiring the Ministries with the General Assembly’s longstanding commitment Council to work in close partnership with the Mission & that ‘priority for the poorest and most marginalised is the Discipleship Council in respect of this. Gospel imperative facing the whole Church.’ As such, any • All patterns of training should aim at fostering a learning Action Plan must work eff ectively across all parts of the MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/19

Church’s national (as well as regional and local) structures. places where offi cial Church membership is often at its weakest. At the same time many of these are the Over the past year the Priority Areas Committee, which areas where the Church is carrying out some of its most 3 has a developmental and coordinating function for the inspirational work. What is emerging is often fragile, work of priority areas, has worked collaboratively within innovative, dynamic and challenging. Increasingly we the national structures of the Church – as well as a whole have been learning – and sharing – not just locally but range of other partners – to bring forward an Action Plan also globally. which builds upon previous work and which focuses on • Encouraging New Models of Community where we are the priorities agreed by the 2009 General Assembly. concerned to equip local churches to be as eff ective 1.3.2 Three Spheres of Activity as they can be in tackling the causes and symptoms For the last seven years the work within priority areas has of poverty. Our churches are already making a massive been focused around three inter-linking spheres of activity. diff erence in many neighbourhoods and our desire is always to see how we could do even more. For some this involves encouraging people to dream and for others, turning their aspirations into reality. For a third group, it is fi nding ways to make the work that they are doing sustainable and transformative in the long term.

These three spheres of activity are, of course, overlapping. Indeed, the very best of the work which is going on within priority areas has a direct relevance to each of these spheres of activity. These spheres of activity will continue to be the basic framework through which the work in priority areas will continue to operate. The Action Plan will infl uence and shape the work in all of them and will continue to promote the principle of working across them. These are: 1.3.3 The Process of Developing, Agreeing and • Engaging with Wider Church & Society where the primary Delivering the Action Plan focus is about challenging the injustice of poverty in In September 2009 representatives of all the Church’s Scotland. People in Scotland continue to die young and National Councils and Committees met for a day to to live damaged lives because of poverty. The Church refl ect on the seven priorities agreed by the 2009 General cannot remain silent (or ignorant) for as long as this Assembly and to begin the process of identifying ways situation continues to exist. This is about more than in which these priorities could be put into practice in an advocacy or campaigning. It is about living out the eff ective and collaborative manner. A draft Action Plan was demand for change – being prepared to take on the produced in November 2009, which was subsequently fl esh of the Gospel message. discussed, modifi ed and agreed by the diff erent Councils • Enabling New Models of Church where we are primarily and Committees in early 2010. concerned to fi nd and develop ways which will enable the Church (and more importantly, the Gospel) to be The Priority Areas Action Plan should be understood as an attractive in our poorest neighbourhoods – the very organic document which will change and develop in the 3/20 MINISTRIES COUNCIL light of the changing context of priority areas and the wider working and entrepreneurship. church as well as in response to a detailed monitoring and evaluation process which has been put in place alongside Core partners: the Church’s work within priority areas. General Trustees, Ecumenical Relations, Church & Society, Crossreach and Ministries Council. The Action Plan will be coordinated by the Priority Areas Committee of the Ministries Council in close collaboration External Partners: with all other partners. Faith in Community Scotland and One Church One Hundred Uses. 1.3.4 Seven Priorities The Seven Priorities agreed by the 2009 General Assembly 1.3.4.2 We aim to make our structures more were in no particular order. Indeed, it is helpful to straightforward. understand these priorities as part of an ongoing cycle. Many churches complain that the bureaucratic structures within the Church are often stifl ing of creativity and 1.3.4.1 We aim to address the problem of our sapping of energy. It seems to be that fewer and fewer buildings. people are being asked to do more and more, much of Our church buildings should be huge assets but, in reality, which seems to be less and less relevant. This can be they are often liabilities which consume vast amounts of particularly diffi cult in priority areas. local energy and creativity. Over the last decade we have achieved some notable successes both in the development Our target: of new buildings and the substantial refurbishment of By 2017 we want to have streamlined and reduced others. However, it is clear that much more work needs the level of information which is requested from local to be done. congregations.

Our target: Our aims: By 2017 we want to have secured a long-term and • Establish a collaborative programme to support local sustainable solution (economically and environmentally) congregations to fulfi l the necessary OSCR (Offi ce of the for 80% of church buildings within priority areas. Scottish Charity Regulator) regulations. • Develop a team of people which will support local Our aims: churches through the necessary administrative and • Increase eff ective routine maintenance of church- bureaucratic structures. owned buildings through improved training and by the • Improve eff ective sharing of information across the establishment of a social economy organisation with a Councils and Committees of the Church at national and maintenance portfolio. regional levels. • Work with congregations to enable eff ective carbon reduction within church buildings. Core Partners: • Establish an eff ective Project Management Team for Council of Assembly, Stewardship & Finance, Priority Areas complex, multi-dimensional building developments. Forum and Presbyteries. • Produce clear protocols and criteria for churches seeking to develop partnership working within their buildings. External Partners: • Develop ministerial training to maximise partnership Evaluation Services and Evaluation Support Scotland. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/21

1.3.4.3 We aim to take our work to the margins. Worship is not an optional extra for Christians. It is at the The Church’s commitment to priority areas has been an heart of our identity and must run through all that we strive eff ective and courageous decision which has had an to do together. Many congregations are being increasingly 3 impact on the lives of some of the very poorest people creative and innovative in their patterns of worship and of living in Scotland today. Looking to the future we want to sharing faith and we need to ensure that this is carefully consolidate that position and to develop our work with and deliberately nurtured as we move in the future. some of Scotland’s poorest citizens. Our target: Our target: By 2017 we will have supported over 50% of congregations By 2017 we will have signifi cantly deepened the work we serving our poorest neighbourhoods to develop a range do – at a congregational level – with some of the very of new patterns of worship and discipleship drawing on poorest members of Scottish society. the local and global contexts.

Our aims: Our aims: • Deliver the Priority Areas Youth Work Strategy, increasing our • Establish a pattern of healing ministries across priority work with disadvantaged children and young people. areas. • Grow a generation of local youth leaders, coming from • Develop contextual Bible Study groups and encourage and living in Scotland’s poorest neighbourhoods. greater familiarity with the Bible and its relevance for • Establish a range of prison throughcare centres, Christian living. supporting ex-off enders and their families. • Encourage the development of participatory arts in • Develop an increased level of work with individuals and worship along with other programmes designed to groups struggling against alcohol, drug and gambling increase participation in worship. addictions. • Promote the development of worship resources • Build on established relationships with asylum seekers which address the critical issues facing people living in and members of the BME community. poverty. • Deepen our links with people in poverty living in other • Provide training to equip ministries to be more eff ective parts of the world. in supporting development and leadership of worship led by local people. Core Partners: • Create ongoing opportunities for members of small Mission & Discipleship Council, Church & Society Council, congregations to gather together for larger, shared Crossreach, Church of Scotland Guild, Ecumenical Relations worship celebrations. Committee, World Mission Council, Parish Development Fund Committee and Ministries Council. Core Partners: Mission & Discipleship Council, Church & Society, Parish External Partners: Development Fund, World Mission, Ecumenical Relations Rank Foundation, George Williams YMCA College, Columba Committee and Ministries Council. 1400, Iona Community, Evangelical Alliance and Faith in Community Scotland. External Partners:

1.3.4.4 We aim to have worship at the heart of all Unlock Glasgow, Soul Marks, Scottish Bible Society and that we do. Christian Fellowship of Healing. 3/22 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

1.3.4.5 We aim to tackle the causes of poverty. the future we want to continue to support leaders with A great deal of work which goes on within priority areas a particular focus on local leadership. This, we believe, helps to alleviate the worst excesses of poverty. However, is the best way to develop sustainable worshipping it is not enough to address the consequences of poverty. congregations and to deliver long term change. We need to be addressing what it is that makes people poor in the fi rst place. We have begun to do more of this Our target: and want it to be a major focus of our work in the future. By 2017 we will have a range of core networks for leaders across priority areas ensuring strong, eff ective, Our target: entrepreneurial and creative leadership in our churches By 2017 we will have increased the number of people and communities. involved in campaigning against poverty in priority areas, and across the wider Church. Our aims: • Continue and deepen the coaching programme for Our aims: faith leaders, ensuring that all church-based staff within • Establish a long-term programme to support local priority areas will have the opportunity to participate in people living in poverty to become advocates of this programme. change. • Establish a programme and funding to support the • Continue the programme of the Poverty Truth development of youth leaders. Commission and work for the implementation of its • Increase the Women’s Leadership Network to ensure that recommendations. local women of faith are supported to undertake and • Increase the eff ectiveness of the Church’s campaigning develop their leadership role within local communities. role against poverty. • Establish a Men’s Leadership Network to increase the • Raise awareness of the ongoing reality of poverty and confi dence and capacity of men within priority areas to encourage practical steps to overcome it. undertake and fulfi l appropriate leadership roles. • Promote and develop microcredit and credit unions. • Promote entrepreneurial and inclusive models of • Deepen international links to enable more eff ective leadership, focused on making real change possible. international learning and campaigning against • Develop increased refl ective practice. poverty. Core Partners: Core Partners: Mission & Discipleship Council, Crossreach and Ministries Church & Society Council, World Mission Council, Council. Ecumenical Relations and Ministries Council. External Partners: External Partners: Auburn Theological Seminary, George Williams YMCA Scottish & UK Governments and SCCoTTS Buddies. College, Rank Foundation, CLAN, Columba 1400 and Iona Community. 1.3.4.6 We aim to develop more eff ective leadership. 1.3.4.7 We aim to widen the reach of our support. One of the key lessons which we have learned over the last The decision to focus attention and resources on the decade has been the importance of investing in leaders very poorest neighbourhoods was a deliberate and and in people who have the potential to be leaders. In justifi ed policy. It has enabled us to make real changes MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/23 in a signifi cant number of places over the past decade. 1.4 2020 Vision – Building for Sustainable Future However, it was never a long term strategy to limit work Patterns of Ministries, Finance and Presbytery Planning to these neighbourhoods and in the future we want to be 1.4.1 Introduction 3 working more widely. To address the issues facing the Church in terms of ministries will require both vision and discipline. The Our target: Council has off ered such vision to the General Assembly By 2017 we will be off ering targeted support to twice the in successive years through reports like Vision for Ministries number of congregations that we are currently working in the 21st Century (2007), Building for the Future – from with whilst remaining fi rmly committed to delivering the Grassroots (2008) and Roots and Shoots (Joint Report support where it is needed most – in our very poorest on Emerging Church, 2009). In receiving these reports neighbourhoods. the General Assembly affi rmed ‘the concept of a “mixed economy church” within the Church of Scotland, where Our aims: both existing and fresh expressions of church co-exist, • Establish an agreed work plan within the revised list not at the expense of the other, but for the benefi t of the of priority area parishes arising from the 2011 National whole.’ (Deliverance 4, 2008). Census. • Deliver a range of activities and services for In reality there is nothing new in this. This is the story of the congregations committed to tackling poverty within church through two millennia. In dependence on the Holy their neighbourhoods wherever they are. Spirit every generation has gratefully accepted the best • Develop a network of associate congregations keen to that exists and supplemented it with fresh ideas. Change draw on some of the wisdom and expertise which is is the norm rather than something surprising in the life of being pioneered in priority areas parishes. a Church which moves in tune with God’s Spirit. • Share learning from within priority areas across the wider As we embark on a process towards balancing the budget Church. of the Council, it is crucial to see this in context. The • Deepen links with rural congregations seeking to theological work which has been ongoing to enable a address rural poverty. rethinking of patterns of ministry is not an innovation to try and give some positive ‘spin’ to bad news about fi nancial Core partners: cuts! Far from it: the Council has been urging serious Council of Assembly, Mission & Discipleship Council and thinking about the shape of ministries since at least 2006 Ministries Council. because it believes this is right for the mission and growth Conclusion of the Church in the new millennium. That it is now also urged upon us by the economic circumstances should not Although each of the agreed priorities have targets, aims allow us to lose sight of the genuine opportunity to fi nd and partners associated with them, these priorities should a future shape for ministry which recovers more strongly also be cutting across all areas of the Church’s work within our historical and reformed commitment to the ministry priority areas. As such, individual staff and committee of Jesus Christ as a ministry of all God’s people. members in the Priority Areas Committee will have a lead responsibility for ensuring that these priorities are 1.4.2 Levers for change refl ected in all elements of the Church’s work in its poorest It is one thing to articulate a vision, another to realise it. neighbourhoods. In order to realise the vision articulated by many voices 3/24 MINISTRIES COUNCIL in the Church, including the Ministries Council, it is vital deployment of ministries (Word and Sacrament, Diaconal, to identify the levers that may produce change. Five Presbytery & Parish Workers [PPWs], including Associate signifi cant levers are currently under review. No single lever Ministers, Youth Workers, Parish Assistants, etc.) is a major will deliver change and no one body within the church factor in shaping the local church. It is the Presbytery has responsibility for all of them. The Ministries Council, Planning process, more than any other that determines therefore, while exploring how future patterns of ministry what the local church looks like. The Ministries Council might be shaped and made fi nancially sustainable, is in is the body that is responsible on behalf of the General dialogue with others in the Church. Assembly for overseeing Presbytery Planning. This section of the Council’s report focuses on how the Presbytery 1.4.2.1 Territorial Ministry Planning process might be developed. The Third Declaratory Article defi nes a role for the Church of Scotland in a territorial ministry. A Special Commission is 1.4.2.4 Training for Ministries considering this and will report in 2010. Initial indications Training for ministries is the other side of the Presbytery are that this will be very much in tune with the proposals Planning coin. The type of ministries Presbyteries can being brought forward here by the Ministries Council. plan to deploy is limited to those for which the Church has identifi ed, assessed and trained people. The Church 1.4.2.2 Presbyteries needs to ask: what sort of church do we think we will be The Panel on Review and Reform is considering how in twenty years? What kind of ministries will be needed to Presbyteries can be most eff ective and will report to the enable this kind of church? What sort of training is needed General Assembly in 2010. The Panel is charged with off ering to produce these kinds of ministries? This is precisely the an alternative structure for the church, but the Ministries exercise in which the Ministries Council is engaged at Council will need to provide some of the rationale for present (see section 1.2). that structure. While the proposals for Presbytery Planning contained in this report do not absolutely require a reform 1.4.2.5 Congregational Resourcing of Presbyteries, the Council’s view is that, with a reform in the The Mission and Discipleship Council is responsible for structure of Presbyteries, it is more likely that the proposals it enabling and resourcing local congregations. It does this in is articulating can be implemented eff ectively. many ways, but in particular has developed Future Focus: ‘a “toolbox” of ideas, intended to help congregations understand It is clear that for some existing Presbyteries, the their situation better, to read the signs of the times, and to proposals contained in this report will inevitably call answer the call of God to be all that God wants us to be in into question whether they can remain viable on their these challenging times.’ The philosophy of Future Focus is own if sustainability is to be achieved. Whatever the fi nal very similar to what the Ministries Council proposes in this outcome of the Panel’s deliberations, the need to achieve report as Planning with Purpose (section 1.4.7). Presbytery Plans sustainable patterns of ministries for the future will surely will both inform and be informed by the vision developed by mean a number of very small Presbyteries will want to congregations through Future Focus. consider how, together with their neighbours, they might best achieve a critical mass. If Future Focus provides some tools to assist congregations articulate a sense of purpose, understand their 1.4.2.3 Presbytery Planning communities and identify ways of engaging with them, Act VII 2003, (Appraisal and Planning) is the main instrument the Planning with Purpose section of this report attempts that determines how paid ministry is deployed. The to replicate that process at Presbytery level. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/25

1.4.3 1000 Ministries vacancies per Presbytery. The allocation each Presbytery The Council is absolutely clear that the issue of creating receives is expressed both as FTE posts and as a sum of sustainable ministries is both a theological and an economic money. In addition to the costs of ministries personnel 3 question. Theologically, we are being challenged to create when in post, there is also a cost for maintaining ministry new patterns of ministry which can carry the mission of in a vacant congregation. The average annual cost of a the Gospel forward in the communities of Scotland and, full-time ministry is £37.9k. Vacancy allowance per year where appropriate, beyond. Economically, there is the (Sunday plus 2 days) is £10.8k. stark reality of a £5.7M defi cit which must be addressed at once. It is the intention of the Ministries Council to move towards allocating each Presbytery a ministries budget Having looked carefully into this, the Council has which relates to the number of FTE posts. It wants to concluded that the Church can now aff ord 1000 full- encourage Presbyteries to think creatively about ministries time ministries and 75 two-day locums. This cost of and believes that giving each Presbytery responsibility £38,710,000 is an aff ordable ministries budget for the for its own ministries budget will help it do this. It does Church. The accompanying table (see below Appendix 1) not intend to transfer this budget to a Presbytery’s bank allocates these ministries across Presbyteries on an account, funds will be retained within the Ministries equitable basis according to the National Guidelines for the Council and each Presbytery will be able to plan how they Deployment of Ministries approved by the General Assembly will use the sum they are allocated for ministries. in 2005. These guidelines allocated to each Presbytery a percentage of the total ministries available to the Church, The average annual costs of diff erent ministries are as taking into account population, poverty and geography. The follows: proposed revision, allocating on the basis of a sustainable • Full-time ministry 1000 ministries, is based on these National Guidelines. (Word & Sacrament or PPW) £37.9k One signifi cant fl aw in the original guidelines is that they • Part-time ministry did not include either a fi gure for the Presbytery of England, (a proportion of full – e.g. half-time) £19k or any provision for contingency. The guidelines divided • Two day locum £10.8k 100% amongst the Presbyteries in Scotland. A further 6 • One day locum £7.2k posts were then allocated to the Presbytery of England, • Pulpit supply only £3k which represented an additional 0.48%. In addition when For ease of reference, the cost of a scale 10 Parish Minister plans were being negotiated with Presbyteries it was is £39.1k necessary to allocate additional posts for specifi c reasons (see section 1.4.9 below). In eff ect this amounted to 2.5% of Under this proposal, congregations would lose their the total. It is arithmetically impossible to allocate more automatic right to receive a vacancy allowance. Presbyteries than 100%. As a result, the percentages for 2010 have will need to make provision within their ministries budget been adjusted so that when the Presbytery of England for vacancies. is included and a provision is made for contingency, the total is 100%. 1.4.5 11% reduction Current Presbytery Plans anticipate a total of 1114 ministries. 1.4.4 Ministries Budget 1000 ministries therefore requires an 11% reduction. The The table refers to Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) and reduction in posts, is however greater than 11%. Current plans 3/26 MINISTRIES COUNCIL allow for 10% of posts to be vacant, which equates to 124 so that a minister today is often serving an area that four vacancies. 1000 ministries reduces this to 7%, which equates people might have served 50 years ago. The complaint is to 75 vacancies. It is widely accepted that there are too many often made that people want a minister living in their own vacancies at the moment and that they are not distributed village. Like doctors’ surgeries, primary schools and post equitably across the country. Reducing the total number of offi ces, the Church’s deployment has been shaped by the posts in plans to 1075 should address both these issues. need to create sustainable units.

The Council invites the General Assembly to instruct all Now is the time to turn that notion on its head. Instead Presbyteries to review their plans with a view to achieving of asking, what area constitutes a viable unit that can 1000 ministries by 2014. The intention is that all Presbyteries justify the employment of a full-time minister, we should will begin this process at once seeking to implement the ask, what form of ministry is appropriate for the people of fi gure in column 4 of the table as soon as possible. faith in this distinct community. If eff ective ministry and mission occurs in community networks we need to fi nd Presbytery Plans are a tool for regulating the demand for ways of fi tting ministry into existing communities, rather ministries. The Council is taking steps to regulate the supply than creating artifi cial communities that fi t a particular of ministries so that the Church will only be paying for model of ministry. 1000 FTE ministries by 2014. If demand for ministries is not moderated through eff ective Presbytery Planning there will Our planning has essentially worked with a single model be a sharp increase in the number of vacancies. Should this of ministry, full-time Parish Ministers. While there are many occur it seems inevitable that Presbyteries who currently places where this is the appropriate model of ministry and fi nd it diffi cult to call ministers will be worst ected. aff therefore should continue, in others places it is not.

1.4.6 Planning for a Variety of Ministries. In many cases, an urban model of ministry is imposed on a All discussion about what the Church often terms rural setting, which can result in: ‘recognised ministries’ takes place against the backdrop of the ministry exercised by the whole people of God. • vast parishes, which ministers fi nd diffi cult to cover This section deals primarily with the ministry of Word and eff ectively; Sacrament, but the Council is clear that this ministry stands • local communities who feel distanced from their alongside other ministries, such as the Diaconal ministry, minister; in the one overarching ministry of Jesus Christ, expressed • a Church which is both struggling fi nancially to pay for through the whole body. Every congregation consists of all its ministry and also to fi nd ministers willing to serve Spirit-fi lled disciples who have gifts and talents. Some in these communities. have been ordained to the eldership. Elders, together with the other members of the congregation are called to To use an analogy, while each village might like to have ministry. They are neither paid nor ordained to sacramental its own supermarket (= a full-time minister, resident and ministry, yet they play a vital role in sustaining the mission dedicated to that community), it is accepted that this and ministry of the church. is not feasible. The Church has worked on the model of one central supermarket (= one minister covering many 1.4.6.1 Sustainable Units diff erent communities, sometimes with one central The need to create sustainable units in non-urban areas worship centre, sometimes with multiple worship centres), has often resulted in a series of linkages and/or unions, but this model is becoming increasingly strained. The MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/27 time seems right to return to a ‘small local shop’ in each • having another job for part of the week and paid by community, accepting that it cannot be ‘staff ed’ by a full- that employer for this. time paid person. • Ordained Local Ministers 3 • assessed, trained and qualifi ed for the Ordained Local In other cases an outdated rural model of ministry is being Ministry; imposed on an urban setting, where there is a need for a • deployed locally with a remit for preaching, much more dynamic and collaborative approach to church sacramental ministry and pastoral care; life. While it is possible for paid and unpaid, ordained and • serving under the direction of an Ordained National lay people to work together, current structures do not Minister; encourage this. Those who try to work in this way often • normally in a non-stipendiary role, but able to be feel they are fi ghting against the structures rather than paid if circumstances dictate this is the best option. being assisted by them. • Readers • assessed, trained and qualifi ed for a local ministry of 1.4.6.2 Strands for Future Ministries of Word and worship and preaching; Sacrament • unpaid, but receiving pulpit supply. The Council is looking to introduce Strands for future ministries which will enable congregations to exercise This variety of delivery of ministries would be suitable ministry in ways that are appropriate to local situations. in both rural and urban areas. In a rapidly changing At a time when the number of stipendiary ministers is society there will be a signifi cant number of places set to reduce, the Council remains committed to taking where deploying one full-time paid person will either be the measures necessary to maintain access to ministry of unsustainable or less than ideal. A church that is at ease Word and Sacrament in communities across Scotland. The with a variety of delivery and is fl exible in deployment of Future Ministries Working Group has prepared a document ministries, will be better able to meet the challenges and (1.4.6.6 – Table) outlining Strands for Future Ministries of seize the opportunities that arise. Word and Sacrament to enable thinking about the exercise 1.4.6.3 Planning and Training of local and national ministries. Such ministries could The relationship between planning and training is a chicken include: and egg one – which comes fi rst? At the moment there • Non-stipendiary ministers are few non-stipendiary and bi-vocational ministers and • assessed, trained and qualifi ed for the Ordained Ordained Local Ministry has not yet been fully considered National Ministry; by the General Assembly. For a Presbytery to plan to deploy • now retired or working full-time for someone other people in these roles might appear premature, yet few will than the Church; train for these roles unless there is the likelihood that they • serving as ministers for up to 10 hours a week unpaid, will be able to serve in them. but able to receive expenses, honorarium or pulpit supply. The Ministries Council is currently engaged in a thorough • Bi-vocational ministers review of training. Serious thought is being given to an • assessed, trained and qualifi ed for the Ordained approach to training that would lead to people serving National Ministry; not simply as full-time ministers of word and sacrament, • serving part-time as a minister and being paid pro- but also in all the diff erent styles mentioned. It thus makes rata for this; sense for Presbyteries to begin thinking about how their 3/28 MINISTRIES COUNCIL mission might be enhanced if they could use people in not. The proposal to allocate each Presbytery a ministries these roles alongside full-time ministers of word and budget based on FTE posts will gradually allow each one sacrament, and also to begin encouraging people to to determine what patterns of ministry are best suited to consider off ering themselves for service in these roles. serve all the communities for which it is responsible.

1.4.6.4 “It can’t be done!” 1.4.6.5 Continued Vacancy In many Presbyteries there is a belief that it will not be As we consider the variety of ministries for the future, it is possible for charges to continue to serve their communities important also to consider existing options. At present the if there is a further reduction in ministries numbers. This Church assumes there are two kinds of charges: those with belief is found from cities to islands. Each Presbytery faces an inducted minister; and those looking for a minister. It particular issues and each Presbytery believes the issues it is recognises that there are occasions when a charge neither facing are unique and merit special dispensation. Through has a minister, nor is able to look for one. It has called this its contact with Presbyteries the Ministries Council is aware ‘anomaly’ a Continued Vacancy. of the challenges facing the Church across the country. The Council does not believe that the answer is to give The Ministries Council believes that there will be an one Presbytery additional ministries, which can only come increasing number of congregations that will be best at the expense of all the other Presbyteries. Instead the served by being under the supervision of someone who Council believes that the answer lies in tackling ministry has not been inducted to that charge – a Deacon, a using these diff erent models. retired minister, an elder, or the minister of a neighbouring charge. Presbyteries will realise, for example, that for the The Council has for some time been casting a vision of price of one full-time ministry, 12 small congregations a diff erent approach to ministries. Rather than having could continue to function if the only paid ministry they a single model of ministry (the full-time, professional required was pulpit supply. Rather than being called a minister serving a charge whose size is determined by Continued Vacancy, a name such as Other Arrangements the need to be sustainable as a full-time post), the Council might be adopted. The term vacant would only be used believes there needs to be a range of ministry models, for a congregation that was actively seeking a minister in some full-time and some part-time, some paid and some accordance with the Presbytery Plan. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/29

1.4.6.6 Strands for Future Ministries of Word and Sacrament (Table) Ministry of Word Ministries of Word & Sacrament 3 Local Ministries National Ministry Strand One Strand Two Strand Three Readership Ordained Local Ministry Ordained National Ministry • Certifi cate training • Diploma training • Degree training • Local selection to national • Local selection to national • National selection standards standards • Nationally deployed but with an • Locally deployed with remit in • Locally deployed with remit in obvious local (largely parish) focus worship & preaching worship, preaching and sacramental • Can be ‘Attached’ with a wider remit, ministry including pastoral care • Can also have a pastoral care element

• Always acting under the authority • Always acting under the authority • Can be full-time or part-time, of a Strand 3 ministry of a Strand 3 ministry stipendiary or non-stipendiary. • Non-stipendiary, but possibility of • Part-time or full-time; may receive Eligible to be inducted to a parish pulpit supply fee as appropriate. an honorarium, a salary and /or in any of these roles Can also act as a Locum if required pulpit supply fee. Can also act as a • Remains eligible for other by Presbytery Locum if required by Presbytery appointments as at present

Continuing Education, including Continuing Education, including Continuing Education, including Personal and Professional Development Personal and Professional Development Personal and Professional Development

• Attendance at training event within • Attendance at training event within • Attendance at First Five Years a 3-year cycle a 2-year cycle programme • Ongoing Study Leave access

• Move to Strand Three: national • Move to Strand Three: national assessment of leadership potential assessment of leadership potential + and call to sacramental ministry training to Degree and placements. + training to Degree and relevant • Normally 5 years of experience placements would be required before moving • Move to Strand Two: review to Strand 3 at Presbytery level of call to sacramental ministry; training to Diploma, including sacramental theology 3/30 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

An applicant seeking to enter either Readership or OLM before considering the detailed appraisal of each charge training would be assessed locally by national standards within its bounds: [1] Vision; [2] Audit; [3] Objectives (as now with Readership). They would indicate their chosen route and the OLM candidate would be tested There is evidence that some Presbyteries are already more specifi cally regarding call to ordination. beginning to do this. The Presbytery of Edinburgh, for example, is undertaking a root and branch review, stressing 1.4.6.7 Auxiliary Ministry that mission must lie at the heart of each congregation The three Strands of ministry noted above do not contain and the Presbytery as a whole. reference to Auxiliary Ministry. If these Strands were to be approved, the Auxiliary Ministry would cease to exist. Time 1.4.7.1 Vision pressure has not allowed discussion to take place with In 2006, the General Assembly adopted the following Auxiliary Ministers at the point of writing this report, so the statement: Council makes no assumptions here. ‘The vision of the Church of Scotland is to be a church With that caveat, the proposal would be that existing which seeks to inspire the people of Scotland and beyond Auxiliaries would have two possible routes forward in with the Good News of Jesus Christ through enthusiastic, ministry and would be off ered the choice: worshipping, witnessing, nurturing and serving communities.’ 1. To transfer directly to Ordained Local Ministry. This would require no further assessment or training. An eff ective plan will begin with a sense of vision, with It is recognised that they would have completed less some kind of idea of what it is believed God wants the academic work than would normally be required for OLM church to be like in the area served by the Presbytery. (180 credits instead of the 240 required for Diploma level). 1.4.7.2 Presbytery Audit Their participation over the years in In-Service training, The audit will involve comparing the reality of the church coupled to their experience of ministry, would be taken as in the Presbytery with the vision articulated. A variety of equivalent. tools will be utilised to help the Presbytery; 2. To transfer into an Ordained National Ministry role. • Look at the area as a whole and not simply as a collection This would require no further assessment in terms of call, of parishes, so that trends, issues and opportunities can but would involve a training needs assessment and a be identifi ed. period of further training. By current standards, this would • Assess the health of existing congregations, affi rming mean upgrading their academic work to degree standard strengths and honestly naming weaknesses. (ie. completing a degree if they have not already done so) • Identify groups and communities who appear to have and a 15-month full-time supervised placement (paid at no meaningful connection with any church or Christian 80% of stipend scale 1). This parallels the existing process group. of transfer from Auxiliary to full-time ministry. While Presbytery plans are particularly concerned with the 1.4.7 Planning with Purpose future deployment of ministry from a Church of Scotland If we are planning for variety, we need to do so with purpose perspective, the audit is a natural place to recognise the and vision. This can be achieved by each Presbytery part ecumenical partners play alongside the Church of engaging in a process that includes the following elements Scotland. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/31

1.4.7.3 Objective Setting and West Lothian, while Aberdeen City, Dundee City, In the diff erence between the vision and the reality East Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire described by the audit lies the mission facing the Church and Western Isles are experiencing signifi cant population 3 in the Presbytery. In order to address this diff erence reduction. eff ectively, the Presbytery will be assisted by setting some objectives for the Presbytery as a whole. These objectives The 2011 census will confi rm the accuracy of these will both inform and be informed by the objectives that projections. The Church however, would do well to individual congregations will be formulating through assume that this factor alone will result in some change using the Future Focus toolbox. In this way the mission in the percentage of ministries to which each Presbytery of the local church will be a fundamental part of the is entitled. This in turn will lead to some redistribution of Presbytery’s mission. ministries fi nance between various Presbyteries by 2014.

These objectives will be suffi ciently challenging and 1.4.9 Existing Presbytery Plan numbers inspirational to harness the energy and commitment of In presenting proposals for establishing new patterns of God’s people, yet at the same time be hard-headed and ministries which are sustainable within a balanced budget, realistic enough to be achievable. In setting objectives the it is necessary to note a number of specifi c issues from the acronym SMART (Specifi c, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, existing Presbytery Plans: Time-bound) is useful and 5 or 6 such goals probably a • Some Presbyteries, for example Buchan, Jedburgh, sensible number for which to aim. Wigtown & Stranraer, did not fully utilise all the posts they were entitled to under the 2005 Guidelines. The 1.4.7.4 Linear and cyclical 2014 projections for these Presbyteries involve little or This description of Planning with Purpose is linear. In reality no reduction on existing plan numbers. it is much more of a spiral than a straight line activity. A • England. The Church of Scotland does not exercise a Presbytery begins with some sense of vision. As it takes territorial ministry in England, so in 2005 its ministry time to listen (to its context, to scripture and to others), entitlement was calculated on a diff erent basis. As the vision is clarifi ed and objectives emerge. This is explained above it is proposed that it should now be then followed by further listening that results in further allocated a percentage of the total. It is assumed that modifi cation. Refl ection and action continue throughout, the 6 posts as agreed by the General Assembly in 2005, shaping and informing each other. is a fair starting point. 1.4.8 Ongoing Planning – Population shifts • Greenock & Paisley; Glasgow. The plans agreed with The census in 2011 will provide a snapshot of where these two large Presbyteries allowed for signifi cantly people live in Scotland. This will inevitably be diff erent more ministries than the guideline fi gure. This took from the 2001 snapshot on which current Presbytery Plans account of the scale of change facing both Presbyteries. are based. The General Registrar of Scotland publishes However, part of the agreement was that at the point projected population changes. These suggest that, while of the fi ve year revision, both Presbyteries would the population of Scotland is increasing slightly, the present plans that fi tted within the guideline fi gure. greater impact results from internal migration. These Consequently the fi gure in the 1000 ministries table projections suggest that the following local authorities contains no adjustment. are experiencing signifi cant growth: Aberdeenshire, East • Shetland. Arrangements for ministry in Shetland are Lothian, Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross, Scottish Borders set out in the ‘Shetland Arrangements.’ This allows for 3/32 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

8 ministries, a fi gure agreed at the time of drawing indicate the time scale within which it intends to up the 2005 National Guidelines. While this was less incorporate the guideline fi gure into its plan. than the fi gure a true percentage (0.96%) would have • Population Growth. Data from GRO-Scotland indicates allowed, the Council sees no reason to alter the fi gure that the population of some Presbyteries has increased of 8, which adequately meets the terms of the current signifi cantly since 2001. Arrangements. The additional 2.3 FTE posts which • Adjustment stalemate. In a particular area where all make up 0.96% are therefore added to the overall options of adjustment have been exhausted, evidenced contingency. perhaps by the matter having to be considered by a • Uist. The 2005 National Guideline fi gure for Uist Commission of Assembly, and there is still no agreement should have been 3. However it was considered that with local parties, a case could be made for additional a Presbytery could not exist with only 3 ministries, so ministries to allow the dust to settle before the matter is Uist was allocated 6 ministries. The Council is no longer broached again. persuaded by this argument, for two reasons. First, the • Presbytery Transfer. Two Presbyteries might agree to a variety of ministries suggests that while the budget congregation moving Presbytery in order to be united may only provide for 3 FTE posts, this could be 10 or or linked with a congregation in the neighbouring more people, creatively deployed. Second, the Council’s Presbytery. Rather than the fi rst Presbytery having responsibility is to resource ministries, not prop up an its number reduced to compensate the second, an unsustainable Presbytery structure. If 1000 Ministries additional ministry might be considered. means that Uist can no longer function as a Presbytery, • Pre guidelines. Act VII came into force in 2003. the solution is not to increase the ministries budget but The guidelines were not approved until 2005. Plans to reform Presbytery structures. concurred with before May 2005 may have exceeded the guideline fi gure. 1.4.10 The Contingency Budget One lesson learned over the last 5 years is that the Church The sixth ground will no longer apply. Where Presbyteries requires a small degree of fl exibility in the implementation present a compelling case under the fi rst fi ve grounds the of the National Guidelines. In negotiating and concurring Council will be able to use the contingency fi gure in the plans with Presbyteries, the Council identifi ed the 2010 National Guidelines in its response. following grounds where provision for ministries beyond the National Guideline fi gure may be needed. It agreed 1.4.11 Planning and Finance minor variations with various Presbyteries, either for a 1.4.11.1 An Organisational Problem limited or an extended period. 87% of the money congregations contribute to central • Borderline Category. Some Presbyteries are on the funds is used to pay for the diff erent kinds of ministries border between categories (eg Urban/Rural and Rural/ deployed to serve those congregations. However Urban). Evidence for this might include the fact that two separate, unrelated, processes are used to set they lodged an appeal against their categorisation congregational Ministry and Mission contributions and when opportunity was given to do this in 2006. patterns of ministerial deployment. These two processes • Scale of adjustment. Some Presbyteries must adopt are the responsibility of diff erent bodies. Ministry and signifi cant adjustment to comply with their guideline Mission contributions are set by the Council of Assembly. number. The Presbytery will need to demonstrate a Patterns of deployment are determined by Presbyteries determination to grasp the adjustment issues and and the Ministries Council using Act VII 2003. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/33

Some disadvantages of this approach are now evident. for new initiatives, identifying fresh ways of going about They include: mission. Many of these will cost money. Under the current • Rights and responsibilities are out of step because they arrangements the budget is fi xed. If a Presbytery wants 3 are calculated on a diff erent basis. Each Presbytery to do something new, it must cut something fi rst. While believes it has a right to a certain number of ministries, there is always a place for this approach, on its own it can but does not own a responsibility for funding a certain corrode vision. amount of ministry because funding for ministry is calculated on a diff erent basis. Every Presbytery is A Presbytery’s vision is more likely to be realised if it is allocated a percentage of the total ministry available given freedom to generate additional fi nance. People give to the Church. Ministries and Mission contributions are to support and realise vision. When a vision is articulated based on the average of each congregation’s giving to which they can relate, they give. Funding the ministries over three years. Provided each congregation meets of the Church of Scotland is too nebulous for people to its contribution, Presbytery is entitled to believe it has relate to in this way. A new worker (a person they can put fulfi lled its responsibilities, whether or not the total a name and a face to) for a shopping centre (for example, match the total cost of ministry in Presbytery Plans. a place that they go to regularly) might be a vision that • The current system contains little incentive to give more. would prompt them to give. Presbytery Plans describe a core level of ministerial provision that the Church is committed to fi nancing The Council engages regularly with the Finance Group through the Parish Ministries Fund. If a Presbytery has a of the Council of Assembly and over the coming year vision to do more than is contained within the Plan it may will continue to bring forward new initiatives relating be possible to increase giving. People give in response to fi nance which will pave the way for a more focussed to vision. If a local vision, which resonates with them, is connection between what a congregation contributes and articulated it is likely that they will respond generously. the ministry it receives. In addition, the Ministries Council However the current system prevents this happening. If will seek ways in which more incentive can be given to individual congregations or a Presbytery increase their Presbyteries and congregations to increase giving in a giving, that extra cannot easily be directed towards the framework where more money can be directed towards local vision that stimulated it. mission. • There is no penalty for a Presbytery or a congregation that does not take stewardship seriously. If congregations 1.4.11.2 Giving Agreement within a Presbytery reduce their giving in real terms, The General Assembly 2009 approved the concept of a their Ministry and Mission contribution will fall, but their Giving Agreement. A Giving Agreement allows a Presbytery entitlement to ministry does not. Their slice of cake and a Congregation to agree that that congregation remains the same size, even if what they are contributing will contribute more than their Ministry and Mission falls. In some cases this is entirely appropriate, for Contribution. Any increase forthcoming is then made example, where the income of a whole community available to the Presbytery in addition to the 3% leeway to falls. Other times it is simply because stewardship has which it is already entitled. not been taken seriously. The model outlined here is similar. It could be viewed As Presbyteries begin to Plan with Purpose, money will as a giving agreement between Presbyteries. That is, quickly become part of the discussion. Prompted by Presbyteries agree that additional sums generated can be the Holy Spirit, Presbyteries will discern opportunities kept and used locally. 3/34 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

1.4.12 Conclusion Presbytery Planning has the potential to be much more 2020 Vision: what is God calling us as a Church to be and than the orderly management of decline. Act VII 2003 do in the next ten years? The Ministries Council, along with gives power to Presbyteries to shape their own future. The many others in the Church, believes that obedience to mission facing the Church in Scotland is both a challenge that call will involve change. The best of what is now being and an opportunity. The Church through eff ective use undertaken in ministry will continue and be supplemented of the Presbytery Planning Process can respond to that by new things. In the meantime, the Council with the challenge and opportunity. It will be helped to do that if it: support of the whole Church will set about tackling the • is clearer about what it is trying to achieve through its four key areas highlighted in our opening statement about plans, that is, Planning with Purpose where we are in articulating a vision for the future: • grasps that ministry can be much more than full-time paid people, that is Planning for a Variety of Ministries • There is a massive defi cit which must be dealt with • ceases to treat funding and planning as separate • We need to prune in order to grow activities, and instead joins them together so that rights • We need to realign the Church for mission through a and responsibilities are balanced, incentives to give reshaping of ministries more are created and penalties for inaction are clear. • We need to revise Presbytery Plans with purpose and variety, taking account of fi nance MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/35

Appendix 1 – Table of Percentages of Ministries for Presbytery Planning 3 ABCDEFG

Presbytery Ministries Percentage (%) Total Posts Budget Total Posts of Ministries Locum in 2014 2014 in current allocated provision (FTE (Costs of Presbytery Reduction to each FTE Posts for Posts + column B Plans by 2014 Presbytery by vacancies Vacancies: + cost of (includes from Presbytery (remains the 2014 (2 days) Columns column C 124 current (alphabetical) same as 2010) @ £37,900 @ £10,800 B+C) X £000) vacancies) plans

Total 1000 75 1075 £38,710 1234 159 Aberdeen 3.59% 35.6 3 38.6 1,390 46 7 Abernethy 0.62% 6.7 0 6.7 240 8 1 Angus 2.41% 23.9 2 25.9 933 29 3 Annandale & Eskdale 1.28% 12.8 1 13.8 495 16 2 Ardrossan 2.28% 22.5 2 24.5 883 29 4 Argyll 2.97% 29.9 2 31.9 1,150 38 6 Ayr 2.57% 25.6 2 27.6 995 35 7 Buchan 2.18% 21.4 2 23.4 844 24 1 Caithness 0.92% 8.9 1 9.9 356 12 2 Dumbarton 2.09% 20.5 2 22.5 809 28 6 Dumfries & 2.06% 20.1 2 22.1 797 25 3 Kirkcudbright Dundee 2.72% 27.2 2 29.2 1,053 35 6 Dunfermline 2.10% 20.6 2 22.6 813 27 4 Dunkeld & Meigle 0.92% 8.9 1 9.9 356 13 3 Duns 0.62% 6.7 0 6.7 240 8 1 Edinburgh 6.87% 68.9 5 73.9 2,659 88 14 England 0.47% 5.1 0 5.1 182 6 1 Falkirk 2.99% 30.1 2 32.1 1,157 38 6 3/36 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Glasgow 12.24% 122.6 9 131.6 4,738 160 28 Gordon 2.76% 27.7 2 29.7 1,068 34 4 Greenock & Paisley 3.81% 38.0 3 41.0 1,475 54 13 Hamilton 5.27% 52.7 4 56.7 2,040 66 9 Inverness 1.99% 20.4 1 21.4 770 25 4 Irvine & Kilmarnock 2.07% 20.3 2 22.3 801 27 5 Jedburgh 1.15% 11.4 1 12.4 445 12 0 Kincardine & Deeside 1.43% 14.4 1 15.4 554 18 3 Kirkcaldy 2.41% 23.9 2 25.9 933 30 4 Lanark 1.44% 14.5 1 15.5 557 18 3 Lewis 0.70% 6.5 1 7.5 271 9 1 Lochaber 0.81% 7.7 1 8.7 314 10 1 Lochcarron - Skye 0.73% 6.8 1 7.8 283 9 1 Lothian 2.85% 28.6 2 30.6 1,103 37 6 Melrose & Peebles 1.30% 13.0 1 14.0 503 15 1 Moray 1.96% 20.1 1 21.1 759 25 4 Orkney 1.03% 10.1 1 11.1 399 13 2 Perth 2.08% 20.4 2 22.4 805 27 5 Ross 1.37% 13.7 1 14.7 530 16 1 Shetland 0.96% 8 0 8 314 8 0 St Andrews 1.83% 18.7 1 19.7 708 22 2 Stirling 3.25% 32.9 2 34.9 1,258 38 3 Sutherland 0.63% 6.8 0 6.8 244 9 2 Uist 0.23% 2.5 0 2.5 89 6 4 West Lothian 2.58% 25.7 2 27.7 999 34 6

Wigtown & Stranraer 1.03% 10.1 1 11.1 399 11 0

Contingency 2.43% 28.4 2 28.4 998 0 MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/37

1.6 Green Travel Plans: Pointers to the Future climate change represents a failure in our stewardship of 1.6.1 Introduction God’s creation. We accept the need to reduce the emissions 3 The purpose of a Green Travel Plan is two-fold. Firstly, it is of greenhouse gases urgently to avoid dangerous and to provide for all those involved in ministries a clear set of irreversible climate change and to promote a more guidelines to help them plan their work-related travel in equitable and sustainable use of energy. the most eff ective and economical manner; to help reduce wastage and unnecessary travel and expense. Secondly, it The Scottish Climate Change Act 2009 requires the Scottish is to help the Church of Scotland deliver its commitment Government to reduce carbon emissions across Scotland to respond to climate change by seeking to reduce the by 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 – a dramatic and carbon footprint associated with work-related travel. challenging target that will aff ect all parts of the Scottish 1.6.2 The Business Case for a Travel Plan economy and Scottish life. The Church is committed Over a number of years, those involved in ministries have to responding positively to this challenge and has, for noted the fall in value of the 40p per mile reimbursement example, instructed Presbyteries to produce plans for all for the fi rst 10,000 miles of travel per year. This fi gure relates parishes in their area to measure and reduce the carbon to the rate allowable before tax by HM Revenue & Customs footprint of energy use in their buildings. (HMRC). It is not a fi gure which the Ministries Council has discretion to alter. Road traffi c is now one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions in Scotland, accounting for over ten Further work needs to be undertaken to lay out the million tons in 2006, out of the Scottish total of 47million business case for a green travel plan, but some elements tons. This is over 20% of the total - and the proportion is of this would be: growing. • The overall cost of travel expenses, which is largely made up of the reimbursement of mileage; For these reasons a travel plan to manage work-related • The acknowledgement that the HMRC rates are highly travel and to reduce the Church’s carbon footprint is now unlikely ever to increase because of the signal this an essential step. Some key pointers to such a plan are would send in encouraging car travel against national listed here. policies of encouraging alternative means of travel; • The rising cost of fuel, which must surely become an 1.6.4 Aim of a Green Travel Plan increasing burden on individuals in the light of the To empower those engaged in ministries to manage their previous bullet point. work-related travel to reduce costs and achieve the lowest possible carbon footprint. 1.6.3 The Environmental Case: Responding To Climate Change 1.6.5 What this Means in Practice In its report to the General Assembly in 2009 the Church The plan reinforces the existing rules that are printed & Society Council identifi ed the importance of climate on expenses claim forms. All those participating in the change to the Church of Scotland. scheme would be expected to abide by the rules and The Church of Scotland is concerned that climate expenses would not be paid for trips that fall outwith change poses a serious and immediate threat to people the guidelines, unless by prior agreement. An important everywhere, particularly to the poor of the earth, and that hierarchy of travel might look light this: 3/38 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Most sustainable Reducing the need to travel 1.6.6 Alternatives to driving Walking and cycling – the healthy alternative for short Walking journeys. Cycling Bus or train – In towns or cities or for journeys between Public Transport towns and cities, public transport is often the best option. Multiple occupancy car journeys For example, journeys to 121 George Street can take advantage of its proximity to Edinburgh stations making Single occupancy car journeys train trips an option for all or part of the journey. On line Least sustainable Air Travel resources such as Traveline can help you plan your journey. The following websites off er details of planning a trip Guidelines for expenses claims might pose the following with public transport: http://www.travelinescotland.com; questions. http://www.transportdirect.info

Is your trip necessary? For longer journeys within the UK, train travel is usually Is it possible to fi nd an alternative such as a conference a practical option. The train will often now off er the call, e-mail or video conference? New technologies such opportunity to work on a laptop or to use mobile phones as ‘skype’, ‘blogs’ and ‘tweets’ off er alternatives to travel. or other wireless communication, which is not possible Could these reduce the need for business travel? when driving.

Which is the lowest carbon way to travel? Consideration should be given to making public transport If you do have to travel, what are the costs and the carbon the default mode of travel between areas connected by footprints of the alternatives? The carbon footprint regular rail services, e.g.: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, associated with diff erent modes of travel can vary widely. Dundee, Inverness, Perth, Stirling, etc.. Walking and cycling have negligible carbon footprints, but Ferry travel are not always practical. Comparative fi gures for motorised Travel by ferry is a way of life for island communities around transport are set out below (Source: Highland Council): Scotland and there is often no alterative. Consideration should always be given to the use of video conferencing facilities or other new communication technologies to CO2 emissions for a return journey between reduce the number of journeys. Edinburgh and Inverness (287.6 rail miles/314 road Air travel miles) Sometimes looks the quickest means of travel, but in reality

Train 7.9 kg of CO2 per passenger this is only true if the rail alternative exceeds the fl ight by more than three hours. Budget airlines appear to off er Small car 59.0 kg of CO per passenger, 1 occupant 2 lower fares for British or European travel, but when the full cost of extras is included the full fare is often the same as Large car 119.1 kg of CO2 per passenger, 1 occupant for rail travel. Air travel has a higher carbon footprint than Coach 41.2 kg of CO2 per passenger rail or bus travel and for this reason is best avoided if there Plane 73.1 kg of CO per passenger is an alternative. For travel outwith the UK, however, it may 2 be the only realistic alternative. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/39

Driving For further details see the UK Government website: Road vehicles powered by fossil fuels will remain important for many years to come. In view of this a http://http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/ 3 pragmatic approach to managing car travel and its impact OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524 is recommended. There are questions for each car user To fi nd out the emissions from any car in the UK go to to address: What vehicle are you driving – is it appropriate? http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/ and click What age is it? What are the emission levels? The answers on the ‘Vehicle enquiry’ tab and enter the registration and to these will inevitably vary with the circumstances of the make of car. user. Is your driving safe and economical ? It is possible to reduce The carbon footprint of vehicles varies widely. The simplest the fuel usage of a car journey by eco-driving. The Energy way to assess this is to check the emission-band rating Saving Trust has set out some simple tips to reduce fuel of a vehicle. Driving a vehicle in a lower emission band consumption and reduce the cost of motoring. Find these saves money and reduces the carbon footprint. From 1 on the link at: www.ecodrivescotland.com May 2009, vehicle tax rates for cars registered on or after 1 March 2001 are split into 13 bands depending on CO2 Hire Cars: it is worth bearing in mind that, even taking emissions. The amount you’ll pay depends on which band into account fuel costs, daily hire cars can often be better your car is in. The lower a car’s emissions, the lower the value than reimbursing staff using their own vehicles vehicle tax payable on it. for journeys of 70 miles or more per day. For example: it would cost £32 to cover an 80 mile round trip paying 40p Petrol / Diesel car per mile compared to car hire from as little as £18 per day Band CO2 emission 12 months 6 months plus fuel costs. You can also specify a smaller more fuel (g/km) rate rate effi cient vehicle when hiring. A Up to 100 Not applicable Not applicable Planning journeys before travelling can save time and B 101-110 £35.00 Not applicable minimise unnecessarily vehicle mileage. The following C 111-120 £35.00 Not applicable websites are helpful and can also be used to calculate and D 121-130 £120.00 £66.00 check vehicle mileage: • Transport Direct: http://www.transportdirect.info E 131-140 £120.00 £66.00 • The AA Route Planner: http://www.theaa.com/route- F 141-150 £125.00 £68.75 planner/index.jsp G 151-165 £150.00 £82.50 • The RAC Route Planner: http://www.rac.co.uk/route- H 166-175 £175.00 £96.25 planner/ I 176-185 £175.00 £96.25 Vehicle Mileage Ready Reckoners (example below) can ease J 186-200 £215.00 £118.25 accurate reporting in mileage claims between locations that are frequent origins and destinations for travel. This K 201-225 £215.00 £118.25 can also be used to highlight where there is a public L 226-255 £405.00 £222.75 transport option available. For example, there is a regular M Over 255 £405.00 £222.75 express bus service between Location A and B which would be a convenient alternative to travelling by car. 3/40 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

the congregation of which he or she is a member, or Location A Location B Location C the Presbytery within the bounds of which he or she Location A - 7.9 miles 3.6 miles resides, as he or she may choose. 3. Upon taking up an appointment defi ned in section 1, a Location B 7.9 miles - 10.5 miles minister shall be entitled to membership of Presbytery Location C 3.6 miles 10.5 miles - as described in section 2, and the Presbytery may hold a service marking the commencement of the appointment, which for the avoidance of doubt shall 1.6.7 Compliance with Health & Safety Legislation not be a service of induction or introduction as defi ned There is an issue to be explored in relation to health and in Act VIII 2003 sections 29 or 30. safety legislation. Work needs to be done to ensure that 4. Act III 1956 anent the Ordination of Church and those engaged formally in ministries are complying with University Professors and Lecturers of Theology and the Health & Safety at Work Act. Although procedures are Lecturers in Biblical Studies (as amended by Act I 1967) in place to ensure this is the case for all employees of the is hereby repealed. Ministries Council, further work needs to be undertaken in 5. Act III 2000 is hereby amended as follows: relation to the position of offi ce holders. (1) By the addition, in section 11 of a new sub-section 1.6.8 Rural ministries (9), reading ‘a professor or lecturer in an accredited Ministers in rural parishes, particularly in remote rural institution as defi ned in Act X 2004’ parishes face particular challenges. While in towns (2) By the addition in section 20, after the word and cities walking, cycling or public transport may be ‘assistant’ of the words ‘, professor or lecturer’ adequate for many everyday travel needs, this will rarely 1.13 CONSOLIDATING AND AMENDING ACT be the case in large rural parishes. It is recognised that ANENT DEACONS (incorporating the provisions daily car travel is likely to remain necessary for such of Acts VIII 1998, IX 2001, VII 2002 and II 2004, ministries. all as amended) 1.10 ACT ANENT THE ORDINATION OF Edinburgh, xx May 2010, Session yy PROFESSORS AND LECTURERS OF THEOLOGY The General Assembly declare and enact as follows:- AND BIBLICAL STUDIES Edinburgh, xx May 2010 Sess. yy The Offi ce of Deacon 1. A Deacon is a man or woman who, under a Call from The General Assembly enact and ordain as follows: God, has pledged himself or herself to the service of 1. A Graduate Candidate (as defi ned in Act X 2004 section Jesus Christ and His Church and has been selected, 1(k)) or the holder of a Certifi cate of Eligibility (as defi ned trained and ordained to exercise ministry in terms of in Act IX 2002 section 6(b)) who has been appointed this Act (or any succeeding legislation) and according to a chair or lectureship in an accredited institution as to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of Scotland. defi ned in Act X 2004 is eligible to be ordained by the The Offi ce of Deacon is recognised by the Church to Presbytery in which the institution is located. be a distinctive, lifelong status within the ministry of 2. He or she shall be a member of the Presbytery that the Church and to be agreeable to the Word of God. ordained him or her, or may apply to transfer his or her For the avoidance of doubt, this Act does not apply to membership to the Presbytery within which is situated members of Deacons’ Courts. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/41

A. SELECTION, TRAINING AND ORDINATION OF the contemporary understanding of Church and DEACONS society, and voice and communication skills; 3 Defi nitions (ii) in further optional courses approved from time 2. Section 1 of Act X 2004 shall apply to the Diaconate to time by the Ministries Council and selected by subject to the deletion of sub-sections (h), (j) and (k), all the Candidate; for the purposes of that application only. (iii) in all areas of practical knowledge required by the Ministries Council, by satisfactory participation Selection and Training of Deacons throughout their candidature in such residential 3. Sections 2-11, 18-21 and 23-25 of Act X 2004 shall apply courses and conferences as are prescribed by the to the Diaconate. For the purposes of this Act: Ministries Council; (i) references to ‘the Ministry of the Church of Scotland’ (iv) in attendance and participation at the or ‘the full-time ministry’ shall be understood as referring Diaconate Council; to the diaconal ministry of the Church of Scotland (v) in the practice of the diaconal ministry, by (ii) references to Universities shall be deemed to include completing to the satisfaction of the Ministries any institution of higher education approved by the Council the three placements prescribed below. Ministries Council for the training of Deacons. For the avoidance of doubt appeals against decisions taken Placements during Training in terms of this section shall be subject to the provisions of 5. (a) As part of the Church requirements, three periods Act VI 2007 anent the Ministries Appeals Panel. of placement work shall be undertaken by the Candidate, and must be completed to the satisfaction Academic and Practical Training of Deacons of the Ministries Council which shall determine 4. (a) Each Candidate shall have a Course prescribed the length and content of each placement. The by the Ministries Council immediately following placements shall normally include two during acceptance as a Prospective Candidate. the academic course (of which one shall be part- (b) The Candidate shall satisfy the Ministries Council of time and shall last not less than twenty-fi ve weeks competence: and one shall be a full-time summer placement (i) in all areas of study prescribed from time to lasting not less than ten weeks) and one full-time time by the Ministries Council, which shall always placement of twelve months commencing on the include the interpretation and use of Holy Scripture fi rst day of July, August, September or October in (both Old and New Testaments), the development the year of completion of the prescribed academic and growth of the Church (with special reference course; the Ministries Council shall have power in to the Church of Scotland), the principal doctrines exceptional circumstances to vary this arrangement. of the Christian faith (their interpretation, their The candidate will not normally be permitted to defence and their application), the constitution engage in academic study through a university or and laws of the Church of Scotland, the history and college or in remunerative employment or offi ce contemporary understanding of the Diaconate during the course of the twelve months full-time in the Church of Scotland and ecumenically, placement at the conclusion of the academic practical theology (including mission, evangelism, course. pastoral care and counselling, the worship of the (b) The supervisor of each placement will be chosen Church (especially the Church of Scotland), and by the Ministries Council and shall undertake 3/42 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

training as specifi ed by the Ministries Council. The Presbytery may ordain a candidate to this Offi ce supervisor shall be responsible for supervising only if it is furnished with a recommendation to the placement according to the guidelines and that eff ect from the Ministries Council. standards established by the Ministries Council and (b) Procedure. The procedure leading to the act of University, and shall produce assessment materials ordination shall be the same as the procedure as required. described in section 29 of Act VIII 2003 for ministers (c) The assessment materials shall be assessed by the of Word and Sacrament, mutatis mutandis. Ministries Council. It shall be competent for the (c) Ordained status. A Deacon, on being ordained, Ministries Council to refuse to sustain a placement shall have the authority of the Church to exercise where it considers that the Candidate has not met his or her appointed ministry. He or she shall be the required standard or for other relevant reasons. entitled to append the letters “DCS” (Deacon of the Church of Scotland) after his or her name and to Sustaining the Course wear the Diaconate badge. On being ordained, a 6. (a) The Ministries Council shall obtain from the Deacon shall be admitted into membership of the universities lists of those Candidates who have Diaconate Council. satisfactorily completed their prescribed Course, (d Membership of Presbytery. A Deacon shall be a whereupon the Secretary of the Ministries Council member of Presbytery if he or she occupies a parish shall inform candidates that they have permission appointment, or any other post that would entitle to commence their fi nal placement. a Minister of Word and Sacrament to membership (b) The Ministries Council shall, in consultation with of Presbytery in terms of sections 11-13 of Act III the Presbytery, decide whether to sustain the fi nal 2000, and the provisions of those sections shall placement after nine months. determine which is the relevant Presbytery. 7. The Council shall maintain a list of those who have satisfactorily completed their training in terms of this Admission and Readmission of Deacons Act and Act X 2004. An individual who has completed 9. Act IX 2002 (as amended) shall apply to the diaconate training, who has not been ordained as a Deacon and mutatis mutandis. who has not applied to be removed from the above list, shall for the purposes of superintendence and discipline Transfer be treated in the same manner as a Graduate Candidate 10. (a) The provisions of Act XIII 2003 anent the Auxiliary as defi ned in section 22 of Act X 2004 and all Acts and Ministry (as amended) or of Act X 2004 anent Regulations of the General Assembly relating to the Selection and Training for the Full-time Ministry superintendence or discipline of a Graduate Candidate and Eligibility for Ordination shall apply to any shall apply to such individuals. Deacon wishing to transfer to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament; in all cases the Ministries Ordination Council shall determine the nature, content and 8. (a) Entitlement. It belongs to Presbytery to ordain an duration of the academic course and practical individual to the Offi ce of Deacon on his or her training to be followed by a Candidate. taking up an appointment. However, in order to (b) Notwithstanding (a) above, any Deacon whose ensure a general standard of qualifi cation and candidature for the diaconate was acquired training for the Offi ce throughout the Church, a in terms of section 3 above (i.e. enquiry, fi eld MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/43

assessment and local review) shall not require to Retirement Age repeat those elements of the selection process 13. The normal retirement age for Deacons shall be 65 (Act XIII 2003 section 6; Act X 2004 section 5), but years. 3 shall proceed directly to national assessment. (c) No Deacon who has been not accepted as a C. SUPERINTENDENCE OF DEACONS candidate in training for either the auxiliary or Responsibility for Life and Doctrine full-time ministry on three or more occasions 14. (a) A Deacon shall be responsible for his or her life may apply for transfer to the Ministry of Word and doctrine to the Presbytery of which he or and Sacrament (auxiliary or full-time). she is a member, or from which he or she holds a current Practising Certifi cate. B. FUNCTION OF DEACONS (b) A Deacon who is not a member of Presbytery The Function of a Deacon and who does not hold a Practising Certifi cate 11. The function of a Deacon is to exercise a ministry of is nevertheless subject to the jurisdiction of the an evangelistic, pastoral, educational or social nature, Presbytery of the bounds in which is situated the including the conduct of public worship as need congregation of which he or she is a member, or arises, in one or more of the following spheres: in which he or she lives, as he or she shall choose, (a) service in the employment of a Council, and are under obligation to notify the Presbytery Committee or Court of the Church; Clerk of any change of address. (b) service in a Chaplaincy, including University, Responsibility for Service College, School, HM Forces, Prison and Hospital, 15. A Deacon shall be responsible for the due performance or as a Lecturer or Teacher in Religious Education, of his or her service as follows; namely: and in similar spheres; (a) a Deacon, serving under a Council, Committee (c) other service which is approved by the Ministries or Court of the Church shall be responsible to Council and the Presbytery concerned. that body; Deacons and Marriage Services (b) a Deacon, serving outwith the jurisdiction of the 12. (1) The functions of a Deacon shall include the Church of Scotland, shall be responsible to the solemnisation of marriage, subject to the employer. provisions of sub-section (3) hereof and to the Practising Certifi cates permission and supervision of the minister or 16. The provisions of sections 5-15 of Consolidating Act Interim Moderator of the parish in which the II 2000 anent the Ministry shall apply to Deacons marriage takes place. mutatis mutandis. (2) For the purposes of the conduct of marriages, section 18 of Consolidating Act II 2000 anent The Roll of the Diaconate Ministry (as amended) shall apply to Deacons. 17. (1) The Ministries Council and Diaconate Council (3) The Principal Clerk shall authorise Deacons shall keep a Roll of the Diaconate containing the to conduct marriage services where that is following lists: consistent with the provisions of the relevant civil (a) Deacons who are voting members of law, or with the special permission of the Registrar Presbyteries. General of Births, Deaths and Marriages. (b) Deacons holding Practising Certifi cates. 3/44 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

(c) Deacons who are neither members of Presbyteries of this Act only, refers to all Deacons who are members nor holders of Practising Certifi cates. of Presbyteries or holders of Practising Certifi cates. For the avoidance of doubt, this Act does not apply (2) In cases of doubt as to the list on which a to members of Deacons’ Courts.” Deacon’s name should be placed, the decision of the Ministries Council shall be fi nal. In December of each year, the Ministries Council shall check APPENDIX A the Roll with Presbyteries, including the names CONSTITUTION OF DIACONATE COUNCIL of those to whom Practising Certifi cates have Functions been issued. The Functions of the Diaconate Council hereinafter The Diaconate Council constituted shall be: 18. (1) The functions of the Diaconate Council, of which a) To formulate and express the collective views of its all Deacons shall be members, shall include the members representation of the interests of all Deacons to b) To make contacts with those engaged in like work at the Ministries Council, and the support of the home and overseas Ministries Council in the professional development c) To provide opportunity for in-service training and of Deacons. personal development (2) The Constitution and Standing Orders of the Diaconate Council, and the Constitution of Constitution Local Associations thereof, are as set out in the The Council shall consist of: Appendix, and are subject to the powers of (i) All Deacons on the Active List alteration contained therein. (ii) All retired Deacons (iii) Deacons with a Practising Certifi cate may attend D. REPEALS AND AMENDMENTS Council at their own expense and be non-voting 19. Sections 26 and 27 of Consolidating Act III 2000 anent members. Church Courts (as amended) are hereby repealed, (iv) Two members appointed by the Ministries Council and shall be replaced by a note reading “See Act ___ (v) Deacons ordained or commissioned by the Church 2010” of Scotland who are serving overseas as members of another Church shall be entitled when on furlough to 20. Act II 1988 anent the Judicial Commission (as attend all meetings of the Council as corresponding amended) is hereby further amended as follows: members without the right to vote. • by the addition in paragraph 2(a), after the word ‘Ministers’ of ‘, Deacons’. Offi ce –bearers • by the addition in paragraph 2(j), after the word The Offi ce bearers shall be: ‘Ministers’ of ‘, Deacons’. A President, who shall hold offi ce for three years, and not 21. Paragraph 1(c) of Act XV 2003 anent Scottish Criminal be eligible for re-election. Records offi ce Checks of Ministers, Deacons and readers in Terms of the Police Act 1997 (as amended) A Vice President, who shall hold offi ce for three years, and is hereby amended to read “Deacon, for the purposes not be eligible for re-election. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/45

A Secretary, who shall be appointed for three years and be Ministries Council through its President. eligible for reappointment. The administration of the Council shall be serviced by a 3 A Treasurer, who shall be appointed for three years and be Secretary appointed by the Diaconate Council and an eligible for reappointment. admin assistant appointed and fi nanced by Ministries Council. The President and the Vice President shall be elected by the Council in manner specifi ed in the Standing Orders. Local Associations of Deacons The Council shall set up Local Associations of Deacons, Committees which shall have the following aims: Business Committee – a Business Committee to attend to a) To provide a fellowship of Deacons business during the meetings of the Council and at other b) To be a channel through which Deacons may times, as agreed, between Councils, may be constituted in communicate to the Business Committee and/or manner provided in Standing Orders. Diaconate Council matters concerning Deacons or the wider interests of the Church Other Committees c) To give an opportunity to Deacons to express their The Council shall have power to appoint, if it so desires, views on matters of public interest other Committees to facilitate its business and to consider d) To be the body to liaise with such local groups as are various aspects of the service undertaken by Deacons. related to the interest of the Diaconate Meetings e) To do all things necessary for or incidental to the The Council shall meet for one day in January/February of Constitution each year. Local Associations shall be governed by the Constitution

The Council shall normally meet for two days in June of Alteration of Constitution each year or as otherwise decided. Any alteration to this Constitution may be made only by The Council shall meet in public or in private as the a two-thirds majority of the whole membership of the Business Committee may decide. Diaconate Council, upon a motion of which seven days’ notice has been given to all members thereof. The Council may in exceptional circumstances meet at such other times as the Ministries Council appoint. APPENDIX B Procedure THE DIACONATE COUNCIL – STANDING Meetings shall each day be opened, and the Council ORDERS closed with prayer. Standing Orders Other procedures shall be as set out in Standing Orders. Procedure at Meetings The cost of Council, including the travelling expenses of The President, or in his or her absence the Vice-President, full members of Council, shall be met by the Ministries shall preside, whom failing the Council shall appoint its Council. own Chairperson.

The Diaconate Council shall be represented on the Proceedings each day shall be opened with prayer. 3/46 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Business Full Minutes of the proceedings of the Council shall be The business of the Council shall include:- circulated to all members. (1) Election of Offi ce-bearers, Committees and Representatives on the Ministries Council, such Reports election to take place at the meeting of the Council Reports from Local Associations and Committees of the in June. Council shall reach the Secretary at least seven days before (2) Reports from Local Associations, Committees of the the meeting of the Council. Council, and the Ministries Council. Any Other Business (3) Initiation of discussion on any matters which concern Local Associations or individuals may request an item of the Diaconate and the wider interests of the Church. competent business to be placed on the Agenda, giving Election of Offi ce-bearers seven days’ notice to the Council. Where shorter notice Nominations for the election of the President and Vice- has been given, the mover shall briefl y introduce the item President shall be sent in by Local Associations. Each Local and the Council shall, without discussion, decide by simple Association shall send in a maximum of four nominations, majority to take up the item of business. selected from the whole membership of the Council, and Close of the Council those nominated must have been ordained/commissioned When the business set down for the fi nal day of the session for at least fi ve years. The Secretary shall draw up a list of the Diaconate Council has been completed, the Council which shall be sent to all Deacons, both active and retired, shall appoint the date and place of its next meeting. for their postal vote. Alterations of Standing Orders Business Committee Seven days’ notice having been given, these Standing The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Presidents of the Orders, with the exception of the paragraph on Finance, Local Associations shall constitute the Business Committee. may be altered by a two-thirds majority of the Diaconate Other Committees present at a meeting of the Council. Any Committee appointed by the Council by virtue of the power conferred on it in the Constitution shall be given a special remit, and shall report to the Council. APPENDIX C LOCAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DIACONATE - Finance CONSTITUTION Members may be required to pay an annual subscription fee. 1. The name shall be“Church of Scotland Diaconate…….. Local Association” Any proposal involving fi nance amounting to more than the total of Council Funds shall, before action is taken, be 2. Aim referred to the Ministries Council. (a) To provide a fellowship for Deacons (b) To be a channel through which Deacons may Minutes communicate to the Diaconate Council matters The Minutes of Diaconate Council shall be approved at the concerning the Diaconate or the wider interests opening session of the next Council. of the Church MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/47

(c) To give an opportunity to Deacons to express 7. Report for Council their views on matters of public interest The adoption of the Association’s Report for the (d) To be the body to liaise with such local groups as Council shall be moved by one of the offi ce-bearers. 3 are related to the interests of the Diaconate After adoption by the Association, the Report shall be (e) To do all things necessary for or incidental to the dispatched so as to be in the hands of the Secretary Constitution. of the Council seven days before the meeting of Council. 3. The aim shall be reached by:- (a) holding at least four statutory meetings each 8. Individual Business year; Any business brought forward by an individual (b) providing an opportunity for corporate worship, Deacon, if rejected by the Association, shall if desired retreat and help for the devotional life of Deacons by the Deacon, be forwarded by the Association with throughout the year; full comments to the Secretary of the Council. (c) submitting to the Council a report which will include matters referred to the Local Association 9. Election of President and Vice-President of by the Council; Council (d) initiating business for the Council. On the occasion of the election of a President or Vice- President of the Council, the Association shall send to 4. Membership the Secretary of the Council by the end of February All Active Deacons and retired Deacons, shall be full not more than four nominations for each offi ce. members of the Association. All Deacons holding a Practising Certifi cate shall be Nominations shall be selected from the whole associated but without voting power. membership of the Council and must have been Deacons serving a probationary period shall be ordained / commissioned for not less than fi ve years. associated but without voting power. 10. Change of Constitution Deacons ordained/commissioned by the Church of Any change in this constitution proposed by the Scotland who are serving overseas as members of Association shall be notifi ed to all other Local another Church may be corresponding members, Associations, as each Association is governed by the and when on furlough may attend meetings but may same Constitution, and shall become eff ective only not vote. when approved by the Council. Deacons of other denominations may be associated.

5. Offi ce Bearers The Association shall appoint its own offi ce-bearers and committee in accordance with a procedure agreed by the Association in advance.

6. Subscriptions and meetings The Association shall fi x the amount of subscription and arrange the time and character of its meetings. 3/48 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 2 PRIORITY AREAS WORK Engaging Wider Church & Society Ongoing development Over the past year the Poverty Truth and delivery of the Poverty Commission, co-chaired by Lord Wallace of 2.1 Truth Commission Tankerness (former Depute First Minister of Scotland) and Tricia McConalogue (Coordinator: Bridging the Gap) has continued to meet on a regular basis. Its work has focused on: kinship care; promoting alternatives to violence; and encouraging positive media images of people living in poverty. Regular information and updates are available from www.povertytruthcommission.org. 2.2 Development of SCCoTTS Building upon the impact of Together for a Buddies Change – its international exchange programme – the Committee has worked in partnership with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations to develop SCCoTTS Buddies. This will be an offi cial legacy programme of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, connecting communities in areas of poverty in Scotland and other parts of the Commonwealth. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/49

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 2.3 Ongoing support of In the past year 4 new twinning relationships twinning have been established. Work has also been undertaken in partnership with Glasgow Presbytery where twinning has formed part of the Presbytery Plan in the case of 7 congregations. New Models of Church Life 2.4 Eff ective rolling out of The Committee has built upon work Priority Areas Worship undertaken previously on participative worship Strategy – through Soul Marks (www.soulmarks.co.uk) and Bible Study – through Unlock Glasgow (www.unlockglasgow.org.uk) and has now established a programme which will look to provide intensive support to a small number (six) congregations over the coming year to assist them to develop new models of worship appropriate to their local context. 2.5 Support and development The Committee has continued to build of ongoing local upon its coaching programme – delivered in leadership within priority partnership with Auburn Theological Seminary area congregations [New York] (www.auburnsem.org). Over the past year another 12 people involved in a range of ministries within priority areas have undertaken the programme.

The Committee has also established Transforming Lives and Bereavement Support training, two programmes designed to equip local people to be more eff ective in supporting their neighbours through diffi cult time. 3/50 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 2.6 Provision of new church In November contractors went on site to build buildings in Easterhouse: new church buildings in two of the three St George’s & St Peter’s and church extension congregations which fall Garthamlock & Craigend under the responsibility of the Priority Areas East Committee. It is hoped that these buildings will be completed by autumn 2010, providing both congregations with valuable facilities as they engage with their local neighbourhoods. 2.7 Establishment of an In September, the Council in collaboration 15 eff ective framework for with the Church & Society Council co-hosted enabling congregations Going Through the Roof – a one day conference in priority areas to develop designed to enable priority area congregations and maintain sustainable to respond more eff ectively to the challenge buildings. of climate change.

In October, the Committee, in collaboration with the General Trustees and Faith in Community Scotland (www.faithincommunityscotland. org) published Letting It Happen – a handbook designed to help all congregations to improve upon the maintenance and usage of their church buildings.

In December, the Committee – in partnership with the General Trustees – hosted a two day seminar under the leadership of One Church 100 Uses (www.onechurch100uses.org) to explore ways in which new and entrepreneurial models for developing new church buildings within our very poorest communities can be developed. Plans are now underway to support the development of up to eight new community/ church buildings in some of Scotland’s poorest neighbourhoods over the next fi ve years. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/51

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 2.8 Increased levels of staffi ng The Committee has continued to support in the areas where they local congregations to access staffi ng posts are most needed. within existing Presbytery Plans (14 new posts have been fi lled over the last year) and to encourage applications to the Priority Areas Staffi ng Fund (PASF).

Applications to this fund continue to be lower than anticipated (4 in 2009) and in the last year the Committee has taken steps to increase support for congregations interested in making an application. New Models of Community Life 2.9 Support the ongoing Faith in Community Scotland (www. Copy of Annual development of the work faithincommunityscotland.org) has continued Report available at of Faith in Community to develop it portfolio of work over the past www.faithincommun Scotland. year. It has: ityscotland.org • Built upon the ongoing work in Glasgow through the Transformation Team (www. transformationteam.org) which has, over the last four years, worked with over 100 faith groups across the city. • Established Faith in Throughcare (www. faithinthroughcare.org) – a small team of staff committed to developing local networks of support for ex-off enders and their families. • Launched FiSCAF (Faiths in Scotland Community Action Fund) (www.fi scaf.org) – a new anti-poverty fund working across faiths, building upon the work of the Scottish Churches Community Trust. 3/52 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del • Developed One Place (www.one-place. org) – an interfaith Storytelling and Participation Centre based in Govanhill (Glasgow) designed to increase awareness and understanding within Scotland’s most diverse neighbourhood. • Continued to support the development of work in Dundee (Faith in Community Dundee) which it is hoped will be launched in 2010.

2.10 Development of a Priority In February 2010, the Priority Areas Committee Copy of An Option 16 Areas Youth Strategy. launched its youth strategy – An Option for for the Young the Young. The strategy seeks to lay out a available at www. programme designed to enable local churches churchofscotland.org. to do all that they can to support eff ectively uk/priorityareas.htm. some of the most marginalized young people in Scotland.

This work is being carried out in partnership with a wide range of other organizations including the Rank Foundation and the George Williams YMCA College. Our aspiration is to help to develop the next generation of youth leaders from within priority areas. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/53

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 3 VOCATION AND TRAINING WORK 3.1 Enquiry & Assessment The Enquiry & Assessment process continues Table: Enquiry & to attract strong numbers of people who Assessment Scheme seek to discern the call of God in their lives. Statistics 2005 – At the time of writing, around 100 people 2009 (3.1) are exploring the recognised ministries lying within the remit of the Ministries Council [ie. Readership, the Diaconate, and Ministry of Word and Sacrament (full-time and Auxiliary)], prior to assessment for training.

The Council remains indebted to all those who serve as Church Assessors, Local Assessors and Presbytery Representatives. Presbyteries are encouraged to continue to nominate those people whom they feel have suitable gifts and abilities to serve in these roles. An invitation is sent out once per year to this eff ect.

Seven new trainee Church Assessors have been appointed:

Rev Liz Crumlish, Rev Andrew Gardner, Rev Brian Hendrie, Rev Rosemary Legge, Rev Christine Murdoch, Rev Thom Riddell and Dr Dot Weaks. They all now move forward into their initial training and probationary periods.

Comparative Enquiry & Assessment Statistics for the years 2005 – 2009 can be found in the Table below (3.1). 3/54 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3.2 Candidates’ Training and Various developments have taken place over Table: Statistics Support the past year. on Candidates in Training 2007 – 2010 The Ministries Training Network (MTN) is a series (3.2) of regional meetings designed to enable Candidates to meet together for worship, peer support and learning. It seeks to establish good habits of refl ective practice, collaborative working and openness to learning, as well as giving the opportunity for spiritual growth and the development of good leadership skills. MTN has been reviewed and evaluated after the pilot of last year, and as a result some changes have been made to its delivery. Candidates meet in small regional groups and work with one facilitator throughout the year. The work which is required of Candidates integrates with and enhances other aspects of formation. A further review will take place once this year’s MTN has been completed.

Provision for training for schools chaplaincy has been strengthened within the Candidates’ and Probationers’ Conference programmes and remains under review. Further opportunities to off er training in this area are being sought.

The Candidate Task Group is working collaboratively with the Rural Strategy Group. The aim is to increase Candidates’ experience and understanding of the particular demands of rural ministry. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/55

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 It is acknowledged that, in most cases, Candidates suff er considerable fi nancial hardship throughout training. Financial support is available from the Ministries Council in the form of local bursaries (awarded once per year) and hardship payments (paid as necessary for unexpected hardship). The amount paid out this year was considerably higher than the previous year, in an eff ort to further support Candidates. The Vocation and Training Committee is also reviewing the use of these types of funds to ensure that support is provided as eff ectively as possible.

Probationers: The Moderator hosted a lunch to which all Probationers, and those on familiarisation placements, were invited. The Rev Dr Robin Hill, Convenor of the HIV/ Aids Project, outlined the main issues facing the Project and emphasized the importance of future church leaders having a fi rm understanding of these. Joel Cithinji, Mission Partner in Nepal, shared his experiences with those present. 3/56 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3.2.1 Admissions and Re- Certifi cates of Eligibility have been issued to Admissions the following:

Rev Dr Robert Calhoun Henley Baptist Church, Texas, USA

Rev Robert Cleland Baptist Union of Scotland

Rev Aftab Gohar Presbyterian Church of Pakistan

Rev Johannes Groenewald Dutch Reformed Church, South Africa

Rev Geoff rey McKee Baptist Union of Scotland

Rev Dr Lectus Steenkamp Dutch Reformed Church, South Africa

Rev Jan Steyn Dutch Reformed Church, South Africa

Rev Jeff rey Tippner Presbyterian Church USA

Conditional Certifi cate for appointments made in terms s.19 (4) of Act VIII 2003 (as amended)

Rev John Butterfi eld Methodist Church of Great Britain

Admitted to Status of Graduate Candidate

Mrs Judith Breakey Reformed Church of Switzerland MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/57

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 3.3 Support Training The Ministries Council relies heavily on a number of diff erent groups of people who give their service willingly and voluntarily in support of the assessment and formation processes. These groups include National Church Assessors, Local Church Assessors, Presbytery Assessors, Presbytery Representatives, National Psychologist Assessors and Personal Development Interviewers.

Throughout the year, training events take place, with the aim of providing suffi cient support for each individual confi dently to give service in the role to which they feel called. This is an area which the Vocation and Training Committee would like to expand further. Resources available, however, are limited and further discussions will take place regarding the feasibility of major future development.

Over the past year the following training events have taken place:

• Initial Training for Local Assessors/Presbytery Representatives • Group Meeting for Personal Development Interviewers (PDIs) • 24-hour training event for National Church Assessors, National Psychologist Assessors and PDIs • Training for Supervisors of Candidates (3 days) • In-service Training for Supervisors (2 days) • Training Day for Supervisors of Probationers • Consultation Day for Supervisors of those on Familiarisation Placements (Admissions) 3/58 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del A fi ve day intensive training event for 10 supervisors was held in March. The training was delivered by trainers from the Presbyterian Church of Canada. It was off ered to those who were already supervisors, with a view to establishing a pool of trained personnel who will then deliver training to new supervisors. This group will now develop and deliver a training package, based on the intensive training which they have received, which will be tailored to the needs of our candidates and supervisors.

It is hoped in the future to off er in-service training to Local Assessors, Presbytery Assessors and Presbytery Representatives. It is also hoped to develop appraisal processes where they are not already in place, as an additional training and support mechanism.

3.4 Women in Ministry Report The General Assembly of 2007 instructed Numbers of Women 18 the Ministries Council to report on the Presenting for disproportionately lower number of women Ministry than men presenting for training for ministry. An interim report was received in 2008. Further (Section 3.4) research and analysis has been carried out and the full report can be found below (Section 3.4). MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/59

3.1 Enquiry and Assessment Scheme Statistics: 2005 – 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 3 M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total Applicants for Ministry (all types) 35 26 61 40 23 63 50 31 81 40 32 72 44 22 66 Entered Local Assessment 34 24 58 39 23 62 49 31 80 39 27 66 41 19 60 Chose to Withdraw (locally) 4 2 6 5 1 6 11 6 17 15 6 21 3 0 3 Completed Local Assessment 30 22 52 34 22 56 38 25 63 24 21 45 38 19 57 Readership (Applicants) 4 3 7 8 8 16 3 8 11 Readership Accepted 4 3 7 7 7 14 3 8 11 Attended Assessment Conference 26 19 45 30 15 45 31 22 53 18 18 36 25 9 34 Full-time Ministry (Applicants) 24 12 36 27 8 35 26 15 41 13 13 26 18 6 24 Full-time Ministry Accepted 16 8 24 15 6 21 17 6 23 9 7 16 7 1 8 Auxiliary Ministry (Applicants) 2 5 7 3 7 10 5 7 12 5 3 8 7 2 9 Auxiliary Ministry Accepted 2 2 4 2 6 8 5 5 10 2 2 4 3 1 4 Deacons (Applicants) 022000000022011 Deacons Accepted 011000000022000 First Time Applicants 19 20 39 26 15 41 26 18 44 15 15 30 24 9 33 Accepted 13 10 23 16 11 27 17 10 27 9 10 19 10 2 12 Returning Applicants 617224549336101 Accepted 516112516213000 M = male F = female

3.2 Statistics on Candidates in Training 2007 – 2008 2008 – 2009 2009 – 2010 2007 – 2010 Number of full-time Candidates studying theology at University (across all years of study): Glasgow 2 14 8 Edinburgh 28 32 21 Aberdeen 8 7 5 St Andrews 4 3 1 HTC366 Number of Auxiliary Candidates in Training 20 21 16 Number of Readers in Training 47 39 41 3/60 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

3.2 Statistics on Candidates in Training 2007 – 2008 2008 – 2009 2009 – 2010 2007 – 2010 Number of Readers set apart 14 17 8 Candidates beginning their formation process Full-time 26 15 7 Auxiliary 11 4 4 Diaconate 0 2 0 Courses being followed by new full-time Candidates Studying for undergraduate theology degree 17 10 4 Studying for 2 years on a post-graduate 722 programme Tailored academic requirements 2 1 0 Number of Probationers completing training Full-time 29 30 23 Auxiliary 4 1 5 Diaconate 0 0 0 Gender of Candidates in Training M F Aux Aux M F Aux Aux M F Aux Aux M F M F M F

First Year 20 6 5 6 7 10 2 2 4 2 3 1 Second Year 16 5 2 5 20 6 5 6 10 10 2 2 Third Year9711105149535 MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/61

3.4 Numbers of Women Presenting for Ministry • the lack of fl exible working patterns, with the 3.4.1 Background overwhelming majority of appointments being full- The General Assembly of 2007 instructed the Ministries time and parish based 3 Council to report on the disproportionately lower number • styles of leadership in the Church of women than men presenting for training for ministry. • women being discouraged by coming up against discrimination within the Church An interim report was received in 2008 where the Enquiry • the encouragement of men rather than women into & Assessment processes of the Church were examined to leadership in the local church setting ascertain whether women were being “selected out” in • women entering other forms of ministry any inadvertent way. The statistical research and analysis carried out confi rmed that women and men were being The Ministries Council now reports its fi ndings for the accepted in proportion to the number of applications interest of the whole Church, and thanks all those who [through the natural working out of the process and not contributed, and in particular the Revd. Dr Anne Logan by any policy], but did not answer the question of why for her valuable assistance and willingness to share her fewer women presented for ministry. ongoing PhD research.

The 2008 report to the General Assembly agreed to 3.4.2 Survey of Enquirers not proceeding into continue the research, and raised the question for the Ministry whole Church as to why fewer women were coming Taking the possible factors above, a questionnaire was forward. Possible factors noted were; developed and sent out to women who had registered • lack of fl exible training opportunities to attend an Enquirers’ Conference over the last fi ve • a culture of resistance to recruitment and ordination of years. Around one third responded to the questionnaire women in some areas [geographical and theological] of representing around ¾ of Presbyteries. the church

Lack of flexible training opportunities 4% Lack of flexibilty in the Enquiry and Assessment Process 5% Cultural resistance 0% Lack of flexible working patterns 5%

Styles of leadership in the Church 4% Women being discouraged by coming up against discrimination in the Church 3% Other 26% The encouragement of men rather than women into leadership in the local church setting 3% Family commitments 9%

Local church commitments 4% Financial reasons 7% Work commitments 11%

I could not pursue the area of Ministry in which I was interested due to age limits to training 19% 3/62 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

This was an interesting exercise which highlighted a A similar questionnaire was sent to men to fi nd out if the number of reasons why women choose not to apply for main reasons given by women were shared. The responses Ministry, including, but not limited to age limits in place for show a similar spread of reasons for not entering the training, local church commitments, family commitments, Enquiry Process, with the exception of a notable diff erence work commitments and other reasons. Only a small when it came to age limits. Our research has shown that proportion of respondents noted gender discrimination women often apply for the ministries of the church at a or lack of encouragement due to gender as an issue. later age, which may account for this diff erence.

Reason for not entering enquiry (as a percentage) 35

Women 25 Men

0 Lack of Lack of Lack of Styles of Family Local Work I could Financial Other flexibilty flexible flexible leadership commit- church commit- not pursue reasons in the training working in the ments commitments the area Enquiry opportunities patterns Church ments of Ministry and in which Assessment I was Process interested due to age limits to training MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/63

When it came to comparing reasons for withdrawing from male and female respondents when it came to fi nancial the process, there was a notable diff erence between the reasons, work, family and local church commitments. 3

Reason for withdrawal (as a percentage) 35

Women 25 Men

Lack of Lack of Styles of Family Local Work Financial Other flexibilty flexible leadership commitments church commitments reasons in the training in the commitments Enquiry opportunities Church and Assessment Process 3/64 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

It should be noted that the questionnaire was sent only to • 10% of Chaplains to HM Forces are women those who registered to attend an Enquirers’ Conference • 79% of Deacons are women and not to the wider Church, therefore missing out women • 38% of Presbytery and Parish Workers are women [and men] who attend Church on a regular basis but do • 36% of Readers are women not pursue a Call to one of the recognised ministries of the Church. 3.4.5 Patterns of Ordination of Women and Men between 1968 – 2008 From interview research amongst women ministers it Examination of the patterns of women’s ordination to full- became evident that if a woman truly feels called to time ministry of Word and Sacrament within the Church of the full-time ministry of Word and Sacrament, she will Scotland shows a slow beginning. Not until 1988 does the overcome considerable barriers. There are women in number of women being ordained in a year reach double ministry who have trained despite considerable fi nancial fi gures. The numbers peak in 1996 at 22 and thereafter the hardship; who have trained whilst being sole carers for number of women being ordained each year declines. children or for elderly parents; who have trained despite a However, over the same period, the number of men lack of previous academic opportunity; who have trained being ordained in each year also shows a steady trend of despite a lack of support from family or friends. Whilst it is decline. likely that men have also overcome some of these barriers, this particular piece of research is part of a larger study Numbers of male and female which was only carried out amongst women. ordinations compared 60 3.4.3 Women and Eldership 50 Recognising that women were admitted to the Eldership 40 Men of the Church of Scotland only one year before the decision 30 Woman Linear (Men) 20 to allow women to be ordained as ministers of Word and Linear (Woman) Sacrament, it is interesting to note that women make up 10 around 50% of the Eldership of the Church of Scotland and 0 this is increasing year on year. This percentage is not being -10 translated, however, when it comes to women serving as 19601970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 ministers of Word and Sacrament. In 2005, the number of women ordained [9] was the same It remains of concern to the Ministries Council that there as the number of men [9]. In the following three years, the are still a number of Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions who number of men being ordained began to show a slight do not have any women Elders at all. An apparent tacit increase while the number of women being ordained acceptance of this over the years by the Church allows continued to fall. Whilst it is too early to consider this a such situations to remain unchallenged. trend, if seen in conjunction with the graphs below from Assessment Conference fi gures, the situation bears further 3.4.4 Women and Ministries watching over the next few years. Using current year book statistics the following is of note:- • 21% of Ministers of Word and Sacrament are women • 40% of Auxiliary Ministers are women MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/65

Male and Female Applicants Most women ministers, however, also recount ‘war stories’, Compared stories of rejection, intolerance, bullying and patronising, including from amongst their male colleagues. The rejection 3 30 Female of women by some male colleagues is generally perceived 25 Male by women ministers to be increasing. There is also a perception that attitudes are hardening over the years. 20

15 There is a widespread concern among women ministers about the lack of structural change. Theoretically, the 10 Church of Scotland supports the ordination of women: 5 in reality, it does nothing to confront those ministers and congregations who reject it. After forty years, there are very few male ministers in parishes who were ordained Male and Female Acceptances Compared before women’s ministry was accepted in the Church of Scotland. There are, however, entire geographical areas 25 Accept F (including also congregations within the Central Belt) who 20 Accept M reject women’s ministry, and the Church as an institution

15 has done nothing to address the issue. 10 The Ministries Council is aware that, although candidates 5 are asked specifi cally about their attitudes to the ordination of women during the assessment process, a 0 number of candidates go on to practice non-acceptance after ordination.

3.4.6 Areas of concern 3.4.6.2 Repositioning of the Church 3.4.6.1 A failure of the National Church to Recognise It has been suggested that the issue of Women’s Ministry Fully the Ordination of Women is an indicator of the place any denomination wishes to Although the numbers of men and women seeking hold, vis a vis other denominations2. It could be argued ordination reached parity briefl y in 2005, the fact remains that in 1968, when the Church of Scotland accepted the that after forty years women represent only 21% of the full- arguments in favour of women’s ministry, it did so, not time ordained ministry within the Church of Scotland. From because of demands from women (there were, at the time recent research amongst women ministers, it becomes relatively few women seeking ordination in the Church apparent that they recount stories of increasing change of Scotland), but because the denomination wished to and acceptance from within congregations. Congregations project itself as a modernising, forward thinking, encultured and individual members, when exposed to the ministry of Church. It may be that the perceived hardening of attitudes women, often become supporters of women’s ministry (This against women’s ministry is an indication that some within pattern is supported by evidence from USA and England).1 the Church of Scotland would wish to reposition the denomination as a ‘counter cultural’ Church. 1 Lehman, E ‘Women Clergy: Breaking through Gender Barriers’, Transaction Inc. New Brunswick. 1985 and Jones, I ‘Women and Priesthood in the 2 Chaves, Mark ‘Ordaining Women: Culture and Confl ict in Religious Church of England’ CHP, London 2004. Organisations’ Harvard University Press. Cambridge Mass. 1997 3/66 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

3.4.6.3 Women leaving the Church 3.4.7 Conclusions All of this must be set in the context of the wider Church. Considering the fi gures on ordination and Enquiry and Professor Callum Brown of Dundee argues that much of Assessment it would be diffi cult to conclude at this stage the decline in churchgoing in Scotland has been caused that women are presenting in signifi cantly lower numbers by the haemorrhage of women from the institutional than men. The fi gures on ordination show a gradual Churches3. As the number of women coming forward for convergence of the genders to arrive at parity in 2005. ordination falls, it would be important to consider that Nonetheless, it is notable that only 21% of ministers of against a background of falling female membership of Word and Sacrament are women. The rise in the fi gures Churches in Scotland. This is an area in which the Church for men in the last three years may be the beginning of of Scotland should consider further research. a trend and would bear careful monitoring and further research. 3.4.6.4 Age profi le of Ministry In carrying out some of the research above, another The attitudes of some male ministers, and the lack of a matter of concern was uncovered. Whilst comparing complete acceptance across the Church of the ordination the age profi les of male and female ministers it became of women, remain a cause for concern for many women apparent that, whilst there is little of interest in the gender ministers interviewed. In particular the de facto sanctioning comparisons of age, there are issues about the age profi le of those who ‘opt out’ of accepting women’s ministry is of Church of Scotland ministers in general. hurtful. • 25% of ministers are over the age of 60 • 66% of ministers are over the age of 50 It would also be in the interests of the Church to engage • Only 6.4% of ministers are under the age of 40 (of whom in further research on whether the gender composition of 78.4% male and 21.6% female) the Church as a whole is changing and if so, why.

The following questions should be asked: The rapidly ageing profi le of the ministry also gives cause • does an ageing membership encourage an ageing for concern. The Church would benefi t from further ministry? research which considers the age profi le of the ministry in • does an ageing ministry encourage an ageing the context of the age profi le within congregations. membership? • does the age profi le of ministry connect readily with the age profi le of our communities?

3 Brown, Callum ‘Religion and Society in Scotland since 1707’ EUP, Edinburgh. 1997 MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/67

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 4 Support and Development 4.1 Prepare a brief for Following on last year’s report to the General the appointment of a Assembly, the Ministries Council prepared a Development Offi cer brief for the appointment of a Development to lead the church in Worker to lead the church in rolling out a a programme raising programme of raising D/deaf awareness, deaf awareness and in expanding the work of the church amongst developing ministry to the deaf community and succession planning the Deaf Community in for future ministry amongst the D/deaf. At the Scotland. time of writing this report the recruitment process was underway and the Council hopes that it will be able to introduce a newly appointed member of staff to the General Assembly.

In addition, the Council supported one congregation in a project to test out the eff ectiveness of voice activated sub-titling within the context of worship. The Council looks forward to receiving an evaluation report which it will make available to other congregations who may be considering this kind of development. 3/68 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 4.2 Take forward the aims As reported above (section 1.5), the Aviemore of the Guild sponsored Conference, “Christianity, Confl ict and the Soul project A Place for Hope. In of the Nation” proved to be an event which particular deliver: more than fulfi lled the expectations of its organizers and participants. One immediate • A launch pad ecumenical result of this event has been the opportunity conference to explore all quickly to move towards the goal of training a aspects of confl ict in the cohort of mediators who will be available to church facilitate early interventions in congregational • A team of trained confl icts. Under the auspices of Core Solutions, mediators to work with the Council has been able to develop an local congregations advanced course on mediation which has • A centre for peace and been especially tailored to meet the needs reconciliation to serve of the church. This, together with a further Scotland programme of training later this year, to be led by Professor David Brubaker, will provide the team with the highest quality of preparation for this vital work.

One spin off from this event has been the development of a website dedicated to the project A Place for Hope. At http://www. placeforhope.org.uk it is possible to hear the Keynote Addresses from the Aviemore Conference and share some of the featured Workshop materials.

It is also a matter of great encouragement to the Council that the Rev John Christie has decided to promote A Place for Hope throughout his year as Moderator. With its continuing concern about the need for the church to fi nd more mature ways to deal with diff erence, the Council commends the eff orts of A Place for Hope to the whole church. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/69

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 4.3 Continue to introduce the In the past year the Council has engaged 19 process of Accompanied in an exercise of raising the profi le of the Review for all the Accompanied Review process. The aim was recognised Ministries of to encourage more people to review their the church. ministry and utilise the expertise of our trained Facilitators.

Presentations have been delivered to twelve Presbyteries, most of these at full Presbytery meetings. Our thanks go to those Facilitators who have helped out with this exercise. We followed up on these presentations by sending out personal invitations, supported by a new leafl et describing the process in some detail, to all ministers and ministries staff in those Presbyteries. As a result, a handful of new requests were received to take up the process.

In the last twelve to eighteen months, approximately twenty new participants have engaged in the process. This is not nearly enough, so the aim is to deliver further presentations at Presbyteries and various training conferences organised by the Ministries Council.

The Council is convinced that the process of Accompanied Review is an essential tool for engagement in today’s ministry and it will continue its consideration of how this process might become embedded in the practice of ministry. As alluded to below (Section 4.8), the Council, in the course of its review of training, will turn its mind to the place of regular review in the context of continuing education and personal development. 3/70 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 4.4 Continue to develop The Council has continued its commitment lines of communication to arranging regional gatherings for Chaplains between the Ministries who work across a range of disciplines outside Council and those working of the confi nes of the church. This year’s in chaplaincies and other gathering was held in Edinburgh and was ministries under other addressed by Ann Morisy. As well as this input, employment agencies. the event itself provided a real opportunity for networking and sharing of ideas. The Council will continue to develop this means of keeping in touch with those who exercise their ministry in various Chaplaincy roles.

The establishment of a Chaplaincies Forum under the aegis of the Support and Development Committee is a further step that has been taken to widen the group of chaplains able to enter into dialogue with members of the Council. The Forum is representative of the widest range of people working in chaplaincy and it gives an opportunity for two-way conversations on issues that are of common interest. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/71

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 4.5 Devise a liturgy for a Over the past two years, members of the 20 Service of Introduction for Chaplaincies Task Group and Forum have Chaplains. discussed the possibility of publishing a liturgy which could be used at Services of Introduction where a Presbytery was being asked to conduct such a service in the context of an otherwise secular environment. However, the wide variety of possible contexts and the need to be particularly sensitive to local needs and circumstances has led to the conclusion that no one structure or liturgy could be applied universally.

Instead the Council asks Presbyteries who are involved in preparing such Services of Introduction to be particularly sensitive to the way in which these services are put together and to ensure that the widest possible range of people from the “client group” are involved and, where possible, the interests of other denominations and faith groups are represented.

Some foundation work has been done by the Council and sample resources can be made available on request. 4.6 As instructed by the At last year’s General Assembly concerns were Review of NHS 21 GA 2009, undertake a raised about the way appointments of NHS Spiritual Care review of the chaplaincy Spiritual Care Advisers are made and the Council Chaplaincy arrangements in NHS was asked to engage in a review of procedures. Appointments Boards and report to the The outcome of that Review is reported below General Assembly of 2010. (section 4.6). As a result, the Council reiterates (4.6) its strong recommendation to Presbyteries that they become fully engaged in the work of their Local Spiritual Care Committee (LSCC). The Council remains willing to assist in making contact with the LSCC where such intervention is appropriate and helpful. 3/72 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 4.7 Continue to review the Over the past year, the Council has continued structure of Workplace to work with ecumenical partners towards the Chaplaincy (formerly restructuring and reinvigoration of workplace Scottish Churches chaplaincy in Scotland. Agreement has been Industrial Mission) reached to draft a new constitution for a single body – Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland – to replace both the Scottish Churches Industrial Mission Council and the Industrial Mission Trust. It is hoped that the work of registering this new body as a charity in its own right can be completed in the coming months.

Changes in staffi ng over recent years have meant that the work has necessarily been reduced to a much lower profi le than in the past, but as this report goes to print, applications are being received for the appointment of a new National Director, whose role will be signifi cantly diff erent from the current one. It will include an element of seeking funding as well as a clear management responsibility. With the completion of the transfer to the new Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland board, the Director will relate directly to the new body as the policy-making, management group. New staff appointments to posts currently vacant will follow upon the appointment of the Director. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/73

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 4.8 Administer and monitor The Study Leave Scheme continues to provide current study leave those in the Ministries of the church with a schemes. vast range of opportunities for further study and personal development. During the last year the annual Study Leave Allowance was increased by £25 to £275.

The Council is committed to the development of this Scheme, but realizes that, as it is more than 10 years since it was fi rst introduced, it is time to review some of its fundamental tenets. In particular the Council will explore the potential for a relationship between the Accompanied Review process and the choices made in relation to personal and professional development in ministry. The Council would hope to present some initial thinking on this matter within its overall review of training and formation for the ministries of the church. 4.9 Organise and deliver In June 2009, some 12 elders from 6 training days, as required, Presbyteries were trained in accordance with for Elders as Interim the requirements of Act VIII 2003. The Council Moderators. is currently collecting the names of others being submitted by Presbyteries and will arrange another training event some time in the coming year. 3/74 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 4.10 Continue monitoring and Since last year’s General Assembly, the development of Interim Ministries Council has appointed a further Ministry, both regional two Interim Ministers to the team. At the time and peripatetic. of writing, the spheres of deployment for these new team members, the Rev Eleanor McMahon and the Rev Alan Ward, are still to be confi rmed. This brings the total number of Interim Ministers to 9. They are actively involved both in a variety of Charges and also in support of the Council’s commitment to confl ict resolution through mediation.

For the fi rst time an Interim Minister has been involved in an intervention abroad, in Lausanne, within the Presbytery of Europe. The work of Interim Ministry is demanding, and in some Interim Ministry situations, the Ministries Council is becoming increasingly aware both of the challenges off ered by buildings which are no longer fi t for purpose, as well as of new forms of ministry which need to be developed to enable congregations to be the Church in demanding circumstances.

It has been a particular pleasure for the Council that one of its Interim Ministers, the Rev John Christie has been appointed as Moderator Designate. The Council is sure that he will bring great quality to this offi ce and wishes him well in his year as Moderator. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/75

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 4.11 Establish a broad-based The Council has been indebted to the Very approach to the provision Rev David Lunan for his leadership throughout of the Ministry of Health a period of consultation on the place and and Healing in the church. development of the ministry of healing in the Church of Scotland. As a result of this work the Council is pursuing a number of areas of development. As a fi rst step, plans are in place to hold three regional conferences on the Ministry of Healing in June, in partnership with the Christian Fellowship of Healing.

As this area of interest involves a wide range of people, not only those in the recognised ministries of the Church, the Council hopes to have discussions with the Mission & Discipleship Council about developing and promoting engagement in this ministry. 4.12 Ongoing oversight of Over the last year the Support and the regional delivery of Development Committee of the Council has Occupational Health reviewed the usage and eff ectiveness of the provision and review Occupational Health Scheme. In the course of of its benefi ts and cost this review the Council has been satisfi ed that eff ectiveness. the regional delivery of this service has worked well. Ministers and PPW’s have had ready access to the service with early appointments being made available whenever necessary. The costs have been contained well within budget, and while the Council will keep a watching brief on this service, it has no reason to suggest that there should be any changes to the current provision. 3/76 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 4.13 Organise a pilot scheme Chaplains and/or Pastoral Advisers from 6 for the provision of Presbyteries were introduced in June 2009 supportive supervision to the concept of confi dential supportive of Presbytery pastoral supervision. The training sessions for this advisers and chaplains. were provided by Scottish Institute for Human Relations. This small group now constitutes a pilot scheme and the SIHR has been contracted to provide those involved with regular supervision sessions. The Council is committed to expanding the network of locally provided pastoral support and believes that the provision of supportive supervision is another signifi cant step in the process of delivering a rigorous level of care. The Council will evaluate the eff ectiveness of the pilot scheme and if it proves to be eff ective, it will seek to expand this service to other Presbyteries.

In connection with the development of Pastoral Networks the Council is delighted that the Very Rev David Lunan, Mrs Maggie Lunan, the Very Rev Andrew McLellan, the Rev John MacLean and Mrs Iris MacLean have agreed to augment the pastoral services of the Council by joining a Pastoral Care Team. They will work on an occasional basis for the Council and geographically they will be able to cover major areas of the country. Presbytery Chaplains and Pastoral Advisers should be aware of their availability and their willingness to be called upon should the need arise. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/77

Task Progress/Update Additional Material Del 3 4.14 Monitor the support made In the mid-nineties, when the drop-out rate available to the recently in the early years of ministry was alarmingly ordained high, the then Board of Ministry instructed Presbyteries to ensure that ministers in the fi rst fi ve years of ministry were accompanied by a Presbytery-appointed Pastoral Adviser. In 2001, when the General Assembly affi rmed a new structure for Pastoral Advisers and Colleagues, it was agreed that ministers and Deacons in the fi rst three years of ministry should be accompanied by a Pastoral Adviser. It was further agreed that, at the latest, by the end of that fi rst three year period, all ministers and Deacons should have been integrated into their Presbytery’s overall pastoral care scheme. Unfortunately there have been a number of recent reports that local support is not being provided by some Presbyteries. The Council is acutely aware that some Presbyteries fi nd their resources of personnel stretched to the limits. However, this is too important an issue to be allowed to slip through the net. Accordingly, the Council believes that the time is right to remind Presbyteries of the instruction to support those in the early years of ministry. In addition, given the number of new appointments being made of Presbytery and Parish Workers, it is appropriate to ensure that those who are involved in these ministries are also included Presbytery pastoral support networks. Where Presbytery resources are stretched to supply this need it is suggested that Presbyteries look beyond their own membership (for example, thinking ecumenically), or even beyond their own Presbytery boundaries in order to ensure that those women and men are properly support in the early years of their ministry. 3/78 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

4.6 Review of NHS Spiritual Care Chaplaincy spoke in very encouraging terms of there being a “higher Appointments profi le” for Spiritual Care and more opportunities for training. At the outset it needs to be acknowledged that the Ministries One Presbytery was critical of appointments being made Council has no locus to review the procedures adopted by of non-ordained Chaplains and was also unhappy that NHS Boards with regard to Spiritual Care Chaplains. Over Roman Catholic denominational Chaplains were still being several years from 2004 on, the Church of Scotland has noted and then approved of steps being taken to transfer all Health appointed while specifi cally Church of Scotland Chaplains Care Chaplains into the employ of NHS Boards. It could not were not. This, however, is a direct result of the policy have been made clearer to the General Assembly that the shift deliberately and consciously taken by the General implication of this policy shift was the removal from the Assembly, while the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland church of the infl uence it had previously enjoyed in making actively pursued a diff erent course of action. and approving these appointments. At the time, however, In the main, positive statements about developments in the General Assembly was convinced that the advantages Spiritual Care come from those who are well represented of this shift far outweighed the disadvantages. Subsequently on LSCCs while the more negative perceptions come this has proved to be the case, with many Chaplains reporting from those who are not, as yet, properly represented. One that their integration into the structure of local Health Boards Health Board off ered a very detailed return which appears has strengthened their role within the NHS. to be a model of how a LSCC, which straddles several In its Supplementary Report last year, the Council Presbyteries, might be constituted and the Council will be emphasised the need for Presbyteries to become fully happy to make that model available on request. involved in their Local Spiritual Care Committee (LSCC). This In conclusion the Council does not believe that it has a is essential if they are to enjoy any kind of real infl uence on role in infl uencing NHS Boards or LSCCs from a national the making of appointments, or in the establishing of such perspective. Instead it believes that active representation matters as the “good standing” of applicants. Nonetheless, on LSCCs is of the utmost importance. There are many the Council was asked to examine matters more thoroughly regional variations and micro-cultures across Scotland and as a result, the Support and Development Committee consulted with Presbyteries, Health Care Chaplains and that can only be represented if Presbyteries are prepared Chief Executives of Health Boards to try to establish how to be pro-active in their involvement. eff ectively LSCCs were working and whether suggestions In the light of this, the Council recommends that where for improvements could be made. Presbyteries are already involved as members of LSCCs Unfortunately the returns do not point to any conclusive they continue to work hard at making their presence count results. Only 20 out of a possible 43 Presbyteries responded. and to work collaboratively with their colleagues across Half of these reported that they were represented on their the denominations and other faiths who care passionately LSCC and 6 out of those 10 reported that they kept their about the provision of Spiritual Care within the NHS. Presbytery up to date with information. One Presbytery For those who are not yet represented on LSCCs, it is of reported that they felt that rural communities were poorly the utmost importance that Presbyteries indicate their represented while another rural Presbytery reported no willingness to become actively involved. In this connection problems and improved awareness of links. One Presbytery if an individual Presbytery has any diffi culty in establishing detected a “dumbing-down” of Chaplaincy and a widening contact or in being represented on a LSCC, the Council will gap between Spiritual Care and the church while another be happy to assist and support their application. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/79

Task Progress / Update Additional Material Del 3 5 PLANNING & DEPLOYMENT WORK 5.1 Maintain the process of During the year the Presbytery Planning Presbytery Planning - Task Group has continued to monitor the requests for alterations planning system. Alterations to plans have to plans, annual reviews been considered and approved, annual of plans, fi ve year reviews reviews of plans noted and consultations with of plans, building Presbyteries have been undertaken where determinations. more diffi cult planning issues have been discussed.

Of the 44 Presbyteries in Scotland and England, at 1 February 2010, 9 Presbyteries had not complied with the General Assembly instruction to submit their buildings determinations. The Presbytery Planning Task Group will continue to engage with these Presbyteries. 5.2 Conduct an overview of Considerable thinking and work has taken the Presbytery Planning place, much of which is refl ected in material process, taking into relating to Presbytery Planning, fi nance and account the need for numbers above (Section 1.4). Strategic Planning and Mission. Assess the The proposals presented above were applicability of the Future prepared in consultation with representatives Focus project of Mission of Presbyteries, who were invited to two and Discipleship to consultations in November 2009 and February Presbytery Planning. 2010. These consultations were well received and the Council appreciated the input received, which went towards shaping what now lies before the General Assembly. 3/80 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

5.3 Maintain employment Despite staffi ng changes and a measure of processes for PPWs - restructuring during the year, employment opening new posts processes for PPWs were maintained and and closing old ones developed. The help and support of the staff as Presbytery Plans are of the Human Resources department was altered, fi lling vacancies as much appreciated and the two departments they arise. work ever more effi ciently together. A new recruitment Microsite was developed, allowing much clearer information about PPW vacancies to be made available. It is hoped that this might be extended to congregational vacancies in due course. 5.4 Maintain Summer Work The programme was restricted this year to Experience programme - Church of Scotland ministries candidates, and placements, applicants. for the fi rst time placements were made in cooperation with the Priority Areas Committee of the Council. Four placements were in Priority Area parishes and three placements in Highland and Island Presbyteries. Those serving in Priority Areas had a programme of meeting and refl ection built into their experience and it is hoped to add this dimension to the other placements this year. Because of budgetary constraints, numbers will be held at eight for the Summer of 2010. 5.5 Continue to develop The appointment of Mrs Anne Law, as MSO on training and appraisal the Council staff with a specifi c training focus, systems for PPWs and their should see this area of work considerably line managers. develop in the coming year. In addition to her appointment, a more generous budget has been allocated, this being considered an important priority for the Council.

An induction process for new PPWs is planned, alongside developments in team training, appraisal training and line management training. Other dimensions of training will be planned and introduced through the year. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/81

5.6 Maintain NCD processes - The Council supports 13 NCD Charges as Charge Moving 22 regular reviews of all NCD follows:- to Full Status – 3 charges, appointments to Glasgow: Whiteinch Commissions. Edinburgh: Gilmerton (5.6) Dunfermline: St Paul’s East Paisley: St Ninian’s Ferguslie and Perth: Riverside Greenock: East End Appendix 1: Act Dundee: Whitfi eld anent Glasgow: Glasgow: Robroyston Whiteinch Aberdeen: Cove Glasgow: Whiteinch Aberdeen: New Stockethill Glasgow: Wallacewell Inverness: St Columba East Kilbride: Stewartfi eld

During the last year, NCD Commissions have been established for Glasgow: Wallacewell and for Inverness: St Columba.

An 8-Year Review has been carried out for Aberdeen: Cove and a 5-Year Review for Paisley: St Ninian’s Ferguslie.

The Council is pleased to bring the NCD charge of Glasgow: Whiteinch to the General Assembly for raising to full status. 5.7 Process issues of land The ACTS Being Church Task Group, on which purchase in cooperation the Council is represented, continues to with ACTS. explore these issues, in particular becoming involved with planning issues over a proposed new development in Clackmannanshire. 5.8 Revise the NCD Act and Work has progressed with revision of the Act Revisions of Act 23 + consider associated legal covering New Charge Development work. The XIII, 2000 (5.8) + 24 issues. Council present the proposed amendment to Appendix 2 Act XIII 2000 as outlined below (Section 5.8) 3/82 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

5.9 Develop learning network A signifi cant conference was arranged in for NCD/ EM practitioners. November 2009, which was addressed by Bishop Graham Cray of Fresh Expressions and Stuart Murray Williams of Urban Expression. This brought together those involved in both New Charge Development and Emerging Ministries for the fi rst time, and was widely appreciated. 5.10 Operate the Emerging During 2009, the Fund distributed £280,600 to Ministries Fund - 20 Projects:- processing applications. Tulloch Net (Perth) Westacres (Newton Mearns) The Ark (Newmains) Lion Rampant (Glasgow) Sanctuary First (Bo’ness) The Gateway (Duns Presbytery) Connect (Brucefi eld) Church on the Move (Eskdale) Glasgow Harbour Messy Church (Selkirk) Fridays in Faith (Annan) Sgeul Mor @ Sabhal Mor (Skye) Hot Chocolate (Dundee) Howard Centre (Kilmarnock) Glasgow City Centre Connect (Musselburgh) Urban Expression (Glasgow) Infuse (Inverness) Emerge Granton (Edinburgh) Andrew’s Place (London) Citylife (Edinburgh) The Aidan Project (Edinburgh)

Several other projects are under consideration by the Task Group. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/83

5.11 Evolve the strategy for the The Joint Working party on Emerging Church development of Emerging has continued its regular Programme of 3 Ministries, in cooperation meetings. Having reported in 2009 through with the Mission and the Ministries Council, it reports this year Discipleship Council. through the Mission & Discipleship Council. 5.12 Develop the application A very considerable demand for this course has of the Mission Shaped become apparent during the year. Ecumenical Ministry Course to planning meetings took place, with invaluable Scotland, in cooperation help from Pete and Kath Atkins of Fresh with ecumenical partners. Expressions, the Church of England/ Methodist project. As a result, Vision Days were, held in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, which were well attended, as were the follow-up Mission Shaped Intro courses, also held in Glasgow, Edinburgh (121 George Street and also Barclay Church) and Inverness.

Two full year-long courses are now well underway in Inverness (42 attending) and Glasgow (18 attending). The Council is greatly encouraged that so many people have expressed a deep interest in church planting, and looks forward to further developments.

In addition, the Invest course, based in Glasgow: Whiteinch Church of Scotland, has received modest support from the Council, through the sponsoring of four students through the course in 2009-10. The Vocation and Training Committee of the Council has also backed participation. 5.13 Monitor application of The Emerging Ministries Fund gave a grant to video technology for Caithness Presbytery and is pleased to report worship. that equipment has been purchased for two congregations, with funds for installations in a further two congregations being raised locally. 3/84 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

5.14 Develop peripatetic Two Deacons have been deployed in Lochaber mode of deployment of and Caithness Presbyteries. They started work Deacons. in November 2009. The Deacon in Caithness will have prime responsibility for encouraging and coordinating an Ordained Local Ministry pilot training project, as well as advising and supporting congregations Presbytery wide.

In Lochaber, the Deacon is assigned to three congregations recently linked, in order to off er support after a long period of uncertainty. 5.15 Develop Secondment Secondment was advertised to Ministers in opportunities for Ministers December and four have expressed an interest. to long term vacant At the time of writing, there is nothing further parishes. to report. 5.16 Assist development of Contact continues with the group who make Gaelic services at Crown arrangements for the Gaelic Services in Crown Court Church, London. Court, and support has been given through small grants. 5.17 Continue to develop The Statistics for Mission Group has met the use of GIS Software, through the year and this project is slowly in cooperation with the developing. It will be expanded as the 2011 Statistics for Mission Census approaches, in order to extract group. maximum benefi t to the Church from the information that this will make available. This will inform the Presbytery Planning process, as well as allowing Presbyteries and their congregations to understand better the context in which the mission of the church is undertaken. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/85

5.6 Charge Moving to Full Status – Glasgow: 1. Disjoin an area from the Parishes of Scotstoun, Whiteinch Balshagray Victoria Park and Partick South in the Presbytery of Glasgow, the boundaries of which being as more 3 At the request of the Core Group and the Presbytery of particularly described in the Minute of the said Presbytery Glasgow, the Emerging Ministries Task Group, within the dated 8th May 2001, namely on the North: commencing Ministries Council, agreed to request the General Assembly at the junction of Dumbarton Road and Henrietta Street, to erect the congregation of Glasgow: Whiteinch (which thence running east along the Clydeside Expressway to the was constituted as a New Charge in February 2000) to a Thornwood Roundabout; on the East: running south along charge in full status. This request has the full support of Sawmill Road and by a projection of this line to the River the Ministries Council and of the General Trustees. The Clyde; on the South: running west along the River Clyde to relevant statistics are as follows: a point opposite Henrietta Street and on the West: running Formal Membership 40 (Attendance 150) north-east by a line to Henrietta Street and along Henrietta Parish Population 4,800 Street to the point of commencement, the said area having Contribution towards Stipend £22,443 thereafter had an additional area added to include the Repayment Liability 0 Glasgow Harbour area, said area being as more particularly th Creation of the Charge 2000 described in the Minute of the said Presbytery dated 9 Erection of Church Building N.A. December 2008, namely, the parish boundary to extend east from Thornwood Roundabout along the Clydeside Summary of Charge Activity Expressway then, south at Castlebank Place and on to the The congregation is committed to an incarnational Clyde, then west to the existing boundary, provided always model of mission, which sees it seeking to enter the that the Presbytery of Glasgow shall have power to revise or culture of those sections of the community that are alter the boundaries of the said area from time to time. currently not part of the faith community. This has led to the multi-congregational approach, focused on children 2. Erect the said area so disjoined into a Parish of the (Revolution), youth (Encounter) and families (Sunday Church of Scotland to be called the Parish of Glasgow: congregation). Each section of the congregation has its Whiteinch having as its legal name Whiteinch Church of own form of leadership team, worship, discipleship and Scotland, Glasgow (Scottish Charity Number SC030362). outreach. The congregation worships in rented premises 3. Declare the said Parish of Glasgow: Whiteinch to and has a manse situated at 65 Victoria Park Drive South, be wholly within the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Glasgow. There is also a joint initiative with Partick South Glasgow. congregation in Glasgow Harbour. 4. Find and declare that the Minister and Elders of the An Act empowering the raising of this charge to full status is presented for approval by the Assembly in Appendix 1. said Church and Parish, as so erected, shall have and enjoy the status and have all the powers, rights and privileges of a Parish Minister and Elders in connection with the Church APPENDIX 1 of Scotland and shall form together the Minister and Kirk ACT ANENT GLASGOW: WHITEINCH Session of the said Parish. Edinburgh ** May 2010 Sess. 5. Provide and declare that any existing rights of the The General Assembly enact and ordain as follows: Ministers of the surrounding parishes shall in no way be 3/86 MINISTRIES COUNCIL aff ected by the erection of the said Parish of Glasgow: changes in this way, the relatively straightforward revisions Whiteinch. of Sections 1 – 25 can be treated separately and not lost in the meantime, should the Assembly agree to their 6. Appoint as a Constitution for the said Parish, the form enactment. of the Deed of Unitary Constitution as applicable to the new Parish and remit to the Delegation of the General Discussions are taking place with the General Trustees, in Assembly to execute and deliver the same, after it is relation to the responsibilities the EMTG has for maintaining satisfi ed as to the vesting of the Manse and endowment NCD buildings, and any changes to these responsibilities for stipend and fabric, all in terms of Act XIII 2000; provided will be brought to a future Assembly. always, as is hereby specially provided and declared, that this Act shall not come into operation until the date of The Revisions. issue of the said Deed of Constitution. 5.8.1 New Charge Commissions There are times and places where it is not possible to fi nd 5.8 Revisions of Act XIII, 2000 the requisite number of people to serve on New Charge The New Charge Development (NCD) work of the Commissions. The Council proposes accordingly that this Emerging Ministries Task Group (EMTG) is governed by number be variable (5-7) and that the EMTG works in close Act XIII, 2000, which has been amended on two previous consultation with the Presbytery in the appointment occasions. The Council believes that Act XIII is in need of of all Commission members, rather than several being further revision in the light of: nominated by each party. The Council also proposes that • the changes in Council structures, stipend structure and EMTG appoint the Convener fi rst, to ensure quality of nomenclature; leadership, rather than the Convener being appointed by • the ongoing development of Presbytery Planning, the Commission from those nominated to it. which includes NCDs; • the need to develop closer links with Presbyteries in 5.8.2 Appointment of Ministers supporting NCDs; A new clause has been added to enable the Presbytery to • experience of how the Act works in practice, particularly review the NCD within its plan at the point of a vacancy, in relation to an exit strategy. under Acts VII and VIII 2003. The EMTG views its entire NCD work within the framework of enabling Presbyteries to The following revisions are put forward under two separate fulfi l their plans, where NCDs are appropriate and have sections of the Deliverance (Del 23 and 24). The revisions to been agreed with the Presbytery Planning Task Group. Sections 1 – 25 of the Act are presented for straightforward consideration and approval by the General Assembly. The 5.8.3 Review Procedure revision to Sections 26 – 37, however, contain the proposal A new clause has been added to enable the Presbytery to that the Ministries Council should in future be responsible request, but not insist on, a special review of the charge to for raising NCDs to full status, rather than the General assist it in the updating of its Presbytery Plan. The shape of Assembly. The reasoning for this is outlined below. The this section has also been revised to improve the fl ow of Council presents this to the Assembly in the knowledge thought, and to set aside the use of the term ‘viable,’ which that some may opine that such a change should require is diffi cult to defi ne. The revisions make the process of the use of the Barrier Act. The Council raises this issue returning a charge to the Presbytery more straightforward, for discussion, accepting fully the right of the Assembly in the event of the EMTG deciding, after review, that it to decide the right course of action. By presenting the should not continue as an NCD. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/87

5.8.4 Full Status Group of the Ministries Council. The second stage of these revisions proposes that the Ministries Council should be responsible for raising NCDs to “The PPTG” shall mean the Presbytery Planning Task 3 full status, rather than the General Assembly. The argument Group of the Ministries Council. to support this is purely practical. Raising an NCD to full “The Presbytery” shall mean the Presbytery of the status involves a number of parties engaging in discussion, bounds of the New Charge or charge concerned. the preparation of documents and the inspection of properties. Should meeting dates not coincide suffi ciently, “A New Charge” shall mean a new or newly established or one party not provide the required information timeously, sphere of pastoral duty which shall be subject to then, at present, the opportunity is lost until the following the special legislative arrangements herein set out, year’s General Assembly. More importantly, the proposed which shall be a charge on reviewable tenure and change would allow an NCD to be raised to full status which shall (except where the context indicates at an appropriate point of the year in relation its own life otherwise) include (a) a New Charge where there cycle, rather than waiting for the General Assembly in May. has been no previous congregation in existence and Such events will be reported to the General Assembly in (b) a changed status New Charge. The New Charge the Council’s annual report and may be celebrated by the may or may not have responsibility for a territorial Assembly in an appropriate way at that point. parish area, but, in the event that the New Charge The Council believes that these revisions will help all is not assigned a parish area, the entitlements and concerned parties work together more closely and responsibilities of the congregations and ministers of eff ectively for the benefi t of New Charges, as they journey any parishes in which the New Charge is operating towards maturity in Christ, serving the communities to shall not be aff ected, except by a regular process of which they belong. adjustment in terms of Act VII 2003. APPENDIX 2 “A changed status New Charge” shall mean a New Charge where, prior to its constitution as such, there ACT AMENDING ACT XIII 2000 ANENT NEW has been a congregation having full status (“the parent CHARGE DEVELOPMENT (AS AMENDED BY congregation”) which has resolved at a Congregational ACTS V AND VIII 2003 AND ACT VII 2004) meeting called for that purpose, that it shall adopt Edinburgh, ** May 2010, Session ___ the status of, and be constituted as, a New Charge, whether in the same or a diff erent place, and whether The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that Act or not involving a change of parish boundaries or a XIII 2000 anent New Charge Development (as amended by Acts V and VIII 2003 and Act VII 2004) shall be further transportation to a new parochial area. amended to read as follows: “A New Charge congregation” shall mean a company Interpretation of persons associated together for Christian worship, 1. For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall fellowship, instruction, mission and service in a be deemed to have the meanings hereby assigned to New Charge parish whose names are on the Roll them: of Communicants and Adherents kept for the congregation, and who are under the pastoral ”The EMTG” shall mean the Emerging Ministries Task oversight of a minister or ministers appointed as 3/88 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

herein provided and under the pastoral and temporal In the case of a changed status New Charge, the oversight of a New Charge Commission. terms of the Draft Basis shall be negotiated with the offi ce-bearers of the congregation or congregations “A New Charge Commission” shall be a body concerned, and afterwards presented to meetings constituted in terms of Sections 7 and 8 hereof, and of the congregation or congregations, and then, if having the powers and duties therein provided. thereat approved, to the Presbytery for its concurrence, declaring that no Basis aff ecting the rights of a “The New Charge Core Group” shall be a group minister shall be presented to his or her, or any constituted in terms of Section 9 hereof, and having other, congregation, without his or her prior written the powers and duties therein provided. consent. The Presbytery, with the concurrence of the A “New Charge Mission Design” shall mean the PPTG, may resolve that a Church Extension Charge written plan to be worked up by the New Charge adopts the status and is constituted as a New Charge, Commission, to set out the steps to be taken initially to provided that this has been previously approved at develop the New Charge, but which shall not include a Congregational meeting called for that purpose, matters relating to the provision or maintenance of and that the Minister of the Charge has given his or buildings. her approval; it being declared that no formal Basis of New Charge will, in such a case, require to be drawn Preliminary Steps up and approved. 2. At the request of the Presbytery of the bounds, or of the EMTG, or on its own initiative, the PPTG shall 4. The Presbytery, following upon approval of the Basis determine whether a New Charge is needed and by it and by the PPTG, shall then proceed to delimit the bounds of the New Charge, and the EMTG shall should be constituted. Prior to determining fi nally to proceed to appoint the New Charge Commission constitute a New Charge, the PPTG shall consult with and, if a name therefore has not yet been selected, and obtain the concurrence of: shall name the New Charge. Where the New Charge (a) the Ministries Council, with respect to any is vacant, the EMTG shall further proceed to appoint required re-allocation of endowments; the Minister. (b) the Church of Scotland General Trustees, in the event of any property or funds vested in or held 5. In the case of a changed status New Charge, it is by the Church of Scotland General Trustees being declared, for the avoidance of any doubt, that on the aff ected, or in the event of any property being New Charge being constituted, the legal identity of its subject to the control of the General Assembly; parent congregation (notwithstanding the dissolution (c) the Council of Assembly and the Ministries of the Kirk Session and the Financial Board thereof) Council, in the event of any question arising with shall be continued within the New Charge, which regard to accumulated shortfalls to central funds, shall, except in so far as otherwise provided for herein to the extent that these had been declared by or in the Basis of New Charge, assume all rights and the Presbytery to be unjustifi ed. responsibilities of the parent congregation, and to which shall continue to belong all property and funds 3. Thereafter a detailed Basis of New Charge belonging to, or held for, the parent congregation. (appropriately adapted to fi t the circumstances applicable) shall be drawn up by the Presbytery. 6. It is further declared that New Charges are constituted MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/89

and shall operate and function in accordance with the for in Section 9 hereof; settled law and practice of the Church, except where (c) to provide pastoral support to the Minister any provision or arrangement herein cannot be so and pastoral oversight of the New Charge 3 construed and which shall accordingly be deemed congregation and undertake the functions an exception thereto and be interpreted as such. exercised by a Kirk Session and a Financial Board in a congregation having full status, New Charge Commission until such time as any such functions are 7. (1) The New Charge Commission shall consist of fi ve delegated or transferred by the Commission (5) to seven (7) members, appointed by the EMTG to the New Charge Core Group; such in consultation with the Presbytery. The New delegation or transfer to occur as and when Charge Commission may co-opt other members the Commission considers it appropriate, who shall be entitled to speak, but not to vote. and in the case of the administration of (2) The charge shall be deemed to have been Congregational and other funds, only constituted at the point at which the New Charge following upon the appointment by the Commission is constituted. New Charge Core Group of a Treasurer to (3) The EMTG shall appoint the Convener of the be responsible for the keeping of detailed Commission. accounting records and the preparation of (4) At its fi rst meeting the Commission shall: annual accounts; (a) appoint a Secretary; (d) to supervise the New Charge Core Group in (b) ensure that the Presbytery has provided relation to such fi nancial and other matters adequate arrangements for (i) the continuing as may have been entrusted to it by the Church membership of members of the prior Commission, and to appoint annually, congregation and (ii) the provision of the auditors to inspect the accounts; ordinances of religion within the territorial (e) to review its work on a regular basis, at area (if any) of the New Charge until the least twice per annum, and to report to the establishment there of a new ministry. EMTG and to the Presbytery through the 8. (1) The purpose of the Commission shall be: appropriate Presbytery Committee; (a) to off er to the New Charge, strategic (f) to carry out such other functions as may oversight appropriate to its formation and from time to time be delegated to it by the the development of its mission; EMTG. (b) to off er to the minister and other members of staff , pastoral support and a mechanism The New Charge Core Group of accountability. 9. The New Charge Core Group shall be formed from members of the New Charge congregation, and (2) The remit of the New Charge Commission shall shall be entitled to appoint one of its number to be: the Presbytery, such person having the status of (a) to plan, in consultation with the EMTG and being a corresponding member thereof. Vacancies the Minister of the New Charge, its initial shall be fi lled and new appointments made by the development; Commission from time to time as may be required. The (b) to form the New Charge Core Group provided New Charge Core Group shall have such powers and 3/90 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

shall undertake such duties as are from time to time and professional development for ministers in delegated or transferred to it by the Commission. New Charges, and shall report the development or alteration of such provision to the General Assembly. Appointment of Ministers 10. (1) The appointment of the Minister of a New Charge 15. He/she shall have a seat in Presbytery and shall be where no congregation exists or has yet been responsible to the Presbytery for matters of life and gathered, shall be made by the EMTG in terms of doctrine. Appendix A. In all such cases, the appointment shall be made only after the name of the minister Financial Arrangements and Responsibilities nominated by the EMTG has been submitted to 16. The stipend payable to the minister of a New Charge the Presbytery and it has agreed to sustain his or shall be the stipend to which he or she would be her appointment. entitled under the prevailing stipend structures. (2) In the event of the Minister nominated being 17. The EMTG may, if appropriate, fi x a budget annually unacceptable to the Presbytery, the EMTG to meet the cost of developing the mission of the shall nominate another Minister and the same New Charge, and shall remit the amount concerned procedure shall be followed as with the fi rst to the New Charge Commission. The Commission nomination. shall be responsible for administering this, together (3) Should the second nominee also prove with other Congregational funds held locally, until unacceptable to the Presbytery, the Presbytery such time as the Commission deems it appropriate shall appoint a small sub-Committee to consult to delegate said administration to the New Charge’s directly with the EMTG; the two bodies to act Core Group. jointly in selecting a suitable minister who shall be appointed to the Charge. 18. It is the expectation that a New Charge congregation (4) On the occurrence of a vacancy, the provisions of shall, as soon as possible after its constitution, start to Acts VII and VIII 2003 shall apply, mutatis mutandis. assume responsibility for meeting regular expenses. A Financial Plan setting out a planned programme for 11. The Presbytery shall induct the Minister to the New the meeting by the New Charge congregation of its Charge on the basis of reviewable tenure. fi nancial obligations shall be agreed by the Ministries 12. In the case of ministerial appointments where a Council and shall be reviewed every three years. The congregation exists or has been gathered, the said fi nancial obligations shall include: procedure set out in Appendix B shall apply. (a) the remitting to the General Treasurer the agreed contribution to the Ministries and Mission Funds; 13. In the event of the Minister appointed being a (b) the funding of the Missionary Outreach of the probationer or Graduate Candidate, the Presbytery congregation; shall take the necessary steps for ordination, if (c) the repayment of the proportion, as fi xed by the required, and induction to the New Charge. Ministries Council, of the cost incurred by it in providing buildings for the New Charge. 14. The Minister shall be responsible to the EMTG for the development of the Charge. The EMTG shall be 19. Until such time as the outstanding liabilities of the New responsible for the provision of learning opportunities Charge or former New Charge to the EMTG have been MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/91

repaid, the New Charge or former New Charge shall in consultation between the EMTG and the submit a copy of the Annual Statement of Accounts, Presbytery, the charge shall be returned to the as submitted to the Presbytery, to the EMTG. Presbytery. Thereafter the terms of Act VII 2003 3 shall apply. 20. Review Procedure (1) Reviews of the operation of the New Charge shall Provision of and Arrangements for Buildings and be carried out by the EMTG in consultation with Facilities the PPTG and the Presbytery. 21. Where the New Charge has no suitable existing (2) An interim review shall be carried out at the place of worship or manse, the EMTG shall take steps beginning of the third year of the life of the to provide suitable buildings for the New Charge, if charge, so as to establish clear goals for the appropriate. Any building contract relating to the review conducted in terms of sub-section (4). erection of a new building shall run in the name (3) To assist it with the fulfi lment of its duties under of the EMTG and the title to all heritable property Act VII 2003, the Presbytery may request the acquired or pertaining to the New Charge shall be EMTG to initiate a review, the review to be carried vested in, or transferred to, the Church of Scotland out at the discretion of the EMTG. General Trustees. (4) It shall be normal for both the charge and the tenure of the minister to be reviewed six months 22. The EMTG shall be entitled to sell any redundant prior to the fi fth and tenth anniversaries. heritable property of the New Charge and to apply (5) All reviews shall be carried out by two the sale proceeds towards the acquisition costs of any representatives of the EMTG, one minister with new buildings, with the balance, if any, to be held and New Charge experience (not from within the applied by the EMTG as a fund for the maintenance same Presbytery as the New Charge under review) of the properties of the New Charge (“the Building and one Presbytery representative who is not Fund”). Where there are funds credited for the benefi t otherwise involved with the charge under review. of a parent Congregation of the New Charge in the (6) The reviews will focus on recognising the Consolidated Fabric Fund, the Church of Scotland establishment of: leadership, mission initiatives, General Trustees shall transfer these to the EMTG to training and nurturing, functional growth be amalgamated with or to form ‘the Building Fund’. structures and a sense of community building. In the event of the EMTG, with the concurrence of (7) The report of any review shall be issued to the the Presbytery and the Church of Scotland General EMTG to consider the future of the charge. It Trustees, determining that the Building Fund is in shall be the responsibility of the EMTG to decide excess of the fabric requirements of the New Charge whether or not the New Charge under review and if the stipend of the New Charge is considered by should continue. the EMTG to be inadequately endowed, an appropriate (8) If it is considered that the New Charge should allocation will be made from the Building Fund to its continue, an extract shall be submitted to stipend endowment. Any surplus remaining shall be the PPTG requesting its concurrence for the the subject of discussion with the General Trustees continuation of the appointment and charge. and may, subject to the General Trustees’ concurrence, (9) If it is considered that the New Charge should be allocated to the ordinary funds of the EMTG and not continue, unless otherwise determined used in connection with its general work. 3/92 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

23. Regulations 7 1995, applicable to the Consolidated EMTG to the Delegation of Assembly on or before 31 Fabric Fund, shall be amended to facilitate the January. provision of section 22 hereof. 28. The EMTG, on receipt of the Application, shall consult 24. The EMTG shall be responsible for the maintenance with the Church of Scotland General Trustees so and insurance of all the heritable properties of the that the General Trustees may inspect the buildings New Charge and for all other outgoings with respect of the New Charge to establish whether they are in thereto. a satisfactory state of repair. The Application for full status shall proceed only once the General Trustees 25. The EMTG shall commission and obtain professional have indicated their satisfaction with the buildings. reports on the condition of the ecclesiastical The EMTG shall provide the sum of £2,000, or such properties of each New Charge fi ve years after its other sum as it, in consultation with the Church of constitution and thereafter at intervals of not more Scotland General Trustees, may from time to time fi x, than fi ve years from the date of the previous report. to provide the nucleus of a Fabric Fund to which sum Copies of the said reports, which shall be similar in shall be added (i) an equivalent amount from the form and content to principal reports commissioned Congregation; (ii) such sum as the Baird Trust may in terms of the Section 8 of the Act anent the Care make available; and (iii) the Building Fund (if any). of Ecclesiastical Properties (Act IX 1979) shall be forwarded to the Presbytery and the Church of 29. The EMTG shall further consult with the Ministries Scotland General Trustees. Council, the concurrence of which shall be required in the proposed stipend arrangements. Application for Full Status 26. It shall be open to a New Charge to apply for full status 30. There shall be transmitted thereafter by the EMTG at any time, normally after it has been in existence to the Delegation of Assembly the following for fi ve years, and in any event before the eleventh documents: anniversary of its constitution. It shall be open at any (a) A Report from the EMTG containing such time to the Presbytery (with the agreement of the information regarding the Charge as shall enable Emerging Ministries Task Group and the Ministries the General Assembly to make a judgement as Council) to take the initiative towards the erection to to whether it is appropriate that it should be full status of any New Charge within its bounds. granted full status, which Report shall further include as a draft Deliverance a paragraph in the 27. An application by a New Charge for full status shall be following terms: submitted, in the fi rst instance, to the Presbytery of the bounds and the EMTG. If the Presbytery is of the “The General Assembly resolves to raise the New opinion that the application merits consideration at Charge(s) of XXXXXXX into (a) Parish(es) and to that time, it shall forward to the Committee such other pass (an) Act(s) thereanent in terms of the draft information regarding the life and witness of the New set out in the Appendix to the Report”. The Charge as it considers relevant. Said application shall proposed Act shall be in the style of the draft Act normally require to be lodged with the EMTG by 30 set out in Appendix C; November if it is to be submitted to the next General Assembly and shall require to be transmitted by the (b) Extract Minute of the Church of Scotland General MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/93

Trustees concurring with the proposals; and of the Act of the General Assembly. The whole expenses incurred shall be borne in equal shares by (c) Extract Minute of the Ministries Council the congregation and by the EMTG. 3 concurring with the stipend arrangements. 34. On the New Charge attaining full status, the EMTG’s 31. The Solicitor of the Church shall, under the direction responsibilities and rights of oversight of the of the Delegation, then proceed with the preparation Congregational properties shall cease, except for of the necessary documents, including the proposed any existing fi nancial obligations in respect of new new Deed of Constitution of the Charge, so that they buildings. The Presbytery shall make formal intimation may be ready for signature immediately after the of the change of status to the congregation and shall passing of the Act of Assembly. In all cases, the New take such other steps in connection therewith as may Charge, on obtaining full status, shall be constituted seem to the Presbytery appropriate. either in terms of the Model Deed of Constitution or the Unitary Constitution, as determined by the 35. For the avoidance of doubt, this Act shall apply to EMTG in consultation with the Kirk Session and the New Charges constituted on or after 11 May 1999. Presbytery. 36. The EMTG will be responsible for formulating and 32. The Delegation shall thereafter issue the new Deed updating guidelines for all areas of its work. of Constitution. The Act of Assembly shall (unless otherwise provided in the Act itself) take eff ect at the 37. Regulations 3 1999 are hereby repealed. date of issue of the Deed of Constitution. Appendices A, B and C, as referred to in this Act, can be found 33. The whole procedure shall, if possible, be completed in the original version of Act XIII 2000 as printed in the Acts by 1 July, immediately following upon the passing and Regulations of the General Assembly. 3/94 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Task Progress / Update Additional Material Del 6 FINANCE 6.1 Budget Defi cit As will be evident from Section 1.4 above, Budget Defi cit (6.1) 25 the Council is urgently working towards the reduction of its budget defi cit. In order to enable a clear picture of the reasons for this defi cit, a section is added to this report outlining the main budget headings, the direct and indirect costs of ministry across the Church, the main roots of the defi cit problem and a brief summary of actions being taken by the Council (reported in more detail in Section 1.4) to address the issues. It is hoped this will provide readers with a quick guide to the decision-making process. 6.2 Allowances and Expenses Rates for allowances and expenses for 2010 are Allowances & published below. As with stipends and salaries Expenses Rates (6.2) for 2010, no increases have been applied to these rates for this year. Pensions Report Over the past year, the Council has worked together with the Trustees of the Pension Funds in preparation for outcome of the triennial valuation of the funds at the end of 2009. The Council appreciates the close cooperation which is maintained with the Trustees and looks forward to continuing conversation as the implications of the outcome of the valuation are worked through. MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/95

6.1 Budget Defi cit Ministries Staffi ng Expenditure is all the direct costs 6.1.1 Summary of Ministries Council 2010 Budget of paying ministers’ stipends and PPWs’ salaries. This amounts to £44.4M. The primary reason that the Ministries 3 £000 Council is running a large defi cit is that the direct cost of Income Parish Ministry is £3.7 m a year greater than the amount Parish Ministries Fund 37,571 congregations are currently contributing. Endowments and Glebe 3,118 Other 3,208 6.1.3 Indirect Ministry Costs Ministries Staffi ng accounts for 90% of the Council’s Total Income 43,897 spending. All the other costs of the Council are also related to the provision of ministries in parishes. Expenditure • Vocation and Training, that is providing ministers for the Ministries Staffi ng 44,402 future, accounts for 3% of expenditure. Administration 1,466 • Priority Areas, that is off ering specifi c support to the Planning & Deployment 653 poorest parishes in the country, accounts for 2%. Priority Areas 860 • Support and Development, that is providing support Support & Development 770 for ministers and PPW’s, accounts for 2%. Vocation & Training 1,464 • Planning and Deployment, which includes Emerging Total Expenditure 49,615 Ministries, accounts for 1%. • Administration, that is the cost of employing Council Net (defi cit) (5,718) staff and providing an offi ce in which they work, is less than 3% of the total budget.

In 2010 the Council is budgeting for a defi cit of £5.7M. At 6.1.4 Other income one stage it was anticipated that the defi cit would be as The Council receives a small amount of other income. This high as £6.2M, but the Council is assuming that steps to is mainly income on investments, and grants for specifi c reduce the supply of ministers and other costs will already purposes. The Council is happy to use this income to produce savings of £0.5M by the end of the year. supplement the contributions from congregations. It will, however, only ever be a small proportion of the total. The 6.1.2 Direct Ministry Costs fact is that sustainable ministry in the Church of Scotland Congregations contribute in two ways to the cost of the is only possible if income from congregations is paying for ministry they receive. both the direct and indirect costs of ministry. • Parish Ministries Fund: this is the portion of Ministry and Mission contribution the Council receives. This amounts 6.1.5 The Roots of the Defi cit to £37.6M The National Stipend Scheme, approved by the Assembly • Endowment and Glebe income is the income individual in 2003, was intended to raise signifi cantly the stipends congregations earn on their investment that goes to of ministers. There was an assumption that this would be help pay for their ministry. This amounts to £3.1M. accompanied by a signifi cant reduction in the number of ministers. In the event, ministry numbers have barely Total congregational contribution towards the direct cost reduced, while those in Church of Scotland ministries are now of Parish Ministry is £40.7M. amongst the highest paid ministries personnel in the UK. 3/96 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Congregational Contributions. The Council of Assembly action is taken now, it is possible to achieve a balanced has had a policy of holding congregational contributions budget within fi ve years. at or below the level of infl ation in recent years, while at the same time as stipends have increased beyond infl ation. 6.1.7 Achieving a balanced budget 6.1.7.1 Ministries numbers. The Council is declaring to The Pension Defi cit. To address the large defi cit in the the General Assembly this year that on current levels of Church’s Pension Funds, the Council took a deliberate congregational contribution, the Church can aff ord 1000 decision to use some of its reserves. Over a ten year period, FTE ministries. Currently there are 1097 people on the £26M will be put into the Pension fund. This accounts Ministries payroll. The Council is, therefore, taking steps to for some £2.4M of the 2010 defi cit. A similar fi gure will reduce the number by 25 a year. It will do this by: continue to be paid until 2017. • Setting a ceiling on the number of PPW full-time equivalent posts at 130 for the duration of the transition Reduced income from investments. The value of the period to 2014. Council’s investments has fallen because some have been • Limiting the number of people accepted through the used to fund the Pension shortfall and stock market values Admissions process. Given the relative numbers coming have also fallen. This has reduced the income from this through the enquiry and assessment process, and source. those retiring, it is anticipated that in 2010, about fi ve people will continue to be able to be admitted through Standardising conditions of service. At the request of the Admissions process. This fi gure will be revised up or the General Assembly, the Council has addressed some of down annually on the basis of other relevant statistics. the inequalities that existed between Ministers and PPWs The Council recognises that, disappointing though this – eg salary scales; housing allowance, etc.. may be for some who have already made application Implementing Presbytery Plans. Some Presbyteries for Admission, consideration of some applications may have created new posts in their plans on the basis that in have to be put on hold for a period of time. due course another post will end when someone retires. 6.1.7.2 Stipend and Salaries policy. The Council The Council has had a policy of permitting the new post to invites the Assembly to approve a new policy for stipend be created without waiting for the retirement to happen. and salaries. Stipends and salaries will be tied to the level 6.1.6 The defi cit in a nutshell of increase in congregational contributions. They will • Once the contribution to the pension fund is removed, not rise by a fi gure greater than the increase in income the ongoing annual defi cit is £3.3M. coming to the Ministries Council from congregations. This • The main reason for the defi cit is that the costs of will be a matter for the Council of Assembly, which now ministering in the parishes of the Church have increased approves stipend and salary rates, to implement on the more rapidly than congregational contributions towards recommendation of the Ministries Council. their payment. 6.1.7.3 Other costs. Ministries numbers will decrease by • The Council is using its reserves to meet the costs of the 10% by 2014. The Council is also committed by 2014 to defi cit, which also reduces income. reduce by at least 10% indirect ministry costs. • Unless the defi cit is eliminated in the next fi ve years, the level of reserves will reach a critical level. 6.2 Allowances and Expenses Rates for 2010 • The Council believes that, if painful but manageable Stipend Scale 2010 MINISTRIES COUNCIL 3/97

Year 1 £23,139 Year 6 £27,187 d) reimbursement to ministers and PPWs providing Year 2 £23,948 Year 7 £27,997 their own pedal bike for pastoral duties Year 3 £24,758 Year 8 £28,807 20p per mile travelled per annum 3 Year 4 £25.567 Year 9 £29,617 Year 5 £26,377 Year 10 £30,426 e) housing allowance The housing allowance rate for PPWs for 2010 is PPW Scale 2010 £3,600 Year 1 £22,220 Year 6 £24,657 Year 2 £22,707 Year 7 £25,143 Recommended Pulpit Supply Fee and Expenses st Year 3 £23,195 Year 8 £25,631 The Council agreed the continuance of 2009 rates from 1 Year 4 £23,682 Year 9 £26,119 April 2010 Year 5 £24,170 Year 10 £26,605 One diet of worship on a Sunday at £50 and for any Island Allowance additional diets of worship on a Sunday £10. Travel The inner and outer island allowances are held at 2009 expenses at 25p per mile. levels: Recommendation on Funeral Fees Outer Island Allowance £1,566 Where a retired minister or other suitably qualifi ed person Inner Island Allowance £616 not in the employ of the Church (or currently serving as a Travel Expenses 2010 Parish Minister) is asked to offi ciate at a funeral service and Rates are held at 2009 levels for those providing their own a fee is deemed appropriate, the Council recommends car: this be set at £50. Such fees are the responsibility of the congregation where the service takes place and should a) reimbursed to ministers and PPWs providing not be charged to the bereaved family. their own car for pastoral duties 40p per mile for the fi rst 10,000 miles Disturbance Allowance 2009 25p per mile for all additional mileage The Council agreed that the level of disturbance allowance should be held at the 2008 level of £1,740. Ministers and PPWs also receive capital reimbursement of £80 per month Removal and Disturbance Allowance The Council agreed that the removal and disturbance costs b) reimbursement of travel expenses for students, of all charges which have an average income base below probationers, auxiliary ministers and locums: £30,000 will be met from Council fi nances, and to give 40p per mile for the fi rst 10,000 miles assistance depending on assessment to charges which 25p per mile for all additional mileage have an income base between £30,000 and £60,000, by way of a loan in the fi rst instance. A grant may be available c) reimbursement to ministers and PPWs providing to such charges on application to the Finance Committee their own motor bike for pastoral duties of the Ministries Council. 24p per mile travelled per annum 3/98 MINISTRIES COUNCIL

Vacancy Allowance 2009 The Council agreed the continuance of the 2008 rates. The vacancy allowance should be £580 per month during the vacancy, £630 for linked charges. Vacancy Allowance is deducted directly from each charge’s Ministries and Mission Allocation.

In the name of the Ministries Council:

Graham Finch (Convener) J H A Dick (Vice-Convener) Neil Dougall (Vice-Convener) Lezley Kennedy (Vice-Convener) Muriel Pearson (Vice-Convener) Martin Scott (Secretary) MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL May 2010

The Mission and Discipleship Council resources Christ’s mission through the whole Church 4 for witness, worship and discipleship

Tha Comhairle na Teachdaireachd agus na Deisciobalachd a’ cur air adhart teachdaireachd Chrìosd, tron Eaglais air fad airson fianais, adhradh agus deisciobalachd

CONTENTS Proposed Deliverance 4/1 Introduction 4/3 Worship and Doctrine 4/6 Education and Nurture 4/6 Mission and Evangelism 4/12 Church Without Walls 4/18 Publishing 4/18 Church Art and Architecture 4/19 Rural Scotland 4/23 Scottish Storytelling Centre 4/27 ‘Why Believe?’ 4/28 Life and Work Review Group 4/29 Appendix I: Education and Nurture – Analysis of the National Leadership and Pastoral Care Questionnaire 2008 4/36 Appendix II: Mission and Evangelism – Mission 21 Conference 4/40 Appendix III: Rural Scotland - How rural is that parish? 4/42 Appendix IV: Committee on Church Art and Architecture Meeting Dates 4/59 Appendix V: Co-opted members on Task Groups and Committees 4/59

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly

1. Receive the Report and thank the Council, Task Groups, Committees and those members retiring at the General Assembly. 2. Thank all Council staff and volunteers, including those who have left the service of the Council in 2009, and extend a welcome to all new members of staff. 4/2 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

3. Encourage congregations to make use of all of the resources produced by the Council, in particular the new pastoral care DVD, Encounter, and the Scottish Emerging Church DVD Seeds (Sections 3.3.7.2 and 4.4.3.1). 4. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, Section 1.3) and commit the Mission and Discipleship Council, in partnership with others, to its effective delivery over the next seven years. Education and Nurture 5. Encourage the Youth Strategy Working Group to prepare its recommendations and proposals for consideration by the General Assembly 2011 (Section 3.3.1.1). 6. Urge Kirk Sessions to reflect on ‘All Who Can In Faith?’, and consider how people with learning disabilities can play a full part in the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion (Section 3.3.6.4). Mission and Evangelism 7. Invite Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions to note and access resources and skills available through the Council for mission planning and development (Section 4) 8. Invite Presbyteries to consider running, in sequence, the Fresh Expressions ‘Vision Day’, the six week ‘Mission Shaped Introductory’ course and the ‘Mission Shaped Ministry’ course (Section 4.4.4). Publishing Committee 9. Note the performance of Saint Andrew Press and Life and Work in the current difficult trading environment (Section 6). Committee on Church Art and Architecture 10. Remind congregations of the importance of early consultation with the Committee when any new proposal is being considered (Section 7.5). 11. Instruct the Presbytery planning process in each Presbytery to include consultation with the General Trustees and the Committee on Church Art and Architecture to ensure that all proposals for alterations to the number of buildings will reflect the important opportunity for development and preservation of the assets of the church for mission and worship (Section 7.6). 12. Note the insights of the National Youth Assembly into the contribution and importance of our church buildings. (Section 7.7). 13. Encourage all Commissioners and Presbytery Clerks to support the campaign for full compensation by the Government of all costs involved in the replacement of microphone systems as a result of the sale of the airwaves (Section 7.11.2). Rural Scotland 14. Welcome the publication of the research into ‘How rural is that parish?’ and encourage all agencies of the church, nationally, regionally and locally, to use its findings in their work, ministry and planning (Section 8.6). 15. Encourage Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions to send representatives to the Rural Church Conference in October 2010 (Section 8.8). Life and Work Review Group 16. Affirm the necessity for the Editor of Life and Work to be able to exercise editorial independence, as has been traditionally agreed by the General Assembly since the foundation of the magazine. 17. Commend the current Editor for her willingness to listen attentively to various voices and groups in the Church and reflect these in the content of the magazine. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/3

18. Encourage Council and Committee Secretaries to ensure that the Editor is made aware of current topical issues of individual Councils and Committees in the fulfilment of their remit. 19. Encourage the continuation of sensitive reflective and balanced expressions of personal opinions in the magazine in order to enable the Church to explore theological questions with insight and knowledge. 4 20. Instruct the Mission and Discipleship Council to seek ways of enabling the magazine to be published in other forms in addition to the current printed media, and to review this after an appropriate period. 21. Instruct the Mission and Discipleship Council to instigate a process of promotion and development of the magazine, and report on the progress made to the General Assembly of 2013. 22. Resolve that an Editorial Advisory Panel of seven to assist the Editor, with a Convener independent of other communication groups within the Church, be appointed by the General Assembly on the Report of the Nomination Committee. 23. Instruct the Advisory Panel to meet regularly (at least twice per year), and be consulted by the Editor on other occasions by the most convenient means possible as and when questions or issues arise. 24. Instruct the Mission and Discipleship Council to prepare guidance notes for the Advisory Panel members and the Editor which ensure that their distinctive roles are clarified in relation to editorial independence while emphasising their collaborative function in offering guidance and opinion to the Editor. 25. Commend the magazine to the attention of the membership of the Church as a whole and encourage a wider audience to purchase copies so that the diversity and range of the issues it reflects upon may have a wide circulation.

REPORT 1. Introduction to determine who is or is not worthy to see the flowers. 1.1 John Aurelio tells a tale of a working man making his Meanwhile he ensures the flowers continue to receive weary way home when he encounters a lady selling unusual enough sun and moisture to survive. The end result of all flowers. The sight and smell of the flowers are enough to of this was that people saw less and less of the flowers completely change his state of mind and he is invited by and some people began to go and look for the flower lady the flower lady to take as many as he wants and is amazed themselves and the story ends with the note that she was when he finds that the price is simply for him to be grateful still out there still giving away her amazing flowers. for them. (The Flower Lady, John Aurelio, from A World of Stories for 1.2 When he arrives home his wife and children are Preachers and Teachers by William J Bausch, 1998, Twenty- stunned by the flowers and find their souls refreshed. The Third Publications, Mystic, CT) man plants the flowers in his back garden and with a little sun and moisture the flowers remain strong. Unfortunately 1.3 Perhaps this tale tells us something of where we are as news of the flowers spread and soon many people want to a community or something about how we feel about where come and see the flowers. The man becomes anxious and we are? Have we obscured the very thing that gives us life and begins to restrict access to them – first he builds a wall and enriches our souls? Has it become easier for people to find it then in time he develops other more sophisticated means outside ‘the church’ rather than inside it (Matthew 20:30)? 4/4 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

1.4 We are at a time of great change. World markets, and it is a movement that holds out the possibilities of national economies, unemployment, social change – faith in Jesus Christ in all the ways that can mean. all of these things have affected all of us in some way. Familiar names have disappeared from our high streets, 1.9 So we work within the walls and we work outside. the value of homes has decreased, it is harder to find In 2009 we welcomed the Church Without Walls Working good jobs, it is difficult for younger people to get on the Group into the Council and since then the ideas of the property ladder – these were situations less challenging Church Without Walls report and the 10 years of experience even only three years ago. We have learned that our of the working group have helped to inform the process security cannot be in these things but needs to rest of change. Now that work is clearly integrated into the life elsewhere (Matthew 6:21). of the Council and we affirm the need to be a church that answers the call of Jesus to follow him. 1.5 The Mission and Discipleship Council has also been wrestling with change (Luke 14:28). Facing an acute 1.10 In addition to the three main drivers of worship, financial problem the decision was taken at the 2009 witness and discipleship, we will judge every future project General Assembly to conduct a ‘root and branch’ review against four key criteria: of our priorities. We recognised we had run out of money • Congregational resourcing – will it encourage growth in and at the same time, and just as importantly, we had faith and discipleship? no real clear focus to our work. Instead we had a series • Outreach – does it equip congregations and/or of disconnected and very discrete pieces of work each of individuals in the public square and does it make the which, important by itself, had little to do with the others. Gospel message clear? • Leadership development – does it promote spiritual 1.6 Facing this challenge was not easy and the months growth in congregational leaders and does it create that have ensued have been difficult – particularly for confidence within members and build capacity for our staff team whose commitment and value were never leadership growth in the local church? questioned through this process. • Re-imagining – does it enable creativity relevant to the local community in response to God’s activity? 1.7 At the end of the review process the Council charged with holding mission before the whole church decided 1.11 By the time of the General Assembly we will to affirm that we should continue to be about resourcing have taken decisions to help us gain the strategic focus worship, witness and discipleship but in a more coherent, we require to serve the church in the best way possible. focussed and cost-effective way. In a time when many This does not come easily and there will be many painful congregations and church members are having to tighten decisions taken along the way. But change is necessary and their belts it is only right that the Council does the same. if these decisions are not taken now then harder choices will face us in the near future. Throughout this process we 1.8 What we will not do is narrow the focus of our vision have been inspired by the example of Peter, taking a step and so we have drawn up a new statement of purpose that out of the safety of the boat as he tries to walk towards will drive our work and help us to be strategic in the years Jesus (Matthew 14.29). to come. We also have faith in the Church of Scotland. We believe it is not simply an organisation or an institution, but 1.12 We believe that mission is shaped by Christ’s a movement. It is a movement for fairness and justice, it is mandate to love others as ourselves. Therefore, it can be a movement for service in all of Scotland’s communities an encounter with the person of Christ or it can also fulfil MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/5 the call to feed the poor and clothe the naked. In short, we 1.16 The Mission and Discipleship Council realises it believe that mission in this post-modern, post-Christian is unable to achieve this by itself but seeks to help local and post-church 21st Century is about performing the churches find ways to do this and be this. most loving act possible in any given context. 1.17 In the year of the 450th anniversary of the 4 1.13 So our statement of purpose reads: Reformation and the 100th anniversary of the Edinburgh World Missionary Conference there are many reasons Resourcing Christ’s Mission: to look back. However, we want to suggest it is time for To enable and empower people to engage in Christ’s the Church of Scotland to take stock and then to look mission through resourcing worship, witness and forward with a growing confidence. We have a message discipleship in the context of the changing contemporary that people want to hear but we need to communicate culture of Scotland and beyond. it in different ways. We have a message of fairness and Specifically we will: justice that will inspire those who struggle to see these • Stimulate critical reflection and development of places values come into being. We have a concern for our planet and practice of worship and the environment that can allow us to get alongside • Communicate Christ’s message lovingly, effectively and those who share that same concern. We have a desire to relevantly be good neighbours so that the fragrance of Christ will • Nurture and develop learning and growth within move around our communities. congregations and communities 1.18 The Mission and Discipleship Council in its new 1.14 We know we do this in partnership with the shape affirms its role to stimulate mission in the Church whole church and with partner churches in other parts of Scotland and be an effective agent for worship, witness of Scotland and beyond. We also realise that we want to and discipleship within local congregations. identify and use expertise that already exists in the church and we want to move away from being the resource, to 1.19 Vincent Donovan, in Christianity Re-discovered, stimulating resourcefulness in others. Often we have run suggests that the time for endless meetings and seminars successful events that people enjoy but which struggle about missionary strategy is over and instead resolves to create resourcefulness in the local congregations they that he will ”just go and talk to people about God and the come from. Our focus will be entirely on the local church Christian message”. and providing support, resources, toolkits – whatever a local 1.20 This is not a time for introspection, fearfulness or church needs to extend its mission in its community. retreat. This is not a time for despair or endless conversations 1.15 We have been guided by the Vision Statement for about decline. This is not a time for standing behind battle the Church of Scotland: lines and tearing each other apart. This is not a time to play it safe or fall victim to a compliance culture or see energy The vision of the Church of Scotland is to be dissipate through complacency or indifference. a church which seeks to inspire the people of Scotland and beyond with the Good 1.21 This is a time for imagination, for hope, for News of Jesus Christ through enthusiastic, resourcefulness. It is a time for renewed thinking through worshipping, witnessing, nurturing and a refreshed encounter with the living Christ and a new and serving communities. clear mandate for mission. 4/6 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

1.22 The Council presents the following reports at a time used by a number of people. Some discussion of the issue of transition. By the time of this year’s General Assembly, has taken place in the Scots Language in Worship Group the Council’s proposals for change will be in the process of the issue highlighted in the deliverance, and it is hoped of implementation and so these sections of our report that some suggestions will be presented on the website should be read in that context. and reported in 2011 to the General Assembly.

2. Worship and Doctrine 3. Education and Nurture 2.1 Working Group on Issues in Human Sexuality (All of the resources mentioned in this section of the report This group, which has recently been augmented by a are available to purchase from www.madstuff.biz.) broad range of new members, is currently taking up consideration of a new remit, reflecting theologically on 3.1 Introduction marriage in the light of contemporary society and church The Task Group continues to operate with a strong sense of life. We are consulting with Ministers and members the importance of the discipleship process to the Church of congregations to obtain a wide understanding of of Scotland’s missional life. Congregations today find contemporary experience of marriage and weddings, themselves living and sharing their faith in an increasingly and to be clear as to the particular questions facing diverse range of contexts, making the education and the Church today. We are receiving input from scholars nurture of their members crucial to the success or in the field. Given the complexity and depth of these failure of our endeavours in this respect. In attempting issues, we hope not to be too hasty in our deliberations, to support this work of education and nurture, the Task and intend to report fully to the General Assembly of Group seeks to listen carefully to the voices of individuals 2012, with an interim report in 2011 to give a clearer and congregations, allowing what we hear to shape the indication of the direction we are going, and to allow nature of the initiatives and resources which we produce for further informed contributions by the Church as a to assist work amongst children, young people, adults and whole. those who take on the responsibilities of leadership within 2.2 Scots Language the church. The Council has been so absorbed with the setting of new 3.1.1 Many educational resources have been produced, priorities and the review of its work it has not yet been eg the Child Friendly Church, Baptism DVD, Sing Out, Rite!, possible to introduce any proposals in the light of the Cosycoffeehouse, Cosy Youth Work Kit, Threads DVD and deliverance of last year’s General Assembly relating to the Encounters DVD – all providing learning resources to a promotion of Scots throughout the Church. wide spectrum of ages within the church. ‘Welcome the production of resources by the 3.1.2 Sometimes, the quietest voices are those who Scots Language in Worship Group, and instruct often find themselves on the margins of congregational the Council to formulate a strategy to promote life, such as those with learning disabilities and the young. the wider use of Scots throughout the Church to be reported to the General Assembly in 2010 and We believe the extent to which these people find a home made available on the internet.’ within our congregations is a measure of how much our life together reflects the character of God. As a consequence, 2.2.1 The website has continued to publish resources for the Task Group has given particular attention to these various services and festivals on a regular basis which are groups during the course of the year. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/7

3.2 Ministry to and with children and younger teens 3.2.4 Visit to Malawi 3.2.1 Fischy Music and The Music and Worship In July we took ten children who had been at two National Foundation Children’s Assemblies to Malawi. This was no mean feat The start of the year saw us working with the Music and and we are indebted to Carol Finlay and Audrey Grahame Worship Foundation and Fischy Music to offer a series of the World Mission Council who worked so hard on our 4 of workshops for people working with children. We behalf. Our welcome was exceptional and the people of recognised that there is a need to provide more good Livingstonia were thrilled because this was the first time material for children to sing. We travelled widely to a variety a group of children had visited them. Here are comments of locations: to Cumnock, Oban, Dumfries, Aberdeen and from two of the children. Dalkeith. Suzanne Butler of Fischy Music wrote: “On my trip to Malawi I made great friends and “In 2009, we were delighted to work in partnership met some people with big faiths. Their generosity with the Church of Scotland, in offering a series and ability to rely on God for their needs is amazing of training sessions and all-age concerts across and I wish we all had the same faith.” William Scotland. The training sessions were designed (aged 11) for adults working with children in churches, and aimed to enhance their skills and confidence in “When I was in Malawi last year I had a tremendous using music as well as offering fresh new material time. We all met loads of friends. We visited loads from our ‘Down to Earth’ album. Each session was of lovely churches and it was nice to see how they followed by an evening concert, open to the local worship in comparison to how we worship. Parts of community. We enjoyed meeting all the children’s our trip were very hard to take in but we all helped leaders and were impressed by their dedication each other and that helped us. We also visited and willingness to try out new ideas! It was good to schools which were very different from the schools offer input in parts of the country that often get left we have in Scotland. All the Malawians are so kind out due to their location.” and cheery, it always put a smile on our faces.” Rebecca (aged 11) 3.2.2 Sing Out! To stimulate the production of good worship material 3.2.4.1 It is very hard to quantify how much these for children and congregations to sing together, we children received from their visit to Malawi. One of the launched ‘Sing Out!’ in the hope of finding new music from parents emailed recently to say that her son remembers congregations and a CD is planned. an experience every so often ‘out of the blue’ and shares it with her. This kind of experience needs a long time to 3.2.3 Child Friendly Church and Rite! unravel and our staff team have been deeply moved by At the General Assembly last year we launched two some of the reflections the children shared with us. new resources, Child Friendly Church and Rite! The Child Friendly Church guide is a six to eight month consultation 3.2.5 National Children’s Assembly for congregations to consider how we might welcome In October the National Children’s Assembly went children fully into the lives of our faith communities. Rite! to Iona. We welcomed 100 children from Scotland, is a 30 week programme for young people in secondary Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, Hungary, New Zealand and school. This resource is specifically designed for the Kirk England. Children from Scotland came from as far apart and may be adapted for older people too. as Orkney and Jedburgh. Our time together was truly 4/8 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL wonderful and as the children led us in worship we 3.3 Work with young adults and adults were offered a glimpse of heaven! This quote from one 3.3.1 National Youth Work Strategy of our delegates might show why we offer an assembly Following on from the report delivered to the 2009 to our children. General Assembly, the Mission and Discipleship Council was instructed to continue the process of developing the “When it came time to say goodbye, despite my National Strategy for Youth Work. sadness, I knew I was happier than I was when I first stepped foot on Iona. I not only made new friends, 3.3.1.1 A Working Group has been established to fulfill but got to know God better than I knew before and this instruction and has initiated a consultation process I give thanks to the team for all they have done to which seeks to gather insights about the current context help this.” Micah (aged 12) and practice of youth work, and the future needs of young 3.2.6 Happy Hallowe’en! people, from a wide cross-section of both individual practitioners and youth work organisations. In partnership with the Boys’ Brigade we invited children on st 31 October to gather in the Leisure Centre, Perth, where 3.3.1.2 It has quickly become apparent that the we celebrated the Communion of Saints. Children arrived complexity of the current and future context of youth work in fancy dress and proceeded to play. We stopped playing requires a more thorough examination than is possible for a while and joined together in songs and prayers. We within the timescale originally proposed. In addition, the heard from people in South Africa, Zambia and India Working Group believe it is important to explore, and learn about how they celebrated their identity in Christ and from, the diverse range of situations where successful work their life in the world. Then play was the order of the day is taking place, in order to try and maximise the benefit of until exhausted but very happy children left for home. Rev these often hard-won successes for the whole church. As a Dr Martin Fair comments: result, the Working Group requests permission to continue “If ever the phrase ‘fun-packed day’ was appropriate, with the consultation process during 2010 with a view to then it was so for the Hallow’een event held in presenting its proposals to the 2011 General Assembly. Perth! The children from Arbroath’s St Andrew’s 3.3.2 National Youth Assembly Church had a fantastic day. How brilliant that the The National Youth Assembly moved to Stirling University. Church was able to re-claim the festival in such a The University campus provided a spectacular backdrop positive way. A huge ‘well done’ to organisers, for to the theme ‘Field of Dreams’, where delegates were able their vision and enthusiasm!” to explore and deepen their faith through worship, debate, 3.2.7 Godly Play conversation and encounter. The Godly Play method of exploring the key Bible stories 3.3.2.1 The 2010 National Youth Assembly will be held at and traditions of worship is one resource which embodies Stirling University from Friday 3 to Monday 6 September. creative, imaginative and inspired new ways of being The theme for this year ‘To Boldly Go ….’ will be exploring church. Margaret Grant, Edinburgh Presbytery Children’s the theme of mission. Ministry Co-Ordinator, is the main source of support for this initiative in Scotland, and can be contacted on telephone 3.3.3 Threads – weaving faith and life in the local number 0131 220 6509 or via www.edinburghpresbytery. church org.uk/children.htm Last year we held the official launch of the adult learning MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/9

DVD Threads. The Very Rev David Lunan described Threads Rev David and Mrs Maggie Lunan. Further information in these words: about the network is available from the Council.

“What these DVDs have is the story of several 3.3.5 NiteKirk people who have responded to God, and are Following the success of the NiteKirk during the Edinburgh 4 finding a way of expressing their faith to meet Fringe Festival, it is now happening every third Friday of the needs of the people around them - ordinary the month, 8pm to midnight at Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh. people, with an extraordinary calling to bear This event is run in partnership with Greyfriars Kirk. witness to the Kingdom of God. People who are doing what they are doing, not in order to impress, 3.3.6 People with Learning Disabilities but because Christ has made an impression on 3.3.6.1 Training them, an indelible impression, and their lives have Members of the Group have developed a training never been the same. They are learning, without programme looking at issues of disability in the church. realising, and they are teaching, without realising, They have run workshops at a variety of events throughout what it means to be a saint. the year.

And so our hope is that this material will help 3.3.6.2 Presbytery Disability Advisors adults, young and not so young, to grow into a The Working Group is starting to train Presbytery Disability mature faith, into what St Paul calls ‘the full stature Advisors. The purpose of a Presbytery Disability Advisor is of Christ.’ to be a first point of contact for congregations on matters to do with all aspects of disability. We are not looking It is my privilege to express our gratitude to everyone for ‘experts’, but rather people who have a passion and involved in the making of ‘Threads’; to thank God interest in this area. Training will be given in a variety of for your gifts, and for using your gifts in this way, areas exploring the needs of people who may have, for and to ask God to bless all the material that is in example, a physical disability, sensory impairment, mental ‘Threads’, that it might be a blessing to others.” illness, dementia, as well as exploring the needs of people with learning disabilities. 3.3.3.1 Threads has been bought by many parishes and used with the Guild and at training events around 3.3.6.3 A Spiritual Home? the country. Every time it is used people comment on its The Group, which includes membership from the Ministries accessibility, telling the stories of ordinary people who and Social Care Councils, ran a two day conference last year could be recognised as ‘someone I know in our church’. with Tony Phelps-Jones, Director of Mission and Ministry for Causeway Prospects, as the lead speaker. Tony used the 3.3.4 ICAN conference title ‘A Spiritual Home?’ to explore the inclusion The Church Adult Network continues to provide a focus for of people with learning disabilities in the life of the church adults who are interested in asking questions about God and how worship might be shaped to meet their needs. and exploring issues of faith and life. A day event ‘Dreaming of Eden’ was held in the summer with people exploring 3.3.6.4 All who can in faith? what kind of church and world they want to belong to. A The discussion about the inclusion of people with learning retreat held in Pitlochry provided a time of renewal and disabilities at Holy Communion arose out of the ‘A Spiritual refreshment. We are grateful to the input from the Very Home?’ conference. Many people with learning disabilities 4/10 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL are clearly welcomed wholeheartedly into the life of the is placed on being able to understand, repeat and agree church but for some, the experience has not been so to vows of faith; to repeat, with what others might positive, as Joe said: suggest is ‘full understanding’, the Apostles’ Creed; to engage in worship which is constructed to favour those “They widnae let me take communion, ye know” who can read and respond in prescribed ways. However, 3.3.6.4.1 Articulation/Understanding faith as described in the New Testament is inclusive and In the church, and especially in churches of the Reformed welcoming to children, and the image of the body of tradition, we have a tendency to look for the articulation of a Christ is an image where all have a part and a part to play. faith position as evidence that faith exists, and many, for fear Also we may further consider whether the ‘understanding’ of ‘defiling’ the Lord’s Table, would refuse the sacrament to of any of us is complete, or our ability to articulate the faith anyone who cannot verbally articulate faith in Jesus Christ, we affirm sufficiently ‘complete’. including children and people with learning disabilities. Even 3.3.6.4.4 Grace of God and Mystery and Symbolism when the ability to make this verbal confession exists, there These two issues also seem to sit together well. We have only can be resistance on the grounds of limited understanding, two Sacraments in the Church of Scotland. In our tradition, so those who may be perfectly capable of having faith in, it is acknowledged and affirmed that the first, baptism, or affirming love for, Jesus, are denied the sacrament on depends wholly on the grace of God for its efficacy. Indeed the grounds of their limitations of understanding as this in the current orders of Infant Baptism, while parents are is perceived by others. The question for the Church is: “is a asked to affirm faith and the congregation confess the faith lack of articulation or cognitive understanding the same as a of the Church in saying the Apostles’ Creed prior to the act lack of faith, or even the same as a lack of understanding?” In of baptism, we do not expect parents or sponsors to take other words, does faith equal, or depend upon, the ability vows until after the baptismal act. What, then, is the role to articulate belief and commitment, whether verbally or of grace in inviting the learning disabled to participate in otherwise, and if not, what implications does this have for the celebration of communion, especially as the Church the celebration of the sacraments? of Scotland now affirms the place of children at the Lord’s 3.3.6.4.2 Education Table? Do we demand understanding and response for one This refers to education of the congregation, not to those sacrament but not the other? And in terms of the mystery who have a learning disability. There may be those who and symbolism of communion, none of us truly understand would deny access to the table to people with learning the nature and means of grace in communion, but we seem disabilities due to a misunderstanding or ignorance, either reluctant to allow it to remain a mystery, rather seeking of disability or theology or both. There is scope therefore, always to explain and demand understanding, where the to embark on a programme of education and discussion of symbolism might be best left to speak for itself. Most now the issues which may lead to a greater degree of openness accept that the symbolism communicates powerfully to to people with learning disabilities and an acceptance children in our congregations who may still be unable to that there is a place at the table for all who would wish to articulate their faith in an ‘adult’ fashion. Where people with respond to the invitation of Jesus to “Take, eat”. learning disabilities have had the opportunity to explore their faith and the symbolism of communion in ways 3.3.6.4.3 Inclusion and Belonging / Believing appropriate to them, and share in the sacrament, there is These two issues seem to sit comfortably together. Our ample anecdotal evidence to suggest a very rich and deep faith can tend towards the cerebral and great emphasis understanding of the meaning and significance of the act. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/11

3.3.6.4.5 Power of Sacrament and Need for Healing to maintain ‘good order’ and accountability, but Lastly, we believe in the sacrament as a means of grace to whom, and how will any significant change in so why then would we not admit people with learning leadership affect the Kirk’s identity and practices? disabilities to the table? There is in all of us a deep need It is the issue of balancing continuity, a stable form for healing, which the act of communion symbolises as of government, with required change. In doing this, 4 the breach between God and humanity, and neighbour will it involve revolution, reformation or some form to neighbour, is restored. This ultimately is the reason why of ‘translation’? In the church of the future, what will people with learning disabilities should be admitted to need to remain from our leadership structures of the table along with all of us whose faith, understanding today? and commitment is yet to be perfected. As part of the community of faith we all belong in that place where Emerging church crosses significant cultural our faith is affirmed, described and enacted, and so we boundaries, so how do we do that appropriately, become the Body of Christ. and ‘load’ new faith communities with structures that are required and effective? In this reflection 3.3.7 Adult Training on the leadership of emerging church, we might 3.3.7.1 Leadership Development better enable the ministry of the whole people of 2010 saw the launch of a new Leadership Development God. programme building on and incorporating the existing programme of Eldership Training and taking into account This is only the beginning of a process looking at the the outputs of the National Questionnaire in Leadership local leadership of the Kirk, and will also need to be and Pastoral (see Appendix I). related to developments in the ordained ministry. In times of continuous change, it is a conversation 3.3.7.1.1 As well as training offered for Elder Moderators, we cannot be afraid of. Session Clerks, bereavement visitors and those wishing to lead funerals, 2010 will see the introduction of four new (b) A series of Leadership Forums facilitated by MODEM, events: a national and ecumenical Christian network which seeks to initiate authentic dialogue between (a) A conversation around ‘Emerging Eldership’: The idea exponents of leadership, organisation, spirituality of Emerging Eldership brings together our traditional and ministry in order to aid the development of model of recognised local leadership; governed by better disciples, communities, society and world. Elders through the Kirk Session, and new ways of The forums in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and being church, described as that which is ‘emerging’. Inverness sought to answer the question, ‘What The question that needs honest debate is how these should leadership look like for the church in 21st two aspects of church relate together. Can their century Scotland?’ leadership models merge, and if so how? Where will this merging take place, or will they always be (c) A residential conference entitled “Empowering consigned to running as parallel tracks? One possible Leaders through Coaching” to be led by Ian Hamilton example of merging will be in the mentoring of new of Church Resource Ministries, responding to the leaders. statement “The most critical need facing the Church in Emerging church will always need some form and the opening of the new millennium is the identification structure, including that of leadership. We need and development of godly, effective, mission-minded 4/12 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

leaders.” In our context, what genuine leadership Diff erent congregations will need to address opportunities do we offer people, in particular diff erent issues. Some will be tentative while potential younger leaders, beyond the Eldership? others will want to take a longer and more This event will look at understanding empowerment, comprehensive look at their current life and holistic development of character and skills, using future shape. The tools help us look at who we coaching to develop and empower leaders, and are, where we are and how we tick. We will begin coaching using a simple framework. to imagine God’s future for us and to take steps (d) The final event (13 to 15 September) focuses on into that future together, drawing on the wisdom Missional Leadership and will be led by Alan Roxburgh of those who know how to navigate change and further information is available within the report from transition.” (Peter Neilson) Mission and Evangelism at 4.2. 4.1.1 Following its initial launch at the 2008 General 3.3.7.2 A new resource Assembly, and the lunchtime meeting at the 2009 The new pastoral care DVD, “Encounters: meeting people, Assembly, the Future Focus working group ran three sharing Christ” will be launched at this year’s General Future Focus roadshows in November 2009, in Glasgow, Assembly. This new resource, including a workbook, costs Edinburgh and Inverness. £15, and offers six sections in ‘mini documentary’ format looking at: 4.1.2 The purpose of these meetings was to introduce • the pastoral care of young people people to the materials as a local congregational resource, • models for pastoral care to hear how Future Focus has been used to review five • life limiting illness yearly visitations (Panel on Review and Reform) and some • living with dementia thinking about the relationship between Future Focus and • children and young people in hospital Presbytery Planning (Ministries Council). • learning disabilities 4.1.3 Any congregation considering, or experiencing 3.3.7.2.1 This resource is ideal for Kirk Session conferences, change, should explore the possibility of using Future pastoral care team training and for anyone involved in Focus. The time scale for using the material ranges from pastoral care in the life of their congregation. an introductory ‘core’ set of materials, taking two evenings 4. Mission and Evangelism and a weekend, which will be published by Saint Andrew The Mission and Evangelism Task Group has been involved, Press in 2010, to a long term engagement that could directly or indirectly, in the following activities in the course last a couple of years. To enable local congregations to of the past 12 months. partner with Future Focus over this extended period of time, a network of trained facilitators will be available 4.1 Future Focus: A resource for congregational to congregations who wish to be accompanied on this development journey of faith. Further information on this resource is “Future Focus is a ‘toolbox’ of ideas intended to help available through the Council. congregations understand their situation better, to read the signs of the times, and to answer the call 4.1.4 We cannot predict what the end is before we begin, of God to be all that God wants us to be in these but by the end of this journey of discovery, we hope that challenging times. you will be able to: MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/13

• say who you are and what you value most as a church. Task Group but because of the wider context in which the • understand the context in which your congregation is Council finds itself, no progress has been made on this working. issue at this time. • recognise the inner dynamics of your congregational culture (‘the way we do things here’). 4.3.1 In the meantime, the Task Group draws attention 4 • agree on a common vision, strategic thrusts, priorities to the series of Reflections booklets produced by the and goals. Council. This series of three tells the story of selected • understand different models of change which will bring congregations that have embraced change as a means of about a culture shaped by God’s mission. relating more closely to their local communities and offers • appreciate and apply the processes of change and the reflective comment on the strategies adopted by each in psychology of transition. responding to parochial contexts that are highly specific. The booklets highlight some broad principles, while at 4.2 Visit of Alan Roxburgh the same time emphasising that local circumstances vary In September 2010 Alan Roxburgh, at the invitation of widely, and hence the importance of responding to local the Mission and Discipleship Council, is visiting Scotland needs as opposed to importing ready made or off the shelf to work with church leaders through a programme of solutions. It is interesting, too, to note that Life and Work events. is now presenting as an occasional series the showcasing of some local churches that are ‘bucking the trends’ and 4.2.1 From 13 to 15 September 2010, at the Apex Hotel, developing new models of ministry and mission. Dundee, Alan will lead a residential conference entitled ‘Surfi ng the Edge: Cultivating Mission-Shaped Life in a New 4.3.2 Suitable Resources for community profi ling include Space’. This will be based on ‘Dwelling in the word: Luke the following: 10:1-12’ and will ask: • SCROL Website – the official website of the Scottish • mapping our time – where are we? Census results – • where have we encountered this before? – the Biblical http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/common/home.jsp frame work • Up My Street – Information about your local community • how do we respond? amenities, etc, http://www.upmystreet.com/ • resources for leadership in a new space • Faithworks Community Audit Pack – downloadable • next steps – where do we go from here? resource - www.faithworks.info

4.2.2 During the period of his visit other activities will 4.4 Development Offi cer (New and Emerging include meeting with Conveners and executive staff of Ministries) the Mission and Discipleship and Ministries Councils, and 4.4.1 Emerging Ministries Conference he will also spend time with those involved in emerging At the Emerging Ministries Conference in November 2009 ministries. Bishop Graham Cray, the Director of the ‘Fresh Expressions’ initiative, offered an overview of contemporary culture 4.3 Developing the local church and addressed the question: What exactly is a fresh In 2009 the General Assembly instructed the Council expression of church? Stuart Murray Williams, founder of ‘to conduct a representative study of congregations where Urban Expression, explored the issues involved in starting growth is unusually high and share their findings with the and sustaining such new models. For the first time, wider Church’. This instruction has been considered by the Ministers from New Charge Development churches and 4/14 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL those working in new models of church, funded by the 4.4.3.1 The Church of Scotland emerging church DVD, Emerging Ministries Task Group, had the opportunity to Seeds, is launched at this General Assembly and one copy come together. will be sent to each charge to encourage discussion and to help Kirk Sessions discern if it is necessary to plant an 4.4.2 Mission 21 alternative form of church in a neighbourhood, network Bath: November 2009 – ‘Planting Life!’ - Sharing the Struggle or community where there is little or no connection with and Celebrating the Success of Church Planting traditional church.

This conference offered a unique opportunity to network 4.4.4 Partnership with Fresh Expressions with people from all over the UK who are leading alternative The ‘Fresh Expressions’ Team, comprising of members of models or fresh expressions of church, and to be informed the Church of England and Methodist Church, have given about the programmes and agencies which have been tremendous support in the past year in the process of found to be offering most effective training and support. launching Scottish training courses and materials, which 4.4.2.1 Over the three days of the conference there can be accessed at three levels: was a thought-provoking and creative mix of challenging • Vision Days are basic one-day introductions to fresh speakers (among them, Martyn Atkins, General Secretary expressions and mission-shaped thinking. Following a of the Methodist Church) and helpful workshops (From successful trial in Glasgow, a small team is now available Plan to Plant, Supporting the Planters, Taking Planting to to put on this day-event for any Presbytery, area grouping the Next Level, etc). or Kirk Session which may be interested. Contact the Development Officer for more information. 4.4.2.1.1 In particular, the summary of Martyn Atkins’ • Mission-Shaped intro is a six-session freely-download- opening talk at Appendix II (reproduced with permission) able course (http://www.missionshapedministry.org/) was thought to be most pertinent to the situation in exploring mission-shaped thinking in more detail. The the Church of Scotland at this time when there is a real Emerging Ministries Task Group now holds several determination to encourage what has been referred to ‘resource packs’ for this course – including all DVD clips, as a ‘mixed economy’ of church (traditional churches and Scottish endorsements, etc (contact the Development new models accepting the necessity of both forms and Officer for more info). After holding two training days prayerfully supporting each other). for interested leaders, it is expected that courses will be run in – Inverness, Perth, Aberdeen, the Borders, 4.4.2.1.2 This excellent contribution was concluded Dumfries area, St Andrews, Dunfermline, Ayrshire, with a call for greater diversity, and faithful risk-taking which should encourage the Church of Scotland at this West Lothian, East Lothian, Glasgow, Hamilton and time as the Ministries and Mission and Discipleship Edinburgh. Councils support those working in new models of church • Mission-Shaped Ministry is a one-year part-time course in different parts of Scotland. for those leading or thinking of starting a fresh expression of church. (Note – the 10 sessions, six evenings, three 4.4.3 New Models in Scotland and DVD Saturdays and one weekend, can be completed in less With a fairly steady flow of requests from applicants from than one year.) The ecumenical Scottish MSM Steering all over Scotland, the Emerging Ministries Fund now Group decided to pilot two courses in Glasgow and supports 20 projects or new models of church. Inverness, both commencing January 2010. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/15

4.4.4.1 A further course is planned for Edinburgh, 4.5.3 Outreach to women in the community has been commencing Saturday, 4 September 2010, until June a particularly strong part of our programme, with many 2011, and possible follow-on courses in 2011 and 2012 for women benefiting from this area of our work. Due to the Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Stirling and current financial situation, it has not been possible to Dumfries. continue funding the post of Women’s Outreach Worker 4 and new ways to do this work will have to be found. 4.5 The Well For several years The Well has worked closely with 4.5.4 The Well does not seek to proselytize, and yet Govanhill Free Church to provide English Classes (the only one of the consequences of being there and practising place where men and women can have separate classes, unconditional love is that people do ask questions about which is so important in the community that we work the Christian faith. The Well does make a difference, and with) and a Mother and Toddler group, called ‘Bubbles’. though financial matters are a perpetual concern, the Both of these services have been greatly used and much commitment of staff and volunteers to this demanding appreciated by many otherwise very lonely and isolated ministry remains as firm as ever. people. Having built up relationships over many years with 4.6 Inter-Faith the local community, it was decided to hold a mini Holiday Increasing numbers of churches are seeking support and Club for children from age three to seven. Mothers were advice on how to engage in inter-faith dialogue. Work asked to come with their children and the programme in this area includes the continued production of the was structured in such a way as to highlight the Bible. Over monthly online article ‘Relations With Other Faiths’ (RWOF) the two days of the club more than 30 children and their which promotes greater understanding and relationships mums came, the majority of them from the local Asian between faiths, and highlights opportunities where Communities. Both the church and all involved at The Christians can meet with other religious traditions. A DVD Well were really excited by the enthusiasm of the children entitled ‘The Ground We Share’ has been produced and attending it – with many asking if it could be made to last its accompanying booklet highlights current inter-faith a bit longer! work being undertaken and offers advice and support to congregations keen to engage in dialogue. 4.5.1 During 2009 The Well ran parenting classes. Ten women in three different groups from six different 4.6.1 A booklet entitled ‘Children of Abraham’ has been nationalities testified to the huge difference that the produced for schools and seeks to promote greater parenting class made, not just to their families but to them understanding and respect between the three faiths of too in terms of their own individual development. Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It examines the similar origins of the traditions and explains some of the key 4.5.2 2009 proved to be a very difficult year financially differences. It is also expected that this booklet will help for The Well, and by the end of the year there had been young Christians to identify ways in which they can talk a significant depletion of the reserves held locally, the about Christianity in such a way that it makes sense to consequence of seeking to maintain a busy programme of people from these other faiths. events and to develop it still further. Sustainable funding for The Well is hugely important, if it is to continue to be 4.6.2 Inter-faith dialogue is no longer recognised as the a centre for information and advice to the local Asian sole concern of inner city parishes living on the doorsteps communities. of large multi-cultural areas. For example, in Shetland, 4/16 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Rev Tom Macintyre presented an extensive inter-faith Summer Mission, celebrated 75 years of family-friendly programme during Scottish Inter-Faith Week in November, evangelism with a special service of worship in Perth covering the Presbytery, primary and secondary schools, North Church on 15th November 2009. Led by Very Rev Dr College and Rotary. Sandy Macdonald, with the Moderator, the Right Rev Dr Bill Hewitt preaching, more than 200 people worshipped 4.6.3 In Irvine, the success of the inter-faith programme God and gave thanks for what has been achieved through at Mure Parish Church is such that it has been extended dynamic mission. An original 1934 Seaside Mission team to included speakers of other faiths. As highlighted in ‘The member, Alan Hutcheson of North Berwick, was present Ground We Share’, this programme has not only educated the alongside team members, leaders and participants from congregation about other faiths, but has also caused people all years of operation and more than 50 centres. Other to ask deep questions about their own faith, which has been former iMPACT members such as Rev Dr Ian Doyle, Rev Bill both an enriching and reaffirming experience. Initiatives such as the Question of Faith event held at Galashiels Trinity Shannon and Rev Douglas Nicol were also present. Church in May by Rev Morag Dawson, or the Christian/ 4.7.1 The 2009 programme of iMPACT missions Buddhist ‘Question Time’ event held in Langholm in comprised 10 centres stretching from Lossiemouth in the September, in conjunction with local Churches, Sam Yeling north-east to Ayr in the south-west, and involved some and the local inter-faith group, that help to break down the 60 young people working with congregations of various barriers of ignorance and prejudice, and encourage more denominations to develop evangelism methods and community cohesion, are increasingly being recognised as strategies. important to the well-being of all neighbourhoods. 4.7.2 Under the supervision of the Council, an iMPACT 4.6.4 A highlight in the Inter-Faith Support Worker’s year Task Group comprising a Regional Development Officer, was being asked to put together a ‘faith programme’ as with four experienced iMPACT volunteers, plan each part of a Scout Jamboree at Auchengillon, near Glasgow, in August 2009, which was attended by 1,200 Scouts from year’s activity, provide training for new leaders, monitor all across Scotland and the UK. The Scout Association is safeguarding and health and safety issues, liaise with keen for young people to have a faith in God and to re- congregations seeking to run family friendly missions with connect with the religion of their family, which for the iMPACT assistance and offer resourcing and advice. vast majority is Christianity. Young people were given the 4.7.3 While regulations regarding safeguarding policy opportunity to meet with representatives of the churches may be perceived by some to have limited the work of and of other faiths. iMPACT and congregational family-friendly evangelism, 4.6.5 Inter-faith engagement does not require any iMPACT has not found this to be so, and welcomes the surrendering of beliefs we hold dear. Instead, it requires idea of helping congregations to raise standards, to adopt Christians to be strong in their own faith and, as other best practice, and to develop confidence and local gifts. churches have discovered, the engagement can enrich and reaffirm the faith we hold and open up opportunities 4.7.4 iMPACT’s main concern presently is changes in to share it respectfully with others. Church of Scotland Insurance Company’s practice of not allowing team members to be accommodated in church 4.7 iMPACT halls for more than two nights. This can present volunteers iMPACT, with its predecessors Seaside Mission and with a whole series of practical and planning difficulties. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/17

4.7.5 Members of the iMPACT group encourage Church of Scotland congregations are creatively exploring participants to develop their spiritual life and their opportunities to supplement their church programmes by relationships through events and activities throughout the holding informal, café style events in a variety of locations. year. A divinity student, Donald Pritchard wrote an iMPACT These include their own church halls, local cafés, pubs Bible Study book for the 2009 teams, which was well and other public spaces, and in doing so the churches are 4 received. There is a monthly prayer and catch-up meeting often able to engage with parts of the community that in Glasgow. A quarterly e-mail newsletter and prayer focus currently have no connection with the church. is distributed. A dedication service for forthcoming summer activities takes place in June, with a thanksgiving service in 4.8.1 The 2009 General Assembly report included a August at the end of summer activities. We are grateful to reflection on evangelism, and to develop this further the many people who give of their time, experience and a short series of studies based on the report have been prepared. The four sessions look at the why, what and how commitment to enable this to happen. of evangelism in our current environment, and encourage 4.7.6 In 2009/10 five young adults underwent training to reflection on how this might affect our congregations. be Mission Leaders. This involved two residential weekends 4.8.2 Further information is available from the Council and included seminars on working as an effective team; for churches who want to explore faith-sharing and avoiding and resolving conflict; worship leadership; and evangelism on a variety of issues such as: team management. A supervised weekend where trainees organised and arranged a weekend ‘mission’ to a parish, (a) Outreach in Dormitory Communities applying principles in practice and including a share in The nature of community has radically changed in Sunday morning worship, proved to be an extremely many areas over recent years. Many areas witness a daily useful experience, not least for the benefit derived from exodus of residents who travel to work elsewhere, and a full evaluation of the experience during and afterwards. consequently rarely engage with the local community iMPACT records its appreciation to the Ministers and kirk or church. This workshop looks at some of the issues this sessions of St Boswell’s and Broxburn for enabling this to creates for the church, and participants explore together happen. some of the practical ways in which the church can more effectively engage with the community – both those who 4.8 Faith-sharing and Evangelism spend a lot of their time away, and those who do not. The concept of caféchurch is being explored by an increasing number of churches and its various forms (b) Reaching Out in Body, Mind and Spirit are outlined in a useful article from Anglican Church One of the fastest growing areas in religion and Planting Initiatives (http://tinyurl.com/ljbbod). The most spirituality is amongst those who are exploring new or high profile of these is the work done by the caféchurch emerging spiritualities (sometimes referred to as ‘new age’ network (www.cafechurch.net) primarily in partnership spirituality). These are people who are genuinely pursuing with the Costa Coffee chain. There are almost 60 churches greater spiritual wholeness but, almost without exception, in Britain now hosting events at their local Costa, including they have no concept of the church as a place where seven Scottish churches at various stages of planning and this wholeness might be found or explored. This can be holding events. It is encouraging to note, however, that a difficult area for many Christians to engage with and this sort of creativity is not confined to the caféchurch this session can be tailored to the needs of the individual network, or major high street coffee shops. A number of congregation. 4/18 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

(c) Introduction to caféchurch 6. Publishing Committee Approximately 8% of adults in Britain attend church regularly, The Publishing Committee supports the Church’s but over 50% regularly visit coffee shops. This ‘third space’ publishing house, Saint Andrew Press, the finances of Life (eg somewhere other than home or work) is becoming and Work and the production of Ministers’ Forum. increasingly important as a place where people engage with others and there are distinct possibilities for the church 6.1 Saint Andrew Press to use this environment to connect with the community Saint Andrew Press publications not only provide spiritual around it. This session provides an introductory overview to sustenance and worship resources to those who attend the theology and cultural of ‘caféchurch’, explored through Church, but also reach out to the wider community in group discussion, ideally in a relaxed, informal environment Scotland and beyond. Its publications aim to empower which emulates a caféchurch setting. people from all backgrounds to discover, explore and deepen their faith. As part of the five-year business plan, 5. Church Without Walls Saint Andrew Press was expected to produce more titles 5.1 This past year could best be described as a year of than ever before in 2009. This was achieved successfully transition for the work of Church Without Walls. Following with many excellent reviews, good responses from the the invitation from the General assembly of 2009 for the congregations and sales in this country of over 33,000 Mission and Discipleship Council to form a new Task Group copies, with rights sales around the world in several in order to carry forward the work of the Church Without languages exceeding 160,000 copies Walls within the revised priorities of the Council, a year of engagement with this process of prioritisation has been 6.1.2 Sales performance in 2009 was positive, with an undertaken. increase of 10% over the 2008 figure. In a year that saw dramatic change in the publishing environment, this is 5.2 Early on it was recognised that to form a Task Group and commendable. Despite the increase in sales, Saint Andrew then, following the pattern of the review and prioritisation Press missed its business plan target in 2009. In the light exercise, to only call upon the Convener to engage in the of the review being undertaken by the Council, this has process as an elected member of the Council, would have necessitated the production of a new business plan which been somewhat unproductive. Once the future shape and will see Saint Andrew Press operate within much tighter role of the Council is established a clearer picture would financial boundaries in the future. emerge of how the work of the Church without Walls group would impact and influence the Council and this, 6.1.3 Some of the highlights for Saint Andrew Press in we believe, would be the most appropriate time to draw 2009 are: together a Task Group made up of individuals with gifts • Insights Easter: What the Bible Tells Us About the Easter and abilities appropriate to the task ahead. Story by William Barclay; foreword by Diane Louise Jordan 5.3 At present the Council is in the final stages of • Reformation: the Dangerous Birth of the Modern World by consultation over the future shape and structure of the Harry Reid work and the role that the ethos and inspiration of the • Teachings of Jesus by Alicia Batten Church without Walls vision has brought to the Church • New Daily Study Bible 6-volume Gospel set new edition over this past decade will we hope be evident within the • Be With Me Today: Prayers of Encouragement and new work of the Council. Celebration MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/19

• Sacred Places series of three titles by Scotland’s Churches broad and changing Church with a 60-page format which Scheme; foreword by Princess Anne continues to challenge, inform and resource readers. • Iona CD by Kenneth Steven • Pray Now 6.2.1 Life and Work Advisory Committee • But I Say To You: Exploring the Gospel of Matthew by Leith The Editor’s Advisory Committee met only once in 2009, 4 Fisher but continues to be utilised on a regular basis as necessary. • Insights Joy: What the Bible Tells Us About Christian Joy by The Editor remains deeply grateful for the support, advice William Barclay; foreword by Ron Ferguson and counsel of this important Committee.

6.1.4 William Barclay’s New Daily Study Bible series is being 6.2.2 Awards nominations re-launched with each book given a strong identity of its The magazine was again short-listed in three categories at own in the marketplace and the new covers have been the Scottish Magazine Awards in 2009 with commendations well received. The popular new Insights series is designed in Member Magazine of the Year, Feature Writer of the Year to provide fascinating insight into the Bible in short books and Columnist of the Year categories. that provide great inspiration. It was described in The 6.3 Ministers Forum Good Bookstall review as ‘very special’. Ministers’ Forum continues to provide a means for 6.1.5 A number Saint Andrew Press publications, Ministers to debate issues of concern, as well as sharing including many of those above, and their authors were resources and ideas which may be helpful to others. It is featured in newspapers, periodicals, radio, television distributed to people in all types of full time Ministry, as and literary and Christian festivals, raising the profile well as to retired Ministers who request it. Many Ministers of the Church’s Christian message. Reformation was have contacted the Editor, John Ferguson, to express their selected by both The Scotsman and The Herald as one of appreciation of the fact that they can discuss the highs the books of the year and the author’s appearances at and lows of ministry, along with various theological and The Edinburgh Book Festival and Edinburgh’s New Year ecclesiastical issues, through the pages of the magazine. were sold out. The importance of editorial independence is appreciated by the Committee and it will continue to support this. 6.1.6 The Publishing Committee welcomes approaches from all parts of the Church in order to fulfil its remit from 7. Committee on Church Art and the Council of Assembly as the first point of contact for Architecture all those agencies of the Church seeking to have work 7.1 Introduction published. Advertisers frequently promote items offered for sale on the basis of “value for money”. This concept affects all sectors 6.2 Life & Work of society, government and private firms seeking contracts The Church’s magazine remains the best-selling monthly and individuals looking for investment opportunities. The religious periodical in the UK and has once again returned Church exists in this world, and in temporal ways also seeks a significant surplus. Advertising continues to perform well value for money but in addition it is important that the in a challenging marketplace. Life and Work is an important Church clearly articulates a message about other forms of part of the Church’s communication strategy in promoting values. the Church’s work among congregations and the wider world and consistently meets the challenges offered by a 7.1.1 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be 4/20 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL also” are familiar words from the gospel, reflecting the may be adapted according to the liturgical year and teaching of Jesus. It is an invitation to think about the congregational activities without massive expense and values we express as a Church. In relation to the work of destruction of an important aspect of a historical building? this Committee, it challenges us to discover what values The Committee believes that many creative additions might govern, influence, or even dictate our choices and to the environment of worship may be introduced on selections. A church building in a very visual way expresses a seasonal basis, allowing for the use of glass, paper a great deal about what a congregation values. and material in window alcoves, and at the front of churches. The work of ‘Soul Marks’, www.soulmarks. 7.2 Theology of Buildings co.uk, is also commended. The Committee are always The Committee recognises that there are important keen to see pictures of experiments which would assist theological considerations involved in what any other churches develop such temporary additions to congregation does in relation to its building. Whether the environment of worship. it is a major refurbishment and re-ordering project, a simple alteration to allow better access, a new stained 7.3 Buildings as a ‘Tool for Mission’ glass window, or the creation of an area for congregations It is obvious to the Committee that while our buildings to meet after worship, every development indicates may not be perfect, or suited to the current demands of something about what congregations believe and the the worship and mission of a congregation, they do serve values that are treasured. as an important agency and tool for mission. They ought therefore to be heated adequately and lit appropriately, 7.2.1 The Committee exists to encourage congregations and able to be used by the congregation in a way that to make appropriate choices and to think sensitively allows the membership to engage with the worship and and theologically about the values which the proposed mission of the church in a post modern and largely post- alterations may be articulating. A variety of values are Christian age. involved, which may be explored by asking the following 7.3.1 The values enshrined in our buildings are often questions: the first stage of an encounter with those who are on the • Is this the best possible design for this situation? fringes of the Church. First impressions are often the lasting • Is the proposal congruent with the agreed aim of the ones. Any extravagant and unnecessary expenditure Committee that any change should contribute towards on what appears to be peripheral or self indulgent will making the building more fit for purpose and therefore have a detrimental impact, just as poor maintenance appropriate for the worship and mission of the present and and antiquated or shabby furnishings can be equally off- future congregation? putting. • Are the best qualities of aesthetic sensitivity reflected in these proposals? 7.4 Visualisation of the Impact of an Alteration • Does the alteration acknowledge the historical heritage The Committee believes it is important for members and tradition of the building and if so, how will this be of congregations to be able to observe the impact of affected? proposed changes before they are put into practice. In • Will any new eco friendly development be cost effective particular, it is usually helpful if a model or ‘mock up’ of any and assist the congregation in diverting funds into mission development is prepared to allow the congregation to activities rather than buildings maintenance? make comment and offer their insights before extensive • Can a non-permanent alteration be considered which developments are undertaken. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/21

7.5 The Committee’s Role 7.6.1 It is the suggestion of the Committee that in the The Committee serves the Church by offering the Presbytery planning process, there needs to be some enthusiastic expertise of its membership to congregations consideration of the buildings which will be involved in and seeks to give objective perspectives on proposals any alteration of the provision of worship opportunities made by congregations. In co-operation with the General in a geographical area. The Committee has been 4 Trustees, alongside Presbytery Property Committees, the involved in some pro-active work and believes that this Committee attempts to ensure that congregations are should be made obligatory and the General Trustees enabled to make the best decisions possible regarding with the Committee should be asked to give guidance the interior presentation of the Church building. Exterior and reflect on the implications of alterations in the noticeboards and other alterations to the exterior are also number of buildings before any decisions are made and concerns which the Committee attempts to offer advice congregations are faced with the possibility of losing a and guidance for congregations to achieve the best building. The Committee would offer objective advice possible impact. and guidance to the congregations and Presbyteries regarding the possible advantages and disadvantages 7.5.1 Some of these discussions will be dictated by a of various options so that these would be part of the variety of values, not least, in these times, the financial consideration before a final decision was made. It is only aspect. The biblical principle, highlighted in the Old Testament story of King David’s desire to build a house for with the provision of information and the possibility of God in Jerusalem is important. When he is offered the site transformation of buildings that congregations may be for the future temple as a gift, he responds “I will not offer encouraged to forward harmoniously into union. unto the Lord that which costs me nothing”. 7.7 Consultation with the National Youth Assembly 7.5.2 Each congregation, however stressed and hard The Committee also wishes to report to the General pressed financially, makes decisions based on some values, Assembly that it took the opportunity to undertake a whether implicitly, or explicitly, acknowledged. It is the consultation with the members of the National Youth privilege of the Committee to participate in the exploration Assembly in September. The Committee was impressed by of what a particular congregation wishes to express in its the sensitive and challenging responses of these younger building about its purpose and mission. The Committee members of our Church to questions that engage and wishes to record its awareness and appreciation of the perplex the Committee. The National Youth Assembly enormous efforts made by many to create, preserve and members reflected on the principles and values which beautify, places which reflect the glory of God. shape and influence their understanding of what our buildings should represent. 7.6 Pro Active Involvement of the Committee and General Trustees with Presbytery Planning 7.7.1 Issues of Concern in Relation to Buildings The Committee has been extremely perturbed by It would be impossible to rehearse all of them in this report, the negative reactions, complaints and expressions of but the Committee is certain that some of the values in frustration and difficulty which have sometimes resulted our Church Buildings which the delegates identified are from the implementation of the decisions of the Arbitration bound to be of interest to the Commissioners. Among the process. The Committee believes that this should be a issues highlighted were the importance of stained glass final step on a journey which is based on negotiation, as it contributes to the atmosphere of a Church building. information sharing and objective guidance. There were other comments relating to the importance 4/22 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL of respecting the history of a building and seeing the with congregations to create a renewed environment present generation as curators of an inheritance past, with for worship and mission. As it has done with the National a responsibility for good stewardship, on behalf of the Youth Assembly, the Committee is keen to listen and learn future. The delegates also stressed the need, which they from the experience of others, reflecting on what was recognised as often difficult to achieve, of the balance helpful, what might have been done differently, and how between the traditional and the contemporary. the changes are working out with use. The benefits gained from these visits will be used to ensure that wisdom and 7.7.2 Church Hall Accommodation observations of a practical nature are conveyed to a The concerns of the delegates were echoed by the congregation about to embark on similar projects. Committee regarding the provision of Church hall accommodation. It seems to both groups that the 7.9 The Importance of Early Involvement of the accessibility and appropriate environment of halls Committee connected with churches is a matter of both mission to the The Committee hopes that the General Assembly will community and care of the congregation. This connected support its work by encouraging all congregations to with the other issue highlighted by the delegates that the contact the Committee and involve the Committee in outside appearance of a church building stated much to the early stages of any consideration of alteration or the wider community about the congregation within and development of church buildings. The Committee wishes its presentation of the gospel message. The National Youth to celebrate the work which has been undertaken by Assembly was also sensitive to the possibility of the use congregations and the welcome accorded by so many of moveable artistic objects and colourful fittings which congregations to Committee visitors. could create a variety of imaginative and creative settings for worship. 7.10 Recognition of the Contribution of the Gifts of the Members 7.7.3 Environmental Issues The Committee’s members bring a wide variety of gifts High on the list of values, as might be expected, were and expertise to the service of the church through their the environmental issues associated with buildings. discussions and visits to congregations. It is appropriate The delegates were keen to ensure that congregations that the General Assembly should note the huge amount planned to meet the ecological targets set by the General of voluntary effort which allows the Committee to function Assembly of 2009. They reminded the Committee, and of as a national resource. the Church, of the need for seating to be comfortable and acoustics appropriate to allow congregations to participate 7.11 Radio microphones fully in worship. While the National Youth Assembly was Commissioners may be aware that Channel 69 is going concerned about the buildings of the Church, they also to cease to be available for radio-microphone use from 1 issued an important warning that all expenditure on our January 2012. There may be a short extension to this, but buildings must be undertaken in the light of our awareness the loss is now a certainty – and churches and charities of how many in the world do not have any kind of building will face bills to replace sound equipment rendered to shelter them. useless by the change. A new dedicated channel will be provided, but older equipment will need to be retuned by 7.8 Learning from Congregational Experience technicians or, more probably, replaced completely. This is The Committee has resolved to undertake a series of potentially very expensive: the Church of England alone intentional visits to churches where it has collaborated calculates that it is facing an extra cost of £1 million. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/23

7.11.1 The Government appears to have agreed in 8.1.2 Throughout the past four years, the Rural Strategy principle that existing users whose kit is rendered useless Team has seen a similar shift in the way it operates. The should be compensated, but the terms of the compensation team has moved to a much more collaborative way of have not yet been announced. Attempts have been made to working to ensure that all Councils with an interest in ensure that a full compensation package: the cost of buying rural life in Scotland are aware of the impact their policies 4 new equipment, plus the cost of installing it, is offered to all could have on fragile communities. Within the Church, congregations who will be affected. the voice of rural communities has been heard louder than ever before through Commissioners raising issues of 7.11.2 The Committee would encourage Commissioners importance at the General Assembly in previous years. and all Presbyteries to support the Save Our Sound UK campaign – www.saveoursounduk.com - which 8.1.3 The Rural Strategy Team is grateful for the is a consortium of theatres, entertainment and event opportunity to build relations throughout the Church to production companies and technical trade bodies formed ensure that those living and working within rural Scotland to lobby Government for full compensation that meets the gain benefit from the work and mission of the Church of real cost. A deliverance to this effect has been attached to Scotland. this report so that congregations might be aware of the 8.2 Rural Study Leave Course possible impact of this alteration, and its financial cost. The Rural Strategy Team, in collaboration with the Ministries Council, organised and ran a very successful 7.12 Concluding Expression of Hope Rural Ministry Study Leave Course which took place in the The Committee trusts that in all its work that its membership Balmoral Estate in November 2009. During the course, 20 is open to the direction of the Holy Spirit who leads the participants took time to consider issues of ministry within Church into new ways and new expressions of faith. rural Scotland. As part of the process, learning outcomes were developed and it was hoped that by the end of the 8. Rural Strategy Team conference participants would have developed: 8.1 Introduction • A sense, as a rural practitioner, of being refreshed, fed The Scottish Government policy regarding Rural Scotland and nourished, both spiritually and intellectually. has changed markedly in recent years. Whilst the • A deeper understanding of the breadth of rural ministry government is committed to supporting rural life, rural and a sense of what being ‘rural’ means for the Church communities and the rural economy in Scotland, it has of Scotland as a Presbyterian Church. recognised that the best way so to do is to ‘mainstream’ • A sense of the socio-economic realities of rural life, an the needs of rural Scotland within all of its policies. appreciation of rural housing issues and a knowledge of what partnership working means within the rural 8.1.1 The government hopes that this move will context. encourage all policy makers to take the needs of rural areas • Knowledge of resources and strategies for ministering seriously and to adapt their policies to meet local needs in remote areas. and circumstances wherever possible. The government has initiated a number of bodies and mechanisms to 8.2.1 The course encouraged participants to address oversee and co-ordinate this approach and ensure that all these learning outcomes through a range of discussions, policies are sensitive to the needs and circumstances of taught sessions and field trips. Whilst engaging with rural communities. people who lived and worked in the rural community, 4/24 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL participants were encouraged to reflect theologically on placements, before university begins again, those who the rural church as a priestly, prophetic and evangelising have served the church in rural parishes over the summer presence. Sessions on: church size theory as it affects rural will come together again to share their experiences and congregations; personality type and what it means for learn from others through theological reflection. When rural ministry; and an awareness of team ministry within students are in the parish they will also be given a mentor a rural context, helped participants to reflect on their own who they can make regular contact with by telephone ministry. and email throughout their placement.

8.2.2 Participants commended the course as very 8.3.2 The Rural Strategy Team also recognises the useful to their ministry and it is hoped that the successful difficulties faced by the Ministries Council in placing partnership with Ministries Council can enable more candidates in rural parishes as part of the term time courses with an emphasis on rural ministry to be offered placement scheme. Many find it difficult to travel, and in the future. As one participant wrote in their evaluation impossible to relocate during university term time. of the course: Discussions are ongoing to ascertain if there are possible opportunities for candidates to experience ministry within “It was said several times that a small church is not a rural parish as part of the 10 week summer placement a failed big one. Likewise a rural Minister is not a or indeed as part, or all, of the final placement. It could be failed urban one. Rural ministry is as vital and as possible, for example, for a candidate to be seconded to needed as UPA, city or whatever. This course is an a rural parish for a number of weeks within his or her final important step on the way to affi rming this.” placement. It may be further possible that a candidate 8.3 Training for Ministry may serve their final placement in a group of parishes in a The Rural Strategy Team has been working closely with rural setting. the Ministries Council with regard to how best the need of 8.3.3 The Rural Strategy Team is grateful to the Ministries rural parishes can be communicated to those in training Council, and in particular the Candidate Training and for the ministry. For many years, students have had the Supervision Task Group, for their willingness to look at these benefit of voluntary summer placements in a scheme important issues in the future training of our Ministers. established by the then Board of National Mission and now operated by the Ministries Council. Many Ministers 8.4 Royal Highland Show may recall the stories of colleagues living in a manse in 2010 will mark 15 years of the Church having a presence at the middle of nowhere with little running water (although the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston in Edinburgh. Over this is perhaps not a fair picture to paint of typical rural the years the presence has moved from a small table in the parishes!). shopping area to a large scale ecumenical event run by the Rural Strategy Team and supported by the ACTS Scottish 8.3.1 It has been recognised that students in these Churches Rural Group. Increasingly the Church of Scotland placements can feel very isolated and require support. The presence is growing, owing to collaboration between Rural Strategy Team, in collaboration with the Ministries the Mission and Discipleship, Church and Society, World Council, will be seeking to help provide students with Mission, Social Care Councils and the HIV/AIDS Project. that support. It is hoped that before students leave for ‘their parish’ they will meet in a central location to discuss 8.4.1 2009 saw a significant expansion of the church’s hopes (and fears) for their placement. At the end of the presence at the Show. With the now traditional ‘church MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/25 tent’ at the heart of the Show providing a welcome significance. It is accepted, however, that there are many coffee, conversations and information for the visitors, the local agricultural shows where there is either no church team had to be expanded as the work amongst children presence, or there is a presence but it has limited impact and families increased. The Children’s Discovery Centre due to modest support and/or resources. marked their 10th anniversary year with a variety of stands 4 and exhibitions to showcase work and initiatives within 8.5.1 In 2009, an opportunity arose for the Rural Strategy rural Scotland. The Rural Strategy Team was pleased to be Team to support a church stand in Perth that would serve included in this venture, which enabled more seminars as a ‘pilot project’ of collaboration with a number of local and interactive displays to be shared with a huge number agencies. Such a project prompted the Rural Strategy of visitors over the four day event. Team to consider supporting similar ventures across the country. 8.4.2 To mark the increased church presence within the show, a church leaders visit was arranged, with the 8.5.2 The experience of the stand in Perth allowed the Moderator representing the Church of Scotland. Without Rural Strategy Team to look at ways in which local churches exception, all of the church leaders commented on the can facilitate a church presence. The stand proved to be a good work the church was able to do at the show. At success in view of the following: the visit the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the • through collaboration, a significant number of Environment, Richard Lochhead MSP, spoke on the work volunteers were recruited; of his department, and in conversation with many of the • the different partners brought different areas of church leaders he acknowledged the impact churches had expertise; within rural Scotland. The Rural Strategy Team was pleased • the involvement of local people attracted more visitors that a number of politicians from all political parties came to the stand; to visit the stand to find out about the church presence, • thorough planning allowed for a smooth operation; not only within the show but throughout rural Scotland. and • the stand was busy and a number of positive comments 8.4.3 The 2010 Royal Highland Show takes place in were received. Ingliston from 24 to 27 June and the Rural Strategy Team would be pleased to welcome people from churches 8.5.3 Such positive outcomes have provided the impetus across Scotland to learn of and to share from each other for supporting further local initiatives, assuming there are the work the churches do in rural Scotland. The church’s potential partners and resources. It must be stressed that tent is located in Avenue O, a short distance from Ingliston local shows can only succeed with local support. The House. role of the Rural Strategy Team must be a supportive one and not one of management or ownership. There are, 8.5 Church Presence at Local Agricultural Shows however, significant ways in which such support can be Whilst the Royal Highland Show as a national event is given including support of the Regional Development supported by the national churches, there is a significant Officer, providing materials, networking and co-ordinating number of local shows which take place throughout resources and training. Scotland. It is recognised that in more localised shows a church presence is best served by local churches and 8.5.4 Through this initiative the Rural Strategy Team indeed, over the years, a number of local congregations hope that many more agricultural shows can benefit from have staged church stands of varying size and having a church presence at the heart of the event. 4/26 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

8.6 Rural Research Project data of the churches were fed into Scottish Government As was reported at last year’s General Assembly, the Rural software known as ‘Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics’. Strategy Team has been engaged in a research project Each was analysed and given an urban/rural classification to determine the number and character of rural parishes that corresponded to its level of ‘rurality’. In what was a within the Church of Scotland. This project, with the labour-intensive undertaking, 609 rural parishes were working title ‘The Church of Scotland Rural Project’, allows for identified from the 1,448 parishes listed in Scotland. (See consultation with rural churches to take their perspectives Appendix III). into account and to determine where the priorities ought to lie in responding to the challenges that those churches 8.6.4 An inevitable issue during the identification face. Whilst it is accepted that there is no ‘typical rural process was that of parishes whose boundaries ‘bridged’ parish’, such research nevertheless provides data that may the different classifications. Not all parishes neatly fitted determine aspects of a particular parish which can be into ‘accessible rural’ or ‘remote rural’ areas. Some fitted considered ‘typically rural’. into both, whilst some others crossed over from rural into non-rural areas. In all of these cases, the classification that 8.6.1 The chief aims of the project are: fitted the majority of the parish population was the one • to ascertain the size and scope of rural parishes in selected. Scotland; • to define traits of parishes that are ‘typically rural’; 8.6.5 A key stage in the project was to identify a partner • to determine levels of disadvantage in rural parishes; to create a GIS (Geographic Information System) software • to target those parishes in need of priority help; package that would first create maps of the 609 rural • to determine the critical issues that will require focus for parishes and, in so doing, allow for further manipulation the Rural Strategy Team; and of the maps, using statistical input. Such input would • to assist future consultations. include the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The Statistics for Mission, first produced in 2004, contains 8.6.2 The very first task of the project was to define the such information, but as it only provides postcodes for term ‘rural’. To avoid protracted discussion, it was agreed to parishes; they lack the precision of maps, where a number use the Scottish Government’s definition, which, according of postcodes are bisected. Work on the GIS software to its urban/rural classification, reads as, ‘settlements of less could not begin until maps were obtained from relevant than 3,000 people’. There are further sub-classifications presbyteries and in many cases this proved a difficult of ‘accessible rural’ and ‘remote rural’ depending on the task, as presbyteries discovered that such information settlement’s proximity to a population of 10,000 or more. If was not readily available. By the end of November 2009, a rural settlement is within a 30-minute drive of the larger a sufficient number of maps were obtained to tender for settlement (10,000+), it is classed as ‘accessible’, but if it is the work, with the Statistics for Mission postcode listings beyond such a threshold, it is then classed as ‘remote’. providing ‘blurred’ boundaries for those maps remaining outstanding. 8.6.3 The next task was to identify those parishes that would fit into such rural classifications. This meant a 8.6.6 Stage one of the research, ‘mapping’ rural parishes vast number of parishes that may be considered rural in has now been completed. The next stage of the research nature not being listed, since they fitted into ‘small town’ is currently underway and seeks to measure disadvantage classifications (populations between 3,000 and 10,000). within the church’s rural parishes. It is hoped that this From Ordnance Survey grid references, the postcode stage will be completed within a year, and that once MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/27 complete will provide significant benefit to rural parishes 9. Scottish Storytelling Centre in helping them understand their parish, as well as the 2009 was a landmark year for the Storytelling Centre and national church taking rural disadvantage into account its work across Scotland. when determining policy. 9.1 In January and February the Centre took a leading 4 8.7 Rural Support Network role in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Ever since the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001, when the birth of Robert Burns. In addition to public events and Church of Scotland seconded Rev Richard Frazer as Rural school visits, the Director’s book ‘God, the Devil and the Chaplain to support those Scottish farmers affected, there Poet: Robert Burns and Religion’, published by Saint Andrew has been a call to continue such support. Press, proved a major talking point, and a source of further events throughout the year. The importance of Christianity 8.7.1 The Rural Strategy Team has been exploring ways in the life of Scotland’s national poet, and the relevance of developing this support to include not just farmers, but of Burns to our present religious situation were both fully all those working in a rural environment (forestry, fishing, explored. tourism, etc). The intended support would be in the shape 9.2 The Storytelling Centre also mounted a series of of a network that would, in partnership with local churches, Homecoming events culminating in the St Andrew’s Day help provide free pastoral support across Scotland weekend. Ideas and event themes were widely shared consisting of an initial response, followed by potential across the Church, and many congregations held Open referrals to outside agencies. As part of this development, Days, exhibitions, ceilidhs, guided tours, accompanied by discussions have been held with Farm Crisis Network and new websites and publications. The Scottish International other support agencies to seek a practical and integrated Festival in October was entitled ‘Homelands’, and way forward. These discussions are ongoing but, already, a welcomed visitors from Australia, the Caribbean, New number of welcome responses to the initiative have been Zealand, Canada and the USA among others. The festival received. celebrated Scotland’s ties of culture and faith across the world, while acknowledging parts of our inheritance 8.8 Rural Church Conference such as the treatment of aboriginal peoples and the slave The Rural Strategy Team encourages all presbyteries to send trade which brought shame rather than credit to our own representatives to the Rural Church Conference to take homeland. place in the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, Kincardine, from 29 to 30 October 2010. Previous conferences have 9.3 This Homecoming effort arose directly from Mission been influential in encouraging new initiatives and and Discipleship’s Church Visitor and Tourism strategy. The collaborations, most notably with the Ministries Council in Council, and then in turn the Storytelling Centre, were regard to training and resourcing rural ministry. delighted to play a full part in the national and international initiatives undertaken by Scotland’s Churches Scheme for 8.8.1 This year’s conference will focus on the issue of the Year of Homecoming. These include the new Sacred realising the potential of churches in rural Scotland. As well Scotland website (www.sacredscotland.org.uk) and the as Presbytery representatives, local churches can support Sacred Places Guides mentioned elsewhere in the Council’s Ministers and church members to attend the conference report. Over 1200 churches have so far signed up to be part at a reduced cost. For more details of the conference, of this collective effort to highlight Scotland’s distinctive please contact the Council. religious heritage as a contemporary missionary asset. The 4/28 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Council was greatly encouraged by the involvement and for God’ to five very different libraries across Scotland, enthusiasm of so many local congregations in the Year of urban and rural, and will monitor their usage over the Homecoming. next three years, with the aim of showing a high interest in such literature, and hoping to encourage congregations 9.4 In 2009 the Centre also began a three year to supply their libraries and schools with such books. The development of its business model. Under the heading five chosen libraries include Peebles Secondary School, ‘Scotland’s Culture: Our Resource’, the Centre seeks to Argyll and Bute library (Oban – which includes a travelling combine earned income, external grants and Church library service to islands) Perth and Kinross Library (City support in a way that maximises national impact while of Perth), Glasgow University and Dundee University providing services of real relevance to every parish. Over Chaplaincy Centre. (There is a Charitable Trust which helps 400,000 people across Scotland participated in the Centre’s congregations to purchase Christian literature to donate programmes in 2009, while the premises on Edinburgh’s to local libraries - www.christianbookpromotions.org.uk). Royal Mile attracted approximately 120,000 visitors. 10.2 During 2009 the group produced two apologetics 9.5 At the close of the year the Storytelling Centre leaflets for use by Church people and others. ‘Has science was delighted to begin commemoration of the 450th buried God?’ looks at where faith and science converge anniversary of the Scottish Reformation as part of rather than conflict, and argues the case for theism from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival. John Knox proved that, a position of knowledge and offers resources for those like Burns, he can still draw crowds, while providing a wishing to delve deeper into the subjects. ‘What can I say?’ suitably reflective gateway to 2010. is a redeveloped and updated leaflet providing brief and considered responses to negative comments on the topic 10. ‘Why Believe?’ Inter-denominational of theism and religion, frequently made in conversations. Apologetics Group Both leaflets are available free of charge through Mission This inter-denominational apologetics group endeavours and Discipleship Offices. to resource, equip and encourage Christians of all denominations across Scotland to confidently express their 10.3 ‘End of life’ issues are being debated across British beliefs as an increasingly aggressive atheistic and secular society at present, and questions being asked as to what section of society voices its opinions across the mass- makes humanity different from all other living beings, the media and in the community. The group has members place of morality as a defining factor of being human and from the major denominations in Scotland, who are also arguments regarding the enhancement of our physical experts in their own field of study, including a recently and mental abilities through the use of drugs, training retired professor of Philosophy, a present professor of and implants. ‘Why Believe?’, partnering with the Church Physics the chaplain to Heriot-Watt University and the and Society Council, held it’s bi-annual conference in director of Edinethics. Linlithgow in January 2010 asking the question ‘What is a person?’, with Elaine Storkey, John Wyatt and Thomas 10.1 There is an abundance of excellent apologetics Torrance addressing the topic while all participants were literature available for both academic readers and the enabled to voice opinions in one of four workshops: Ethics casual enquirer. Unfortunately little of it reaches the local and genetics, Killing with kindness, Smarter, stronger faster library or High Street bookseller. In 2009 ‘Why Believe?’ or Keeping our humanity. provided twenty carefully selected books ranging from ‘Christian Prayer for Dummies’ to Timothy Keller’s ‘The Reason 10.4 ‘Why Believe?’ continues to communicate with MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/29 and co-operate with Universities, churches of various are fi t for purpose given the pressures and denominations, Christian support organisations (eg isolation of the post and report back to the Christians in Science), respond to critics (eg British General Assembly of 2010 Secular society) and to monitor, and, if wise, comment or contribute to debates and reports in the media. 11.1.2 The particular issue which had provoked the 4 questions related to an editorial, by the Acting Editor of the 10.5 There is continued need for apologetics (credible magazine, regarding a case which in the process of being Christianity) to be developed and explained as a vital considered by the General Assembly in 2009, following work of the Christian church in Scotland, to resource the Commission of Assembly which had referred the congregational members, encourage academic study matter to the General Assembly of 2009. Strong protests and support Christians to have confidence to live and were expressed regarding the editorial, with fears that it express their Christian faith. One ongoing aspect of ‘Why could be prejudicial and distort the hearing of the case by Believe’s?’ resourcing for the church is the website www. the Commissioners during the General Assembly. godsearchscotland.org.uk. 11.1.3 The Mission and Discipleship Council, under 11. Life and Work Review Group whose ambit Life and Work operates, took these 11.1 Formation of the Review concerns seriously, and also considered the fact that the This review was initiated by the General Assembly of Editor, on her return from maternity leave, had raised 2009 when concerns were raised regarding an editorial important questions regarding the support structures in the May 2009 edition of the magazine of the Church which were designed to assist her in the exercise of her of Scotland, Life and Work. These concerns had been responsibilities. expressed in a number of areas prior to the General Assembly and had been considered by the Mission and 11.1.4 The General Assembly accepted the deliverance Discipleship Council, which proposed to the Assembly and this Group was formed by the Mission and that a review of the practice and status of “an editorially Discipleship Council and instructed to bring a report on its independent” magazine and the support structures for the investigations. It was also agreed that the Review Group Editor be instigated. should bring any recommendations on the magazine and its operation to the Council and the General Assembly for 11.1.1 The particular sections of the deliverance were; discussion. Instruct the Mission and Discipleship Council to undertake an extensive review, to include 11.1.5 The Review Group focussed its attention consultation with the Council of Assembly particularly, in the light of the terms of the Deliverance, Communication Committee, to: on the contribution of Life and Work to the mission of the church in its broadest sense. The Review Group, therefore, a) investigate the meaning and place of an did not embark upon a complete and unrestricted editorially independent Life and Work in evaluation, assessment and analysis of the magazine as a relation to the mission work of the Church; whole. b) examine and review the role of the Life and Work Advisory Committee as part of an 11.2 Membership investigation into the support systems which The Group was convened by the Convener of the Mission are in place for the Editor to ensure that they and Discipleship Council, The Rev Mark Johnstone and 4/30 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL consisted of Rev Bryan Kerr, the Very Rev Dr Andrew of the magazine. In one particular statement this is McLellan, Rev Peter Johnston, Rev Gordon Kennedy, Mr expressed with particular clarity, “……..an Editor must be John Hawthorn, member of the Mission and Discipleship independent….(s)he is expected to produce a paper which Council and Mr Richard Williamson, Journalist, with Rev is readable, informed and balanced, and to express what Nigel Robb, Secretary for Worship and Doctrine in the (s)he conceives to be the Church’s attitude towards current Mission and Discipleship Council, as Secretary of the issues as they arise from time to time”. This statement is one Review Group. Ms Lorna Finley, Communications Officer which the current review believes is of strategic value and and Editor of the magazine of the Scottish Episcopal importance in the current situation. Church, acted as a corresponding member and made contributions to the group. 11.3.4 The Commission’s report also emphasised the importance of a Consultative Committee being set up to 11.3 A Brief History of Life and Work assist the Editor in the preparation of the contents of the Life and Work was founded in 1879 by one of the great magazine, and able to express perspectives, based on their figures of the Church of Scotland in Victorian times, Dr knowledge and awareness of issues within the Church, for Archibald Charteris. This distinguished churchman was the information and guidance of the Editor. While it did also responsible for the foundation of the Women’s Guild not have had the means of insisting upon the direction (now The Guild) and the introduction of the Diaconate. of the Editor, it was designed to avoid any decisions by He became the first Editor of the magazine, envisaging the Editor which might damage the reputation of the a magazine which would offer a forum for debate, and a Church of Scotland, or alienate a significant number of its means of the Church of Scotland commenting upon and membership. engaging with the changes in Victorian Society. 11.4 Processes 11.3.1 From the beginning of the magazine, it appears A number of historical and current documents relating to that the Editor was independent in his choice of articles the history and background of the development of the and particular approach to the content of the magazine. magazine were considered by the Group, with a particular The editorial independence of the magazine appears focus on the question of “editorial independence” and the to have been assumed for a number of years, and was support structures for the Editor. The Group also undertook clarified by a special Commission of the General Assembly a wide ranging survey of former Editors and others with in 1972. particular competences within and beyond the Church of Scotland, to gain their expertise and insights. 11.3.2 The need for this Commission had its roots in a conflict between the Editor of that time and the 11.4.1 The Group also invited the readership to offer contemporary Publications Committee, which appeared their perspectives on the magazine with particular to be based upon a breakdown in communication. The concern towards the issue of “editorial independence”. Editor believed that he had been removed from his office Face to face consultations with the Council of Assembly inappropriately, and the Commission decided in his Communications Group, the Publishing Committee, favour. the Editorial Advisory Committee and the Mission and Discipleship Council also took place, in addition to 11.3.3 The Commission’s report, which was accepted submissions and conversations with the current Editor. An by the General Assembly, clearly articulated the need for overview of the financial picture relating to Life and Work the Editor to exercise freedom in relation to the content was contributed by the General Treasurer’s Department. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/31

11.4.2 The Review Group wishes to express its and Work is challenging and requires particular skills and a appreciation of all those who took the time to engage high degree of awareness of the current Church attitudes with the issues and offer personal and collective opinions to various social and theological issues. and insights. These have all assisted the Review Group in its deliberations. Many helpful comments were made 11.5.3 Journalists 4 which developed, for the Review Group, a picture and an From the comments of the professional journalists understanding of the reality of the demands of the task of within the Review Group and the experience of the editing such a magazine and the particular expectations former Editors, it appears that for the magazine to retain and challenges which he or she must encounter. its appeal, it is vitally important that the Editor’s role is not restricted to that of becoming the mouthpiece of a 11.5 Record of Deliberations committee. The Review Group is persuaded that, if the 11.5.1 Readership Perceptions magazine is to maintain a degree of integrity and employ It is clear from the submissions to the Review Group by the an Editor of competence and capacity, the Editor requires readership of the magazine that the current Editor exercises the freedom to gather opinion and consult, but must have her responsibilities with appropriate care and attention to responsibility for the content of the magazine free from the challenges of her appointment. Many of the comments outside interference. in the responses from readers, indeed the vast majority, were positive and affirming of the current position. They 11.5.4 Current Editor expressed the belief that the Editor presents a wide range The current Editor, in her submissions, expressed to the of articles which are engaging, helpful and insightful on Review Group her enjoyment of the work involved and her topics of interest to church members and those who are sense of responsibility as part of the ‘family’ of the Church acquainted with the Church of Scotland. Some readers have to ensure that the magazine reflected the values of the particular preferences and offered some suggestions and gospel and the wide and diversity of the character of the comments for the interest of the Editor. What was obvious Church of Scotland. She had serious concerns regarding was that the current readership is, on the whole, satisfied the reaction to the editorial, and the repercussions which with the way in which the Editor handles the responsibilities followed. However, through her interchange with the with which she has been entrusted. Review Group, it became evident that she welcomed the opportunity to have an objective outside examination 11.5.1.1 The Review Group also referred to the readership of the magazine, and would anticipate that the Review survey which had been undertaken in December 2008, would assist the magazine achieve its potential. prior to the issue which has created the demand for the review. In that survey, a satisfaction rate with the magazine 11.5.4.1 She expressed the hope that the recom- and its content and presentation of over 94% was mendations of the Review Group would enable the recorded. This appears to support the contention that the magazine to develop new ways of serving the Church. magazine is capable of providing the kind of materials and The Review Group believes that the magazine will only perspectives by an editorially independent Editor which survive and fulfill its original intention by development meet the requirements of its readership. and promotion. Only through appropriate investment, in a variety of ways, will Life and Work remain a means whereby 11.5.2 Former Editors the membership of the Church would become more aware Throughout all the responses received from the former of the variety of expressions of mission and ministry within Editors, it is evident that the task of being the Editor of Life and beyond local congregations, and understand the role 4/32 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL the Church played in shaping and influencing Scotland. 11.5.6.3 The Review Group believes that Life and Work, in its wide ranging articles touching on the variety of 11.5.5 Other Consultations expressions of admission in Scotland and overseas, and From the extensive processes of consultation with the its articles which highlight the faith journeys of particular Council of Assembly Communications Group, the Publishing individuals, and the discussion of news from the General Committee and the Editorial Advisory Committee, it was Assembly and particular congregations and groups who asserted repeatedly that Life and Work is seen as a valuable are involved in projects and developments, distinguishes and important part of the communications strategy of the itself in relation to this specific aim. Church. 11.5.6.4 The Review Group believes that the magazine, 11.5.6 Communications of the Church of Scotland while attempting to fulfill a missionary goal in its articles It was also important, in the reflections of the Review and presentations, may need to develop this aspect Group, to assert and admit that it would be unwise for of its work further and attempt to engage those who the Church to expect Life and Work to be the sole means are, at present, not members of the Church with issues of communication and the omni-competent part of the and concerns central to the Christian faith. While this communications’ strategy of the Church. Instead, the may generate publicity in the secular press, the Review Review Group would affirm the role of Life and Work as a Group is concerned that the magazine should not evade contributing factor in the process of encouraging creative engagement with controversial and challenging material and wide ranging communication of theological opinions which conveys to the public the fact that the Church is and reflections on the work of the Church. This must very much concerned with contemporary, moral and take place, in the view of the membership of the Group, social issues. alongside other developments which seek to engage with society and its questions on the nature of faith and the 11.5.6.5 The Review group would argue that in its character of the Church of Scotland. content and engagement in reflection upon the Church of Scotland’s distinctive witness, and ecumenical articles, 11.5.6.1 The Review group examined the Co-ordinated that the magazine does indeed participate in the work Communications Strategy of the Church of Scotland identified by the second strategic aim: which was agreed by the General Assembly some time ago. In that strategy several strategic aims were identified To celebrate our life as part of the whole Church of as critical in the Church’s wish to communicate beyond its Jesus Christ, within these islands and throughout boundaries. It is the belief of the Review group that Life the world and be mindful of the impact of what we and Work, in various ways fulfills these remits to a certain say and do on other churches. extent. Once again it must be emphasized that Life and Work cannot be expected to be the only means whereby 11.5.6.6 The Review group would also suggest to the these aims are achieved. General Assembly that the strategic aim identified in the communication strategy in relation to communication 11.5.6.2 In relation to the fi rst strategic aim: within the Church of Scotland which reads: To see beyond ourselves, to be more accessible to those who are not engaged with the Church, to To achieve and maintain eff ective communication encourage the enquirer in ways which are direct within the Church of Scotland and to encourage and inclusive. understanding and respect. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/33

11.5.6.7 Is also one which the magazine contributes 11.5.7.2 It is also recommended that while the regular towards in a positive manner through news items from consultation of the Editorial Advisory Committee ought to parishes, summaries of important points in General continue to take place by electronic means, it is important Assembly reports and the publication of materials which that the Committee meet together with the Editor on at inform the wider Church of the work of the Councils. least two occasions per year to discuss general matters of 4 interest and particular policy concerns which the Editor 11.5.6.8 The Review Group believes that the Editor may wish to reflect upon. is assisted in the task of ensuring that a wide range of material is available regarding the wider work of the 11.5.7.3 It is also the strong recommendation of the Church through the contact she has with the Secretaries of Review Group that this Editorial Advisory Committee ought the various Councils. While the Review group appreciates to have a chairperson appointed who is not a member of that the Editor is at liberty to decline articles which are any other of the groups concerned with communication prepared by Councils, the Review Group believe that the in the Church to ensure his or her complete independence Councils should seek regular meetings with the Editor to and remove any awkwardness or perceived conflict of ensure that the Editor is aware of the important current interest. The current situation where the Editorial Advisory issues within the remit of a particular Council. Committee is convened by the chairperson of the Council of Assembly Communications Group is unsatisfactory and 11.5.7 Editorial Advisory Committee could place the individual in an invidious position, and In order for the Editorial Advisory Committee to function ought to be changed immediately. appropriately, it appears necessary for it to be elected by the General Assembly, through the report of the Nominations 11.5.8 Relationship with Mission and Discipleship Committee. This would ensure transparency and create Council confidence in the Editorial Advisory Committee and As a result of the discussions, it is the opinion of the express clearly to the Church that it reflected the breadth Review Group that the line management staff structure of and diversity of the ethos of the Church of Scotland. It the magazine is appropriate and ought to remain within would allow the membership to be regularly refreshed by the Mission and Discipleship Council. The magazine is the including of new members with varied perspectives, certainly seen as an important resource for congregations, theological outlooks and experiences to enrich the work and therefore belongs within the remit of the Council of the Committee. The Nominations Committee would, whose remit primarily is to resource the congregations of of course, take account of the particular skills, talents and the Church. experiences required for its membership to contribute appropriately. 11.5.8.1 The Stewardship and Finance Department made it clear to the Review Group that though the profit 11.5.7.1 The Review Group also believes that the margin on the magazine has declined considerably due Mission and Discipleship Council should be invited to to the decreased sales, over a period, to the current level prepare guidelines for the Editor and the members of the of 30,000 per issue, it still generates a substantial amount Advisory Committee to clarify their distinctive roles and of money for the Mission and Discipleship Council and functions, and clearly identify the Editor’s collaboration therefore for one of the two stated funding priorities for the with them and consultation, without the Editorial Advisory Church of Scotland, namely Congregational Resourcing. Committee exercising control over the content of the magazine. 11.5.8.2 While it is obvious that the print medium is 4/34 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL effective in reaching part of the church membership and incorporated in the planning and development of the beyond, there may be value in exploring as an experiment Council’s work during the next three years. and in addition to the printed version, other media of communication (eg on line subscription processes). This 11.6 Recommendations clearly was highlighted by Publishing Committee, and the There should be no change in policy and no further Council of Assembly Communications Group, and would restriction of editorial independence regarding Life be supported by the Editor. and Work. The Review Group believe that it is essential for editorial independence to be affirmed, as has been 11.5.8.3 The Review Group believe that, while the recommended and accepted by the General Assembly in strategic importance of the relationship between the Editor all other reviews throughout the history of Life and Work. and the Editorial Advisory Committee is of prime concern, it would be invaluable for the Mission and Discipleship 11.6.1 The Editorial Advisory Committee should be Council to examine the relationship of the various groups appointed directly by the Nominations Committee of the concerned with communication in the Church and Life General Assembly, with appropriate membership reflective and Work to ensure that all the expectations of each party of the skills required of the membership. A membership of are known and appropriate. seven including the Convener, seems appropriate and the Principal Clerk should be an ex officio member in addition. 11.5.9 Development of Life and Work In the light of this expression of enthusiasm for change 11.6.2 The Editorial Advisory Committee should be and development, and the fact the magazine has not convened by a person appointed directly as Convener had any intentional investment in promotion in recent by the General Assembly. The person appointed should years, the Review Group is convinced that these should not be involved in any other of the Communication or be priorities for the Mission and Discipleship Council. If Publication Groups of the Church. the magazine is to survive and to supply the needs of the 11.6.3 The Review Group believe that the magazine’s Church in future it must be able to be flexible and utilize relationship to Mission and Discipleship should be a number of new and appropriate means of publication. affirmed as important. Life and Work is perceived as one Similarly, the magazine would benefit from the input of planned promotion and research, discovering ways in strand of the overall strategy and remit of the Council which it can broaden its appeal and include a wider age relating to ‘Resourcing Congregations’. The magazine is group in its readership. part of the family of the Mission and Discipleship Council and continues to serve the Church as a whole by focusing 11.5.9.1 The Review Group believe that the Mission and on the width and diversity of the Church’s involvement in Discipleship Council should investigate what appropriate Scotland and beyond its shores. staffing and support may be necessary to ensure the development of the magazine in future. 11.6.4 The Council of Assembly Communications Group should be encouraged to perceive the positive 11.5.9.2 While it is not the remit of the Review Group to contribution of Life and Work to the Communications dictate ways in which this ought to be developed, it is the Strategy of the Church. It is the hope of the Review conviction of the Review Group that this developmental Group that the Assembly will encourage and affirm the work in alternative additional media production and necessity of a number of means of communication. Life promotion are now an urgent necessity and should be and Work must be seen as a part, but not as the whole, MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/35 of the strategy of communication for the Church. The APPENDIX magazine has a distinct role and should not be turned into MEMBERS OF THE LIFE AND WORK a ‘propaganda vehicle’, but rather continue to be as broad REVIEW GROUP and representative in opinion and issues as the church of Rev Mark E Johnstone, Convener which it is a part. 4 Rev Bryan Kerr 11.6.5 The Review Group believe that the Mission and Very Rev Dr Andrew McLellan Discipleship Council should explore the possibility of an Rev Peter Johnston experimental development of an ‘on-line’ version of the Rev Gordon Kennedy magazine for a limited period to supplement the current Mr John Hawthorn printed medium. This developmental work would require Mr Richard Williamson to be supported appropriately, and the Mission and Rev Nigel Robb, Secretary Discipleship Council would therefore need to consider Ms Lorna Finley, corresponding member the implications for the current staffing structure. In the name of the Council 11.6.6 It is the belief of the Review Group that the Mission and Discipleship Council should consider the MARK E JOHNSTONE, Convener designation of funds from the profit of the sales of the ALAN D BIRSS, Vice-Convener magazine (which are the property of the Mission and LINDA DUNNETT, Vice-Convener Discipleship Council) for the appropriate process of NEIL PRATT, Vice-Convener investment in and promotion of the magazine, ensuring DAVID CAMERON, Vice-Convener that steps are taken designed to address the decline in STEVEN MALLON, Council Secretary readership. NIGEL J ROBB, Associate Secretary ALEX MILLAR, Associate Secretary 11.6.7 It is important that all the Councils and Committees of the Church are encouraged to engage with the Editor and enable the Editor to be fully aware of In the name of the Committee on Church Art their particular current work. This will enable the Editor to and Architecture ensure that, when appropriate, the magazine may reflect something of their work to a wider audience. ELEANOR MACALISTER, Convener PETER GARDNER, Vice-Convener NIGEL J ROBB, Associate Secretary

In the name of the Publishing Committee

JOHN MACGILL, Convener KENNETH P FORREST, Vice-Convener ANN CRAWFORD, Head of Publishing 4/36 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

APPENDIX I EDUCATION AND NURTURE ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE QUESTIONNAIRE 2008 Purpose The questionnaire asked Kirk Sessions how they were organised for Leadership and Pastoral Care. The purpose of the exercise was to:

(a) inform the Eldership Working Party that has been given the responsibility to develop the work of the Eldership; (b) enable the Eldership Working Party to have an overview of how Kirk Sessions are working; (c) assist the Eldership Working Party in developing new resources for the future; and (d) share examples of good practice with others

Number of Returns Over 650 completed forms were returned, with only one mainland Presbytery having no congregations responding. This gives the analysis the credibility of a national geographical spread. It is approximately a 43% response rate of the total number of congregations in the Church of Scotland [approximately 1500].

Responses by Presbytery

Edinburgh 48 (7.4%) West Lothian 14 (2.1%) Lothian 27 (4.1%) Melrose & Peebles 14 (2.1%) Duns 12 (1.8%) Jedburgh 8 (1.2%) Annandale & Eskdale 10 (1.5%) Dumfries & Kirkudbright 24 (3.7%) Wigtown & Stranraer 11 (1.7%) Ayr 32 (4.9%) Irvine & Kilmarnock 19 (2.9%) Ardrossan 17 (2.6%) Lanark 13 (2.0%) Greenock & Paisley 36 (5.4%) Glasgow 72 (11%) Hamilton 48 (7.4%) Dumbarton 18 (2.8%) Argyll 18 (2.8%) Falkirk 22 (3.4%) Stirling 19 (2.9%) Dunfermline 7 (1.1%) Kirkcaldy 11 (1.7%) St Andrews 10 (1.5%) Dunkeld & Meigle 8 (1.2%) Perth 18 (2.8%) Dundee 7 (1.1%) Angus 12 (1.8%) Aberdeen 14 (2.1%) Kincardine & Deeside 10 (1.5%) Gordon 7 (1.1%) Buchan 10 (1.5%) Moray 8 (1.2%) Abernethy 3 (0.5%) Inverness 10 (1.5%) Lochaber 7 (1.1%) Ross 6 (0.9%) MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/37

Sutherland 4 (0.6%) Caithness 0 (0%) Lochcarron & Skye 3 (0.5%) Uist 2 (0.3%) Lewis 2 (0.3%) Orkney 5 (0.8%) Shetland 1 (0.2%) England 5 (0.8%) 4 Europe 0 Jerusalem 0

Leadership (only one option was chosen)

There was approximately a 50:50 split between those congregations who had either an executive group, ‘Core group’1 or ‘leadership team’ 2and those who indicated no other group meeting prior to the Kirk Session. This is based on the 47% return for ‘none of the above’.

Executive group 228 35% Core group 56 8.6% Leadership team 46 7.1% None of the above 308 47.2% No answer 14 2.1%

Management of meetings (more than one option could be chosen)

It is encouraging that 63% of congregations that responded have occasional or regular discussion as part of Session, as well as 31% indicating that prayer arises out of the Session discussions and reports, and not just at the time of constituting the meeting. A high percentage (67%) prepare agendas in advance and 39% prepare their reports in advance. In relation to ‘worship’, there was obvious confusion as to what was meant in the questionnaire. Some used the term only associated with constitution of the meeting, whereas the question sought to determine if there was an extended form of worship over and above this. It is also not possible to tell if the answers related to only worship, or worship and a meal.

Occasional/regular discussions 410 62.9% Worship/meal prior to some meetings 86 13.2% Worship/meal prior to most meetings 22 3.4% Worship/meal prior to all meetings 203 31.1% Prayer 158 24.2% Agenda in advance 439 67.3% Reports in advance 254 39% No answer 30 4.6% 4/38 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Frequency of meetings (only one option was chosen) As would be expected, this ranged from monthly to ‘as and when required’ and ‘as determined by business’, and everything in between. Having said that, the vast majority of Kirk Sessions have ‘regular’ meetings. Factors that influenced the frequency of meetings were linkages, parish groupings, vacancies and the size of the Session (small). Further work would need to be done to see if there is any link between the pastoral care / leadership balance and amount of training offered, with the notion that the Kirk Session is primarily for business.

Monthly 171 26.2% Every 2 months 265 40.6% Quarterly 110 16.9% Other 100 15.4% No answer 6 0.9%

Percentage of Kirk Session with specific leadership responsibilities This question was not understood, so no figures are able to be given. For example, some indicated that they operated with 100% of Elders with specific tasks, yet still operated a traditional Elders district system. What is clear is that for some respondents all Elders, irrespective of their roles, have leadership responsibility. There is no way to establish, without further research, the Elders who carry both district and other specific responsibilities. What this question was trying to establish was how many Elders had leadership responsibility for specific tasks and had no district to visit.

Balance between Leadership (1) and pastoral care (6) (only one option was chosen) This table indicates that there is a leaning towards pastoral care.

1 10 1.5% 2 36 5.5% 3 139 21.3% 4 204 31.3% 5 115 17.6% 6 28 4.3% No answer 120 18.4%

This should not come as any surprise to us, due to the emphasis on the link between the Eldership and the district system over many years. The fairly high figure of 18% who gave no answer probably indicates that some people did not understand what was being asked. Another factor was clearly the size of the Kirk Session. The smaller the Session, the more difficult to differentiate between leadership and pastoral care - this is not in situations where people chose to have smaller Sessions, but in smaller congregations. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/39

Pastoral management (more than one option could be chosen) By far the largest response was the traditional system of one Elder, one district (85%). Other responses include districts with some done by Elders and others by ‘visitors’ (19%), and Elders doing their districts supported by others (14%). Some congregations operate a non-district system but this is probably in small rural charges, but not exclusively. Again more work would need to be done to establish this link. It is encouraging to see pastoral teams (39%), hospital teams (12%) and 4 bereavement teams (6%) as part of the pastoral care within local congregations.

One Elder…. 552 84.7% A system of…. 47 7.2% A non-district system 39 6.0% Elders not involved 7 1.1% Mixture 1 126 19.3% Mixture 2 92 14.1% Bereavement team 37 5.7% Hospital team 77 11.8% Pastoral team 256 39.3% Other 78 12.0% No answer 7 1.1%

Pastoral training of Elders (only one option was chosen) The picture here is mixed.

Annually 119 18.3% Quarterly 18 2.8% Monthly 6 0.9% Other 388 59.5% No answer 121 18.6%

The table shows a variation from monthly to annual but the figures are very low. The total percentage is only 22%. In the section marked ‘other’, the responses are also interesting. There is no percentage break down but some of the responses are ‘occasionally’, ‘as required’, when a course is run by Presbytery or a trainer, or when new Elders are being ordained. It is therefore ‘needs based’. What is worrying is the ‘no answer’ option that got nearly 19% and some congregations whose response was ‘seldom’ or ‘never’. It raises the question of people’s desire or motivation for training. 4/40 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Training materials used (more than one option could be chosen) This is grouped under four headings. ‘Ministers’ own’ (36%), that suggests that Ministers are more comfortable using materials that fit their own thinking, or it is simply easier to do it yourself, rather than bring someone else in to do it. However, it is encouraging for the Eldership Working Party that 29% of respondents have used Elder training materials. These responses should be further collated to see what issues congregations are seeking training in. The third section is bought or adapted resources. Some specific examples are, Christian Listening (Acorn Trust), workshops by Association in Christian Training and Connect 4 bereavement training. It is again worrying that 43% gave no answer!

Minister’s own 233 35.7% Elder trainer materials 189 29% Bought or adapted 74 11.3% No answer 279 42.8%

Congregations worth following up As one of the specific aims of the questionnaire was to share examples of good practice, several congregations have been identified as worth following up. i A ‘Core Group’ is one set up under “Contract church” and is attended by work group conveners, Minister, Session Clerk and an outside facilitator. ii Leadership Team denotes a smaller Kirk Session where not all the Elders are currently active by attending Session meetings but may still have pastoral responsibilities.

APPENDIX II MISSION AND EVANGELISM MISSION 21 CONFERENCE The following is a summary of the talk by Rev Dr Martin Atkins at the ‘Planting Life!’ - Sharing the Struggle and Celebrating the Success of Church Planting Conference, held in Bath in November 2009:

Importance of Greater Variety of Ecclesial Groupings by Rev Dr Martyn Atkins Churches can be located on a continuum in the following way:

more Indigenous more Pilgrim being ‘of the soil’ characterised by diff erence and distinction (eg national churches of the reformation) (eg the early church) MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/41

Some observations on this continuum:

• The tension between these poles seems God-designed. • The balance between them creates variety and health. • Both embody core gospel principles (both based on John 1). 4 • At each major point of renewal one model takes the lead to produce ‘fresh expressions’. • In times of change, both models undergo change. • The most emphatic pilgrim models have deep indigenous principles.

As we enter the future we need new models of both indigenous and pilgrim church communities to serve the present diverse society.

However, there is a timely warning here. It is when we are working at the experimental edge, breaking new ground, exploring new frontiers, attempting to be incarnational in a variety of contexts, that we have to be most aware of the ever- present danger of syncretism. Christianity has been hugely varied, as have models of church, so what holds it all together? What is at the heart of Christianity? – the person of Christ, Scripture, a rule of life/lifestyle, a community of faith and practice, models of discipleship.

Let’s look at just two of these strands –

1. Disciple-making. Being disciples, making disciples, nurturing disciples who change the world for good – this is the ‘acid test’ for fresh expressions of church and church plants.

2. Varied communities: i. Communities of place – people gathering for worship from the same neighbourhood or area (ie Parish church). ii. Communities of practice – people who have a stake in a shared enterprise, common networks, etc.

‘Place’ is still crucial for whole rafts of people, so some new models or fresh expressions of church need to be communities of place. But there is also huge potential for exploring the possibility of developing and sustaining church around communities practice. And ‘Institutional’ church is essential here – working from a reasonably strong centre with partners who are prepared to permit and support experiments on the edge. The need for variety is missional, but also political – increasing the recognition of Christians for ‘bridging and building capital’.

(Ann Morisy) 4/42 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

APPENDIX III RURAL SCOTLAND - HOW RURAL IS THAT PARISH? Introductory Notes As part of the commission to ‘map rural parishes in Scotland’, the Rural Strategy Team needs to begin by documenting pre-determined definitions of ‘accessible rural’ and ‘remote rural’. The current (2008) rural classifications according to the Scottish Government website are thus: • Rural – ’settlements with a population of less than 3,000’ • Accessible Rural – ‘settlements of less than 3,000 people and within a 30-minute drive of a settlement with a population of 10,000 or more’ • Remote Rural – ‘settlements of less than 3,000 people and with a drive time of over 30 minutes to a settlement with a population of 10,000 or more’

One difficult issue is that of whether to include in this analysis ‘accessible small towns’ and ‘remote small towns’ where many of the respective residents may consider themselves to be in a rural area. In the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Callander is surrounded by fields, farms, lochs and glens, attracting tourists and enjoying a reputation for a rural idyll. However, it has a population of over 3,000 people and according to the aforementioned website, is classified as an ‘accessible small town’ (‘accessible’ due to its proximity to Stirling.). To avoid endless argument, this analysis is strictly adhering to the population size of the settlement. Thus Callander, along with other seemingly rural settlements such as Peebles, Dingwall and even Wick, are not included. This in no way precludes such settlements from rural issues (or indeed, from being viewed as rural in character) and there will be occasion when such places may feature in the project. However, for the purposes of this initial task, an accepted starting point is necessary and since government classifications provide us with such an opportunity, it is these classifications that are, therefore, used in this particular exercise.

Another, but minor, issue is that of parishes whose boundaries may ‘bridge’ the different classifications. Not all parishes may neatly fit into ‘accessible rural’ or ’remote rural’. Some will fit into both, whilst others may cross over from rural into non- rural areas. In all of these cases, the classification that fits the majority of the parish population will be the one selected for listing.

Methodology The relevant parishes are listed alphabetically within presbyteries. The presbyteries are themselves listed in the usual Church of Scotland numberings. Therefore West Lothian Presbytery, being number 2, is high up on the list, with Shetland (46) coming at the end.

From Ordnance Survey grid references, the postcode data of the churches are fed into software on a Scottish Government website known as ‘Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics’. Each is analysed and given a classification number that corresponds to its level of ‘rurality’. This is then transferred onto the list.

Please also note that only those strictly fitting the aforementioned classifications are included in the list, so, for example, there are no entries for the Edinburgh and Glasgow presbyteries and entries for the Falkirk and Hamilton presbyteries are relatively few. MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/43

RURAL PARISHES (from listings in 2008/9 Year Book) Presbytery Accessible Rural Remote Rural Abercorn Avonbridge Blackridge 4 West Lothian Kirknewton Pardrovan, Kingscavil & Winchburgh Torphicen

Aberlady Athelstaneford Bilston Dirleton Bolton & Saltoun Dunglass Borthwick Gullane Cockpen & Carrington Spott Cranstoun, Crichton & Ford Traprain Fala & Soutra Whitekirk & Tyninghame Lothian Gladsmuir Yester Glencourse Humbie Longniddry Ormiston Pencaitland Roslin

Ashkirk Broughton, Glenholm & Kilbucho Bowden & Melrose Channelkirk Caddonfoot Skirling Carlops Stobo & Drumelzier Earlston Tweedsmuir Eddleston Ettrick & Yarrow Kirkurd & Newlands Melrose & Peebles Innerleithen Lauder Lyne & Manor Maxton & Mertoun Newtown St Boswells Selkirk Stow: St Mary of Wedale & Heriot 4/44 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Ayton & Burnmouth Greenlaw Bonkyl & Preston Langton & Lammermuir Kirk Chirnside Westruther Coldingham & St Abb’s Coldstream Duns Eccles Edrom: Allanton Duns Fogo & Swinton Foulden & Mordington Gordon: St Michael’s Grantshouse & Houndwood & Reston Hutton & Fishwick & Paxton Ladykirk Legerwood Leitholm Whitsome

Ale & Teviot United Kelso Country Churches Cavers & Kirkton Linton, Morebattle, Hownam & Yetholm Hobkirk & Southdean Jedburgh Oxnam Ruberslaw Teviothead

Applegarth, Sibbaldie & Johnstone Hoddam Brydekirk Hightae Canonbie United Kirkpatrick Juxta Dalton Langholm Eskdalemuir Ewes & Westerkirk Dornock Liddesdale Annandale & Eskdale Gretna: Old, Gretna: St Andrew’s & Half Morton St Mungo & Kirkpatrick Fleming Kirtle-Eaglesfi eld Tundergarth Lochmaben Wamphray Middlebie Waterbeck MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/45

Caerlaverock Auchencairn & Rerrick Closeburn Balmaclellan & Kells Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Buittle & Kelton Cummertrees Balmaghie Dunscore Borgue 4 Irongray, Lochrutton & Terregles Carsphairn Kirkgunzeon Colvend, Southwick & Kirkbean Dumfries & Kirkmahoe Crossmichael & Parton Kirkcudbright Kirkmichael, Tinwald & Torthorwald Dalry Lochend & New Abbey Durisdeer Mouswald Gatehouse of Fleet Ruthwell Glencairn & Moniaive Thornhill Kirkconnel Urr Penpont, Keir & Tynron Sanquhar: St Bride’s

Ervie Kirkcolm Glasserton & Isle of Whithorn Inch Kirkcowan Kirkmaiden Kirkinner Leswalt Kirkmabreck Wigtown & Stranraer New Luce Mochrum Old Luce Sorbie Portpatrick Whithorn: St. Ninian’s Priory Stoneykirk Wigtown 4/46 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Annbank Ballantrae Catrine Barr Coylton Dailly Craigie Lugar Crosshill New Cumnock Dalmellington St Colmon (Arnsheen Barrhill & Colmonell) Dalrymple Drongan: The Schaw Kirk Dundonald Fisherton Ayr Kirkmichael Kirkoswald Muirkirk Ochiltree Patna: Waterside Straiton: St Cuthbert’s Sorn Stair Symington Tarbolton

Caldwell Crosshouse Dunlop Irvine & Kilmarnock Fenwick Hurlford Kilmaurs: St Maur’s Glencairn

Fairlie Brodick Fergushill Corrie Cumbrae Kilmory Ardrossan Lamlash Lochranza & Pirnmill Shiskine Whiting Bay & Kildonan MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/47

Black Mount Biggar Cairngryff e Symington Carnwath Carstairs & Carstairs Junction, The United Church of 4 Coalburn Crossford Lanark Culter Forth Glencaple Kirkfi eldbank Law Libberton & Quothquan Lowther The Douglas Valley Church

Inverkip Greenock & Paisley Langbank Lochwinnoch

Glassford Hamilton Kirk o’ Shotts Quarter

Baldernock Arrochar Cardross Craigrownie Dumbarton Garelochhead Rosneath: St Modan’s Kilmaronock Gartocharn Luss

Appin Ardchattan Ardrishaig Coll Colonsay & Oronsay Connel Argyll Craignish Cumlodden, Lochfyneside & Lochgair Gigha & Cara Glassary, Kilmartin & Ford Glenaray & Inveraray Glenorchy & Innishael 4/48 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Innellan Iona Jura Kilarrow Kilberry Kilbrandon & Kilchattan Kilcalmonell Kilchoman Kilchrenan & Dalavich Kildalton & Oa Kilfi nan Kilfi nichen & Kilvickeon & the Ross of Mull Killean & Kilchenzie Kilmeny Kilmodan & Colintraive Kilmun Kilninver & Kilmelford Kyles Lismore Argyll Lochgilphead Lochgoilhead & Kilmorich Muckairn Mull, Isle of, Kilninian & Kilmore North Knapdale Portnahaven Sadell & Carradale Salen & Ulva Skipness Southend South Knapdale Strachur & Strathlachlan Strathfi llan Strone & Ardentinny Tarbert Tiree Tobermory Torosay & Kinlochspelvie Toward The United Church of Bute MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/49

Airth Blackbraes & Shieldhill Falkirk Carriden Muiravonside Slamannan 4

Balfron Aberfoyle Buchannan Ardeonaig Buchlyvie Balquhidder Cowie & Plean Gartmore Dollar Killin Drymen Port of Menteith Fallin Fintry Gargunnock Stirling Glendevon Killearn Kilmadock Kincardine-in-Menteith Kippen Menstrie Muckhart Norrieston Strathblane

Aberdour: St Fillan’s Cairneyhill Dunfermline Dunfermline: Townhill & Kingseat Limekilns Saline & Blairingone

Auchtertool Kennoway, Windygates & Balgonie: St Kenneth’s Kirkcaldy Kinglassie Kinghorn Wemyss & West Wemyss 4/50 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Abdie & Dunbog Auchtermuchty Balmerino Boarhills & Dunino Cameron Carnbee Ceres, Kemback and Springfi eld Crail Creich, Flisk & Kilmany Dairsie Edenshead & Strathmiglo Elie St Andrews Falkland Freuchie Howe of Fife Kilconquhar & Colinsburgh Kingsbarns Largo & Newburn Largo: St. David’s Largoward Monimail Newburgh St. Monans Strathkinness

Alyth Aberfeldy Ardler, Kettins & Meigle Amultree & Strathbraan Bendochy Blair Atholl & Struan Caputh & Clunie Braes of Rannoch Coupar Angus: Abbey Dull & Weem Dunkeld Fortingall & Glenlyon Dunkeld & Meigle Kinclaven Foss & Rannoch Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay Kenmore & Lawers Kirkmichael, Straloch & Glenshee Pitlochry Rattray Tenandry MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/51

Abernethy & Dron & Arngask Comrie Almondbank Tibbermore Dundurn Ardoch Muthill Auchtergaven & Moneydie Blackford 4 Cargill Burrelton Cleish Collace Dunbarney & Forgandenny Errol Perth Fossoway: St Serf’s & Devonside Fowlis Wester, Madderty & Monzie Gask Kilspindie & Rait Methven & Logiealmond Orwell & Portmoak Redgorton & Stanley St. Madoes & Kinfauns St. Martins The Stewartry of Strathearn Trinity Gask & Kinkell

Abernyte Auchterhouse Fowlis & Liff Inchture & Kinnaird Dundee Longforgan Lundie & Muirhead of Liff Monikie & Newbigging Murroes & Tealing 4/52 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Aberlemno Arbirlot Barry Carmyllie Colliston Dun & Hillside Dunnichen, Letham & Kirkden Eassie & Nevay Edzell Lethnot Glenesk Farnell Angus Fern Careston Menmuir Fern Newtyle Friockheim Kinnell Glamis, Inverarity & Kinnettles Guthrie & Rescobie Inchbrayock Inverkeilor & Lunan Oathlaw Tannadice The Glens & Kirriemuir: Old The Isla Parishes

Aberdeen Newhills

Aberluthnott Aboyne & Dinnet Arbuthnott, Bervie & Kinneff Birse & Feughside Kincardine & Banchory-Devenick & Maryculter/ Cookney Braemar & Crathie Deeside Drumoak & Durris Cromar Mearns Coastal Glenmuick (Ballater) West Mearns Mid Deeside MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/53

Barthol Chapel Cushnie & Tough Belhelvie Howe Trinity Blairdaff & Chapel of Garioch Noth Cluny Strathbogie Drumblade Culsalmond & Rayne Upper Donside 4 Daviot Echt Fintray Kinellar Keithhall Gordon Foveran Insch-Leslie-Premnay-Oyne Meldrum & Bourtie Methlick Midmar Monymusk New Machar Tarves Udny & Pitmedden

Aberdour Auchaber United Crimond Auchterless Cruden Fordyce Deer King Edward Fyvie Macduff Gardenstown Marnoch Longside Monquhitter & New Byth Lonmay Ordiquhill & Cornhill Buchan Maud & Savoch Whitehills New Deer: St. Kane’s New Pitsligo Pitsligo Rathen: West Rothienorman St. Fergus Sandhaven Strichen & Tyrie 4/54 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Aberlour Cullen & Deskford Alves & Burghead Dyke Bellie Edinkillie Birnie & Pluscarden Findochty Dallas Keith: North, Newmill, Boharm & Rothiemay Moray Duff us, Spynie & Hopeman Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown Kinloss & Findhorn Mortlach & Cabrach Raff ord Portknockie Rothes St. Andrew’s-Lhanbryd & Urquhart Speymouth

Abernethy Alvie & Insh Boat of Garten & Kincardine Cromdale & Advie Dulnain Bridge Duthil Abernethy Grantown-on-Spey Kingussie Laggan Newtonmore Rothiemurchus & Aviemore Tomintoul, Glenlivet & Inveraven

Ardersier Cawdor Croy & Dalcross Culloden: The Barn Daviot & Dunlichity Dores & Boleskine Inverness Kilmorack & Erchless Kiltarlity Kirkhill Moy, Dalarossie & Tomatin Petty Urquhart & Glenmoriston MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/55

Acharacle Ardgour Ardnamurchan Duror Fort Augustus 4 Lochaber Glencoe: StMunda’s Glengarry Kinlochleven Nether Lochaber North West Lochaber Strontian

Avoch Contin Ferintosh Cromarty Fortrose & Rosemarkie Fearn Abbey & Nigg Killearrnan Fodderty & Strathpeff er Ross Knockbain Kilmuir & Logie Easter Resolis & Urquhart Kiltearn Urray & Kilchrist Lochbroom & Ullapool Tarbat

Altnaharra & Farr Assynt & Stoer Clyne Creich Dornoch Cathedral Durness & Kinlochbervie Eddrachillis Sutherland Golspie Kildonan & Loth Helmsdale Kincardine Croick & Edderton Lairg Melness & Tongue Rogart Rosehall 4/56 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Bower Canisbay Dunnet Halkirk & Westerdale Caithness Keiss Olrig The North Coast Parish The Parish of Latheron Watten

Applecross, Lochcarron & Torridon Bracadale & Duirinish Gairloch & Dundonnell Gleneig & Kintail Lochcarron & Skye Kilmuir & Stenscholl Lochalsh Portree Snizort Strath & Sleat

Barra Benbecula Berneray & Lochmaddy Carinish Uist Kilmuir & Paible Manish-Scarista South Uist Tarbert

Barvas Carloway Cross Ness Kinloch Lewis Knock Lochs-Crossbost Lochs-in-Bernera Uig MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/57

Birsay, Harray & Sandwick East Mainland Eday Evie Firth 4 Flotta Hoy & Walls North Ronaldsay Orphir Orkney Papa Westray Rendall Rousay Sanday Shapinsay South Ronaldsay & Burray Stenness Stromness Stronsay: Moncur Memorial Westray

Burra Isle Delting Dunrossness & St Ninian’s inc Fair Isle Fetlar Lerwick & Bressay Nesting & Lunnasting Northmavine Shetland Sandsting & Aithsting Sandwick, Cunningsburgh & Quarff Tingwall Unst Walls & Sandness Whalsay & Skerries Yell 4/58 MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL

Statistical Analysis Of the 609 rural parishes, 327 are ‘accessible rural’ and 282 are ‘remote rural’. This equates to 53.7% and 46.3% respectively of the whole rural total. The overall number of rural parishes (609) is 42% of the total number of parishes in Scotland (1,448). The Presbytery with the most number of rural charges is Argyll with 51. The next three highest are Dumfries & Kirkcudbright with 29, and Ayr and Buchan both having 26. The Edinburgh and Glasgow presbyteries have no rural parishes, whilst Aberdeen Presbytery has just one.

Total Parishes in Scotland

Edinburgh 86 St Andrews 38 West Lothian 27 Dunkeld & Meigle 21 Lothian 50 Perth 38 Melrose & Peebles 26 Dundee 39 Duns 22 Angus 35 Jedburgh 16 Kincardine & Deeside 21 Anandale & Eskdale 24 Aberdeen 37 Dumfries & Kirkcudbright 40 Gordon 30 Wigtown & Stranraer 21 Buchan 36 Ayr 50 Moray 30 Irvine & Kilmarnock 28 Abernethy 12 (100% Rural) Ardrossan 31 Inverness 25 Lanark 24 Lochaber 16 Greenock & Paisley 57 Ross 21 Glasgow 142 Sutherland 14 (100% Rural) Hamilton 84 Caithness 14 Dumbarton 35 Lochcarron – Skye 9 (100% Rural) Argyll 59 Uist 8 (100% Rural) Falkirk 36 Lewis 11 Stirling 47 Orkney 21 Dunfermline 24 Shetland 14 (100% Rural) Kirkcaldy 29 TOTAL 1,448

APPENDIX IV COMMITTEE ON CHURCH ART AND ARCHITECTURE - MEETING DATES FOR 2010 6 May 24 June 2 September 7 October 2 December MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL 4/59

APPENDIX V CO-OPTED MEMBERS ON TASK GROUPS AND COMMITTEES

Education and Nurture Mission and Evangelism Worship and Doctrine 4 Jen Zielinkski None Rev Karen Watson Allan Ramsay Scott McCarthy Fiona McKibbin

Rural Strategy Team Publishing Committee Committee on Church Art and Architecture

Rev Alex Currie Mr John S Brown Mr Campbell Duff Mr Bill Harvey Mr John Henderson Mr Neil Taverner Rev Kenneth McKenzie Rev Lorna Murray Rev Brian Ramsay Mr Lewis Rose Rev Dr Adrian Varwell

Scottish Storytelling Centre Executive ‘Why Believe?’ Group

Rev Fraser Penny Church of Scotland: Rev Dr Alistair Donald, Prof Joe Rev Kenneth Petrie Houston, Rev Pauline Steenbergen. Jean Findlater Mrs Alison Carter, Rev Jock Stein, Nansie Blackie Mr Mark Stirling, Rev Andy Campbell Rev Dorothy Purnell United Free: Rev Stephen Matthews Margaret Grant Salvation Army: Mr John Coutts D Colin Mackay Scottish Episcopal: Prof Wilson Poon Rachel Smillie Free Church: Rev David Robertson Rev Linda Bandelier Baptist: Rev Andy Scarcliffe David Campbell Methodist: Rev Gerald Bostock Senga Munro Scripture Union: Mr Stephen Hall Rev Russell McLarty Rev Alex Millar Dr Donald Smith SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL May 2010

CONTENTS Deliverance Our Governance 5 Introduction Our Achievements & Anniversaries Our Remit 1. 2009 CrossReach Achievements Our Services 1.1 Quality – Care Commission Inspections Our Staff 1.2 Qualifi cations Our Past Year 1.3 Scottish Care Awards 1. Services to Older People 1.4 The Great British Care Home Awards 1.1 Housing Support Model 1.5 COSLA Excellence Awards 1.2 Day Opportunities 1.6 Schools 1.3 Flexible Models of Care 1.7 Carers’ Conference 1.4 Rubislaw Park 2. Services Anniversaries in 2009 2. Children & Families Our Plans 3. Adult Care 1. Strategic Planning 3.1 Learning Disabilities 2. Fit for Purpose 3.2 Counselling & Support 3. Financial Strategy 3.3 Criminal Justice Services 4. Priority Areas Action Plan 3.4 Substance Misuse 5. Christian Homelessness Consortium 3.4.1 Ronachan House 6. Second International Dementia Conference 3.4.2 Beechwood House, Inverness 7. Eurodiaconia 3.5 Mental Health Services 8. Wellhall Home for Older People 3.6 Homelessness Services 9. Allarton House – Mental Health 4. Central Services 10. Shared Services 5. Financial Performance Our Support

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE

The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Commend the Corporate Management Team for their management of the organisation throughout a period of signifi cant change and express appreciation to those staff who, as a result of the restructuring exercises, are no longer employed by CrossReach. 3. Welcome the appointment of Peter Bailey as Chief Executive Offi cer of CrossReach and Secretary of the Social Care Council. 5/2 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

4. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (see Ministries Council Section 1.3) and commit the Social Care Council in partnership with others to its eff ective delivery over the next seven years. 5. Commend Tayside and Lothian Health Boards for their funding contributions to the Counselling Services and encourage other Health Boards to do likewise. 6. Thank the Guild for its past and ongoing support of the Council. 7. Note with regret the services that have had to close, as a result of the fi nancial situation, and express the Assembly’s regret at the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership’s decision to withdraw funding from the Designated Place in Inverness, a service renowned for its success and early intervention in the area of substance misuse. 8. Thank the whole Church for its support through prayer, volunteering and through donations from local churches and encourage the Church to continue its support at a time of major challenge for the Council. 9. Encourage the Council to continue to develop partnerships particularly with other ecumenical partners. 10. Encourage the Council to continue its work on its strategic plan and welcome the initiatives in 2010 to create an organisation ‘fi t for purpose’ to face the challenges of the developing social care environment.

Fit For Purpose oriented model to ensure eff ective sustainable support of front line services. The report also recognises the need for Introduction change in the Council’s governance resulting in changing Worship has always been and is central to the life of seven governance groups to three with more involvement CrossReach! Signifi cant observers believe this synergy is of Council Members. refl ected in the quality of care. Despite major changes, the report shows we have had During the year, on a notable occasion, the daily worship some notable ACHIEVEMENTS: was led by President Kenneth Kaunda [at his own request] • 94% of services graded good or higher for Quality on the fi rst day of a visit to Scotland. The singing continued of Care and Support. till he got to his car! Kaunda is the son of a Church of • Over 67% of staff qualifi ed. Scotland missionary and fi rst President of independent Zambia. It was in response to the activities of Kaunda and • 171 staff gained qualifi cations in 2009. others that 50 years ago in February Prime Minister Harold • 2 fi nalists for the Scottish Care Awards. Macmillan made famous the observation that there was • Great British Care Homes Awards – Adams House - a wind of change blowing. Always committed to being fi nalist. reformed and reforming CrossReach has this year been • COSLA Excellence Award – Bronze Award to Oasis led by the Spirit, not so much by a wind of change but Centre, Garelochhead. through a force 9 gale of change requiring skilled change management. The Church depends on the confi dence of central and local government bodies in society. Despite the The report acknowledges that the challenge to prioritise economic challenge the outstanding quality of care the front line sustainable services has had to take place at a is evidenced by the relevant independent regulatory fast pace. Like a roller coaster at times! Central services have bodies and stakeholders alike. The vast proportion of our been reviewed, reduced and refocused on a partnership income comes from outside the Church and working in SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL 5/3 partnership with CrossReach is mutually valued by local strategically in our future planning. We are grateful for the authorities and ourselves. support and advice of other Councils and in particular the Assembly Finance Committee. We want to strengthen Income our links with congregations in mobilising the resources of buildings, volunteers, prayer and support. Free copies Donation from Central Legacies and Church Funds 1% Investment Income 5% of our Prayer Diary and the Circle of Care paper may be obtained from Charis House. 5 Fundraising (incl trusts) and Grants 1% Three hundred and sixty fi ve days a year, you will fi nd social care services being provided across Scotland in Christ’s name and in the name of the Church of Scotland. This is an achievement of which the Church can feel justifi ably proud as many lives are touched through the day-to-work of this area of ministry. The Social Care Council (operating as CrossReach) is proud, but most of all privileged to be involved in this challenge. We hope that in this report readers might capture some of the privilege, challenge Income from and pride. Service Delivery 93% Our Remit The Council is grateful for the commitment of its Senior • as part of the Church’s mission, to off er services in Management Team to eff ect and manage change. We Christ’s name to people in need; also acknowledge the co-operation of staff and the • to provide specialist resources to further the caring Advisory Consultative and Negotiating Group (ACNG). work of the Church; The report acknowledges the contribution of staff who • to identify existing and emerging areas of need, to have retired or taken voluntary redundancy. We were guide the Church in pioneering new approaches to delighted to appoint Peter Bailey as Chief Executive from relevant problems and to make responses on issues 1 January 2010. We also hope to complete our Senior arising within the area of the Council’s concern through Management Team by the appointment of two further Directors by the Assembly meeting. Peter has headed appropriate channels such as the Church’s Church and up our HR section for 18 years and was previously HR Society Council, the Scottish Government and the like; Principal Offi cer for the largest Social Work Department • to conduct an annual review of progress made in in Europe. His eff ective leadership is rooted in both his discharging the remit and provide an annual written faith and his experience. report to the General Assembly; • to oversee an appropriate corporate management and We are proud to care in Christ’s name as the caring arm support service to deliver the above and be responsible of the Church of Scotland and we have sought to draw for funding all salaries and related costs; closer to other departments and our ecumenical partners • to set and review terms and conditions of staff and in joint working. We wish to involve service users more establish appropriate internal governance systems. 5/4 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

Our Services We provide services, through three main sections, Services to Older People, Adult Care and Children & Families, to over 3,000 people every day.

No of Homes/Projects Services to Older People Residential Homes 17 Housing Support Services 4 Day Care Services 7 Dementia Homes 6 Care at Home 1

Adult Care Services Learning Disabilities Day Centre 1 Autism 1 Supported Living Services 5 Residential Services 4 Epilepsy 1 Short Breaks Services 1 Criminal Justice 2 Substance Misuse 11 Counselling & Support 7 Mental Health 4 Homelessness Residential Units 3 Supported Accommodation 2 Children & Families Schools 2 Residential Unit for Children with Disabilities 1

Total 80 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL 5/5

Our Staff As an ethos and values driven organisation our staff strive to ensure that our following values are refl ected in our Over 2,000 committed and enthusiastic staff and relief staff service delivery but also in the ways in which they work are employed. Service Managers, Deputies, Senior Project together: Leaders, Project Leaders, Project Workers, Care Workers, • We will accept and respect everyone for their own Domestics, Cooks, to name but a few, provide the vital individual worth front line services. The quality of the services provided is • We will consult with and involve individuals and/or their closely linked to the qualities of our staff . All staff are given 5 representatives in issues that aff ect them development opportunities, the majority are qualifi ed and • We will ensure that the reasons for our actions are many more are in the process of gaining qualifi cations. transparent and that we act with integrity Front line services cannot achieve success without the help • We will treat everyone with fairness and consistency of professional support services. Staff with responsibilities and be accountable for our actions for Estates and Health & Safety, Human Resources, People • We will seek to serve and support everyone in a spirit of Development, Business Development, Finance, IT and grace, humility and compassion Income Generation provide vital support services which complete the team of staff off ering services in Christ’s name.

Staff Employed by CrossReach Full-time 1-Feb-2010 Full-time Part-time Total Equivalent 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 Operations Staff 606 608 877 866 1483 1474 1185.96 1176.88 Executive, Offi ce & 62 86 11 17 73 103 68.37 95.95 Support Staff * 1556 1577 1254.33 1272.83

*In addition there are 636 people employed as Relief Care Workers (130 full year whole time equivalent). This compares to 625 at 31 January 2009. 5/6 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

Our Past Year a medical centre supports older people with dementia and mental health problems. This project is another example of The past year has had its share of challenges and partnership, this time with Argyll and Bute Council. Having opportunities in equal measure. Like many other social been awarded a bronze COSLA award for innovative care providers the challenges have been fi nancially driven practice and a Grade 6 Excellent Standard from the Care in view of the global fi nancial crisis which has aff ected us Commission, this is a highly successful quality initiative. through rising costs but also through reduced funding from our funders. It is to the credit of all our staff that, A similar service is provided within the Perthshire area whilst having to address fi nancial challenges, they have at Bankfoot. The new church building was designed to continued to provide continuity and quality of service to cater for the needs of the community and our Day Care our many service users. Service is run from a purpose-built area within the church and is strongly supported at local level by the church 1. Services to Older People community. Whilst continuing to provide much needed residential care services for older people, the Services to Older People 1.4 Rubislaw Park team continue to develop alternative models of care in a Following a major capital investment of over £6m, the range of diff erent ways, primarily designed to be person- 64-place unit at Rubislaw was opened during 2009. A centred, often in partnership but maintaining the high purpose-built unit designed over six wings it provides care quality for which this area of service is renowned. in a modern environment but with the same emphasis on person-centred care. Many of the people who have been 1.1 Housing Support Model assessed as requiring specialist dementia care will receive There have been considerable successes in developing this service in a dedicated unit within the building. housing support models where older people are supported to maintain their tenancy and care packages 2. Children & Families are delivered according to individual assessment. Some Throughout 2009 the Council has continued its commitment excellent partnerships between Glasgow City Council, to children exhibiting diffi cult behaviour through both Shettleston Housing Association, the West of Scotland Ballikinrain and Geilsland Schools. Through these services Housing and CrossReach deliver services to people in Council supports the children (and their families) seeking to their own fl ats giving them the ideal opportunity to be help them to build their resilience by introducing structures self-contained but with 24 hour staff on hand. and routines where they experience consistent care and acceptance. The Schools are heavily biased towards 1.2 Day Opportunities experiential learning using art, drama, adventure activity, The Day Opportunities Service seeks to break the cycle of vocational training and through its Forest School. The isolation and exclusion for older people within the main emphasis is to provide high quality education and care on areas of Glasgow. Staff take the older person on outings or a residential day basis to children who have not fl ourished sit and chat with them in their own home or participate in in normal education systems, helping them to control their an activity with them. Often this is the only time that the behaviour and grow in confi dence. older person is out or in company. In view of the nature of the service, the costs of delivery 1.3 Flexible Models of Care are high and the Schools operate in a challenging The Oasis in Garelochhead, a Day Care Service attached to fi nancial environment. This challenging environment SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL 5/7 resulted in the Council commissioning a major review the Council reluctantly agreed to close the Florentine of costs and funding in order to seek to achieve long- Service, a residential service for people with learning term sustainability of these services. The review, chaired disabilities, review the staff structure in the Threshold by Alastair MacNish O.B.E, immediate past Chair of the Glasgow project and withdraw from providing the service Accounts and Audit Commission Scotland and previously in Threshold Leven. These decisions have impacted Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Council, made some heavily on service users and staff . Senior managers of this major recommendations which were implemented service have continued to liaise with local authorities and 5 throughout the course of the year. As a result of the commissioners to ensure the best possible outcomes for review, signifi cant savings have been achieved in all areas service users. However, services continue to be provided of the operation but sadly 17 members of staff were made for people with learning disabilities across a wide number redundant as a result of a major restructuring exercise. of projects and despite the fi nancial tensions, considerable The year has seen a major focus on effi ciencies within the advances have been made in striving to empower those service, major marketing initiatives and a revision to the who are disempowered through a programme of service charging structure for services. This focus must continue user involvement and infl uence. The service user forum, in 2010 in order to seek to maintain crucial services to with the support of external advocates is now part of vulnerable children. the fabric of the service and the issues it raises infl uence matters both locally and nationally, contributing to such To further enhance life opportunities for pupils, CrossReach and the National Fostering Agency formed a partnership documents as the Learning Disabilities Strategy Plan. “The Best of Both Worlds”. This provides better opportunities 3.2 Counselling & Support for children resident at either school, for whom a return The Counselling Services have continued over the year home is not an option, to be placed within a foster family to provide approximately 16,000 counselling sessions to either as a full or part time solution. individuals who are depressed, grieving, have post natal Renovation work at the Mallard, a unit for children with depression, suicidal, experiencing fi nancial problems, disabilities has created a further three respite beds. This relationship diffi culties and people who have a range of has provided additional opportunities for families and other mental health needs. Although 80% of our clients are their children to have a well earned rest. referred directly from health services, with the exception of contributions from Tayside and Lothian Health Boards, 3. Adult Care the vast majority of funding is met from the Council’s own The Adult Services Section has continued over the past year resources. Almost always the client’s condition aff ects to provide vital services across a number of client groups. others such as family and friends. The success, therefore, of Again, in many areas they operate within a challenging these services is not only measured in the improved health fi nancial environment and this has resulted in the Council of clients but also in diffi cult to quantify areas such as the carrying out a review of this area of work. Following the long-term impact on family and friends resulting, in some review some diffi cult decisions have been taken which are cases, in reduced need for other intervention services. covered in this section. Over a number of years the Council has sought to increase 3.1 Learning Disabilities income for Counselling Services and Counselling staff , As a result of reduced funding levels, increased costs, along with their primary responsibilities for counselling, and demands from purchasers for cost eff ectiveness, have had some major successes in the area of fund raising. 5/8 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

However, it has not been possible to generate income to gradings for excellence has had a very low occupancy over continue all services and as such the Council reached the the past year as a result of limited referrals for addictions diffi cult decision that it could no longer fund Counselling rehabilitation by Argyll & Bute and other local authorities. & Support from its resources to the previous levels. A signifi cant amount of work has been carried out by Accordingly, this has sadly resulted in the closure of Post managers of the substance misuse service to identify Natal Depression Services in the Borders, in CrossReach alternative areas of referrals including private referrals Counselling Services in Skye and a reduction in CrossReach to seek to achieve sustainability for this highly regarded Counselling in Edinburgh. However, the majority of the service. This work is ongoing but the Council, in view of its work remains and the overall reach of support to those current fi nancial position will require to monitor referrals with post natal depression continues to be extended very closely over coming months to determine whether through the notable success of the telephone helpline. or not the service is sustainable. We acknowledge the contribution of the Guild in making this telephone service possible along with the core PND 3.4.2 Beechwood House, Inverness service which will continue.. For over 17 years the Council has run the Designated Place in Inverness as part of the Beechwood complex. The 3.3 Criminal Justice Services project has provided a “drying out facility” for drunk and The Prison Visitors’ Centre in Perth provides support to incapable people across the Highlands as an alternative families visiting their relatives in prison. The service has to custody or hospital emergency admission. Despite the seen an increase in use by prisoners’ family members with fact that the centre has received the highest praise from over 300 adults and 45 children visiting the centre each Scottish Government Ministers, being widely known to month. The service was commended by HM Inspector save many lives each year, the Highland Alcohol and Drug of Prisons and plays a major role in maintaining positive Partnership have indicated that they will no longer fund contact between family and prisoners, thus reducing re- this service but will develop replacement services. In view off ending. of this, the Council has been left with no alternative but to The Council is delighted that the Guild has adopted the reluctantly agree to the closure of the designated place. Visitors’ Centre as one of its projects for the next three Unfortunately, this also has an impact on the residential years. The project, entitled “On the Other Side”, will greatly rehabilitation project within the Beechwood complex assist the sustainability of the project which operates with resulting in the capacity being reduced from 15 to 6 a small staff team but is dependent on volunteers for places. additional support. 3.5 Mental Health Services 3.4 Substance Misuse The past year has seen each of the services working hard 3.4.1 Ronachan House to adapt the way in which it works with service users to In many areas the focus of substance misuse work is ensure that the outcomes that are now demanded by changing, moving away from residential rehabilitation central Government and purchasing authorities have to more community based models working with drug been adopted with minimal disruption to service users. and alcohol addictions. This has, over the past year, had a The Recovery ‘Star’ Approach has been adopted as a major impact on sustaining the current service provision, widely accepted measure of outcomes for monitoring particularly in the project at Ronachan in Argyll. Ronachan, the productivity and quality of service provision within a despite receiving the highest possible Care Commission recovery context. SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL 5/9

At Tynepark, a resource centre for adults living in East approach throughout the organisation. The period of Lothian who experience a variety of mental health review and implementation has been a major time of diffi culties, service users took the initiative to submit a change and transition for Central Services staff and they proposal to the People’s Millions. As a result, they were are to be commended for the way in which they have awarded a grant of £50,000 which will enhance the garden co-operated with the process and ensured “business as and café facilities and become a community mental health usual” during a time when many colleagues have left the resource. organisation or been appointed to new roles. 5 3.6 Homelessness Services 5. Financial Performance As in many other areas the fi nancial stability of homelessness The fi nancial challenges over the past year have been services has proved to be challenging. However, the signifi cant, which are sadly refl ected in the higher Whiteinch Supported Accommodation Project which operating defi cit for the year. However, the eff ect of the was under threat of closure has now changed direction to reviews of service areas and central services are expected become an addictions housing support resource and as a to be refl ected in the 2010 budgetary performance. The result has secured funding for the next year. This provides Council wish particularly to acknowledge the support and a greater cohesiveness for the support of those moving guidance of the Council of Assembly Finance Group during out of addiction behaviours into their own tenancies, a year where diffi cult decisions have been necessary in employment and societal acceptance. order to address long-term sustainability. 4. Central Services The Council’s report in 2009 highlighted the level of central Our Goverance costs and indicated that this area would require further Having reviewed its governance structure, the Council review. In order to bring central costs in line with the level implemented the following three new governance recoverable through our contracts and also to achieve the committees to replace the previous seven Committees: Council’s aim of maximising resources to front line services, • Business Committee a major review of central support was carried out. The • Finance & Resources Committee recommendations from the review were implemented • Quality & Standards Committee. in 2009 and resulted in a reduction of 18 posts which, along with other cost saving measures, achieved a full These Committees meet between full Council meetings year reduction in expenditure for 2010 of £800,000. As a ensuring that the Council meets its responsibilities in terms result of this exercise, eight staff were made redundant. In of effi cient governance. A recent Trustees Training Course reviewing the Central Services structure the opportunity enabled Council members to consider their responsibilities was taken to consider and propose a structure which as Trustees and address ways of improving, along with would meet the needs of the organisation in the current Management, the governance of the organisation social care environment. The revised structured, therefore, is built around a concept of business partnering in both The Council has moved signifi cantly from meeting at its the Finance and Human Resources and Organisational HQ to meetings in 121 George Street, Bankfoot Church Development areas. The aim of this initiative is to ensure Centre, Carberry Tower and was hosted in Glasgow Parish closer working between central support and operations Halls by the Lord Provost with an invitation to return to the enabling business objectives to be met through a team City Chambers for at least one meeting a year. 5/10 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

Our Achievements & Anniversaries Registered Managers Award 1 1. 2009 CrossReach Achievements Verifi er & Assessor Awards 5 1.1 Quality - Care Commission Inspections HNC in Social Care 12 Care Commission inspect on four key areas on a grading Other Awards 13 structure of 1 (Unsatisfactory) to 6 (Excellent). Gradings achieved between 1 April to 31 December 2009 are as Total 171 follows:

Quality of Care and Support 1.3 Scottish Care Awards 94% of our registered services inspected on this theme The Scottish Care Awards recognises the time, eff ort and achieved a grading of 4 (good) with 43% achieving commitment put in by social service workers in delivering very good or excellent. high quality services. We had two fi nalists in 2009:

Quality of Environment 1. The Care Achievement Award 2009 87% of our registered services inspected on this theme Marlene Smith achieved a grading of 4 (good) with 43% achieving Regional Director West and Older People Services, very good or excellent. CrossReach

Quality of Staffi ng 2. Service Manager of the Year 93% of our registered services inspected on this theme Eileen McKay achieved a grading of 4 (good) with 27% achieving Oversteps Residential Home very good or excellent. 1.4 The Great British Care Home Awards Quality of Management and Leadership A series of regional awards throughout the UK, celebrating 88% of our registered services inspected on this theme excellence across the care sector. Adams House Older achieved a grading of 4 (good) with 46% achieving People’s Service in Renfrewshire was a fi nalist for this award very good or excellent. in 2009 in the area of Dementia care. Adams House also featured in the Care Commission Magazine as an example 1.2 Qualifi cations of good practice. A fully qualifi ed workforce is not only one of the key aims of the Council but is a major contributor to the provision 1.5 COSLA Excellence Awards of high quality services. In Services to Older People the Excellence in Scottish local authorities is recognised in percentage of staff qualifi ed ectsaff the level of funding COSLA’s Excellence Awards ,which showcases outstanding received. Over 67% of our staff are now appropriately quality in service to the public by councils across Scotland. qualifi ed and the following numbers of staff gained The Oasis, Garelochhead received the COSLA Bronze qualifi cations over the past year. award for excellence in service delivery and partnership working with Argyll and Bute. Scottish Vocational Qualifi cations Level 2 6 1.6 Schools Scottish Vocational Qualifi cations Level 3 122 Pupils at both Schools achieved record passes in national Scottish Vocational Qualifi cations Level 4 12 examinations. They also demonstrated their responsibility SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL 5/11 as good citizens through a variety of fund raising events South Beach House, Ardrossan: 30th June – 50 years including Red Nose Day, the Great Scottish Run, and many Walter & Joan Gray, Shetland: 5th August - 40 years others, raising money for children worse off than they are. Gaberston House, Alloa: 13th October - 20 years

Experiential learning continued to be a top priority on both * Ashley Lodge residents transferred to the new Rubislaw campuses. At Ballikinrain this has developed further and Park in May/June 2009. pupils’ eff orts to “save the planet” resulted in the School 5 being the fi rst residential special school in Scotland to be awarded the Eco School Green Flag. Our Plans 1.7 Carers’ Conference 1. Strategic Planning On 10 June 2009, in the company of carers and caring At its February 2010 meeting the Council held a two-day professionals, CrossReach and Carers Scotland co-hosted residential meeting to consider the strategic direction of the Caring Costs Conference in the Westpark Centre, the organisation. Presentations from Rory Mair (COSLA), Dundee, to mark Carers’ Week. Chaired by CrossReach’s David Wiseman (Care Commission) and Muriel Pearson Convener, the Conference addressed the needs of unpaid (Priority Areas Forum) stimulated discussion and enabled carers who, according to keynote speaker Isobel Allan M.B.E, the Council to outline its strategic direction over the next account for one in eight people in Scotland. Representing three to fi ve years. Work is currently underway to convert the Scottish Government, Moira Oliphant’s keynote this strategic direction into a detailed Strategic Plan for speech focused on the forthcoming Carers’ Strategy (due consideration and approval by the Council at their June Summer 2010), while Anne Conlan introduced “Learning meeting. for Living”. Following a series of workshops, the afternoon’s plenary session gave rise to fi ve questions being asked 2. Fit for Purpose in the Scottish Parliament by Sara Boyack MSP and one There are many challenges being faced in the social care question asked in the UK Parliament by Mark Lazarowicz environment and it is important that the organisation MP. Answers from the Scottish Government indicate that becomes “fi t for purpose” to face these challenges. A the Carers’ Strategy will attempt to address the issues that major initiative in 2010 will, therefore, be to address this fi t were raised here. Meanwhile, the UK Government’s revised for purpose agenda. Some of the main areas that will be National Carers’ Strategy intends to improve the fl exibility addressed under this initiative are: of carers’ benefi ts by 2018. We are very grateful to Sara 1. Service user involvement/personalisation. Boyack and Mark Lazarowicz for tabling these questions 2. The production of sound reliable and relevant on behalf of CrossReach and Carers Scotland. management information. 2. Services Anniversaries In 2009 3. The development of a performance management The following services have celebrated anniversaries over framework. the past year: 4. The appointment of key personnel to the revised Central Services structure and the building of a strong *Ashley Lodge, Aberdeen: 13th May - 50 years professional team. Kinloch Day Services, 5. Exploring partnership opportunities and opportunities Auchtermuchty: 7th June - 10 years to work with other Councils of the Church. Ballikinrain School near Balfron: 20th June - 40 years 6. A major review of all costs. 5/12 SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

7. Continuation of the initiatives to achieve fi nancial Conference, a second conference will take place at the monitoring and tight budgetary control. end of October in Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel with the 8. The establishing of a Business Development Section. title of “See Me”. 9. Horizon Gazing to anticipate emerging issues. 7. Eurodiaconia 3. Financial Strategy CrossReach is hosting the Eurodiaconia AGM & Conference For some time now the Council has, as a means of for 2010. This event coincides with 2010 the European Year maintaining services, run with an operating defi cit which for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, The conference has been met from fundraising, legacies and other income entitled “Digging Deeper: Delving below the Surface of as well as sale of assets. The Council has approved a Poverty” gives CrossReach and the Church of Scotland the fi nancial strategy to achieve a break-even budget by 2011 opportunity to be at the forefront of raising awareness of without reliance on sale of assets. This is a major challenge the key poverty and social exclusion challenges facing but one which must be addressed in order to achieve Scotland, the UK and the wider European communities long-term sustainability of core services provided in the in the 21st century. CrossReach will facilitate showcasing name of the Church. This initiative will require the Council some of the organisations in Scotland addressing the to look at all areas of spending and, if necessary, to make issues of poverty. The conference is privileged to have a further decisions in relation to the long-term viability of variety of speakers and workshop leaders who will explore services, structures and models of service delivery. the issues and give insight into what is being done to combat poverty. The delegates will hear from people who 4. Priority Areas Action Plan are experiencing poverty and there will be an opportunity The Council welcomes the Priority Areas Action Plan and is for policy makers to outline the progress and determine committed to working with the Priority Areas Committee, some of the barriers to that progress. It is hoped that this Councils and Committees of the Church and other partners conference will provide opportunities to develop stronger to deliver the Plan over the next seven years. A joint group is networks across communities and ensure that resources being convened to take forward areas of common interest are appropriately targeted. between the Council and Priority Areas Committee. 8. Wellhall Home for Older People 5. Christian Homelessness Consortium Work will commence during 2010 on the building of a In order to respond to the challenges presented in purpose-built replacement unit for the current Well Hall terms of local authority tendering of services an exciting Home for Older People. The state of the art building with a initiative for partnership is underway with the Salvation capacity of 38 is scheduled to open in April 2011. Army and Bethany Christian Trust in Edinburgh. The three organisations will, by working in partnership, be more able 9. Allarton House – Mental Health to respond to the challenges presented by the current Allarton House has been asked to respond to a client group tendering environment. Other appropriate ecumenical with more complex mental health needs. Work has begun partnerships will be explored. on making this transition which will involve a premises upgrade and will secure further long-term funding. 6. Second International Dementia Conference 10. Shared Services Following the success of the fi rst International Dementia The past year has seen a closer working with other SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL 5/13

Councils of the Church particularly in relation to shared opportunity to continue the Church’s witness through services. A separate report to the Assembly will cover the the provision of social care services. To achieve success Council’s involvement in the proposals to form a single we appeal for a continuation of this support as we seek to Safeguarding Department and discussions are at an help many people throughout Scotland. advanced stage with agreement having been reached in principal to establish a shared IT service. In the name of the Council 5 Our Support SYDNEY S GRAHAM, Convener The Council and its staff are very aware of the support SALLY BONAR, Vice-Convener which is received from the whole Church through prayer RAMSAY SHIELDS, Vice-Convener support, volunteering, from The Guild and donations from PETER BAILEY, Chief Executive Offi cer & local churches. We face a time of challenge but of real Secretary of the Social Care Council ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Approve the Order of Business for the first two days (Order of Proceedings). 3. Appoint Mr Roy Pinkerton to edit the verbatim record. 6.1 4. Encourage commissioners intending to move amendments and counter-motions to arrange to have these printed in the Assembly papers. 5. Resolve that with effect from 2011 the General Assembly should revert to the pattern of convening on the third Saturday of May and continuing until the following Friday. 6. Approve the proposal that with effect from 2011 the Committee should arrange for background and reference material relating to reports to be placed on the Church’s website with an option to commissioners not to have such material printed in their Volume of Reports; always provided that such material shall be made available in printed form for those who require it and bound up with the reports for archive purposes; further instruct the Committee to report on the implementation of these arrangements to the General Assembly of 2011. 7. Thank Very Rev Dr Finlay Macdonald for his distinguished service to the General Assembly as Principal Clerk since 1996.

Scottish Bible Society 8. Gratefully acknowledge the generosity of congregations and members in support of Bible projects. 9. Recognise the Scottish Bible Society’s creative initiatives in making the Bible message better known in Scotland. 10. Commend the holistic response to human need in Brazil and other areas of the world. 11. Welcome the opportunity provided by the 400th anniversary of the 1611 version to focus afresh on the Bible as the Church’s primary text 12. Appoint Rev Andrew Anderson, Rev Sandy Gunn, Rev Lynn McChlery and Rev Dr Norman Maciver to SBS’s Council of Church Representatives.

REPORT

1. The Very Rev William C Hewitt potentially divisive Assembly. The fact that commissioners Bill Hewitt came to the Moderator’s chair from a background were able to debate controversial matters of human sexuality in parish ministry in Elderslie and Greenock. He also and ministry with grace, dignity and mutual respect was brought to the office his experience as convener of the thanks in no small measure to the skilful and dispassionate General Assembly’s Business Committee. These two factors chairmanship of the Moderator, something which has served him well in what was predicted to be a difficult and earned him the gratitude and respect of the Church. 6.1/2 ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE

From the General Assembly Bill Hewitt, ably supported by 4. 450th Anniversary of the Scottish his wife Moira, embarked upon a busy and demanding Reformation year of office with a range of engagements and visits The Committee has arranged for a special session of at home and overseas. A main building block of every the General Assembly to be held in the Assembly Hall moderatorial year consists of the Presbytery visits. Last year on Sunday 23 May from 4 pm to 6 pm. This will allow it was the turn of Caithness, Dundee, Lanark and Inverness commissioners, Assembly delegates and visitors, invited and Bill and Moira engaged in the various tasks asked of guests and members of the public to share in a celebration them by these Presbyteries with commitment and energy. of the 450th anniversary of the Scottish Reformation. Visits to partner churches overseas also lie at the heart of the moderatorial year and, at the request of the World 5. Assembly Services Mission Council, the Hewitts brought greetings to partner The Assembly Service has been arranged in St Giles’ churches in South Africa and South India. The India visit Cathedral on Sunday 23 May at 10 am with the Gaelic Service that day at 12.30 pm in Greyfriars Tolbooth and included time in Chennai to share in celebrations marking Highland Church. The Assembly Communion Service will the centenary of the birth of Bishop Lesslie Newbigin. In be on Friday 21 May at 9.30 am in the Assembly Hall. In view March the Moderator also visited Jerusalem where he of the Sunday afternoon Reformation event there will be no signed a concordat between the Church of Scotland and evening worship in the Assembly Hall. the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. 5. Notices of Motion and Assembly Papers The Committee again draws attention to the fact that The Church is grateful to Bill and Moira Hewitt for all that commissioners wishing to move amendments or they have done on its behalf over the past year. counter-motions to deliverances can have these printed 2. Presbytery Representation in Assembly papers. As a courtesy to other commissioners, and for the convenience of the Assembly, the Committee The Presbytery returns show that there are in all the asks that this be done wherever possible. Clearly situations Presbyteries 1,156 Charges, whether vacant or not, and that can arise in the course of a debate where someone wishes there are 185 other ministers (excluding retired ministers) to make a motion and such spontaneity is part of the life who are members of Presbyteries. Representation is of the Assembly. However, where people have considered calculated for each Presbytery in accordance with Act III, and prepared texts, particularly if these are substantial, 2000, and the total number of Commissions is made up as it is extremely helpful to have them in the order paper. follows: 367 Ministers, 367 Elders and 33 Deacons. Certainly, the availability of the screens means that motions can fairly quickly appear in writing and the “behind scenes 3. Business Committee team” work hard to provide this service. However, when In terms of Standing Order 15 it is proposed that something complex (and clearly considered) suddenly the Convener and Vice-Convener of the Assembly appears it can take time to get it up on the screen and Arrangements Committee, respectively the Rev David further time for reading and assimilation. There will again Arnott and the Rev Janet Mathieson, act as Convener and be four sets of papers – covering (1) Thursday and Friday, Vice-Convener of the Business Committee. The names (2) Saturday and Monday, (3) Tuesday and (4) Wednesday. of others nominated to serve on this Committee will be For the first set of papers notices of motion should be sent found in the Order of Proceedings. to the Principal Clerk’s Office at “121” by Friday 14 May. For ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE 6.1/3 the second and subsequent sets they should handed in and the opportunity to hear from the retiring Moderator to the Clerks’ table by 12 noon on the Friday, Monday and about his or her year of office. Many Edinburgh church Tuesday of the Assembly. goers have appreciated this opportunity of joining with commissioners in the Assembly Hall for this. 6. Duration of the General Assembly The 2007 General Assembly, on the recommendation In so recommending the Committee will continue to keep of the Committee, agreed to move from a Saturday to matters under review and is always pleased to receive Friday meeting to a Thursday to Wednesday pattern. For a feedback from commissioners on all aspects of the General Assembly. number of years dissatisfaction had been expressed over 6.1 the fact that, despite opening on a Saturday, the Assembly 7. The Blue Book never really seemed to get underway until Monday. The For some time the sheer length of the Volume of Reports main point of the change was to enable the Assembly to to the General Assembly (affectionately known as the “Blue get straight down to business and that certainly has been Book”) has been a matter of concern to the Committee. achieved. However, it is already evident that this new Last year’s Assembly specifically instructed all Councils and arrangement is resulting in an Assembly of two halves with Committees to ensure that their Assembly Reports were numbers of commissioners going home for the weekend. “accessible to commissioners and designed to facilitate One of the main features of the weekend on both models informed decision making”. Councils and Committees, has been the Lord High Commissioner’s Garden Party. particularly the larger ones, were also instructed to devise There has also been a reluctance to have normal business systems whereby they report on the totality of their work on the Sunday. over a period of years.

One solution might be to dispense with the weekend In following through on these matters the Committee, in altogether and hold the Assembly from Monday to Friday. consultation with Councils and Committees and with the It is doubtful, however, whether this would allow sufficient printer, proposes that from next year commissioners with time for the business. It would also require commissioners web access should have the option of receiving a slimmed from the highlands and islands to travel on a Sunday. down Blue Book containing core material which is essential Furthermore, something which many commissioners value for informed decision making, with background, reference would be lost, namely the coming together of church and material which often appears as appendices to reports, being state in Sunday worship in which the Moderator preaches placed on the Church’s website. By way of illustration the kind and where the Lord High Commissioner as representative of material which under this proposal would be placed on of the Sovereign is present. the web is marked accordingly in this year’s book.

Having reviewed the matter the Committee now Mindful of the fact that not all commissioners may have recommends that from next year the Assembly revert to web access the Committee is advised that it would be meeting on the third Saturday of May and continuing until possible to produce all the material in a printed volume the following Friday. The discontinuation of the Garden for those who require it, as at present. This would be done Party means that a full day’s business can be undertaken anyway for archive purposes, since the value of reports on the first day. The Sunday would be devoted to worship lies not only in their immediate usefulness for the General along with more celebratory business such as the Assembly which considers them but as a valuable historic welcoming of delegates and visitors from other churches record and research resource for the future. 6.1/4 ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE

8. Commissioners’ Subsistence and Although the net revenue from letting increased during 2009, Travelling Expenses as a result of several high profile but non-recurring events, the The Board recommends the following rates for payment same level of income is not expected during 2010 due to the of expenses: general economic downturn which has particularly impacted upon those types of organisations that would normally be Overnight subsistence attracted to holding events in the Hall. Not exceeding £50.00 for each night The Assembly Hall, due to its historic significance in such Daily out-of-pocket Expenses: a prominent position in the centre of the city, should be Not exceeding £15.00 per day an extremely attractive venue for major events being held in Edinburgh; however it compares poorly with the Mileage rate, when no public transport is available 25p per increasing number of alternative venues offering more mile. modern and relevant facilities. As was highlighted in last year’s report, the Sub-Committee is in ongoing technical 9. Assembly Hall discussions with Edinburgh First and other experts to The Assembly Hall Sub-Committee was established in May produce cost-effective proposals focussed towards 2008 to advise the Assembly Arrangements Committee improving the stage and lighting. Unfortunately, although on matters relating to its remits to be responsible for (a) the current configuration is ideally suited for the General the care and maintenance of the Assembly Hall and (b) all Assembly, it is very far from ideal for hosting events other arrangements in connection with the letting of the Hall. than those of a very restricted nature; such as lectures, Maintaining the Assembly Hall, due to its historic and rather small conferences and graduation ceremonies. Currently complex construction, presents the Sub-Committee with larger events such as concerts, plays and choirs are put some very interesting challenges, as it continues to ensure off because of the added costs of introducing additional that the building is kept in good condition but at the same staging when such facilities are readily available without time by making certain that all expenditure is scrutinised cost at other venues. It is hoped that proposals, to improve to provide maximum value for money. the staging and lighting, will be available for presentation to the Assembly Arrangements Committee in the near In addition to the routine maintenance work the Sub- future. The fundamental purpose of this exercise is to Committee now seeks to identify several cost-effective generate added revenue to reduce, as far as is possible, ways by which improvements can be introduced on an the overall costs of maintaining the Hall. annual basis to enhance the overall appearance of the Hall, not only for the benefit of those attending the General 10. Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean Assembly but, of equal importance, to those viewing it as The Committee is grateful for the service given to it by a possible venue suitable for hiring. the Rev Dr Marjory MacLean and associates itself with the fuller words of appreciation included in the report The Sub-Committee continues to work very closely of the Legal Questions Committee, in whose work she with Edinburgh First who, acting on behalf of the Sub- has been most particularly involved. From an Assembly Committee, continues to organise the letting of the Arrangements perspective the Committee is grateful for all Hall outside the period when it used for the General that Marjory has contributed as Depute Clerk to its work. Assembly. The Committee also acknowledges the able manner in ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE 6.1/5 which she served as Acting Principal Clerk in the General Retirement of the Principal Clerk The Very Rev Dr Assemblies of 2002, 2003 and 2009. We join readily with Finlay A J Macdonald the Legal Questions Committee in wishing Marjory every blessing for the future. The Committee pays tribute to the Very Rev Finlay Macdonald Principal Clerk to the General Assembly, and Secretary to the Assembly Arrangements Committee, who In the name of the Committee retires in June.

A DAVID K ARNOTT, Convener Finlay Macdonald who graduated MA BD from the JANET S MATHIESON, Vice-Convener University of St Andrews after a secondary education at 6.1 FINLAY A J MACDONALD, Secretary Dundee High School was ordained in 1971 in Menstrie Parish Church, having served a probationary period ADDENDA at Bo’ness Old. In 1977 he was translated to Glasgow: Rev A David K Arnott Jordanhill where he remained till his appointment as Principal Clerk in 1996. Prior to that he had been Convener David Arnott retires as Convener of the Committee and of the Board of Practice and Procedure and Depute Clerk of the General Assembly’s Business Committee after this to the General Assembly. This year is Dr Macdonald’s 25th year’s General Assembly. When he took on these roles two year in the “play pen”. In 2001 he was appointed Chaplain years ago he made the decision that he would step down to the Queen and the Kirk recognised his contribution from Assembly committee work when he retired from to church life when it appointed him Moderator of the parish ministry, an event which occurs this year. Over these General Assembly in 2002. In 1983 he graduated PhD with two years, and the four years preceding when he served a thesis entitled Law and Doctrine in the Church of Scotland as Vice-Convener of the Business Committee, David has with particular reference to Confessions of Faith. His alma brought his considerable knowledge and experience of mater honoured him with the degree Doctor of Divinity the Church and its courts to facilitating the business and in June 2002. ensuring an efficient stewardship of the Assembly’s time. Last year he oversaw a major consultation with Presbyteries In his role as Principal Clerk Dr Macdonald has been an on the Church’s expectations of the Assembly, no easy active member of Action of Churches Together in Scotland, task when faced simultaneously with those who cherish Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the European tradition and those who yearn for change. Opportunity Ecumenical Commission on Church and Society and the was given for all opinions to be expressed and the fruit of Scottish Interfaith Council. He edited volume 11 of The this consultation will continue to guide the Committee’s Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae and has authored several articles thinking in the coming years. The Committee is grateful and two books Children at the Table and Confidence in a for David Arnott’s leadership and wishes him well in his Changing Church. forthcoming retirement. In addition to his considerable burden of church duties over the years Dr Macdonald has served as a Governor of In the name of the Committee Jordanhill College of Education and was the Chairman of Jordanhill School PTA when it campaigned successfully to JANET S MATHIESON, Vice-Convener continue as a local primary and secondary school within FINLAY A J MACDONALD, Secretary the public sector. From 1993-96 he served as a lay member 6.1/6 ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE of the Court of Strathclyde University where he chaired Why spend your money on food that does the Education Faculty Advisory Committee. In 2002 he not give you strength? was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Strathclyde Why pay for food that does you no good? University. Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!’ The door to Dr Macdonald’s office has always been open Isaiah 55: 1-2 (NLT) and many ministers, elders and others have found there a sympathetic ear coupled with sound legal advice. His Following on from last year’s bicentenary of the Scottish diplomatic and sensitive handling of issues, people and Bible Society, the Church is in 2010 emphasising other committees has been appreciated. His clerkship of the significant anniversaries: the Reformation of 1560 and the Board of Practice and Procedure, followed by the Assembly 1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference. Arrangements Committee, has been of the highest order, with great competency linked to a light touch, coupled There is a connection! The new Kirk wanted people not with good humour. The General Assembly, too, over the only to hear the Bible, but also to learn to read it and years has often had cause to be grateful for the advice experience first-hand its invitation to life. As education offered in the midst of the heat of a debate. progressed over time the demand for affordable copies became a key reason for establishing Bible Societies. Dr Macdonald’s knowledge of the ways of the Kirk, its Later still, ‘Edinburgh 1910’ reflected vast opportunities practice and procedure and its personnel, coupled with to spread the gospel worldwide, a task in which Bible a broad understanding of our national life, has served the Societies had already been playing a major role for church well. The Church of Scotland has been enriched by decades. his tenure of office. Christians are well aware – often painfully so – how much Fuller tribute will be paid at the closing session but the our land and world have changed over these long time- Committee wishes to place on record its own indebtedness spans. For that reason the Scottish Bible Society chose to and to wish Dr Macdonald, and Elma his wife, a long, mark its bicentenary in contemporary and proactive ways healthy and happy retirement. including Edinburgh Fringe shows, modern (Christian) art, conversation-provoking mugs and a Glasgow Gospel DVD In the name of the Committee free with The Herald, all aimed at projecting the good news into the wider community.

A DAVID K ARNOTT, Convener It’s a far cry from 1579 when both the General Assembly JANET S MATHIESON, Vice-Convener and the Scots Parliament took steps to improve access to the Bible in church and at home. Last September the work APPENDIX A of SBS was highlighted in the present Parliament, followed by a notable reception; December saw acts of thanksgiving REPORT OF THE SCOTTISH BIBLE SOCIETY at St Giles’ and Edinburgh City Chambers. ‘Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Brazilian guests at these latter events voiced deep Come, take your choice of wine or milk – gratitude for our major bicentenary effort to fund a it’s all free! multi-purpose vehicle that is now delivering medical ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE 6.1/7 services, civic advice and Scripture resources to deprived These and many more projects are co-ordinated through communities in the north-east of the country. Some the United Bible Societies, which will be represented at £250,000 has been raised for this exciting holistic care the ‘Edinburgh 2010’ global conference in June. venture. Looking further ahead, preparations are in hand to mark SBS’s contribution to the life and outreach of the Church the King James (Authorised) Version’s impact after four overseas has also involved channelling much-appreciated centuries, in ways that bring the Bible alive for today’s generation. donations towards - None of us is immune from concern about pandemics, 6.1 • Bible vans with medical equipment in China; natural catastrophes, terrorism, climate change and • translation in several countries, from Malawi to economic uncertainty; according to one commentator Cambodia; many people display a ‘lack of trust … in anything’. God • distribution of a revised Bible in Vietnamese; can be trusted and we are eager to continue our work in • physical and spiritual relief for disaster victims in the making the amazing invitation of the gospel available and Philippines, Haiti and Peru; accessible to people in Scotland and beyond. • Scripture-based literacy development across Africa. CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Note progress in the implementation of the General Assembly’s instruction of 2009 to produce a plan in relation to measuring energy consumption. (Section 4)

6.2 REPORT

1. Introduction change. At the time of writing we continue through the 1.1 The Central Services Committee’s remit relates appeals process which was always an essential part of the primarily to managing the Church Offices in George Street, process. We would like to place on record our thanks to overseeing the delivery of central services to departments those people who have given of their time as members within these Offices and operating as one of the employing of the appeals panels. Their fairness and undoubted agencies of the Church. professionalism greatly aided the process.

1.2 Meetings have been held twice per annum between 2.2 Pay the Executive Committee and Heads of Department. These As in the case of the Ministries Council, the Committee did meetings have provided a welcome opportunity to discuss not consider a pay award appropriate for 2010 thus further matters of joint interest and concern on a regular basis. ensuring a consistent approach across the Church. 2. Human Resources (HR) 2.3 Policy 2.1 Pay and Grading Policy Development has continued over the past twelve Last year, the Committee reported on the introduction of a months with the following being implemented: updated new pay and grading structure which was implemented in Redundancy Policy; Code of Conduct; updated Grievance April 2009. It is recognised that a number of staff members Procedure. have not been happy with the outcome for them, which is not unusual in an exercise of this nature. The Committee 2.4 Recruitment of Senior Staff listened carefully to all those with concerns, off ering to There has been recruitment to a number of senior positions meet with them in October 2009, following which the over the past twelve months. The Committee now has a appeals process began. Whilst the Committee would have well established practice in place for these significant posts, liked to have provided something that pleased everyone, usually involving a two-staged recruitment process of the reality is that we need to ensure that we have a system external assessment and interview. The Human Resources that is fair and minimises risk to the Church in terms of Department continues to enhance its links with CrossReach equal pay. The staff should, however, be commended and was pleased to assist with the appointment of its new for continuing to perform as they do, at such a time of Council Secretary/Chief Executive Officer. 6.2/2 CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

2.5 Staffing Levels • The successful upgrade of the data network in the We close on a difficult subject for us all. The central George Street Offices, increasing speed and capacity, administration continues to review its performance and and providing additional resilience. staffing levels remembering always our role in aiding • The completion of the server consolidation exercise, congregations. This has been seen no more acutely than in reducing the number of servers required to deliver the the Mission and Discipleship Council which, with reluctance, existing IT services and improving system performance has had to reduce staffing levels significantly, following and availability. A project to implement server an in depth review of its structure, use of resources and virtualisation is now being started. services. Whilst these are not decisions for the Central • Network security has been upgraded, allowing a number Services Committee, the HR Department is heavily involved of enhancements such as the provision of secure email in supporting staff at all levels during this difficult time. outside the George Street Offices to be implemented. Access to email is now available by three additional 2.6 Learning and Development methods: This has now seen a year on year expansion over the last three years. The 2010 programme will, as a minimum, (i) Outlook Web Access is available to all remote users; deliver a total of eighty events with fifteen being (ii) Presbytery Clerks now access e-mail direct from the management related. In addition to the above, 360 degree Offices with a consequent reduction in spam. appraisals will be undertaken with all members of the (iii) E-mails and calendar functions are now available on newly formed Senior Management Team in the autumn of mobile phones, eliminating the need for a laptop 2010. connection. So far, this facility has been provided to a limited number of users from whom we plan to 2.7 This has been an exceptionally busy and challenging gather feedback on the service. period for the HR team and we would like to thank them • Printer consolidation is being planned to reduce the for their continued commitment and professionalism in number of printers located within the Offices. their work with staff in the CSC, World Mission Council and • Development of phase one of the Consolidated the parish staffing structure of the Ministries Council. Information System has been completed, replacing the Contacts database. The system went live in February 3. Information Technology 2010 for users within the George Street Offices and will 3.1 Over the last year the IT Department has made be made available to external users in the coming year. substantial progress in building a consolidated and stable • The provision of wireless internet access for visitors to IT infrastructure which will allow sustainable IT growth in the George Street Offices. the future. These changes have resulted in a significant reduction of the Department’s carbon footprint, as well as 4. Energy Consumption enhancing security of data. This work is continuing, with 4.1 Last year’s General Assembly instructed the further improvements to be introduced this coming year. Committee to “produce a plan for 121 George Street and This has all been achieved while the team has carried one the Regional Development offices, setting out how they will vacancy and assisted CrossReach on a part-time basis measure energy consumption in the buildings, ascertain for several months. The Committee acknowledges the their carbon footprint and achieve a year-on-year reduction Department’s work during this period. of 5% of their carbon footprint; and instruct the Committee 3.2 Highlights of the work carried out and planned to report to the General Assembly of 2010 on the progress of include: implementing this instruction.” The Committee can report CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE 6.2/3 that, in consultation with the Climate Change Project 5. Central Properties Department Steering Group, a programme of work to reduce the 5.1 The Central Properties Department has continued to carbon footprint of the offices is being developed. An develop its wide ranging brief, including the health and safety initial plan was agreed by the Committee in October 2009, aspects of the work. The Department has three full time and with a view to reducing energy consumption by 5% per one part time staff member who bring the expertise of the annum commencing in 2011. following disciplines through qualification and experience: construction; property management; facilities management; 4.2 In the regional offices, the energy performance of housing management; and health and safety. properties has been assessed and recorded. In the George Street Offices, monitoring of energy consumption has 5.2 Arbitrations been taking place since September 2008. Figures are being The Department has responsibility for managing the analysed and realistic targets set. The following steps have administration of the Arbitration process in the case of 6.2 already been taken: readjustment. Since the last report, the Department has • the replacement of a hot water cylinder to a more attended to one arbitration. efficient type and the installation of a boiler step control 5.3 Property unit which allows greater control of office heating The Department has responsibility for the management temperatures; of 100 properties, the delivery of new build projects and • air handling unit controls have been fitted to provide major refurbishment programmes, the management of more comfortable temperatures in the committee facilities and procurement of work equipment, and health meeting rooms; and safety for the Central Services Committee and other • water efficiency controls, energy saving light fittings Councils of the Church. During the last year contracts and a recycling regime for paper, cardboard, fluorescent were let for the following projects which are progressing tubes and aluminium cans. It is the intention to run an on site and are due for completion in the summer of 2010: awareness campaign for staff to highlight these issues construction of new church buildings for the congregations again. at Glasgow: Garthamlock and Craigend East and at Glasgow: Easterhouse St George’s and St Peter’s. At the time of writing 4.3 A report by the Carbon Trust, which was commissioned work is progressing on a number of projects including by the Committee in 2008, highlighted a number of concluding the negotiations for a site for a church building recommendations and key actions which would bring in Dunfermline: East St Paul’s, and identifying a site for a New about reductions in energy consumption. Whilst there Charge on the west side of Inverness. are significant cost implications to many aspects of the work recommended by the Trust, it is expected that these 5.4 Health and Safety would attract long term savings. 5.4.1 The Committee has an obligation, as an employer, to comply with Health and Safety legislation. The staff of 4.4 The Committee acknowledges that there is much to the Department includes a Chartered Safety Practitioner be done to achieve a year-on-year reduction of 5% and that and a Health and Safety Technician. The development of a strategic approach is essential. The ongoing advice and the health and safety strategy continues with advances in support of the Climate Change Officer on these matters both policy and training. The Committee can report that is appreciated, as the Committee continues to implement the core strategies highlighted in last year’s report have all this instruction. been implemented. The Safety Committee, which consists 6.2/4 CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE of six members of staff, meets regularly; its role is to system in order to comply with ‘British Standard’ in relation oversee the implementation of Health and Safety policies. to an automatic police response. The Committee encourages and promotes a positive approach to health and safety issues, and significant 6.4 Catering advances have been made over recent years in ensuring Albacore continues to provide an excellent catering compliance with legislation. The Committee is committed service. Staff and visitors welcome the use of fresh local to working in partnership with staff, the union, Councils produce. Now into the second year of the contract, the and departments in continuing the development of the partnership approach adopted by Albacore is working policy which will deliver a healthy and safe environment well and it is very much in tune with our requirements. for all staff, volunteers, visitors, contractors and others. 6.5 Design Services 5.4.2 There are many strands to the health and safety At the time of preparing this Report, the Committee is process, but the following in particular are to be noted: reviewing the options for the provision of design services, training, workstation and fire safety risk assessments, following the resignation of the Senior Graphic Designer. emergency evacuation procedures and lone working. 6.6 Work In Progress 5.4.3 Accidents The Facilities Management Department is currently In the period covered by this report, one accident required looking at potential efficiency savings in photocopier to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. A number and print devices and is reviewing the existing telephone of non-reportable accidents occurred but these were of system. a minor nature and, where necessary, were dealt with in 7. 117-119 George Street, Edinburgh conjunction with the appropriate Council/Department. The Committee learned with considerable regret about 6. Facilities Management the financial difficulties being experienced by the Wesley Owen book chain which resulted in the company going 6.1 Health and Safety into administration in December 2009. As a result the All statutory obligations have been met over the past year tenancy of the bookshop at 117-119 George Street was in respect of lifts, boilers, fire extinguishers, fire alarm checks, prematurely ended with a consequent loss of rental fire drills, emergency lighting checks, access equipment income. At the time of preparation of this report, the and water tests. In addition, an Environmental Health and Committee is taking steps to re-let the premises. Safety Audit has been undertaken in the kitchen area of the Café Lounge. 8. Media Relations 6.2 Maintenance Works Last year’s General Assembly instructed the Council The Church Offices continue to be well maintained and of Assembly “to undertake a full review of present meet the requirements of our Insurance Policy. Various arrangements for delivering the Communication Strategy works have been carried out throughout the year including and the relationships between the various departments decoration, carpeting, window repairs, roof repair and tank which contribute to the process”. The Council’s Report to re-lining. this year’s Assembly advises that a new Head of Media and Communication is now in post and will report direct to the 6.3 Security Council of Assembly and be line managed by the Council Essential work was carried out to upgrade the intruder Secretary. The Committee welcomes this new arrangement CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE 6.2/5 which eradicates an area of duplication which had existed, early retirement in 1999 following a career in University whereby the Central Services Committee had oversight administration, first in Glasgow University, then Warwick, of the Media Relations Department, but the Council of and finally Strathclyde. The Committee’s workload has Assembly had a remit to oversee the implementation been particularly heavy during the period of Stewart’s and development of the Co-ordinated Communication convenership and the Church has cause to be indebted Strategy across the Church. to him for the time and experience which he has devoted to its work.

In the name of the Committee Pauline Weibye and the Rev Douglas Paterson complete their terms as Vice-Conveners of the Committee. Their STEWART ROY, Convener contributions in the areas of HR and property matters PAULINE WEIBYE, Vice-Convener respectively have been significant and have impacted 6.2 DOUGLAS PATERSON, Vice-Convener positively on the central administration. The Committee PAULINE WILSON, Administrative Secretary wishes Douglas well as he continues his ministry at Edinburgh: St Colm’s, and offers its encouragement to Pauline as she takes up her new position as Secretary to ADDENDUM the Council of Assembly. Convener and Vice-Conveners Stewart Roy completes his term as Convener of the Central In the name of the Committee Services Committee at this General Assembly. Stewart has been a member of Jordanhill Parish Church in Glasgow since 1977 and an elder since 1981. He served as Clerk to PAULINE WILSON, Administrative Secretary the Congregational Board from 1983 to 2001. Stewart took COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Approve the continuation of the Churches Together Ecumenical Policy as reaffirmed in the Report and as detailed in the Commitments set out in section 16 of the Report. 3. Encourage Presbyteries to seek the inclusion of United Free Church Congregations in Parish Groupings. 4. Encourage the use of the Liturgy for the Renewal of Baptismal vows on appropriate ecumenical occasions as part of the fruits of the Joint Commission on Doctrine’s study on Baptism. 5. Note the report of the Joint Working Group between the Church of Scotland and the Church of England, Our Fellowship in the Gospel, commend it for study throughout the Church and approve the practical steps set out in 6.3 Appendix I. 6. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, Section 1.3) and commit the Ecumenical Relations Committee, in partnership with others, to its effective delivery over the next seven years. 7. Approve the delegates to Assemblies, Synods and Conferences of other Churches as detailed in Appendix II. 8. Approve the appointments to ecumenical bodies as detailed in Appendix III. 9. Approve the contributions to ecumenical bodies as detailed in Appendix IV.

REPORT … making every effort to maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3, NRSV)

REVIEW OF THE ECUMENICAL POLICY: THE 2. The events of the past five years EVENTS OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS 2.1 It is worth remembering that the policy adopted in 1. Introduction 2005 was triggered by the Church of Scotland’s pulling out In 2005, the General Assembly approved a “churches of the Scottish Churches Initiative for Union. A clear signal together” policy and asked that it be reviewed in five years’ was given that other ways needed to be found to express time. As we reported last year, the ecumenical climate is the unity which is Christ’s gift to the church. Much was not the same as it was five years ago. The picture is both made of local ecumenical activity as the energising source complex and shifting and there is a feeling of fragility and for the national and international ecumenical movement. vulnerability in areas that have been taken for granted. It is In response, the Ecumenical Relations Committee brought now time to note the events of the past five years, to assess to the Assembly an ecumenical policy which committed the strengths and weaknesses of the “churches together” the Church to a “churches together” model. This model model and to set our course for the next few years. is described in the constitution of Action of Churches 6.3/2 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

Together in Scotland (ACTS) as “uniting in pilgrimage its Advisory Groups as the channel to address matters those churches which acknowledge God’s revelation of legislation, practice and procedure which can make in Christ, confess the Lord Jesus as God and saviour such partnerships difficult. according to the Scriptures and in obedience to God’s will • A commitment to ecumenism within the revised central and in the power of the Holy Spirit, commit themselves structures of the Church of Scotland through the role to seek a deepening of their communion with Christ and of the Ecumenical Officer and the way in which the with one another in the Church, and to fulfi l their mission Ecumenical Relations Committee relates to the Councils to proclaim the Gospel by common witness and service of the Assembly. to the world to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (quoted in “Our Ecumenical Policy” para 8.1). As 2.2 Within the past five years, in seeking to implement “churches together”, each denomination is asked to “hold the policy, the following events can be identified as having out what is important to them in the expectation that this a bearing on the ecumenical landscape. will be respected.” (para 8.2) It was emphasised how, in this model, the churches are responsible for the agenda and 3. Commitment to supporting and for advocating the ecumenical principle locally, nationally resourcing the UK and International and internationally. The churches retain their own voice ecumenical structures and use the ecumenical bodies as an expression of their 3.1 Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) commitment to one another. (para 8.2) In adopting has undergone radical change. In 2002, a “common pot” “Our Ecumenical Policy”, the General Assembly made a arrangement was devised whereby CTBI administered the commitment in fi ve key areas: disbursement of the membership contributions for CTBI, • A commitment to supporting and resourcing the Churches Together in England, ACTS and Cytûn, (Churches UK and International ecumenical structures, through Together in Wales) according to an agreed formula. As the fi nancial contributions, participation in conferences, “pot” decreased over the ensuing years due to financial councils and assemblies, appointing of delegates constraints in the member churches, CTBI absorbed the and a commitment to rationalising the European and cuts, often through redundancies, in order to protect the International ecumenical bodies. work of the national instruments. By 2009, it was clear that • A commitment to and resourcing of Action of Churches CTBI could take no more cuts and a radical restructuring Together in Scotland through the ACTS Members’ was approved. Member churches have been asked to Meeting, participation in ACTS Networks and through contribute a modest, fixed amount for the next three years. bilateral and multilateral discussions and agreements The staff has been reduced to 6.5 full-time equivalents who with other denominations, thus maximising the use of work mainly from home. (There had been 37 members of resources and strengthening our capacity to provide staff in 1997.) The lease on the offices in London has not “the ordinances of religion” (Declaratory Articles, Article been renewed and desk space has been made available in III) across the whole of Scotland. the offices of the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference of • A commitment to and support of local ecumenism England and Wales. A new Board of Trustees met for the through Presbyteries, parishes and chaplaincies first time in October 2009. The new CTBI will provide space supported by a network of Presbytery ecumenical for consultation at four nations’ level. It will continue to contacts. adapt and publish for the UK churches the material for the • A commitment to and support of the National Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and initiate Lent study Sponsoring Body for Local Ecumenical Partnerships and material in addition to producing web-based resources COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/3 for creation-tide, Remembrance Day, Racial Justice Sunday in recent years that once a text is approved by the CPCE and material for the General Election. Ecumenical work Assembly, it is assumed that it becomes authoritative for the on mission, faith and order matters, international affairs, member churches and can then be used as a building block racial justice and interfaith relations is now done mainly in subsequent pieces of work. This implicit assumption is through networks which bring together those with proving problematic for some member churches, including particular expertise in the member churches, a key feature the Church of Scotland. The General Assembly has never of a “churches together” model. There is now an annual been asked to adopt these texts as statements of the gathering for all those involved in CTBI Networks. Also Church of Scotland’s doctrinal position. We have seen annually is the Senior Church Representatives Meeting them, rather, as stages in an ongoing discussion between which provides an opportunity for the Trustees to consult mainly Lutheran and Reformed theologians. This issue is with the member churches. Rev Douglas Nicol served as being raised with the CPCE Council. The Church of Scotland a Trustee until 2009 when Very Rev Dr Sheilagh Kesting continues to participate in the work. Rev Dr John McPake was nominated as a Trustee from Scotland. The Principal has been involved in a continuing study of Episcope and Clerk and the Ecumenical Officer have attended the Senior has been attending Council meetings as an alternate for 6.3 Church Representatives Meeting. the UK member. A small working group drawn from the Worship and Doctrine Task Group, the Church and Society 3.2 The Conference of European Churches (CEC) held Council and the Committee on Ecumenical Relations its Assembly in July 2009 in Lyon. This Assembly marked will draw up responses to two draft reports: “Stand up for the 50th anniversary of CEC. The Assembly welcomed the Justice: Ethical Concern and Social Commitment of the process of integration of the Churches’ Commission for Protestant Churches in Europe”, and “Scripture-Confession- Migrants in Europe (CCME). However, the final steps of Church”. These documents are set to be revised in the the integration process have been put on hold until the light of responses received from member churches before results of a review process are adopted by the churches presentation for adoption at the next Assembly which is at an Assembly to be held in 2013, provided money is to be held in Florence in 2012. In the meantime, the CPCE available. A committee has been set up to review the legal Council will meet in Edinburgh in May 2010. documents and structure of CEC. The newly elected Central Committee will take forward two urgent concerns: the 3.4 The World Council of Churches (WCC) held its return of the Russian Orthodox Church to full membership Assembly in Porto Alegre in February 2006. Since then the and the need to address the financial deficit accrued by Central Committee has overseen a process to clarify the role the Lyon Assembly. Sheilagh Kesting was elected to the of the WCC within the ecumenical movement. This has led Central Committee in Lyon. it to seek stronger co-operation with its member churches on the basis of complementary roles. It has identifi ed four 3.3 The Community of Protestant Churches in Europe aspects to its role, each of which is being addressed by (CPCE) is the name by which the Leuenberg Fellowship of the Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Churches is now known. It brings together into “altar and Century, which produced an Interim Report in 2009 which pulpit fellowship” Lutheran, Reformed, United and Methodist is being studied by member churches. The four identifi ed churches in Europe. It meets in Assembly every six years and aspects are: receives the work of its doctrinal working groups, which have • A convening role – to bring different actors round one already been amended in the light of comments received table to discuss difficult and divisive issues eg in relation from the member churches. It has become apparent to doctrine, climate change etc. 6.3/4 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

• Providing potential for a common voice eg in the area of churches met to discuss the role of WARC, both in building human rights. the fellowship of Reformed churches across the Continent • Ensuring ecumenical co-operation – encouraging and in presenting a European voice in the global body. The different partners to work together. Area Council set a date for the briefing of the leaders of the • Fostering coherence – challenging one another delegations from the European churches in preparation (affirmation and admonition). for the General Council. Rev Alexander Horsburgh was appointed Secretary of the Europe Area Council until after In line with this, the WCC sent a team to Scotland in the General Council. He will retire from the Executive at December 2009. Council Conveners and Secretaries Grand Rapids. The Committee takes this opportunity to (Council of Assembly, Church and Society, Ministries and thank him for the way he has represented the Church Mission and Discipleship) were given the opportunity of Scotland to WARC and for his frank reports to the to see where there are areas of synergy; where our work Committee throughout the past six years. A name is being can benefit from being put in contact with others in sought for consideration from the Presbyterian Church in the fellowship of churches and where our work can be Ireland, following recent practice of rotating representation shared with others. In this way, not only is the profile of round the member churches in Britain and Ireland. the WCC within the Church of Scotland enhanced, but However, with the reduction in the size of the Executive in we also ensure that we receive greater value from our the new body, to be renamed the World Communion of membership. Reformed Churches (WCRC), it is possible that there will The Rev Dr Olav Fykse-Tweit, formerly Ecumenical Officer of be no-one from the United Kingdom, far less the Church the Church of Norway, was elected new General Secretary of Scotland, on the Executive Committee following the of the WCC in September 2009 and took up his post at General Council in Grand Rapids. This will mean that the the beginning of January. The Committee welcomed his role of the European Area Council will become more appointment and assured him of the prayers and support important as a channel of communication. of the Church of Scotland as he took up a very challenging 3.6 Not mentioned in the ecumenical policy document of task. 2005 is the development of bilateral relations with churches The Church of Scotland continues to have members in Europe – and potentially beyond. In the past five years actively involved in the work of the WCC. Rev Graham relations with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bavaria McGeoch serves on the Central Committee and its and the Evangelical Church of Westphalia have developed Executive Committee. Rev Dr Peter Donald is a member of as bilateral relations within the overall fellowship of the the Plenary Commission on Faith and Order. Conference of European Churches and the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe. Already, the relationship 3.5 All work of the World Alliance of Reformed with the Westphalian Church has led to invitations to attend Churches (WARC) has been focused on the forthcoming consultations and conferences in each other’s church. These General Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan in June 2010. new relationships are filled with energy. The work of the Alliance in the field of global economic justice has continued to dominate the agenda together 3.7 Throughout the last five years, the Committee has with the merger with the Reformed Ecumenical Council. continued to give encouragement to people, often The Europe Area Council met in Wuppertal in October. young people, to attend international conferences and Here, senior representatives of the European member consultations of the above named bodies as participants COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/5 or stewards by giving small grants from the Duncan that if ACTS was to be able to continue the level of its work McClements Trust. following the restructuring of CTBI, the Church of Scotland would need to give to ACTS the balance of what it had 4. Commitment to and resourcing of Action previously given to the “common pot” out of which the of Churches Together in Scotland ecumenical instruments in Scotland, England, Wales and Within the UK, where the focus on ecumenical activity CTBI had been funded. In the current economic climate has prioritized the work of the national instruments, our there are no plans to increase this amount for at least membership of ACTS is of particular significance. two years. This will mean that the churches will need to examine closely the priority they give to ecumenical work 4.1 Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) as much as to work they do on their own. It was one of undertook an ecumenical audit which focused on three the fundamental principles of the ecumenical instruments areas of Scotland: Inverness, Paisley and St Andrews. The that in times of hardship it made economic sense, as well findings identified “addressing the needs of the local as theological sense, to do as much together as is possible, community together” as the most vital ingredient for thus building on the Lund Principle of 1952, that “the 6.3 building good local relations and “the desire to worship churches should act together in all matters… except those ecumenically” as the most desirable activity. It drew no in which deep differences of conviction compel them to act conclusions about the connection between these two. separately.” It highlighted the need for ecumenical formation of ministers, elders and members, a key component of which 4.4 Scottish Churches House has struggled to find a role in is encounter. The Committee on Ecumenical Relations the 21st century that will allow it to break even. The House reported the findings to the General Assembly in 2007. continues to be owned by ACTS and slow progress has been made towards the setting up of a separate operating 4.2 ACTS has reviewed its structure in the light of company for the day to day management of the House. charity legislation. Since 2008, the Members’ Meeting has provided a forum in which designated representatives of The bedrooms in the main house were upgraded during the member churches are consulted by the Trustees of 2008-9 to offer en-suite accommodation. This has greatly ACTS. The use the churches make of the Networks now enhanced the standard of overnight accommodation. The needs to be looked at and the Committee on Ecumenical Ecumenical Relations Committee continues to encourage Relations met with Church of Scotland representatives use of the House by Councils and Committees. on the ACTS Networks early in 2010 to evaluate the way these relate to the ongoing work of the Councils of the 5. Bilateral and Multilateral discussions Assembly. This gives the Committee an opportunity to 5.1 The Scottish Episcopal Church, the Methodist hear how the Church of Scotland uses the Networks and Church and the United Reformed Church continued to to ensure that clear channels of communication and hold discussions after the demise of the Scottish Church accountability have been established with each of the Initiative for Union and agreed a Statement of Partnership Councils. Altogether, there are 25 people from the Church in 2009, committing themselves to sharing resources, of Scotland, nominated by Councils and Committees, who financial and human, as much as possible. The Statement serve on the ACTS Networks. of Partnership was signed by the leaders of these Churches at an ecumenical service in Perth during the Week of 4.3 The change in financial arrangements was discussed Prayer for Christian Unity in January 2010. This has an by the Ecumenical Relations Committee. It was recognised impact on those Church of Scotland congregations which 6.3/6 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS have united with United Reformed Church congregations. will be widely used. The liturgy has been drawn up by a The Committee will explore the implications of this for the small group that included representation from the Scottish Church of Scotland. Episcopal Church. This liturgy is now available for general use on appropriate ecumenical occasions. 5.2 The Covenant with the United Free Church of Scotland was signed in September 2006. A small group In addition, the growth of trust and understanding that continues to oversee the implementation of the Covenant. has built up over the years within the Joint Commission A survey of neighbouring congregations revealed that can also be seen in the Symposium that marked the there is much going on by way of co-operation but little quincentenary of the birth of John Calvin in 2009. Rev of it is identified with the national Covenant. Through Dr Stephen Robson gave a paper on the influence of the promotion of the Canonbie DVD in congregations where thinking of Bernard of Clairvaux on Calvin, Rev Dr Henry it could be most beneficial and advice given in vacancies, O’Brien spoke about Calvin’s understanding of the Holy greater local co-operation is encouraged. Two United Spirit in particular in relation to Holy Communion, Rev Free Church congregations are in negotiation with Prof David Fergusson explored Calvin’s use of the term neighbouring Church of Scotland congregations about the “the Church as Mother” and Rev Dr Alan Falconer gave a possibility of a local covenant. The Ecumenical Relations paper on Hebrews as the hermeneutical key for Calvin. Committee also recommends that consideration be given The Joint Commission is planning a second Symposium to including United Free Church congregations in parish in November 2010 to mark the 450th anniversary of the groupings, wherever possible. There has also been a move Scottish Reformation. It is expected that this will include to look together at training for ministry. Contact has been input from the Scottish Episcopal Church. It is to be held made between the Ministries Council and the United Free in the Scottish Storytelling Centre and will be followed by Church Ministry Committee. a service in St Giles Cathedral. Co-operation on both these issues with the Roman Catholic Church is a way of saying 5.3 The Joint Commission on Doctrine (Church of that our churches are in a different place than they were Scotland – Roman Catholic Church) published a joint all these centuries ago. It is also a way of revisiting painful report on baptism as a study guide for local congregations parts of our history in a way that can lead to a healing of in 2008. This booklet could not have been written 20 years memories. ago and harvests the fruits of decades of faith and order discussion within the World Council of Churches and 5.4 Talks with the Free Church of Scotland continued between the WCC and the Vatican in the Joint Working with an increasing sense of goodwill. A high point was Group. Though some may dismiss this important aspect of reached in 2007 when a joint report was received by the the ecumenical movement as “old fashioned”, the faith and two General Assemblies and the Conveners of the two order agenda continues to provide the platform on which Ecumenical Relations Committees were invited to address local developments can grow. The Joint Commission has each others’ Assembly. However, shortly after last year’s followed up its study on Baptism by producing a PowerPoint Assembly, the Convener of the Free Church’s Ecumenical presentation that gives the framework out of which the Relations Committee indicated that a decision had been study has come and by commissioning the production of taken to suspend the talks with the Church of Scotland until a joint liturgy for the reaffirmation of baptismal vows. All at least 2011 when the Special Commission anent Same Sex three resources belong together as the fruit of the Joint Relations and Ministry will make its report. They took into Commission’ study on Baptism and it is hoped that they consideration the spirit of harmony that had been a feature COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/7 of the talks and asked for a face-to-face meeting. This took partnerships through which congregations address local place last September. The meeting was respectful, with needs and seek opportunities to worship together. careful listening. The meeting closed with an expression of regret that the series of issues which had been open for Formal Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) remain few discussion between the two churches had been reduced to in number but those that exist remain committed to the one. It was agreed that channels of communication should joint expression of their life together. It is recognised that remain open and that, wherever possible, co-operation at ecumenical partnerships develop best when they are local level should continue to be encouraged. underpinned by an agreed structure. In the past year, the Barrhead Church has continued to explore the possibility 5.5 The Faith and Order Working Group with the Church of moving beyond being a covenanted partnership to a of England began an exploration of the biblical phrase union. Livingston Sponsors’ Council has been overseeing “partnership in the Gospel”. This discussion has taken the a revision of the constitution for the Ecumenical Parish, two Churches into areas that can no longer be justified as the existing legislation has proved too ambiguous. St as a discussion between two national churches without Andrew’s, Irvine has taken the necessary steps to sign a 6.3 the presence of the Scottish Episcopal Church, our closest covenant with the Scottish Episcopal congregation that Anglican neighbour. The working group has therefore shares its building. Under the umbrella of the Covenant drawn this part of its work to a conclusion with a report, Our with the United Free Church, some congregations are Fellowship in the Gospel. The respective governing bodies beginning a process of discernment that could lead to require different styles of report. The result has been the the sharing of ministry. The congregation in Mosspark production of a lengthy document which could not be has begun to explore its relations with the existing incorporated into the Blue Book. A summary is given in Methodist-United Reformed Church partnership in its Appendix I of this report and the full text can be found on parish. The city centre churches in Edinburgh continue the Church of Scotland’s website: www.churchofscotland. to seek a way of witnessing together at the heart of the org.uk/councils/ecumenical/erresources.htm. In bringing Capital. this round of discussion to an end, it is now possible to begin a new series of discussions which will include the 6.2 The commitment to set up a network of Presbytery Scottish Episcopal Church as a full participant. The concept ecumenical contacts has not been pursued but each of “partnership in the Gospel” will continue as the focus for Presbytery continues to be invited to an autumn the new discussions, thus allowing the two traditions to conference which continues to be opened up to explore means of deepening our unity without holding to participation from ACTS contacts and churches together an agenda for union. groups. Up to 70 people have attended the conference. Local stories are shared. In recent years, the conference 6. Commitment to and support of local has provided an opportunity to hear reports from Scottish ecumenism delegates who attended the WCC Assembly in Porto 6.1 Co-operation between congregations continues to Alegre and the Third European Ecumenical Assembly in be the bed-rock of the ecumenical movement in Scotland. Sibiu, Romania. There has been reflection on how to read Opportunities for joint prayer and worship, particularly the bible together, a presentation on the ecumenical during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Lent and Holy nature of the work of the Priority Areas Working Group, Week, continue to sustain and develop relationships. The updates on the plans to mark the Centenary of Edinburgh local ecumenical movement is driven by many informal 1910, a paper by the Rev Dr David Cornick, General 6.3/8 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

Secretary of Churches Together in England, on “Calvin on relations. Mainly, it has meant that the Church of Unity” to mark the quincentenary of Calvin’s birth, and Scotland has acted as “lead church” and invited others an opportunity to hear about and try out some of the to join it in doing its work. In such a set up other material suggested by the Scottish drafting group for the churches are always guests and the degree to which Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. the work can be owned by their parent denominations is inhibited. “Lead church” is always attractive to a 7. Commitment to and support of the large church like the Church of Scotland because it National Sponsoring Body for Local maintains the highest degree of overall control. It is Ecumenical Partnerships (NSB) often the least attractive to other churches, unless ACTS has continued to provide the churches with the they request it, because it is harder for them to own services of the National Sponsoring Body for Local the work that is done. Ecumenical Partnerships. The NSB seeks agreed • In some cases, the Church of Scotland has withdrawn processes for setting up and reviewing local ecumenical from a piece of ecumenical work because negotiations partnerships. Rev Bill Brown, a former convener of the have failed to find an ecumenical way forward. This has Committee on Ecumenical Relations, was appointed the in every case caused hurt and has damaged ecumenical new Convener of the NSB and takes up the position in relations in Scotland and in Britain and Ireland. The March 2010. The setting up of Regional Advisory Groups Church of Scotland is then left to renegotiate a way has proved cumbersome in most areas and a new, more back into the ecumenical community. flexible process has been devised which will ensure that • There have been cases when work has been handed over ecumenical reviews of LEPs are properly related to the to ACTS so that a task group formed from among the denominational review processes. churches does the work for all the denominations that opt to associate themselves with the work. Experience 8. Commitment to ecumenism within the has shown that this is not the quickest way of working revised central structures of the Church of but it can have the satisfaction at the end of the process Scotland of being accepted at least by the majority of churches The Committee has continued to be linked with each of involved in the process. The ACTS publication, Talking of the Councils of the Assembly in an attempt to monitor the Trinity, was an example of this. and encourage greater ecumenical co-operation across • Feedback from other churches suggests to us that the work of the Church of Scotland. Within the past fi ve there is still some way to go in the Church of Scotland’s years a number of things have happened which have willingness to move from doing its own work directly aff ected the way in which the Church of Scotland ecumenically (with invited participants from other works ecumenically. churches) and working ecumenically which now means • Charity law has meant a change in how we do either working under the auspices of ACTS or setting up ecumenical work. It is no longer possible to do a piece a separate company limited by guarantee. of denominational work ecumenically which does not have a Church of Scotland member as convener and THE LESSONS LEARNED - STRENGTHS AND a majority of Church of Scotland members on the LIMITATIONS governing body. This has led to the restructuring of 9. Supporting and Resourcing UK and how the Church of Scotland does its work, sadly, in International ecumenical structures a manner that has proved damaging to ecumenical 9.1 The Church of Scotland’s commitment has been COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/9 maintained both financially and in terms of active 10.2 One major problem with ACTS is that it does not participation in consultations, conferences, assemblies and have a high profile. As with all “churches together” bodies, working groups. There is regular sharing of information it has a convening and facilitating role, but the churches between some of the Councils and the ecumenical structures. need to acknowledge more the added value it offers to us It is now almost inconceivable that a Council would begin a in our commitment to do more of our work ecumenically. significant piece of work without checking out which other There is some evidence that our representatives on the churches have done work in a similar area. This seems set to ACTS Networks do not regularly report to the Council develop in new and exciting ways in relation to the World they represent and some key members have never Council of Churches and there is no reason to suppose it attended a Network meeting. The aim of the “churches cannot be applied to the other ecumenical instruments of together” model is that people with appropriate expertise which the Church of Scotland is a part. are involved and not ecumenical enthusiasts. Part of the difficulty is that the optimum time of year to feed in 9.2 The multilateral, inter-denominational model of information is after Assemblies and Synods have met ie in ecumenism has been under some pressure in recent years. . mid to late September, a time which is particularly busy for 6 3 Churches by and large have remained unchanged by the our Councils and working groups. It is not easy to see a way encounter with other churches and have continued to round this. The model cannot work without the sharing of take decisions without heed to the effect on the wider knowledge and expertise from each denomination. fellowship as a whole. At the same time, concern to maintain the fellowship has meant that there is now little 10.3 Another limitation of the “churches together” model space for round table discussion on the really contentious within the Scottish context is the difficulty in reaching issues that churches find difficult to talk about. There is local level. Across the country local “churches together” a tendency among the churches to pick and choose the groups seldom feel they relate to ACTS. ACTS, however, relationships that suit them. This approach is predisposed is trying to rebuild connections with local groups and to to bilateral rather than multilateral relations. In this, the resource them. ecumenical bodies become vulnerable and the valuable work they do in specific areas, not least in enabling smaller 10.4 It is interesting to note that the one place where churches to engage with the ecumenical movement, is there has been substantial movement has been in the not always appreciated. bilateral discussions with the Roman Catholic Church. Here, the fruits of the traditional, conciliar model of ecumenism 10. Commitment to and resourcing of ACTS have borne fruit and in such a way that a difference can 10.1 Our commitment to ACTS has remained strong. be noted right down to local level in the use that can be However, the reconfiguration of the funding of the made both of the baptism booklet and the joint liturgy for ecumenical instruments in Britain and Ireland, so that there the reaffirmation of baptismal vows. is no longer a common pot, has left the Church of Scotland by far the largest funder of ACTS. This is not a healthy 11. Local Ecumenism situation to be in but it is one that reflects the reality of 11.1 The strength of the “churches together” policy the churches in Scotland. The current ecumenical model, certainly lies in the encouragement given to churches to both within Scotland and beyond, is very vulnerable to the co-operate more closely at all levels. It allows churches ability of a few larger contributors to continue the level of to set aside their differences and concentrate on what their support. they share, particularly on what they can do together. 6.3/10 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

Not everything that contributes to the local ecumenical collaborate with anyone, the Councils pick and choose movement is formal in nature. There are many informal what they will do ecumenically and side-step the more initiatives that help to drive the movement forward, difficult ecumenical tasks which would involve us in building on an openness to one another and a deepening significant change. Ecumenical formation of ministries of understanding of one another that was scarcely remains elusive, so that it is no wonder that it is seldom dreamed of 50 years ago. part of the formation programmes within congregations.

11.2 Under the “churches together” policy it is REAFFIRMING THE BIBLICAL IMPERATIVE FOR acknowledged that the local ecumenical movement ECUMENICAL RELATIONS can develop to a point where more formal structures are required for good governance. Here, the churches are The Ecumenical Movement would not exist without the co-operating well in finding sensible ways of reviewing churches’ commitment to the search for visible unity and formal local ecumenical partnerships so that they are a common witness in the world. This commitment was not subjected to multiple reviews for each denomination and continues to be a task the churches cannot choose involved. However, it would seem to be of limited effect or reject. (John 17:21). Churches are called to participate in encouraging new, committed relations that can be in the reconciling and healing mission of God who ‘was supported by the agreed ecumenical processes. pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven’ through Jesus Christ (Col 1:20/Eph 12. The Church of Scotland structures 1:10). The goal for which the churches are striving is first 12.1 The encouragement to follow through the of all a gift of God’s love for creation and all humanity. ecumenical commitment that is at the heart of each The fellowship among the churches (koinonia) and Council’s remit has been uneven. It takes time for a the sharing of the gifts they have received reflect the representative from the Committee on Ecumenical relational reality of the triune God, the Father, the Son Relations to build up experience and expertise in the and the Holy Spirit. field of the ecumenical movement. The model requires good ecumenical formation which, to date, has not been Interim Report of the Continuation Committee on done, not necessarily because of a lack of will on behalf of Ecumenism in the 21st Century, Belem, WCC 2009 those responsible for training but because the structures of training in all denominations have proved particularly difficult to change. 13. The historical imperative 12.2 The Committee has also been greatly hampered 13.1 The commitment to ecumenical relations as a in not having direct access to the Council of Assembly. It fundamental part of the church’s identity comes as a has proved impossible, as anticipated, that the Ecumenical biblical imperative. In the Second Letter to the Corinthians, Officer would be able to attend the Councils of the the Apostle Paul speaks of Jesus as the one who creates Assembly regularly enough to make a difference. The the space and the environment for the exchange that Council of Assembly is bringing a proposal to the General allows reconciliation with God and with one another. Assembly which would rectify. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself 12.3 Inevitably with a “churches together” model and through Christ, and has given us the ministry of in a context in which we do not necessarily need to reconciliation. (II Cor 5:18, NRSV) COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/11

13.2 By becoming human, God stands where we are, reconciliation. What inspired the early church and Calvin accompanying our journey, taking into himself our story. should also inspire the life of our Church. Christianity To emphasise this, Paul speaks of Jesus as the one who centres on the event of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, reconciles. For such a depiction of the work of Jesus, he defined by his life, ministry and death. To be a Christian is invents a new word – reconciliation. At its root the word to live according to this pattern. The church or community simply means “the way of exchange”. It is to stand in the of those who have been set free in Christ continue his footsteps of the other, making of our story “his-story” – ministry, becoming a sign or sacrament of his grace, of his history – accepting, forgiving, leading us to a new reality being-with-others. The Church, exhibiting this reconciling of wholeness. love in its own life, is able to challenge with integrity the destructive and divisive forces in the world about us. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away. (II Cor 5:17) 13.6 Furthermore, the Bible speaks of baptism as dying and rising with Christ. 13.3 Through this experience, we are then charged with 6.3 the responsibility of being reconcilers, of pursuing this Do you not know that all of us who have been important and startling ministry. baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him 13.4 For the early Christians this was no abstract by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was philosophy. This word “reconciliation” described an raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so experience of relationship which set them free to be open we too might walk in newness of life. to God and to people with whom they had never imagined it possible to form a new community. Here, ancient enemies (Romans 6:3-4 NRSV) became a community of the new creation in Christ – Jews and Greeks, Samaritans and Romans. Here too men and 13.7 Baptism implies new life. It is as we arise together, women, slaves and masters, government officials and seeking to exercise discipleship in our time and place, outcasts shared bread and wine. The pattern for creating that we are changed in the encounter with one another and restoring these new relationships in the early church and so are enabled to let go of our preconceptions and was the pattern of Christ. It is no coincidence that when preoccupations as we forge together a common vision and John Calvin explored the nature of the Christian life in the understanding. This is to go beyond being merely Christians Institutes of the Christian Religion and stated as his intention together to a much deeper sense of Christian unity. to try to give some guidance whereby the Christian might There is no alternative route to the making of the Church, be helped to order his or her life, he wrote: than the route of baptism. There is no way to fuller unity God is reconciled to us in His Christ and has in Him other than the way of our baptism; the way of dying to established for us pattern and patron to which we our egos – our fears, our grievances, our sense, perhaps must conform. even, of what God has entrusted to us – so as to make room for Christ and for one another. There is no way of (Book 3, Chapter 6:3, First Edition 1559). discerning the forms of our dying outside of the process of prayerful engagement, and little likelihood that 13.5 For Calvin, reconciliation was the heart of the we will envisage the forms of our rising ahead of the Gospel. Arising out of Christ’s gift of reconciliation process of dying. There is no rising without dying, but came the imperative to live according to this pattern of 6.3/12 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

from dying, expressions of the risen life cannot fail to WHERE THEN DO WE GO FROM HERE? come, because Christ by his Spirit is able more to dwell 15. The Committee does not feel this is the moment in us, and we in him. The very dying promises new life in to depart from the “churches together” model, despite God’s kingdom, which, in its fi nal expression, will be a its evident weaknesses. What it does ask is that we try life of perfect unity. to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities to promote a vision of Christian unity through our working (Our Fellowship in the Gospel: Report of the Joint Study together with others. But it asks too, that as we engage Group between the Church of Scotland and the Church with others, we are prepared to be changed, to be shaped of England, 2010) by our encounters and to seek the common identities that proceed from our bondedness in Christ in Baptism. Only then can we put aside our separate histories and idealisms 14. Reaffi rming the constitutional basis of our and find that in our shared, Christ-given identity we are ecumenical commitment given a reconciling ministry that is forever new. 14.1 As a church shaped by the Word of God in the Scriptures and by the doctrines of the Reformation, 16. Areas for future work: this biblical imperative is to be found within the very 16.1 Supporting and Resourcing UK and constitution of the Church of Scotland. The Church of International Ecumenical Structures Scotland still holds within its constitution a commitment • Continue to find people to participate in working that is both biblical and which draws on the insights groups and consultations. of the Reformers in the Scots Confession. The Church • Maintain our financial support, insofar as budgetary of Scotland, believing it to be the will of Christ that His constraints allow, returning to a cost of living increase disciples should be all one in the Father and in Him, that as soon as possible. the world may believe that the Father has sent Him, • Increase the opportunities for young people to attend recognises the obligation to seek and promote union with ecumenical gatherings, both as participants and as other Churches in which it finds the Word to be purely stewards, as a means of ecumenical formation. preached, the sacraments administered according to • Continue to give support through the Duncan Christ’s ordinance, and discipline rightly exercised; and it McClements Trust. has the right to unite with any such Church without loss of • Develop the bilateral relationships with the Evangelical identity on terms which this Church finds to be consistent Church of Westphalia and the Evangelical Lutheran with these Articles. (Declaratory Articles, Article VII) Church of Bavaria.

14.2 Behind this Article is a vision and a commitment: a 16.2 Commitment to and Resourcing of ACTS vision of a catholic or universal church reconciled through • Maintain our commitment to share our work with our Christ, exercising a reconciling ministry in obedience partners in ACTS. to Christ’s example and for the sake of the world. It is in • Ensure robust reporting structures in each Council of continuity with Paul’s teaching in Second Corinthians the Assembly for feedback from ACTS and for briefing and, in this year of the 450th anniversary of the Scottish sessions in preparation for ACTS meetings. Reformation, having just marked the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, it is in continuity with the 16.3 Commitment to Bilateral Conversations teachings of Calvin and the Reformers. • Continue doctrinal conversations with the Roman COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/13

Catholic Church in Scotland through the Joint 16.6 Commitment to Ecumenism within the central Commission on Doctrine. structures of the Church of Scotland • Take forward the new conversation on Faith & Order • Encourage greater use of the expertise to be found with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal within the membership of the ecumenical bodies Church, exploring the concept of “fellowship in the • Open up new avenues of participation in order to Gospel”. highlight the value of our membership of the ecumenical • Welcome the reopening of discussions with the Free bodies, both bilaterally in church-to-churches relations Church of Scotland in 2012, should that prove possible. and multilaterally through the offices of the ecumenical • Encourage greater use of the Covenant with the United instruments themselves. Free Church in parish groupings and local partnerships • Work with the Councils on ways to incorporate • Monitor the impact of the Statement of Partnership ecumenical formation into courses and conferences between the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Methodist for those training for ministries and for work with elders Church and the United Reformed Church on the Church and members. of Scotland. • Support and assist in the ecumenical delivery of the 6.3 Priority Areas Work Plan (Ministries Council Section 1.3) 16.4 Commitment to and Support of local ecumenism in the next seven years. • Explore ways in which the experience of people who • Explore the ecumenical formation of ministerial have participated in ecumenical events can use their candidates with the Ministries Council and other experience in a way that builds up the ecumenical churches in Scotland. capital of the Church of Scotland. • Continue to seek ways of encouraging a deepening of local commitment. In the name of the Committee

16.5 Commitment to and Support of the National ALAN D FALCONER, Convener Sponsoring Body LINDSAY SCHLUTER, Vice-Convener • Ensure the rolling out of the ecumenical review process SHEILAGH M KESTING, Secretary is tied in to Presbytery reviews.

• Continue to monitor LEPs in order to learn from their experiences. 6.3/14 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

APPENDIX I expounded in worship, seeking guidance in the ordering OUR FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL of church affairs; territorial churches with a national mission and ministry and a commitment to bring the REPORT OF THE JOINT STUDY GROUP ministry of the word, the sacraments of the gospel, and BETWEEN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND AND the exercise of pastoral care to every community of the THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND land. Both churches have as their centre of gravity parishes The Council for Christian Unity and the local community. Both face similar challenges in of the Church of England the delivery of mission and both are influenced by the The Committee on Ecumenical Relations phenomenon of “emerging church” and “fresh expressions of the Church of Scotland of church”. Both are recognised in law, though in different Résumé ways: the Church of Scotland describing itself as a national Church, while the Church of England is the established Note: The governing bodies of the two churches Church in England. require a different style of report. The result has been the production of a lengthy document that The histories of the two churches are intertwined and could not be incorporated into the book of Assembly both are involved in the ecumenical movement and Reports. The full report is posted on the website: have signed significant doctrinal agreements with other www.churchofscotland.org.uk/councils/ecumenical/ churches. Both send a representative to the governing erresources.htm. body of the other, the General Synod and the General Assembly. 1. Introduction The report begins by noting the significance of the The current report is the fruit of seven years of faith and quincentenary of Calvin’s birth in 2009 and the centenary order discussion which began informally and evolved into of the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh. Both the present Working Group which set as its goal that of of these have been a focus on both sides of the Border. strengthening and enhancing the existing “fellowship It also acknowledges the added significance of 2010 in the gospel”. It was recognised that this enhanced for the Church of Scotland as the 450th anniversary of fellowship required a sound theological basis and that the Reformation Parliament. The two churches are near it should be expressed in as many practical and realistic neighbours and, while each being a distinctive expression ways as possible. The report seeks to encourage the of the Christian Church, have worked well together in public recognition of the strengthened and enhanced the cause of Christ. There is already a sense of fellowship, relationship between the two churches. which both churches value, but there is the belief that this could be strengthened and developed. The purpose of 2. Who are we? Introducing our Churches to the report is to propose that deepening of fellowship and each other to make some modest but concrete suggestions about First, the Church of Scotland is introduced as: an ancient how it might be put into practice. Church, a Scottish Church, a Reformed Church, a Presbyterian Church, an established Church, a national A list is given of some of the things we hold in common: Church, an ecumenical Church, and a Church in transition. the faith of the Church through the ages confessed in worship, teaching and witness; the treasuring of the The Church of England, likewise, is introduced as: an Scriptures as containing the Word of God, read and ancient Church, an English Church, a reformed Church, COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/15 an established Church, a comprehensive Church, and a This section ends by stressing that the purpose of the Church committed to mission and unity. current talks is not to put the clock back by revamping earlier proposals for unity. The report does not make any 3. Where do we find ourselves today? proposals for structural change, but encourages the two The context of our fellowship churches to work together in mission, study and witness The broader context is traced, first for Scotland and then on the basis of the extensive theological agreement that for England. In this section the impact of changing political, clearly already exists. (page 49) industrial, scientific and technological, economic and sociological factors on church and society are assessed. 5. Living out our common baptism: being Mention is made of how the churches have grappled with made one increasing secularisation, pluralism and multiculturalism. It “Baptism is the making of the Church. On this, our notes the shared concern with issues relating to families, communions are agreed: “Baptism, by which Christ the place of women in church and society and human incorporates us into his life, death and resurrection, is 6.3 sexuality. And it notes the development and challenges … in the strictest sense, constitutive of the Church. It is of ecumenism. not simply one of the Church’s practices. It is an event in which God, by engaging us to himself, opens to us the 4. What have we said to each other in life of faith and builds the Church”.”1 ecumenical dialogue? Conversations between the Church of England and the Church of So begins this section of the report which explores the Scotland 1932-1966 significance of baptism as dying and rising in Christ and This section gives a full summary of the various phases the implications of that for the relationship of Christians of dialogue involving the two churches, bilaterally and to one another and to the church in each time and place.2 multilaterally, in the earlier part of the 20th century. In Christians are brought into unity with one another, a unity addition, there is a section which gives details about that is not fulfilled in the dividedness of the church. They wider ecumenical developments since 1966. Mention is have found it hard to accept the “freedom that baptism made of the Anglican-Reformed International Dialogue gives us. Baptism brings freedom from all that blocks our in which both churches participated and its report God’s relationships to God and to one another, but we tend to Reign and Our Unity (1984). There is also an interweaving keep some of these blockages in place. Unity is possible of relations in the Church of Scotland’s involvement in insofar as, and only insofar as, we open ourselves up to the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe as a God’s action of making us free.” signatory of the Leuenberg Concordat and the Church of England’s agreements with the Evangelical Church 1 The Report of the Anglican-Reformed International commission (1981- of Germany (Meissen), the Nordic and Baltic Lutheran 84), ‘God’s Reign and Our Unity’ Sect. 54 (d). This agreement holds despite elements of the view within each of our communions that baptism, as a Churches (Porvoo) the French Lutheran and Reformed mark of the Church, is indicative rather than constitutive of the Church. For Churches (Reuilly) and the Anglican-Methodist Covenant. discussion of this view amongst the Reformers, see Susan K. Wood, One In addition to these bilateral relations, the two churches Baptism: Ecumenical Dimensions of the Doctrine of Baptism (Collegeville; are also engaged together in the work of the Conference of Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2009), pp. 194-7, and Paul Avis, The Church in the Theology of the Reformers (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1981; reprinted European Churches and of the World Council of Churches, Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2002) ch. 7. including the Faith and Order Commission. 2 Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Geneva, WCC, 1982), ‘Baptism’ para 6. 6.3/16 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful slave (Matthew 18:23-35) The refinement of dying and rising does not come from is used to suggest why dying brings freedom and why abandoning the inherited traditions but “by going more Christians find that freedom so hard to accept. Drawing deeply into them and being challenged by them in the on the writing of Michael Ramsay, the report holds that process of discerning what in us needs to die.” (page 57) divisions in the church reveal the various ways in which It is by going more deeply into the traditions that “the we have not died, and are therefore not yet free from hurt, obstacles to the love of God within us” become apparent. self-assertion, the desire to exercise control, and the desire Also, to go more deeply into the traditions is to discover a to call in debts. But, if we respond to our divisions by dying shared identity with Christ. Moving from baptismal unity to make room for Christ and for one another, the power of to fuller unity on other matters reveals the baptismal truth God can work in and through us. We become habitable “that we are who we are because “we have died with Christ dwellings for the Spirit. (page 54). and have been raised with and in him. In this lies our new birth, our new identity, and the basis of our relationship Openness to the process of dying and rising is continual. with one another.” (page 57) “The invitation is always to make ourselves open, always to die again; we never exhaust our baptism. All of Christian Dying is not about dying to our true selves, only to the life and the fulcrum of Christian spirituality is the dying baggage that distorts our true selves. Dying is not about and rising with Christ, so as continually to make room for ring-fencing aspects of our own identity and identifying God and for one another. We do not move on to another in others what (we think) they need to give up. It is not stage where something different is required.” (page 54) In compromise, because compromise is about exercising this the role of prayer is of particular importance. a great deal of control and constraint, whereas the Just as the way to Christian unity is blocked by the egos of argument is that it is control that needs to be given up. And people as individuals, so too is it blocked by the “corporate dying is not about shelving our obvious differences and egos” of the denominations. “First, ecumenism works, partly, by opting for the most accessible common denominators. churches asking what gifts they can each bring to the others, The process of dying breaks us open. It cuts to the heart and how they can be responsible in helping one another to of us. It takes us so deeply into ourselves that we begin live worthily of their baptism. Secondly, ecumenism involves to know ourselves as God knows us. We begin to see distinct communities seeking to work out and retain their the gap between ourselves as made in our own image, integrity. Thirdly, therefore, in ecumenism we tend to hold and our true selves as made in the image of God, and ourselves at the centre of our concerns, and bring both our as called into God’s likeness. We can approach this true wisdom and our hurts to the table (both of which need understanding not by a shallow shelving of differences, honouring, but both of which get in the way, if we do not but by a process of going deeply into our traditions until know when to get them out of the way).” (page 56) we access the depth of our spirituality. The deeper we go in the tradition in which we are rooted, the more likely “What looks at first sight to be an honourable desire viz the depths discovered will speak to the depths of other the desire of both parties to conserve the fullness of their traditions. (page 61) traditions, on further reflection looks to be going in the opposite direction from our baptism. What is Christian Here the argument turns to the Cross and the possibility about wishing to give nothing up? What is so valuable in of having to give up what God has given and what is held each of our own identities that will not be refined by dying most dear. The pattern is based on Christ’s laying down of and rising?” (page 56) his own life, that he might take it up again (John 10:17- COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/17

18). The resurrection is not a reward, nor does it undo the Specific Pauline texts are examined: death. It is the fulfilment of that life and reveals the love of Jesus as redemptive, healing us and making us whole. “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a koinonia in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a This section concludes: koinonia in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10.16) “There is no alternative route to the making of the Church, “…thankful for your koinonia in the gospel from the first than the route of baptism. There is no way to fuller unity day until now” (Philippians 1.5) other than the way of our baptism; the way of dying to our egos – our fears, our grievances, our sense, perhaps “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any even, of what God has entrusted to us – so as to make consolation from love, any koinonia in the Spirit, any room for Christ and for one another. There is no way of compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete; be of discerning the forms of our dying outside of the process the same mind…” (Philippians 2.1-2) of prayerful engagement, and little likelihood that we will envisage the forms of our rising ahead of the process In the light of these textual examinations, this section 6.3 of dying. There is no rising without dying, but from dying, concludes: expressions of the risen life cannot fail to come, because “Koinonia in the New Testament is not essentially about Christ by his Spirit is able more to dwell in us, and we in God’s plan for salvation, or about relationships within him. The very dying promises new life in God’s kingdom, the Trinity. Nor does it point to a settled ecclesiology, which, in its final expression, will be a life of perfect unity.” with specific structures of ministry. Its contextual focus (page 62) is the local grouping of house churches and their relationships with one another and their responsibilities 6. Partnership in the Gospel: A Biblical towards wider mission and the church in Jerusalem in Model particular. It is concerned with the actual situations and Partnership in the Gospel is offered as a way of living out beliefs in action which these groups shared in common. our baptismal heritage. This section of the report examines One aspect of the idea which is particularly useful for the use and meaning of the biblical term koinonia, often ecumenical thinking today… is its embodiment of the translated as “fellowship”, “sharing” or “communion”, and its crossing of boundaries. Contextually, it reflects the ability cognates. The term is examined first in its use in classical of the gospel to move from one world to another, from texts by Greek philosophers who were dealing with a Semitic to Hellenistic thought, from country to town philosophical context very different from that of Judaism and city. The gospel experience of the incarnate and where there was little emphasis on a close fellowship risen Messiah is presented, in its use, in the vocabulary between humanity and the divine and rather more on the of Greek thought. Its existing associations are added to lordship of God and the servanthood of the people. (page by the gospel emphasis of solidarity with the suffering 63) Paul, however, unsurprisingly draws on his Hellenistic of others. This practical crossing of boundaries, in the Jewish background and makes use of it in his theology. creation of active partnerships between worshipping Thus, “the “koinonia in the gospel” of believers, as described communities, may be of particular significance to the in Phil 1.5, is not a static state of being in relationship, but relationship between our two churches as we seek to involves active, practical participation in Christian life.” build a new partnership in mission across the Border. (page 64) The multi-layered nature of the concept, its resistance to 6.3/18 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS being pinned down beneath any one definition, allied to 3. Discussions are under way that would enable the its Pauline connection with participation in the Body of Archbishop of Canterbury to be invited to address Christ in a powerfully significant way, suggests it is an apt the General Assembly. and strong foundation for our endeavours.” (page 68) 4. Our churches should explore ways in which the St Andrews-tide visit of the Moderator of the General 7. Pathways to Partnership: Practical Steps Assembly to London (the Court Visit), which already The concluding section of the report sets out some practical includes a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, recommendations for the way ahead. These are given here in could be made more beneficial to both churches. full. 5. One body that brings our two churches together is the College of Royal Chaplains. The College of 36 We recommend the following modest but practical steps, honorary Chaplains to HM The Queen spans the two arising out of the relationship between our two churches nations. The College is evolving a new pattern of that is charted in the body of our report. They are intended joint meetings of its Scottish and English members, to consolidate what is already happening between our for study, worship and consultation. It is a further churches, to supplement them with some new initiatives expression of ‘our fellowship in the gospel’. and to share our fellowship in the gospel with other 6. The bi-annual bilateral and cross-disciplinary partners. consultation (which is co-chaired for the Church of England by the Archbishop of York) is a major plank of 1. Each church should appoint a senior representative our relationship. It would be useful if the two ‘senior to spearhead the enhanced relationship between representatives’, referred to above, could be included our churches. These representatives would take part in the delegations for future meetings. in the various interfaces between the churches and 7. In the area of national mission and public affairs there (subject to the appointment process in each church) are already several channels of communication and serve as the representative to each other’s governing consultation between our churches (interfaith work; body as often as convenient. The Church of Scotland the Mission Theology Advisory Group, MITAG; the has already identified a former Moderator of the RADAR group that scans public affairs on behalf of General Assembly to fulfil this role. The Archbishops the churches). We believe that there may be scope for of Canterbury and York have expressed their readiness closer consultation on the Church’s mission in urban to appoint a bishop to carry this portfolio and to and rural areas and that if a major national issue were represent the strengthened relationship between our to arise, that affected both nations, this should be churches at the annual Ecumenical Bishops’ Meeting worked on together. at Lambeth Palace. 8. The existing cross-fertilisation between the Church 2. The Church of England and the Methodist Church of England’s Liturgical Commission and the Church of Great Britain should invite the Church of Scotland of Scotland’s Doctrine and Worship Task Force should to participate in any follow up to the work of the be encouraged and that the fruits of this consultation joint Anglican-Methodist working party on the should be shared more widely. ecclesiological implications of the phenomena of 9. The small bilateral consultation on faith and order “emerging church” and “fresh expressions”, alongside between our churches should continue to meet the Church of Scotland’s proposed membership of each year. The Scottish Episcopal Church should be the Fresh Expressions organisation. involved forthwith. The aim of the consultation is (a) COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS 6.3/19

to consult together on our churches’ responses to World Alliance of Reformed Churches important ecclesiological and missiological texts at Executive Committee Rev A G Horsburgh the international level, especially those of the WCC’s Faith and Order Commission; (b) to share our work on World Alliance of Reformed Churches/ the theological agendas of each of the three churches; Reformed Ecumenical Council (c) to monitor and progress the implementation of Uniting General the enhanced “fellowship in the gospel” between our Council (June 2010) Rev Dr A Falconer, churches. Rev A G Horsburgh, 10. We suggest that this closer three-way working on Very Rev Dr S M Kesting, theological and doctrinal matters should include Mr I McLarty, a combined meeting, say every five years, of the Rev L Schluter Church of England’s Faith and Order Commission, the Church of Scotland’s Doctrine and Worship Task Conference of European Churches Force and the Doctrine Commission of the Scottish 13th Assembly (July 2009) Dr A Elliot OBE, 6.3 Episcopal Church. Very Rev Dr S M Kesting, Rev Dr J L McPake, APPENDIX II Miss A Watson DELEGATES TO OTHER CHURCHES Central Committee Very Rev Dr S M Kesting The following have been appointed as delegates to the Church and Society Assemblies, Synods and Conferences of other Churches:- Commission Rev E Aitken Presbyterian Church in Ireland – The Moderator, Chaplain and Elder Community of Protestant Churches Presbyterian Church of Wales – The Moderator in Europe (Leuenberg Church Church of England – Very Rev Dr A D McDonald Fellowship) Rev Dr J L McPake United Reformed Church Scotland Synod – Rev S J Paterson Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Scottish Episcopal Church – Rev Dr D G MacEwan Board of Trustees Very Rev Dr S M Kesting Methodist Synod – Very Rev Dr S M Kesting United Free Church of Scotland – Rev J B Thomson Action of Churches Together in Scotland Baptist Union of Scotland – Rev W B Ferguson Members’ Meeting Religious Society of Friends – Rev N J Robb Voting member: Convener of the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (alternate voting member: Convener APPENDIX III of the Council of Assembly), non-voting members: ECUMENICAL BODIES Secretaries of the Mission and Discipleship Council, Church The following serve on Assemblies and Committees of the and Society Council and the Ecumenical Officer (alternate ecumenical bodies of which the Church is a member:- non-voting members: Secretary of the Ministries Council, General Secretary of the Guild and the Moderator of the World Council of Churches Youth Assembly) Executive Committee Rev G McGeoch Faith and Order Commission Rev Dr P H Donald 6.3/20 COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

Networks: Mission Mrs L Dunnett, Church Life Mrs R McDonald, Miss L Hamilton-Messer, Rev A Paton, Rev A Millar, Rev J Reid, Rev F Penny, Mr C Sabey, Mr J K Thomson Rev A Scobie, Mrs N Summers Finance Committee Mr A McDowall

Church and Society Rev E Aitken, Mr P Bailey, Network of Ecumenical Mr D Bradwell, Women in Scotland Mrs K McPherson Mrs H Fairgrieve, Mr G Lumb, Joint Liturgical Group The Very Rev Dr G I Macmillan, Dr M Macdonald, Rev N J Robb Mr A Shaw, Mr J K Thomson, Mrs A Twaddle

Faith Studies Rev A Birss, Rev E Cranfield, Rev J Scott, Mrs M Whyte, Miss N Whyte

APPENDIX IV CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECUMENICAL BODIES 2010 2011 £ £ Churches Together in Britain and Ireland 15,000 15,000 Action of Churches Together in Scotland 160,000 160,000 Churches Together in England 1,000 1,000 World Council of Churches 46,000 46,000 World Alliance of Reformed Churches 24,400 24,400 Conference of European Churches 21,600 22,600 268,000 269,000 LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. 2. Pass an Act amending Consolidating Act III 2000 anent Church Courts (as amended) as set out in Appendix I [2.2.1] 3. Pass an Act amending Act III 2001 anent Discipline of Ministers and Others (as amended) as set out in Appendix II [2.2.2] 4. Amend Standing Order 89, as set out in the Report [2.3.1] 5. Note the interpretation of Standing Order 72, provided by the Procurator and the Legal Questions Committee, and set out in the Report [2.3.2] 6. Pass an Act amending Act VIII 2003 anent Vacancy Process (as amended) as set out in Appendix III [2.2.3] 6.4 REPORT 1. Church-State questions Supplementary Report of the Board of Ministry to the 1.1 BIS Working Group General Assembly of 2005 (identifying the range of matters The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (formerly concerning the Church in this area) the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and before that the Department of Trade and Acts anent Bullying and Discrimination, 2007 Industry) has followed up the work of the Clergy Working Regulations relating to the provision of manses, 2007 Group originally established in 2002. The Working Group, drawn from many religious traditions, discussed the Code of Professional Practice and Good Conduct, 2008 possibility that civil law might be developed to regulate the rights and responsibilities of those clergy not already fully 2. Church Law protected by civil employment law (a category that includes 2.1 McGillivray: Introduction to Practice and parish ministers of the Church of Scotland). Last summer, Procedure the Department asked for an account of developments The third edition of these introductory materials on the within the denominations in pursuit of the best practice law, procedure and courts of the Church of Scotland can standards articulated by that exercise. In response to the now be found in the Church Law pages of the Extranet work of the Working Group and with the intention of re- section of the Church’s web-site. Each summer they will assuring government that the Church did provide adequate be amended to take into account the innovations of the equivalence of protection, recent General Assemblies have General Assembly, and the materials are designed to be made several major legal reforms, and a paper was sent used (eg searched) in electronic form. by the Committee to DBIS setting these changes out and enclosing copies of the principal documents in each case: For congregational offi ce-bearers, and for most purposes 6.4/2 LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE connected to parish administration, these texts will address (1) the Presbytery having two former Moderators, an elder most frequently-asked questions about governance, and a minister, who might ‘equalise’ each other without decision-making and procedure. Questions not answered the need for further commissions in favour of another in these materials should probably be addressed in the minister and elder; and (2) an elder being a member of a fi rst instance to the local Presbytery Clerk, who if necessary Kirk Session in the bounds, but not currently a member of will know whom to consult in the Church offi ces. the Presbytery.

For more complex questions, including those relating to all 2.2.2 Reform of Act III 2001 judicial processes, the volume entitled The Legal Systems of Appendix II contains an Act amending Act III 2001 anent Scottish Churches (Dundee University Press 2009), launched Discipline of Ministers, Licentiates, Graduate Candidates at last year’s General Assembly, should be consulted. and Deacons (as previously amended).

2.2 Proposed Legislation: Following some recent use of Act III 2001 the Committee 2.2.1 Former Moderators – Commission to the received commentary on the eff ectiveness of the Act General Assembly from a Kirk Session, and its local Presbytery, who had been In the legislation that determines the membership of aff ected by its provisions. The Committee invited an elder the General Assembly (Act III 2000), in paragraph 6(c), from another Presbytery, who has been involved in more provision is made for Presbyteries to give a commission than one case under the Act, to refl ect on the comments to any member who is a former Moderator of the General received and to add her own suggestions and ideas. It was Assembly. The provision was fi rst introduced long before clear from all the comments that some streamlining of the the General Assembly had its fi rst elder Moderator in early part of the process is necessary, so that all parties are 2004, and in two respects the text presumes that former not engaged in largely repetitive steps that waste time. Moderators would be ministers. In paragraph (c) itself, it is presumed that a former Moderator given a commission The problem of duplication occurs when the Investigating would be a member of the Presbytery, because that would Committee of Presbytery has to put to the Respondent the indeed have to be true in the case of a minister. However, nature of the allegation, and the nature of the evidence an elder is eligible to receive a commission providing he or purporting to exist (but not yet assessed) to support it, both she is a member of a Kirk Session within the bounds, and at the outset and then again at the very beginning of their the Legal Questions Committee sees no reason why this formal investigation. These two steps are often very close should not equally be the case of an elder who receives a together, will produce no diff erent outcome and therefore commission in terms of paragraph (c). Paragraph (d) talks may waste time. The same step is virtually repeated again of the appointment of an equalising elder in respect of at the end of the investigatory stage, just before a formal each such former Moderator, again presumably out of an complaint is raised with the Presbyterial Commission. The expectation that former Moderators would be ministers. proposed amendments will reduce these intimations from three to two. The fi rst of the two, at the very beginning of The small amending Act set out in Appendix I ensures the investigation, will inform the Respondent of the nature former Moderators may benefi t from the provisions of of the allegation to be investigated, and the evidence paragraph (c) whether they are ministers, deacons or elders. the Committee understands may exist to support it. The The amendment ensures that parity in the number of second of the two, at the end of the investigation, will commissions given to ministers and elders is maintained in inform the Respondent of the nature of the Complaint, each Presbytery. It allows for various possibilities including: if any, being proceeded with, and the evidence the LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE 6.4/3

Committee has established exists to support it. In the that an objection not made in advance but intimated only course of the investigation the nature of the allegation during the course of the Presbytery meeting just before may have developed, and the supporting evidence should the induction service should not be regarded as valid have been fi rmly established. Therefore both intimations unless this was genuinely the earliest opportunity for the are necessary, as they may be quite diff erent. objection to be made (and the Committee assumes that can only mean that the problem must have newly come The amendment has a further improving eff ect. The to light at that point). The Schedule for edictal intimation appointment by the Legal Questions Committee of of the process to the congregation(s) is worded as if the a legally-qualifi ed Assessor to advise the Presbytery’s day of the induction were the only opportunity for any Committee has sometimes followed the fi rst of the objection to be made, and so gives quite the opposite (current) three intimations to the Respondent. With the amendment described above, the Assessor will now be impression and, in the view of Presbytery Clerks and of the in place before the fi rst formal encounter between the Committee, a very unfortunate encouragement of last- Committee and the Respondent. Exactly the same eff ect minute debates. will be achieved in respect of the pastoral care of parties, The amending Act set out in Appendix III simplifi es the which will begin at the outset of the legal process. Schedule and brings its terms into line with the inference 6.4 Separately, the Committee considered a complaint arising in section 29, ie that objections should be intimated as in a case which did not in fact get as far as the stage of a soon as possible, and very late objections should be Notice of Complaint, but which seemed rather protracted examined rigorously to ensure inductions are not thus at the investigatory stage. The Committee observed that disrupted except in genuine emergencies. time-limits apply to the stages of process following the 2.3 Standing Orders lodging of a Notice of Complaint, and concluded that the 2.3.1 SO 89 - Declarations of Interest same ends would best be served by similar time-limits for the earlier stages. This further amendment provides The Council of Assembly’s Governance Group has agreed, a normal limit of eight weeks for the investigatory stage, as a matter of good governance practice, that any but it has been drafted to ensure reasonable fl exibility, member of the General Assembly who has a personal, in recognition of the possibility of unusually complex or fi nancial or legal interest in any piece of business before diffi cult cases. the Assembly should declare that interest before making any contribution to the debate. There are one or two other very small amendments, which simply correct obsolete cross-references in the existing As SO 125 provides that the Legal Questions Committee legislation. Report is the vehicle by which changes to other Standing Orders are brought before the General Assembly, the 2.2.3 Objections to life and doctrine – amendment Committee willingly brings this proposed change on of Act VIII 2003 behalf of the Council. The Committee is grateful to a number of Presbytery Clerks who have identifi ed a diffi culty with the process The change is most naturally eff ected by an alteration to of intimation of inductions, and particularly the process Standing Order 89; and in examining its text, the Legal by which objections to the life or doctrine of an elected Questions Committee noticed that the existing text was in minister may be made. Act VIII 2003 (s.29(2)) helpfully asserts need of a little clarifi cation. 6.4/4 LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE

Standing Order 89 currently reads, “89. One Speech only. Scottish House of Lords case, Helow v Secretary of State Except as provided in SO 81 and 84, no Member may speak for the Home Department (http://www.publications. twice on the same matter except in explanation, and then parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldjudgmt/jd081022/helow. only by special permission of the Assembly.” pdf). The basic test is reiterated several times: whether a fair minded and informed observer, having considered It is perhaps unclear what is meant by the phrase ‘on the facts, would conclude that there was a real possibility the same matter’, as arguably that could prevent a that the judge was biased? And of course, it is not only the commissioner speaking in two quite separate debates actual state of a judge’s mind which matters, but also how if they had some matter of substance in common. The it appears, because justice must be seen to be done. As Committee proposes that ‘matter’ should be substituted Lord Hope says, “things that (judges) have said or done, or by the word ‘question’ to make clear that the SO is directed associations that they have formed may make it diffi cult only to the debate on a single motion. for them to judge the case before them impartially”. And Lord Walker says: “Those who take on the responsibility Taking this change with the one proposed by the of judicial offi ce have to exercise a measure of restraint Governance Group, the Legal Questions Committee in associating themselves publicly with controversial proposes that it should now read: causes”.

“89. Speeches. (1) Except as provided in SO 81 and 84, How do these principles apply in the Church context? The no Member may speak twice on the same question except broad thrust must be the same: a party to a Case is entitled in explanation, and then only by special permission of the to expect that those who decide it will be impartial and Assembly. (2) Members shall make relevant declarations of anything which indicates that a Commissioner is not interest where the topic of debate makes it appropriate impartial is a valid basis for complaint. The idea that cases to do so.” are decided only on the basis of the submissions made, without taking into account things Commissioners have 2.3.2 SO 72 – confl ict of interest previously said or done, or associations they have formed, Questions have arisen about SO 72 and about principles is clearly refl ected in the terms of Standing Order 72, which of natural justice, in a climate where a Case may provoke states: much outside comment and lobbying, and off er many opportunities for expressions of view. The Procurator ‘The Commissioners are reminded that justice requires that has provided the following note on the topic of “Natural all the pleadings at the bar should be heard by all those Justice and the Church”, and the Committee commends it who vote in this case, and that their judgement should be to the Assembly. made solely on the basis of the pleadings.’

“It is diffi cult to give a comprehensive defi nition of the Of course, a Commissioner may have private views about rules of natural justice, but they certainly include the idea an issue raised in a Case. But he or she is expected to put that cases are decided – and only decided - on the basis them aside and decide the Case only after listening to and of the submissions in Court, by judges who consider both considering the arguments presented. If a Commissioner sides of the argument with open minds. In other words, appears to have committed him or herself publicly to any party to a case is entitled to a hearing before a judge what the outcome of a Case should be, then his or her who has not made up his or her mind in advance. There ability to decide the Case impartially, and to be seen to are helpful statements of what is involved in a recent do so, is necessarily compromised. His or her participation LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE 6.4/5 in decision-making is very likely to amount to a breach of Director for Scotland, Mr William Stevenson, has been Standing Order 72 and indeed of natural justice itself.” pursuing these matters within the BB.

The Committee notes for the avoidance of doubt that One of the remaining diffi culties is the situation where these remarks relate to the Courts and Commissions of the a Company relates to more than one Kirk Session. The Church only when they are exercising judicial functions, but principles summarised here will assist in those situations, not to the legislative function of the General Assembly. but these and other constitutional questions are receiving further attention by the Brigade, and the Legal Questions 3. Civil Law Committee will monitor developments. 3.1. Boys Brigade – Constitutional Questions The Church has held several helpful conversations with the 4. Examination of Records Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, addressing questions relating to In accordance with the arrangements set in place by the company constitutions, fi nance, appointment of offi cers, General Assembly of 2000 the Board has examined the and issues surrounding safeguarding (the last of these relevant records of Assembly Councils and Committees. conversations held by the Church’s Safeguarding staff , and These have been found, generally, to be in order. so not discussed in this Report). 6.4 In the name of the Committee The Committee believes that welcome clarity has emerged in many of these areas, and previous uncertainty has been resolved, especially since the involvement of the Offi ce CAROLE HOPE, Convener of the Scottish Charity Regulator in the last few years. ALAN J HAMILTON, Vice-Convener Many BB Companies are themselves individual charities, MARJORY A MACLEAN, Secretary providing the simplest and clearest legal structure for civil law purposes. ADDENDUM The relationship of Company and congregation is similar Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean whether or not the Company is itself a recognised charity. The Committee records its appreciation of the service The principle that the BB and the Church have fundamental given by the Rev Dr Marjory MacLean as its Secretary over spiritual ties, but are separate bodies for legal purposes, is the past six years. Marjory was appointed Depute Clerk to accepted by both organisations. A good example of this is the General Assembly in 1996 and has been involved in the appointment of offi cers, where the legal appointment the work of the Committee since that date. She became is made nationally by the BB, but the local Kirk Session has its Secretary in 2004 following a re-organisation of work the task of approving those nominated. Here both parties within the Principal Clerk’s Department. In recent years the are content that there is no question that one charity is work of the Committee has become increasingly focussed appointing the trustees of another, nor that the power to on developments in civil law which have implications appoint lies in only one body. for the life of the Church. In this connection Marjory’s theological and legal expertise has been enormously In the fi nancial area, especially of accounts and the helpful. Beyond our own Committee she has provided disposal of assets, the same principle of legal distinctness valuable assistance to various departments in the is recognised. This may necessitate an adjustment to the drafting of Acts and Regulations and, more particularly, constitutional documents of the Brigade, and the new to the Ministries Council in the teaching of church law to 6.4/6 LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE candidates and to the Ecumenical Relations Committee case of elders, are members of Kirk Sessions within the on legal issues relating to local ecumenical partnerships. bounds.’ In July 2009 she clerked the Assembly of the Conference of European Churches in Lyons. She has also clerked and By the deletion, at the end of paragraph 6(d) of ‘an been a constant supporter and enabler of our own Youth equalising elder shall be elected in respect of each such Assembly. Throughout the wider church many have been Commissioner.’ and its substitution by ‘an equalising grateful for her advice on matters of law, practice and elder or minister shall be elected in respect of any such procedure. Her 2008 Chalmers Lectures entitled The Crown Commissioner as appropriate to maintain overall equality Rights of the Redeemer off er a contemporary assessment of of numbers of ministers and elders. ’. the Church’s constitutional arrangements in relation to our wider society and the collection of essays on the Legal APPENDIX II Systems of Scottish Churches, edited by her and published ACT AMENDING ACT III 2001 ANENT DISCIPLINE OF by Dundee University Press, is proving a most useful MINISTERS, LICENTIATES, GRADUATE CANDIDATES resource for lawyers appearing before church courts. AND DEACONS (AS AMENDED)

Another signifi cant strand in Marjory’s ministry has been Edinburgh, May 20, 2010, Session 1 service as a Reservist Naval chaplain, and at the time this report was drafted she expected to be mobilised to The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that Act III serve in active operations for the latter part of 2010. The 2001 as amended is hereby further amended as follows. Committee wishes her every blessing both in this new 1. By the amendment of Part 2 (ie sections 4-9) to read venture and in her future ministry. as follows:

In the name of the Committee Part 2 Investigatory Proceedings 4. (1) On receiving notice of circumstances indicating that a disciplinary off ence may have been CAROLE HOPE, Convener committed, a Presbytery shall appoint a Committee ALAN J HAMILTON, Vice-Convener of Presbytery to consider the circumstances, and, if appropriate, to investigate and prosecute the case. APPENDIX I In the exercise of any of its functions in terms of this ACT AMENDING CONSOLIDATING ACT III 2000 ANENT Act, the Committee of Presbytery shall have all the CHURCH COURTS (AS AMENDED) powers of Presbytery. Except insofar as provided herein, the Presbytery shall have no further part in Edinburgh, 20 May 2010, Session 1 the proceedings. The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that Act III (2) In considering whether to carry out an 2000 (as amended) is hereby further amended as follows: investigation the Committee of Presbytery shall consider whether all or any of the allegations made By the deletion, at the end of paragraph 6(c), of ‘are are frivolous, vexatious and/or without merit. members of the Presbytery so electing them’ and its (3) Where the Committee of Presbytery decides substitution by ‘, in the case of ministers and deacons, are that all or any of the allegations are frivolous, vexatious members of the Presbytery so electing them, or in the and/or without merit and that it is accordingly not LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE 6.4/7 appropriate to carry out an investigation in respect 5 (b) hereof but the Presbytery or any Committee of all or any of the allegations made, the Committee or individuals holding delegated powers from of Presbytery shall report its decision to reject the the Presbytery so to do shall have power on cause complaint or parts thereof (as appropriate) to the shown by the Committee or the Respondent to grant Presbytery and shall advise the person or persons a further period or periods for completion of the (if any) who made the allegation or allegations of its investigation. decision and the reasons for it. (2) In all cases under this Act the Presbytery shall keep a Record Apart of the investigatory 5. (1) If the Committee of Presbytery decides to proceedings. The Record Apart shall comprise all initiate investigatory proceedings it shall: evidence obtained by the Committee of Presbytery (a) intimate in writing to the person who is the including witness statements, and a transcript or subject of the allegation (“the Respondent”) recording of the evidence given at any hearing. the nature of the off ence alleged and the nature of the evidence purported to exist in 7. Before reaching any conclusion on whether a support of the allegation and shall off er him disciplinary off ence may have been committed, the or her the opportunity to make any answer Committee of Presbytery shall make known to the 6.4 thereto, provided that he or she shall not be person against whom the allegation has been made obliged to answer; the substance of the complaint being considered (b) give notice to the Presbytery of that decision by the Committee and the nature of the evidence and of the allegation or allegations which existing in support of the allegation and shall off er are to be investigated; and him or her the opportunity to make any answer (c) give notice to the Legal Questions thereto; provided that he or she shall not be obliged Committee, which shall appoint a legally to answer. qualifi ed assessor to advise the Committee of Presbytery on matters of law and 8. Upon consideration of the allegations and procedure. evidence submitted and of any answers given, the Committee shall be entitled to resolve that no further (2) On receipt of the notice referred to in investigation shall be carried out if there is no prima section 5(1)(b), the Presbytery shall make such facie case to answer. In that event, it shall report to arrangements as appear to it appropriate for the the Presbytery which shall recall any administrative provision of pastoral support for the Respondent suspension imposed in terms of section 3(1). The and his or her family, for the person or persons who Committee shall also advise the person or persons made the allegation and for any witnesses within the (if any) who made the allegation or allegations of its bounds of the Presbytery. decision and the reasons for it. Without prejudice to its existing powers of superintendence the Presbytery 6. (1) The Committee of Presbytery shall carry may issue an instruction to the Respondent regarding out such investigations as it deems necessary to his or her conduct. Any disobedience of that determine whether a disciplinary off ence may have instruction may be treated as a disciplinary off ence. been committed. Such investigations shall normally be concluded within 56 days of the date on which 9. (1) In the event that the Committee of notice is given to the Presbytery in terms of Section Presbytery decides to initiate disciplinary proceedings 6.4/8 LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE

it shall prepare (a) a Notice of Complaint setting The Presbytery of … has received a Call from this forth the alleged disciplinary off ence or off ences congregation addressed to [Name] to be their minister, (hereinafter referred to as “charge” or “charges”) in and the Call has been sustained as a regular Call, and has respect of which it is proposed that disciplinary been accepted by him/her1. The Presbytery, having judged proceedings should be commenced, and (b) a the said [Name] qualifi ed for the ministry of the Gospel summary of the evidence, whether from witnesses, and2 for this charge, has resolved to proceed to his /her documents or otherwise, that is considered to ordination and induction3 on [day of the week] the [date] support the charge or charges made. day of [month] at [time] o’clock unless something occurs (2) The Notice of Complaint will run in the which may reasonably impede it. name of the Committee of Presbytery and will be in such form that, in respect of each off ence, there is Notice is hereby given to all concerned that if they, or any set out the time and place of the disciplinary off ence of them, have anything to object to in the life or doctrine and the facts necessary to constitute the disciplinary of the said [Name] they should intimate their objection off ence. at their earliest opportunity to the Presbytery Clerk, with evidence of substantiation of the objection. 2 . By the deletion, in subsection 14(3) of ‘4(3)’ and the substitution of ‘5(1)(a)’. The Presbytery is to meet at [time] on [date as above]. In accordance with section 29 of Act VIII 2003, an objection fi rst brought at that time must be immediately APPENDIX III substantiated, and the objector must satisfy the ACT AMENDING ACT VIII 2003 ANENT VACANCY Presbytery that there was no earlier opportunity to bring PROCESS (AS AMENDED) the objection to the attention of the Presbytery Clerk. Otherwise the Presbytery shall proceed without further Edinburgh, May 20, 2010, Session I delay.

The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that Act By order of the Presbytery VIII 2003 as amended is hereby further amended by the amendment of Schedule O to read as follows: A… B… Presbytery Clerk

O EDICTAL INTIMATION OF INDUCTION – Section 29

To be read on two Sundays

1 add, where appropriate, “and his/her translation has been agreed to by the Presbytery of …” 2 omit “for the ministry of the Gospel and” if this minister to be inducted has been ordained previously 3 omit, where appropriate, “ordination and” SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE May 2010

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Note that the rubric of the Policy Statement has been revised to refl ect changing legislation and to take account of the Report of the Forgiveness and Proportionality Working Group and instruct Kirk Sessions to note it. (2.2) 3. Instruct the Committee to continue to raise the awareness of the Report of the Forgiveness and Proportionality working Group ‘For such is the Kingdom of Heaven’ and provide appropriate training and support to congregations in the implementation of the policy in the Forgiveness & Proportionality report. (3.1) 4. Thank and discharge the Forgiveness and Proportionality Working Group. 5. Instruct Kirk Sessions to ensure that all persons 16 years or over in formal leadership positions working with children and young people are required to have Enhanced Disclosure checks. (5.3) 6. Instruct the Council of Assembly to ensure appropriate fi nancial resources are made available to implement the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 in order to accommodate the likely impact of a signifi cant increase in the work of the Safeguarding Offi ce. (6.1) 6.5 7. Instruct Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions that appropriate Safeguarding training (as determined by the Safeguarding Offi ce) must be undertaken by those involved as Presbytery Trainers, Congregational Coordinators and others. (8.1)

REPORT

1.1 The Safeguarding Offi ce continues to provide an 1.3 These changes will require a revision of the Handbook eff ective service to protect children and ‘adults at risk’ from for Child Protection, which will become the Safeguarding harm or abuse. This service also ensures that where harm Handbook, a revision of safeguarding training materials, is witnessed, suspected or reported within the Church, updating of our safeguarding offi ce website and the timely and appropriate action – often with social work and provision of advice about situations of suspected or the police – is taken. reported harm to adults at risk. For a fuller discussion about what is meant by ‘adults at risk’. (See Appendix 1) 1.2 The report outlines the structure of the Church’s safeguarding service provides details about the work 1.4 One of the most familiar of the miracle stories undertaken and highlights signifi cant changes which involving a child is the feeding of the 5000.1 It encapsulates will be initiated in 2010. In short, the Church will be more all that is good about the relationship between adults and explicitly recognising that we have a duty to protect children. The child whose picnic is described as fi ve barley people, including adults at risk, as well as children and young people, from harm and abuse. 1 St John 6.1-13 6.5/2 SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE loaves and two small fi sh was identifi ed by Andrew who achieved and prepare for the further demands which will took him to Jesus who welcomed him and used his picnic be demanded by the new legislation. so that no one remained hungry. 1.11 The Safeguarding Committee acknowledges with 1.5 One of the most moving stories involving an older gratitude and appreciation the immense amount of time person, certainly in terms of the Ancient Near East, was and energy which is given by so many to the task of Jesus word from the Cross as he asked John, one of his Safeguarding. closest friends, to take care of his mother.2 2 . The Safeguarding Service 1.6 Each incident enables us to think about the 2.1 Safeguarding is an essential service which relies on responsibilities which each one of us has for the on- the cooperation of everyone to keep congregations as going welfare of our congregational lives as well as the safe as possible. It is recognised, of course, that no system particular responsibilities we have for our children, young is 100% secure. people and adults at risk. Recognising this the Church of Scotland continues to provide a quality Safeguarding 2.2 ‘Ensuring a Safe Church for All’ is a revision of the service for such people as it has done since 1997 when 1997 Policy Statement to take account of the changes in the early requirements for the Child Protection, as it then legislation. The revised policy now reads was, were beginning to be formulated in Church and State legislation. Ensuring a Safe Church for All The Policy Statement of the Church of Scotland 1.7 Everyone involved in Safeguarding whether as The Church of Scotland has a deep concern for the wholeness members of Congregations working with such groups, and wellbeing of each individual. Through its Safeguarding or as Congregational Coordinators or Training Personnel Offi ce and its contacts with the Statutory Agencies or Professional staff in the Safeguarding Offi ce recognises the Church seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people, the responsibilities of maintaining an organisation which regardless of age, who come into contact with the Church is a safe as it can possibly be for those who may be at risk. and its organisations. ‘Of Such is the Kingdom of Heaven’ 1.8 The years have seen signifi cant developments in the Report of the Forgiveness & Proportionality Working civil legislation with which the Church has complied fully. Group affi rms that it is the responsibility of each individual Such developments have been identifi ed year by year within the fellowship of the Church to prevent harm. Harm to the General Assembly. Most recently the Protection or abuse of any type or level towards Children, Young People of Vulnerable Groups legislation has been enacted and or Adults at Risk is unacceptable and we will always strive to it now seems likely that this legislation will govern all minimise the risk of harm occurring. Safeguarding from late 2010. 2.3 Safeguarding in the Church of Scotland has expanded 1.9 The new legislation will have implications for the over the years to keep pace with the demands placed on Church as an organisation and for everyone as individuals. the service by Civil and Church legislation. A full overview of the Safeguarding Service can be found in Appendix 1. 1.10 The thrust of the Safeguarding Report to the General Assembly of 2010 is to build on what has been 2.4 Kirk Sessions are reminded that they must fulfi l any action that the Safeguarding Offi ce advises constitutes a 2 St John 19.25-27 requirement of the General Assembly. SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE 6.5/3

3. Forgiveness and Proportionality with serious convictions are excluded and do not attract 3.1 The Report of the Forgiveness and Proportionality adverse publicity for this key profession in the Church. Working Group ‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven’ has been well-received by the wider Church and the secular 4.4 Further it was agreed that organists, as with all other Authorities. posts – apart from ministers –would not be checked retrospectively. Matters remained dormant until, in 3.2 ‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven’ has enabled a February 2008, the then Head of Safeguarding, wrote to dialogue to take place with Association of Chief Police Presbytery Clerks reminding them of the requirement that Offi cers and The Association of Directors of Social Work. organists appointed since 2003 be Disclosure Checked.

3.3 The dialogue with the Criminal Justice authorities 4.5 The debate began which culminated in the Overture is part of a discussion exploring the possibilities of the referred to previously. Following the decision of the General Church’s Safeguarding staff being included in the Multi Assembly it was subsequently agreed by the General Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). This Assembly that the category title ‘Children’s Workers’ would will strengthen the support which can be given to be replaced by ‘Church Activities’. congregations who are managing sex-off enders. 4.6 There is no intention to claim that organists are any 3.4 A Code of Practice has been prepared to inform more of a risk than anyone else. Organists are, however, 6.5 congregations of the mechanisms for preparing the in a prominent position in a congregation which in turn Covenant of Responsibilities implies that the person is trustworthy. The vast majority of organists are. A tiny minority are not and that minority can, 4. Church Organists and have, caused serious physical and emotional damage 4.1 Following the Overture by the Presbytery of Duns to to people they have abused. The eff ects can be life-long the General Assembly of 2009 opportunities were sought and devastating. to meet the President and Secretary of the Scottish Federation of Organists and the Glasgow Society of 4.7 Year on year the General Assembly has supported Organists. These proved valuable for all parties. its Safeguarding Committee which recognises that one 4.2 The General Assembly of 2003 agreed a list of 15 posts abused child is one too many. People who harm children in congregations, under the umbrella title of ‘Children’s and adults at risk target weaknesses. Disclosure checking Workers’, which would require a Disclosure Check. Organists is part of the Church’s defence against such people and have not been singled out – they are just one of these the robust recruitment procedure is designed to protect 15 posts. Several of these posts include those where children and adults at risk. unsupervised contact with children is unlikely but the post 4.8 Despite the rumours which circulate, while Disclosure is nonetheless a position of trust and responsibility in the Checks are not transferable between organisations they Church. The outcome of the meeting with the Scottish are transferable among congregations of the Church of Federation of Organists subsequently circulated a full record of this meeting for the clarifi cation of their members. Scotland. This means that locum organists, for example, require one Disclosure Certifi cate which is valid in 4.3 Disclosure Scotland checks for organists also protect whichever congregation of the Church of Scotland an the reputation of the profession. They ensure that those organist plays. 6.5/4 SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE

5. Leadership Roles and Youth Organisations 7. Whole Church Safeguarding Service 5.1 Discussions have been on-going with representatives 7.1 Discussions have been taking place between the of the Boys’ Brigade in relation to Church of Scotland Safeguarding Committee and Crossreach with a view to protocols and the anomalies which have arisen with Boys’ developing a Safeguarding Service for the whole Church. Brigade procedures. 8. Training 5.2 Following the introduction of the Protection of 8.1 Until the eff ects and implications of the Protection Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, the Boys’ Brigade of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 are fully known, are reviewing their policy of only enhanced disclosure Safeguarding training continues to concentrate on the checking 18 year olds and above in leadership positions in work with Children and Young People. However, once the organisation. At present enhanced disclosure checks the Scottish Government publishes its secondary and of 16 and 17 year olds in leadership posts can be done at implementing legislation, making clear what the eff ects the discretion of the particular Kirk Session. and implications are for our work in the Church with 5.3 The Committee, having reviewed the situation, others who may be vulnerable, training in support of that takes the view that it would be appropriate that all such work shall quickly be developed and cascaded out to young people in leadership positions must be subject to Congregations, Presbyteries and Departments. enhanced disclosure checking and accordingly invite the 8.2 An extensive and varied programme of training is General Assembly to require this to be the case. delivered by a team of 67 Volunteer trainers, appointed 6. Protection of Vulnerable Groups Legislation and supported, by their respective presbyteries. Of the 67, 51 are already fully accredited, and 16 are Trainers-in- 6.1 The introduction of the Protection of Vulnerable Training, working towards that accreditation. Groups legislation later this year sees a new scheme being introduced. This is called the Vetting and Barring scheme 8.3 Whilst each Presbytery now has appointed a and those undertaking regulated work with children and Safeguarding Contact, there are, despite considerable protected adults, as defi ned in the legislation will require encouragement and cajoling from the Safeguarding to be scheme members. Offi ce, still eight Presbyteries that have not appointed a 6.2 The Vetting and Barring scheme is designed to show trainer. This increases the burden on trainers in adjoining that people who are members of it are suitable to work presbyteries, together with the Safeguarding Offi ce, to with children and all protected adults. It is life long unless provide such training. As the need for training increases to matters arise resulting in the perpetrator being disqualifi ed meet new and developing Safeguarding legislation, there from working with children and/or protected adults. In a is a real danger that these Presbyteries will fi nd themselves phased way this will require all relevant postholders to desperately trying to fulfi l their statutory obligations. become scheme members. This task is expected to be completed by 2015. 9. Advisory Panel 9.1 The Advisory Panel continues to meet as necessary 6.3 Discussions are on-going with representatives of if there is a fl awed Disclosure which requires further the Scottish Government with regard to the implications discussion and risk assessment before a fi nal decision is Protection of the Vulnerable Groups legislation for the made with regard to a person’s suitability, or otherwise, to Church. work with Vulnerable Groups. SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE 6.5/5

9.2 The Safeguarding Advisory Panel has met 5 times over 11.4 Developing a single safeguarding service for the the last year to consider blemished Disclosure Certifi cates Church, including CrossReach. The Head of Safeguarding (i.e. those containing conviction and non conviction was previously CrossReach’s Head of Service (Safeguarding). information). Please see Table 1 for statistics relating to the A single safeguarding service will improve links among the cases considered at the Safeguarding Advisory Panel since Councils and ensure a pooling of professional expertise. it was established in 2003. 12. Summary and Conclusion 9.3 The Safeguarding Advisory Panel has eff ectively 12.1 The Church is adopting a revised policy for utilised the risk assessment protocol to consider blemished safeguarding that embraces the needs of children, young Disclosure checks. The protocol is to be developed further people and ‘adults at risk’. In part this is being driven by this year to ensure a consistent, robust and accountable legislative change, but also our desire is ‘Ensuring a Safe system is in place for risk assessment in advance of the Church for All’. Such a whole Church approach recognises implementation of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups harm or abuse can never occur or be disclosed. However, it (Scotland) Act 2007. is one in which if harm or abuse are suspected, witnessed or reported, timely and appropriate action is taken and the 10. Child Exploitation and Online Protection police and social work are involved. 10.1 The links with CEOP are being developed in relation to awareness raising of the dangers of the internet for 12.2 There are considerable challenges ahead to 6.5 children. In 2009 one training session had been provided implement the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) for the Ardrossan presbytery and a presentation was made Act 2007 to ensure its implementation is feasible without for staff in the 121 offi ce. undermining the basic structures of the Church. The Safeguarding Committee is agreed that this is an important 11. Safeguarding: priority areas for process that will increase the safety of vulnerable members development in 2010 -2011 of our congregations. 11.1 The implementation of the General Assembly instruction to Kirk Sessions to adopt the ‘integrating 12.3 Our priority remains a gospel imperative of the those who pose a risk’ policy (work with sex off enders protection of the individual from harm or abuse. For that in congregations): there are 19 known sex off enders person’s sake, and the reputation of the Church, we need in congregations but this is likely to be a considerable to continue to get this work right and build on the existing underestimate. Additional resources are required to excellent foundation for safeguarding in the Church. monitor Covenants of Responsibilities and provide vital training, support and advice for the church volunteers In the name of the Committee who work with these congregational members.

11.2 The implementation of the Protection of Vulnerable JOHN C CHRISTIE, Convener Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. RANALD MAIR, Vice-Convener RICHARD CROSSE, Head of Safeguarding 11.3 Revision of the Handbook for Child Protection which will become the Safeguarding Handbook for the Church of Scotland. 6.5/6 SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE

ADDENDUM compassion with what can be a diffi cult subject has been Retiral of Convener an encouragement to all. To many in the Church John In 2010 Rev John Christie completes his term of offi ce Christie is the voice of Safeguarding and his passion and as the Convener of The Safeguarding Committee. John’s commitment to the subject have won many hearts over involvement with Safeguarding and the Board of Parish the last few years. Education stretches back to the early 1990’s. Initially he was The Safeguarding Committee would like to record its appointed as a member of the Board of Parish Education, sincere and heartfelt appreciation of John’s long and in 1992, and then became Convener of Parish Education committed service to the protection of the vulnerable and in 2001. As a consequence of being Convenor of Parish in particular the protection of children. We give thanks to Education, he also assumed the role of Convener of the God for his continuing commitment in his service of his Joint Boards Group on Protection of Children and Young Church and his Lord, and extend the Committee’s good People. wishes for his period of service as the Moderator of the John was instrumental in the establishment of the Church General Assembly in 2010. of Scotland’s Safeguarding Service and became, as a result RANALD MAIR, Vice-Convener of the reorganisation of the Church’s central structures in RICHARD CROSSE, Head of Safeguarding 2005, and the developing civil legislation on the issues relating to the protection of vulnerable groups, became Convener of the Safeguarding Committee. During that APPENDIX 1 time he has served as Convener on the Forgiveness and 1. The Safeguarding service: what we Proportionality working group which ran for two years, provide and how and which presented its major report to the General At the time of writing 7.2 whole time equivalent staff Assembly in 2009. provides the following services:

When he gets time to unwind from his extensive list of Disclosure Scotland and Administrative Service: 4 staff commitments John is a keen hill walker. He describes effi ciently process up to 170 enhance Disclosure Scotland parts of the West Coast of Scotland as being amongst his certifi cates (criminal record checks) per week. This ensures favourite locations. Although John enjoys playing regular that only those who are not known to pose a risk are 5-a-side football he tends towards more spectator sports employed in voluntary and paid positions in the Church. these days, in particular Rugby and Indoor Bowling at The team also provide administrative support to the rest which his wife Annette is a Scottish Internationalist. of the offi ce

In his service to Safeguarding John has evidenced Enquiries Service: this part time post provides advice his commitment to the work of the Committee, the about a myriad of enquiries concerning child protection Safeguarding Offi ce and its wider network and of his policy procedure and practice. This information is vital support and availability to staff at all levels. He has shown to prevent harm and abuse occurring to members of the huge understanding of the issues faced in our communities Church. today. He has debated these issues at length externally and internally on behalf of the Safeguarding Committee Referral Service: Harm and abuse to members of and on behalf of the wider Church. John’s supportive and congregations is very rare - but it does happen. The Assistant- and Head of Safeguarding deliver this key part SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE 6.5/7 of the safeguarding service. It ensures that a timely and however either the take-up of courses has been very appropriate response is made where harm, or abuse, is poor, or there has been signifi cant under-reporting witnessed suspected or reported. See section X for more of them taking place; with only seven courses for 170 about what is meant by harm and abuse. Elders being recorded at the Safeguarding Offi ce. • Paid Workers’ course – this is a four hour course that Safeguarding Training: led by the training and recognises the additional needs and responsibilities of development worker. A comprehensive range of child the paid Youth Workers, Children’s Ministry Workers etc., protection courses is delivered by 65 trained volunteers employed by congregations, groups of congregations, for all volunteers and paid staff in the Church who may presbyteries and departments of the Church. This course come into contact with children. has just been developed and, at the time of writing, has yet to be piloted. Training that is currently delivered includes: • Learning and Development Course – a two day, • Volunteer Child Worker course – a three hour course that residential course for new Safeguarding Trainers and is ‘strongly recommended’ for all volunteers working those wishing to refresh or update their training skills. with children and young people. During 2009 sixty- This very specifi c and targeted course endeavours to one Volunteer Courses took place attended by 1097 ensure that the highest possible quality of training is participants. off ered consistently across the whole country and that • Congregational Safeguarding Coordinator course National Standards for Training and Development are – a six-hour, mandatory, course for all Safeguarding 6.5 met or surpassed. Coordinators appointed by Sessions. During 2009 • Training for those administering Covenants of twenty two Coordinator Courses took place attended Responsibilities to manage those who may cause a risk by 208 participants. is currently being developed. • Safeguarding Training for Sessions – a 90 minute – 2 hour course, being promoted and facilitated by Presbyteries, 2. What do we mean by harm and abuse to which advises and assists Kirk Sessions to fulfi l their church members? responsibilities, including statutory responsibility, for As a starting point, abuse is any conduct towards a child the recruitment, management and support of the or ‘adult at risk’ that you suspect or know is having a bad volunteers and staff they appoint to work with children eff ect on them. It is the wrongful application of power by a and young people in their congregations and in person in a dominant position. Abuse can occur anywhere furtherance of the Church’s wider works. and can be perpetrated by anyone. The abuse cannot be • There is a very varied picture of the provision of eliminated – but the Church does demonstrate that is Safeguarding Training for Kirk Sessions across the minimises the risk of abuse occurring. country. The Presbytery of Glasgow has been very actively promoting this resulting in them requiring to Harm, or abuse, may be perpetrated by a wide range of off er theatre style presentations for quite extraordinary people: members of the congregation, volunteers and paid numbers of Elders. During 2009 Glasgow ran six such staff employed by the Church, relatives or friends of church Courses, attended by 899 participants and a further 633 members, professional staff from social care or health are booked to attend during the fi rst six months of 2010. organisations or strangers. It is important to note that harm, Kirkcaldy Presbytery has run 23 courses, covering all its or abuse, occurring to church members does not mean that Congregations and training 562 of its Elders. Elsewhere the perpetrators are also members of the Church. 6.5/8 SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE

It is increasingly recognised that ‘adults at risk’ may also be aff ected by harm. This development has been driven by the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. An ‘adult at risk’ is person you suspect or know is being harmed or exploited by another person, or is harming themselves, and is unable to protect themselves. Often this will mean some older people and some people with mental health diffi culties, people aff ected by dementia, learning or physical disabilities, substance misuse, homelessness or using counselling or criminal justice services.

Harm in the Church is rare and thankfully the vast majority of people will have no knowledge or experience of it – but even one case is one too many.

3. Safeguarding within the Church how the service is organised and what was provided in 2009 3.1 The structure of safeguarding within the Church is illustrated in Figure 1 Figure 1: the Church’s safeguarding structure

Joint work with the Safeguarding Office police, criminal justice services and social work 1,845 Safeguarding Coordinators

65 Safeguarding Trainers

c1, 400 Safeguarding Panels

People in the church: 600,000 members; >100,000 children take part in church based activities; 15,000 volunteers; 1,200 ministers/congregations 40,000 elders c1,400 congregations with paid and voluntary staff in the church and related organisations

3.2 It is clear that the foundation of safeguarding relies heavily on the invaluable time, expertise and commitment of volunteers within the Church. We remain indebted to those volunteers. Support, training and advice is provided for these volunteers by the Safeguarding Offi ce. SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE 6.5/9

3.3 What are the outcomes, or results, of the safeguarding service?

Table 1: safeguarding outcomes

Safeguarding Activity in 2009 Numbers The number of Enhanced Disclosure Scotland checks processed by the Church Activities: 5900 Safeguarding Offi ce for volunteers and paid staff in the Church Boys’ Brigade: 454 Girls’ Brigade: 204 Ministers: 528 Enquirers: 78 Mission and Discipleship: 13 Total for 2009: 7268

Activity of the Safeguarding Advisory Panel (see section 9), December 2003 to October 2009. The number of individuals with conviction information on their Disclosure Scotland certifi cate who have applied to work that includes contact with children 108 6.5 The number of such applications approved as being suitable for such work 85

The number of such applications declined i.e. assessed as being unsuitable to work in Church activities and hence not employed as volunteers or paid staff . 23

Estimated number of Referrals (Appendix 1, section 2, for what this means) of 35 harm or abuse

Estimated number of safeguarding Enquiries (see Appendix 1, section 2, for 650 what this means)

Details about the type and number attending safeguarding training courses

Volunteer Training 61 Courses; 1097 trained Safeguarding Coordinator Training 22 Courses; 208 trained Kirk Session Training 36 Courses; 1631 trained Learning & Development ‘training for trainers’ 1 Course; 12 trained

Total number of courses 120 Total number of persons trained 2948 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the report. 2. Give thanks for the life and witness of overseas staff who have died, salute those who have completed their period of service overseas, and uphold in prayer all overseas staff who continue to serve. 3. Instruct the World Mission Council to sustain and strengthen its commitment to offering meaningful solidarity to partner churches in contexts where the Christian community comes under severe pressure because of its minority status. 4. Instruct the World Mission Council to work with partner churches on the development of inter-religious dialogue with a view to promoting religious freedom and resolving the difficulties currently faced by Christians who suffer on account of their minority status. 5. Instruct the World Mission Council to make known to the Church at large the situations of discrimination and/or persecution which are faced by partner churches and other Christian communities at this time. 6. Urge all Kirk Sessions to consider how their congregations can best (a) raise awareness of the issues facing minority Christians; (b) offer prayer support to minority Christians; (c) undertake advocacy on behalf of minority Christians, and (d) take practical action to demonstrate solidarity with minority Christians. 7. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, section 1.3) and commit the World Mission Council, in 7 partnership with others, to its effective delivery over the next seven years. 8. Give thanks to God for the work of Scottish Churches World Exchange and the commitment of Members and staff who, over the years, have enabled many to experience the rich vitality of the world church. 9. Noting the desire of the congregations of St Andrew’s Nassau and Lucaya Kirk, Freeport to affiliate to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (USA) as an interim step towards the formation of a Presbyterian Church of Bahamas, agree to their severance from the Church of Scotland, commend them for their Christian mission and service over the past two hundred years and wish them God’s continuing blessing as they take forward their life and witness in the Bahamas. 10. Note the decision of the World Mission Council to pass responsibility for the congregation of Greyfriars St Ann’s linked with Arouca and Sangre Grande, Trinidad to the Council’s Africa and Caribbean Committee. 11. Pass an Act amending Act VI, 2001 anent Overseas Charges in the following terms: The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that: Act VI 2001 anent Overseas Charges (as amended by Acts IX and XII 2002, VIII 2003 and II 2008) is hereby further amended as follows: 1. By the deletion in section 3 (2) (a) of the words “Overseas Charges Committee” and the substitution therefor of the words “the appropriate Committee of the World Mission Council” 2. By the deletion of “Lucaya Kirk, Freeport, Bahamas“ and “St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk, Nassau, Bahamas” from Schedule A. 12. Thank all from around the world who have worked on the preparations for marking the centenary of the Edinburgh 1910 World Missionary Conference and look forward to welcoming world church representatives to Edinburgh in June this year. 7/2 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL REPORT Christian Communities in Minority Situations In 1800, an estimated 2,500 Christians died as a result of opposition to their faith. A century later, that total had “There is no division in the body, but all its diff erent parts risen to 34,400, and it is thought that more Christians died have the same concern for one another. If one part of the violent deaths in the 20th century than in all of previous body suff ers, all the other parts suff er with it; if one part is Christian history. This pressure has not eased in the first praised, all the other parts share its happiness. All of you are decade of the 21st century: based on current statistical Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it”. 1 Cor.12.25-27. trends, it is estimated that around 176,000 Christians may have died for the faith in 2009. An important responsibility of the World Mission Council is to listen to its partners throughout the world and to inform It is recognised that Christians have also been among the the Church of Scotland of what they are saying. Having oppressors and persecutors. The brutality of the Crusades heard from the various partners that Christians in many is remembered throughout much of the Middle East, and places face far greater pressure than the western church the complicity of professing Christians in any genocide, often recognises, and hearing their plea that their tale be including the Jewish Holocaust, cannot be forgotten. told to the wider world, the General Assembly accepted Christians have tortured and even burned their fellow the following deliverance in 2008 - Christians in the Inquisition, the religious wars throughout The General Assembly express solidarity with churches that Europe and the treatment of witches in Scotland. It was are in a minority situation and are faced with discrimination observed in South Africa that “Christians are killing Christians and violence; resolve to share common commitment and and other Christians are sitting on the fence.” Any report on take decisive action collectively to assist such minority the persecution of Christians must be made in a spirit of churches that are caught in situations of violence and deep humility. conflict; instruct the Council (1) to find creative ways of including inter-religious dialogue The World Mission Council also acknowledges that as a vehicle to promote and protect the rights of minorities; persecution of Christians is not new. Stephen was stoned to (2) to seek to bring awareness about such situations in the death as the first known Christian martyr, Paul was stoned global Christian community and left for dead in Lystra and, with Silas, was beaten and (3) to help and advise partner churches in developing self- imprisoned in Philippi. St John the Divine was exiled on understanding and identification through capacity building Patmos. Persecution is a recurrent theme throughout the and theological education; New Testament, as is the teaching that the coming of (4) to strengthen ecumenical groups and movements in Christ brings crisis to the world. minority churches for the building of a tolerant society; (5) In the centuries that have followed, Dutch and German to raise the issues facing minority churches in international Mennonites and French Huguenots migrated to avoid forums for redress and remedy; and report to the General persecution, and Armenian Christians perished in what Assembly in 2009. has been a largely forgotten genocide. However, there is Recognising the scale and complexity of this deliverance, widespread acceptance that the level of persecution of the World Mission Council soon realised that a report Christians, whether by discrimination or direct violence, to the 2010 General Assembly was more feasible, and has been greater in the last century than in any other reported accordingly in 2009. period in the history of the Christian Church. WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/3

Since terrorist attacks on the United States of America on For these people, being salt and light requires obedience the 11 September 2001, new polarisations and pressures and courage and involves considerable risk. Nevertheless, have been increasingly obvious. To a degree that may rather than being demoralised by such experiences, many have surprised analysts and commentators a generation Christians in such difficult circumstances demonstrate ago, religious loyalties have gained a new potency, and lie a degree of vitality and dynamism in their faith which at the root of many of the world’s ongoing civil wars and suggests they may often be closer to New Testament outbursts of political violence. Demographic projections experience than those who live in more comfortable and indicate that religious feuds will intensify, especially as secure situations. A Christian refugee from the civil war in the future centres of global population are mainly in Sudan observed that, “In the West you haven’t learned to countries already divided by the great religious traditions trust God as we have had to learn to trust God.” of Christianity and Islam. [Jenkins, p164] Israel and Palestine The impact of this is already being reported by many In the land of Jesus’ birth, Christians find themselves of the Church of Scotland’s overseas partners. At a day caught between the avowedly Jewish state of Israel and conference held in Perth in February 2009, the Rt Rev a Palestinian community, some of whom, in desperation, Mano Rumalshah, Bishop of Peshawar in Pakistan, spoke turn to more radical and exclusivist forms of the Islamic movingly of threats on the life of clergy within his diocese faith held by the majority. The Christian community in and of a struggle to support those who, on converting Palestine, with its roots going back to apostolic times, is from Islam to Christianity, are rejected by their families and under pressure as never before. left facing death threats and destitution. During last year’s General Assembly, interviews with overseas church leaders In the context of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, 7 were conducted; proving to be a humbling exercise for Palestinian Christians suffer discrimination primarily because the interviewers as they listened to the realities of living of their ethnic rather than their religious identity. Israel’s illegal as Christians in what can often be the most challenging occupation of Palestine, and the harsh conditions which of environments. it imposes, inflicts privation and suffering on Palestinians regardless of their religious identity. Israel’s policy of In the Middle East, Asia and parts of Africa, many Christian developing and/or allowing “settlements” on Palestinian land people live as a minority faith community. Some have and the restrictions which it places on the everyday life of lived in this way for many generations; others are newer the Palestinian community creates a demoralising situation communities. Some can trace their identity back to the for Christians and Muslims alike. Christians living in the Holy early centuries of the Christian era; others are followers Land, with their relatively high standards of education and of Jesus Christ through conversion in more recent times. connections in the Western world, often are in a position to Often they live in harmony with neighbours from all faith emigrate, and many have chosen this option. communities, but at other times can be ostracised and marginalised, facing outright persecution or education While similar numbers of young Christians and Muslims and economic discrimination. are leaving, it is estimated that out of every ten Muslims who leave eight will return, while out of every ten Those who live in places where Sharia law and, in particular, Christians who leave only two will return. This, together apostasy law, are exercised, can be exposed to extreme with the higher birth rate among Muslims, means that the pressures. The position of women in such places is a major proportion of Christians in the Holy Land is decreasing cause of concern. faster than the absolute number. Families find it even more 7/4 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL difficult to persuade their children to remain in a situation Islamist group. However, people from both Christian and which grows more unjust and intolerable. Muslim groups also expressed their concern over forms of evangelism that were inappropriate within the context. Historically, the Palestinian nationalist struggle united Muslims and Christians, with its intellectuals and leaders Initiatives of the Christian community in the Holy often being drawn from within the Christian community. Land Whether by means of an active Israeli strategy or simply on While some have chosen to leave this deeply troubled account of the pressures of the occupation, recent years situation, others have taken the decision to remain and have seen a growing polarisation between these two to work for positive change. This has strategic importance historic religious communities. While Muslim and Christian since the Christian community has been recognised, in leaders work together on the human rights situation, the the words of the late King Hussein of Jordan, as “the glue failure of the peace process can lead to Christians in general which holds the Middle East together”. Though a minority, being regarded by some as being in collusion with the the Christian community often forms a bridge between West in its perceived hostility to Islam and unquestioning Muslims and Jews. Moreover, often against the odds, the support of Israel. At grassroots level, many Christians churches have for many years run an extensive network now find themselves subject to barbed comments and of social services, which continue as a witness to the love active hostility from their Muslim neighbours. There is also of Christ. great concern that in the very cradle of Christianity the The churches respond to the current demoralising Arab Christian church is shrinking so rapidly. Historically, situation with new initiatives, such as the Media Centre Nazareth was largely populated by Arab Christians but of the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem which seeks to today they are in the minority. Outside the Church of research and promote the life, faith and culture of the the Annunciation, a group of Muslims erected a banner Palestinian Christian community. Its work has attracted a quoting the Koran, “God is One, the Eternal God. He begot body of young people who, despite living in “the largest none, nor was He begotten. None is equal to Him.” It was open-air prison in the world”, are confident of their identity the chosen location rather than the Muslim statement as Palestinian Christians and determined to make their of belief that was made, that caused most offence. In a future in the Land. The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem context where Christians are in even more of a minority, and the Middle East, besides a massive commitment to such actions can easily make them feel vulnerable and sustaining the life of its membership, seeks to reach out threatened. This increases the sense within the Christian through inter-faith engagement. The Sabeel Ecumenical community that it has no future in its historic homeland. Theological Centre in Jerusalem exposes the injustice of the current political situation and, in contrast to the A tragic incident in Gaza in October 2007 illustrates prevailing ideologies of violence, advocates an approach something of the sheer complexity of the situation. Rami of non-violent resistance to the occupation. Through its Ayyad, who managed the only Bible Bookshop in Gaza, staff and institutions the Church of Scotland seeks to be an was kidnapped and subsequently found murdered a few active and resourceful partner, sharing the pain of those days later. He had previously been beaten and accused who suffer and seeking to contribute to initiatives aimed of handing out Christian tracts, his family had received at justice, healing and reconciliation. threats, and the shop had been firebombed a few months earlier. Local Christians and Muslims joined in condemning Messianic Jews the murder, thought to be the work of an extremist Also under pressure in the Israeli context are the fellowships WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/5 of Messianic Jews. Without wishing to give up their Jewish There is official discrimination against Christians, with identity they confess Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Coptic Christians being especially singled out. By law the Saviour. This can expose them to considerable hostility, President must be a Muslim, though other political offices particularly from Orthodox Jews who sometimes organise can be held by Christians. demonstrations and other forms of harassment. Messianic Jews have occasionally found themselves subject to Reports point to an increase in the persecution of Christians, violence, such as receiving letter bombs. with attacks by the pro-Sharia Muslim Brotherhood on churches and an increase in mob attacks, particularly On the other hand, in the Israeli community at large there on Coptic villages, properties and clergy. Other forms of is a growing acceptance of the witness of Messianic Jews. persecution are more subtle, with only a very limited number In a context where direct evangelism is prohibited, these of university places being made available for Christians. believers, in common with Arab Christians, bear witness As in some other predominantly Islamic societies, Muslims by the quality of their daily lives and are becoming known who decide to become Christians can face serious for their integrity and compassion. Increasingly they difficulties. Such converts can suffer human rights abuses share in worship with Arab Christians, demonstrating the ranging from illegal detention without official charges, reconciling power of faith in Jesus Christ. physical intimidation from security forces to violence from Bridge-building in the Holy Land religious extremists and their communities. Often those In this troubled corner of the world Christians are in a who are drawn to faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour opt to unique position to build bridges between the various remain within an Islamic religious and cultural identity. sides. The Christian Church holds perhaps the best chance Those who choose to be baptised and to be publicly 7 of bringing people together for a permanent solution; with identified as Christians may have to leave the country. its connections to the land where Jesus lived, ministered, and died; to the Jewish people, as Jesus was a Jew; to the Musa was born in Egypt and brought up as a Muslim. Palestinian community, since most Christians are ethnically Whilst still a young man he made friends with a Arab/Palestinian. Christian and tried to convert him to Islam. He failed and started to take a great interest in Christianity. The challenge to Christians is to further Jesus’ ministry of Knowing that according to Sharia law he could be reconciliation, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility executed for changing from Islam to Christianity he and accepting all people being reconciled to each other left the country. After various difficulties he arrived in and to God through Jesus Christ. Scotland as a refugee and, after a spell in a detention centre, was granted a humanitarian visa. Musa began The Church of Scotland has its own contribution to make to attend a Church of Scotland congregation and in to this dialogue through the new Centre for justice, peace, due course was baptised as a Christian and changed and inter-faith dialogue planned for Tiberias, and for the his name. When his visa expired, with no warning he first time in several years it has a full team of mission was forcibly repatriated to Egypt. He now felt very partners sharing in bridge-building in the Holy Land. vulnerable and feared for his future. Even his family was against him, though they would not report him. He Egypt now aims to return to Scotland and participate fully in Though predominantly Islamic, Egypt has a Christian the life of the church. minority thought to number around 12% of the population. 7/6 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

For an Egyptian Muslim, the decision to be baptised as not discriminate on religious lines so that, eg, Tariq Aziz, a a Christian is a costly one. Nonetheless there are those Christian, could become Deputy Prime Minister. who decide to take this path of discipleship, such as the Egyptian who was publicly baptised by the Pope Benedict In the sectarian conflicts which erupted in the wake of XVI on Easter Day 2008. the 2003 invasion, Christians found themselves being systematically targeted. Church buildings came under What “a minority of the minority” can achieve attack with, in August 2004, a coordinated series of car Members of the (Presbyterian) Synod of the Nile – a partner bombings destroying five churches in Baghdad and Mosul. of the Church of Scotland – face a further challenge known Christians themselves, perceived as being in collusion to many Christians within reformed churches in the Middle with the invading forces, were exposed to great danger. East. They are a “minority of the minority” since most Clergy were murdered and Christians were kidnapped and Coptic Christians are Orthodox. Nonetheless, they form tortured. On 29 February 2008, gunmen seized the leader the largest Reformed Church in the Middle East and offer of Iraqi Christians, the Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj a significant witness. They sustain a major commitment Rahho of Mosul, as he left church after leading afternoon to educational and medical work, with 30,000 children in prayers. His body was found two weeks later. their schools, two hospitals and a network of clinics that are open to all. Evangelism takes place primarily through Many Iraqi Christians have taken the decision to leave their personal relationships as Christians live out the gospel and homeland for Jordan or Syria, where they seek refugee share it with their friends. status before proceeding to other countries. The United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) reports The Synod is active in promoting Muslim-Christian dialogue, that though Christians formed only 4% of the population both at the formal and theological level and at the level of of Iraq, 44% of Iraqi asylum seekers reaching Syria were everyday life in the community. In this way they seek to foster Christian. It is estimated that at least half of the Christian understanding and work for a greater level of tolerance. population of Iraq have left the country while many more have been internally displaced moving to supposedly safer Iraq areas. Traumatic experiences of rape, kidnap and murder No consideration of Christians in minority situations have led many to flee from their homes, embarking on a would be complete today without reference to the journey marked by danger and uncertainty. difficulties which have occurred in Iraq following the American and British invasion of 2003. Before the First The Church of Scotland has had little historical connection Gulf War, around 1 million Christians inhabited Iraq. Most with the Christian community in Iraq. However, there are were Chaldeans - Eastern-rite Catholics, who trace their Presbyterian Churches in each of the main cities. When faith back to the early centuries of Christianity. Some still British troops were stationed in Basra in the south of Iraq worship in Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Even older are from 2003, military chaplains made contact with the local the Assyrians, descendents of the Assyrian and Babylonian Presbyterian congregation which was coming under Empires, whose Ancient Church of the East traces its origins great pressure amidst the chaos and violence of the post- st back to the 1 century. Other Eastern churches were also invasion situation. represented, along with small numbers of Anglicans and Evangelicals. Under Ba’ath Party rule the Christian As a result, its Session Clerk attended the 2007 General community enjoyed a significant measure of protection. Assembly and spoke movingly of the vulnerability of the Though oppressive in many ways, the Ba’ath Party did congregation as many of its members had left and those WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/7 who remained feared for their lives. Like many of their public life. The increasing social and economic suffocation fellow Christians in Iraq they face an uncertain future but of the Christian community and the discrimination remain steadfast in their faith. faced by Christians when seeking employment and in the workplace, can lead to significant poverty. Muslims Pakistan converting to Christianity can lose all their inheritance Around 3% of Pakistan’s 160 million people are Christian. rights, thereby leading to the problem of secret Christian Although there is a small Christian middle class of believers and spies in the midst of new converts. professionals, many of whom run Christian schools and hospitals with excellent reputations, most are former Dalits In October 2009, when leaders of the Church of Pakistan from the Punjab or tribal people from the Sindh. They are still gathered with their international partners, their anguish poor and powerless people, likely to be employed in menial was very clear. They related the most up-to-date news of work or not employed at all. In the North West Frontier communal trouble in Faisalabad diocese after allegations Province (NWFP) there are nearly 100,000 Christians, half of of the desecration of the Koran. whom belong to our partner church, the Church of Pakistan. In Gojra a “frenzied” mob approached the Christian Before 9/11 Christians were not under serious threat, being Colony and a team of militants attacked it with guns and able to practise their faith openly. flammable chemicals. Police were unable to deal with them and ran away. 72 houses were burnt, one man was To some extent this is still true, although Christians are shot dead and 6 members of his family were locked in a increasingly seen by some Muslims as allies of western room and burnt to death. Christians who kill Muslims. Christians are murdered for 7 their faith. Four years ago Babar, a pastor in Peshawar, was Around Korian Muslims were encouraged from the tortured and murdered, as was Sajjad an evangelist, two mosque loudspeakers to bring their weapons and years later. Pashtun converts, in particular, often have to “teach the infi dels a lesson”. The Christians fl ed leaving keep their conversion secret even from their families, as all their belongings behind. Houses were looted and relatives have been known to kill converts. the means of their livelihood, motorbikes, donkey carts, sewing machines and bicycles, were torched. The In September 2009, a 19-year-old man, Farish Masih, was government did intervene fairly quickly and charges arrested on what the local Christian community believed were brought against many of those responsible for were “trumped up” blasphemy charges because he was the violence. However, this led to counter-charges in involved with a Muslim woman. He was alleged to have which 100 unknown Christians were accused, as well as committed suicide in his prison cell, but media reports 29 named Christians, including the bishop. claimed that he was tortured, that his ribs were broken, and that he was murdered. Islamic extremists fired shots at The bishops and presbyters expressed their feelings of his funeral, injuring some of the mourners, a mob attacked outrage and helplessness. In a statement adopted at a local Roman Catholic Church and some homes, and the that meeting they pointed out the parlous condition young man’s father was beaten up before the security of the status and security of the religious minorities forces intervened. in Pakistan. They identifi ed a hardening of prejudice in society against them, along with the addition of Churches in Pakistan face increasing pressure through the new clauses into the Blasphemy Law which is being increasing Islamisation of the legal system, taxation, and 7/8 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

tolerance not known before, there remains a concern used and abused to harass and victimize Christians. that, to date, religious freedom has not been enshrined in The Executive Committee of the Synod called on the Nepali law. Government to repeal the Blasphemy Law, to police properly the incidents that arise, to monitor the courts There is evidence of an ambivalent attitude toward and to legislate for affi rmative action in the job market. Christianity on the part of the Nepali government with They challenged the political parties to stop using the one student being refused permission to study theology “religion card” in their campaigns, and invited all their overseas on the grounds that he might want to make allies to help eliminate discriminatory practices. They converts on his return. fi nished by challenging themselves and their allies to approach the militant/extremist groups and remind However, the same student was allowed to go overseas to them of their common Abrahamic faith for the good of study Nepali culture in its encounter with Christianity as a all citizens of Pakistan. They feel that their partners have social science project. not done enough to stand with them in solidarity, and At the village level there are different problems. In one appeal for practical help and for voices to be raised at situation the only Christian in a particular village received the highest international levels. negative comments from his family and friends and was called irreligious (“cow-eating”). Government officials Signs of hope assumed he had taken money and they were offensive, However, there are signs of hope. In 2006 the Diocese and when he visited a Christian friend who was in custody of Peshawar took the initiative in starting an inter-faith he was accused and treated aggressively. dialogue with a convention attended by 400 Muslims, 200 A Christian died in a village which had no Christian Christians, 100 Hindus and 100 Sikhs. cemetery. The family therefore used its own land for The most senior and respected religious leaders from the the burial, and this led to other villagers exhuming the NWFP attended and gave the main addresses. There are body. When a group of Christians came to investigate now groups in all districts developing programmes which they were beaten and driven seven kilometres along the encourage peaceful co-existence. A group comprising road carrying the body. The village to which they went people of all the faiths visited a refugee camp for Christians also refused burial, so they had to return to the original forced to flee the Swat valley. An organisation called Faith village with the corpse. Eventually the problem was Friends has been established, and Faith Friends Youth Groups resolved by the first villagers insisting on a cremation have been set up at grass-root level to promote peaceful co- taking place, which was not the custom of that existence. All those participating are at risk from extremists. particular ethnic group. Reflecting afterwards on what had happened, some of those involved concluded that, Nepal while becoming a Christian can weaken the family and Although Nepal is now a secular state rather than a Hindu the community in the first instance, one way forward kingdom, 80% of its 30 million inhabitants are Hindu. is to Christianise and reinterpret traditional Hindu or Christians, who have grown in number from 1,000 fifty Buddhist practices. Another way is for Christians to be years ago to 600,000 today, make up 2% of the population. active in community work, and also in projects where Following decades of serious repression, churches in Nepal people exchange labour, thus doing some bridge are currently growing at a remarkable rate. Although it is building between the different faith communities. acknowledged that Christians experience a degree of WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/9

India fear of the violence recurring, and many pastors fear for their Around 80% of Indians are Hindus, but despite Christians lives. However, the recent Indian elections have provided a only making up 4.8% of the population they number measure of hope. The number of seats won by the Hindu some 58 million in total. While there are proportionally nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party dropped, with all eight more Christians in South India than in North India, there being lost in Orissa. The ecumenical All India Christian are some states in north-east India with a large proportion Council said in a statement that it “saluted the people of India of Christians, eg Meghalaya with 76% and Nagaland for the consummate and decisive manner in which they have with 93% (both on Bangladesh’s northern border). Many rejected divisive, communal, and sectarian political forces”. Christians come from a Dalit background, and this is often The chief minister of Orissa has openly answered questions reflected in the way the rest of society treats them. Even about the riots, naming the radical Hindu organisations within the Church the caste system is still strong. which were involved in the anti-Christian violence. The 2008 violence towards Christians in Orissa Altogether 524 people were arrested and 27 are still in India’s constitution provides for full freedom of worship prison. The Union parliament in New Delhi has also debated for all religions, but the extent to which this happens the tragic events of 2008. But even with that government varies considerably from state to state, as is seen in five involvement there is still a great fear among the Christian out of the 20 Indian states having anti-conversion laws. population of Orissa that the violence might recur. In recent years the constitutional freedom of worship has The story of Pramod - an Indian Christian. “Only if the been jeopardised by the rise of “communalism” in which culprits were arrested would we feel confident in going communities assert their religious identity through hostility back to our village”. Pramod’s words echo the thoughts to others. This is always threatening and sometimes violent. 7 of thousands of other displaced Christians from Orissa. State-supported violence against Muslims in Gujarat has He is one of the Christians that Christian Solidarity been the most notorious expression of communalism but Worldwide met in a relief camp in Bhubaneswar last Christians also can be targeted. Violence against Christians year, and he still cannot find his way home. He currently in Orissa in 2008, when hundreds were beaten and 75 died, lives in a community of 45 Catholic families in a camp was the worst since independence in 1948. in the Khandhamal district of Orissa. The families have More than 50,000 Christians were displaced, and more named the camp “Shanti Nagar” meaning “place of than 5,000 Christian homes and 250 churches and peace”. This is the fifth place they have lived since the institutions looted and damaged, often by fire. The Church outbreak of violence in August 2008. The villagers in of North India’s (CNI), response to the violence, and its Betticola, where they used to live, say the Christians efforts to bring aid to those affected, were hindered by the must convert to Hinduism - or they can never come indifference of the state government and the indecision of back. If they do go back, the villagers have threatened central government. The CNI saw the situation, not only as to kill them. one for appeals to different levels of government, but also A process of government compensation to those as “an acid test of the spiritual mettle of the Indian Christian affected by the violence is in operation, but it has been Community as a whole as well as an opportunity to wake hard for some people to access and there have been up from our complacency”. The All India Christian Council many bureaucratic frustrations. Some Christians still regularly tries to highlight the plight of minorities. hope to return to their village, but others have fled to try and make a new life elsewhere. The situation since 2008 remains mixed. There remains a real 7/10 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

China Gao Zhisheng is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, The People’s Republic of China is the largest country in a Christian lawyer and a key figure in the “rights- the world with a population of 1.31 billion people. It is protection” movement which seeks to defend minority governed by the Chinese Communist Party. Article 36 rights through legal and constitutional means. Since of the Chinese Constitution declares citizens’ freedom 2005, Gao has been repeatedly arrested, imprisoned, of religious belief, so long as it does not conflict with and reportedly tortured. He has been missing since 4th national security. The government recognises five national of February 2009 when he was seen being detained by religions: Protestantism, Catholicism, Islam, Taoism and Chinese officials. Gao’s wife and two children have since Buddhism. The two registered church groups - The Three fled to the USA. Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) (the officially sanctioned Protestant church) and the Catholic Patriotic Association Pastor Zhang Rongliang, the leader of the unregistered (the officially sanctioned Catholic church) operate under China Church for Christ, was arrested without charge on a number of regulatory controls - on their appointments 1st December 2004 in Xuhai village in Henan Province. of clergy and bishops, publication of literature, registration He was later accused of falsifying a passport, obtaining of meeting places, working with people under the age passports by deception for three co-workers and illegally of 18, finances and their relationships with religious crossing the border. He is currently serving a seven and groups abroad. Despite these restrictions, the number of a half year sentence. This is his sixth imprisonment and Protestant Christians belonging to registered churches has he has previously spent a total of 12 years in prison. grown rapidly during recent years to over 16 million. The The complexities of the Chinese situation TSPM runs 18 seminaries and Bible Schools throughout Chinese civil society has grown steadily in the last two the country. The Amity Foundation, based in Nanjing, also decades as economic reforms have led to significant printed its fifty-millionth Chinese Bible in 2007. A recent individual wealth and opportunities. However, imbalanced visit from the Church of Scotland indicated possibilities of development has led to rising social inequalities and the Church working with the Amity Foundation. government controls remain in place to maintain social Many millions of Christians meet in unregistered church and government stability. and house groups. These “house churches” grew especially Christians and churches face challenges in adapting to quickly in rural areas during the 1980s and 1990s, and there are rapidly changing social conditions, facing widespread now increasing numbers of “independent” urban churches, corruption, and struggling to exercise constitutionally made up of professionals and businessmen. Catholic guaranteed freedoms. “underground” churches also continue to meet illegally, despite some moves toward rapprochement with bishops Most religious Chinese continue to follow Buddhism, which jointly recognised by the Vatican and the government. In is regulated through the Chinese Buddhist Association. 2009, the 35 bishops of these churches were all either in Religious officials have begun to emphasise the role that prison, under house arrest, under surveillance or in hiding. religious groups can play in building social harmony In many areas, unregistered church groups meet freely. and responding to natural disasters. Christians and other However in others Christians continue to face harassment religious groups cooperated with government agencies and fines, and some have been imprisoned, tortured or face to provide humanitarian relief after the 2008 earthquake forced labour. In some areas, unregistered church buildings in Sichuan, and this has brought a positive response from have been destroyed and property confiscated. Party officials. WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/11

The current overall picture of the situation of Christians in that the number of severe human rights violations is China is complex. Many hoped that the Beijing Olympic deeply alarming. Games in 2008 would help improve China’s treatment of religious minorities (amongst others), yet this does not The perceived threat from the Church seem to have been the case, with a reported deterioration According to the ideology of the regime, society is divided in religious freedom. The situation is unpredictable into three classes - the core class, the wavering class and for many Chinese Christians, as the interpretation and the hostile class. It is estimated that 27% of the population implementation of government policy varies enormously come into this “hostile” class, including former landowners from region to region. Although there is cautious optimism and their families, those who collaborated with South Korea on the part of some Chinese Christians, concerns remain in the Korean war and those who are religiously active. about the treatment of some individual pastors and Human rights abuses are seen at every level of society, church members. but Christians are seen as a particular threat because they have an allegiance to a higher power, which is seen as a North Korea threat to the state’s ideology. Some Christians are publicly The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea has executed, and others are taken away to camps where they been a repressive and secretive communist state since it are brutally treated. It is estimated that around 200,000 came into being in 1948, and it continues in this course people are in political prison camps, and Christians suffer under its current leader Kim Jong-Il, who came to power particularly badly as they are under pressure to recant in 1997. It is a country where there have been a number their faith. of famines, the impact of which has been worsened as a result of governmental inaction. The government teaches There are many reports of severe human rights abuses 7 that their first Leader, Kim Il Sung, is the “Great Leader”, and such as dangerous working conditions, malnutrition, should be obeyed and revered as a “god”, and its citizens torture, violence, rape and forced abortions. These camps are encouraged to bow before his statue and memorise continue to exist today, and crimes against humanity his political speeches. All people are to keep the “Ten within them are a daily occurrence. Principles” “to revere and adore the Great Leader; and eternally lift him higher”. Anybody who dissents outwardly A former North Korean prisoner highlights the problem: from this philosophy pays a heavy price. “Why do people talk so much about the holocaust, saying ‘we must never forget’ and spending money Before the communist regime was installed, Pyongyang on programmes to ensure this, yet say and do nothing was a centre of Christian revival. Today, it is hard to know about the similar things which are happening right the number of Christians in North Korea. North Korea is now?” isolated from the rest of the international community, and its culture of surveillance and propaganda curtails freedom of expression - especially criticism of the government. Response: What does the Lord require of us? If the world hates you, know that it has hated me In the last decade, severe famine has led to a significant before it hated you. If you were of the world, the increase in the number of people fleeing North Korea, and world would love you as its own; but because you this has brought increased information about the regime. are not of the world, but I chose you out of the Eyewitness testimonies from victims, guards, defectors world, therefore the world hates you. … If they and other witnesses are sufficiently detailed to indicate persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they 7/12 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all of Scotland to be in instant communication with fellow- these things they will do to you on account of my Christians facing discrimination and/or persecution. name, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15: 18-21 The polarisation of the global community, particularly since 9/11, has led many people to retreat into their historic Blessed are those who are persecuted because of identities and to view those of other faith traditions with righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. growing suspicion or hostility. Many partner churches draw Matthew 5:10 attention to their being exposed to a far greater level of suspicion, hostility and active persecution than was once Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ the case. They are acutely aware of how political decisions Jesus will be persecuted. made in the West are perceived in their countries, and 2 Timothy 3:12 especially by those who choose to view such decisions Reference has already been made to the vitality and as evidence of an increasing and highly volatile East/ authenticity of faith often found in Christians who face West, Muslim/Christian divide. They know how bullish talk discrimination and persecution. However, the plea from of “crusades” against evil regimes on the part of western the Church of Scotland’s partners who live in challenging leaders can stir up a degree of resentment feared by and even dangerous circumstances is for an active Christians and Muslims alike. solidarity that “weeps with those who weep.” They call Close links with partner churches in minority situations upon the Church of Scotland to highlight the prevalence also reveal the vulnerability and value of these Christian of persecution and to campaign, as appropriate, on their communities. In spite of forming a small percentage of behalf for the due observation of religious freedom for all. populations dominated by another faith tradition, their The words of St Paul, with which this report is prefaced, contribution to the well-being and stability of society at provide a timely reminder of the indivisible links the Church large can be out of all proportion to their relative size. of Scotland has with its Christian partners throughout the In Bangladesh, the only healthcare provided in some world: we are all of the one Body of Christ. rural areas is provided for all people by the Church. In “There is no division in the body, but all its diff erent parts Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, reformed Churches provide have the same concern for one another. If one part of the some of the finest and best-respected schools, many of body suff ers, all the other parts suff er with it; if one part is which provide future politicians, doctors and academics. If praised, all the other parts share its happiness. All of you are the exodus of Christians witnessed in Iraq were to happen Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it”. 1 Cor.12.25-27. in other countries where Christians form a minority, the consequences for the wider population could be far- Alongside that theological basis for active solidarity with reaching. Pre-emptive solidarity - politically alert, culturally Christians in minority situations, a new urgency arises sensitive and spiritually grounded – with Christians in from the inter-connectedness and increasing polarisation minority situations is a gospel imperative for our time. of today’s world. The impact of new means of global communication is felt in many ways. It means that, for “Saying it” with people example, Danish cartoons offensive to members of the In supporting Christians in a minority situation the Church Islamic community, can quickly give rise to violence in of Scotland works most effectively in countries where it many countries. It also can allow members of the Church already has a relationship or partnership on the ground, and WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/13 seeks to concentrate resources where the need is greatest. the topic. The Church of Scotland website also tracks the It has “said it with people” by sending Mission Partners to changing situation worldwide, and records responses Bangladesh, Nepal, and Israel/Palestine, and works directly from committees or councils. Any nationwide, public with partner churches and with other denominations campaigns are made known, as is news of Scottish people such as the Anglicans in Gaza and Lutherans in Bethlehem. working overseas in other mission organisations. Mission partners, each usually linked with two presbyteries in Scotland, have been able to inform and challenge The Moderator, the WMC Convener and the area people in the pews. They support through their work in secretaries have all been active in advocacy through the such institutions as schools and hospitals, and through media to alert church members and the wider world to WMC funds which can offer subsidised fees for Christians the suffering of minority Christians, and to appeal for as necessary. Through advocacy work in Nepal and Israel/ attention and justice. They have responded quickly in Palestine they raise a voice for peace and reconciliation in issuing letters or press releases about the situation in support of the Christian community at various levels of India, Gaza, and Pakistan. government. However, sometimes our partners do not want Western An increasingly important element of ‘people’ support from churches to raise the profile as they may be accused of the Church of Scotland is in the form of “twinnings”, local- being allies of the West and any advocacy from the West to-local contacts between congregations, presbyteries and can also become counter-productive. dioceses. These have allowed personal contact to produce “Saying it” through financial assistance. solidarity visits, often leading to practical or financial help. Financial assistance represents an important expression Pilgrim trips to the Middle East enrich the travellers and 7 of solidarity and support. In Bangladesh, money is given help the Christian communities who welcome them. to people who minister to Christian communities across The Faithshare programme brings individuals to the the country, and for theological training. The Church of UK and has offered training while others have received Bangladesh Social Development Programme receives scholarships and training in their own part of the world. funds for work with the poorest communities of all faiths, Moderatorial visits highlight and encourage Christians in to provide clean water and micro-credit, and to raise minority situations by bringing their story to the world awareness of HIV and AIDS and of human trafficking. press. Area Secretaries make regular visits, record stories, share experiences, provide resources for the WMC, and In Nepal, money has been directed towards HIV and AIDS demonstrate solidarity and friendship. awareness, conflict resolution programmes and local community initiatives to deal with the root causes of “Saying it” through the media. poverty. Funds are given to support theological training “Saying it” in the media is another important way minority in Bible Colleges. In Pakistan grants have provided help groups of Christians are supported. The WMC consistently for shelter and education for Christian girls, other school highlights their situation through Update, the weekly facilities for children of all faiths, technical training, prison email news bulletin, and in the regular magazine WM, chaplaincy and drug rehabilitation/training. The WMC which recently devoted an entire edition to the subject. has given funds for Israel/Palestine through the Near East These publications can reach congregations and people Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, in the pews, inform them directly and also make them Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Centre, the YWCA, the aware of other media outlets which particularly address Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza and the Bethlehem 7/14 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

Media centre. Money is given towards the education of a specialist ministry in this area. These organisations will young people in East Jerusalem and in Jaffa, for subsidising visit churches and church groups to share their own accommodation for clergy and church members in the experiences and stories and, around the church, raise the Jerusalem Guesthouse and the Scots Hotel in Tiberias profile of minority Christians. and for finding employment for Christians through the Centres. At the request of our partner churches, money What can the World Mission Council and Kirk Sessions has been sent quickly from the Asia and Middle East area do as a response to this report? committees for relief in crisis or emergency situations. Cyclones Sidr and Aila in Bangladesh, the dislocation of “Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, villagers from Swat in Pakistan, and the persecution in you who are blessed by my Father, take your Orissa, India, have all prompted immediate giving. inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and The need for greater awareness you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and When a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger referred to the two historic religious traditions in Israel/ and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you Palestine, (Judaism and Islam), local Christians, whose roots clothed me. I was sick and you came to look after are just as deeply embedded in that land, regarded this as me. I was in prison and you came to visit me” typical of Western ignorance of their existence, let alone Matthew 25 34-36. their plight. Partner churches consistently speak of the Western media’s lack of attention to situations they face. 1. Pastoral and practical support Even more disappointing for many of these partners is the Whenever Church of Scotland congregations have lack of awareness within Western churches. Above all other formal or informal links with Christians who face support, they ask for the prayers of their fellow Christians, discrimination or persecution, their support and and fear that where there is little or no knowledge, there encouragement can make a significant difference. will be a corresponding lack of prayer and support. Christians in minority situations often feel isolated and forgotten; therefore contact from other churches can The World Mission Council acknowledges the challenge of be a real encouragement and blessing. Advice might helping the whole Church of Scotland to grow in awareness sometimes need to be taken as to how to pursue these of the difficulties and dangers faced by fellow-Christians relationships with sensitivity and not to endanger the in places of opposition and persecution. Through much very people we are seeking to support, and contacting greater awareness, fellow Christians in minority situations the World Mission Council for guidance in such scenarios are better supported, and Christians in the West can be would be welcomed. Twinnings between churches better inspired by the example of those whose faith carries abroad and Scottish congregations are encouraged by a high cost. the World Mission Council. Sources of information about minority Christians The World Mission Council uses its regular print publication 2. Be informed WM and its weekly email Update to keep congregations The various organisations listed in this report provide a informed of partner churches and others who are subject considerable amount of information via magazines and to discrimination and/or persecution. Further resources web-sites. are available from organisations which have developed WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/15

3. Pray It can take only minutes to write a short note or send a “More things are wrought by prayer than this world Christmas card to a prisoner, but the ramifications of this dreams of.” (Tennyson) Possibly the largest organised simple act can be very powerful. prayer effort is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), which happens worldwide 5. Lobbying/Advocacy every November. It focuses above all on intercessory prayer The power of lobbying should never be underestimated, and practical action on behalf of persecuted communities and there are numerous campaigns, such as Campaign of the Christian faith, and also encourages prayer for the for Burma or the Inclusive India campaign, which invite oppressors, the nations that promote persecution, and people to lobby on behalf of Christian minority groups. Making elected representatives aware of concerns those who ignore it. regarding overseas matters is always valuable, and such The signifi cance of prayer is seen in the story of communication, especially from a considerable number Maryam and Marzieh, two young women who were of people can inform and influence government policy. imprisoned in Tehran’s Evin prison after being arrested in March 2009. Maryam and Marzieh were both from 6. Kirk Sessions Muslim families and had become Christians. They Kirk Sessions should make the situations of minority were arrested, their apartment was searched and Christians around the world an important part of their Bibles confi scated. Neither woman had committed a regular business, educating church members about crime under Iranian or international law. At a hearing persecution and discrimination endured by their fellow of Tehran’s Revolutionary court in August, the two Christians, ensuring that these situations are remembered 7 women were ordered to recant their faith, which they in prayer, encouraging advocacy on their behalf, and refused to do, and so they were sent back to prison. demonstrating solidarity in practical ways. They may also, They were released from prison in November 2009, if they are not already involved in a twinning arrangement and a recent report said: “In an amazing answer to our with an overseas congregation, look seriously at prayers, Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh exploring this possibility with a congregation in a country were released this week after 259 days in prison. They where Christians are subjected to persecution and send their thanks to you for praying and supporting discrimination. them, ‘Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and 7. Support for partner churches worked for our release’.” Whenever a partner church finds itself persecuted or discriminated against, the World Mission Council should take positive action, whether by sending visitors to that 4. Writing letters church to strengthen publicly the support that is given, A number of agencies (see resource list) keep a record or by campaigning vigorously on its behalf both to the of such Christians, and supply appropriate contact government of that country and through campaigning information along with advice as to how to write to people organisations, both Christian and secular. imprisoned for their faith. Every letter sent is important: it can lift the morale of the incarcerated individual and 8. Inter-religious dialogue make prison authorities realise that there is international It is imperative that alongside any advocacy on behalf of concern about the case. Christians who face discrimination and persecution there 7/16 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL is a corresponding respect for the religious traditions will be glorified. of other people. Many partner churches in minority situations are convinced that one of the greatest needs Useful Resources st of the 21 century is for growing, constructive dialogue Books: with the Muslim Community. Churches in the Middle East “Day to Day with the Persecuted Church – 365 Daily speak of the clamant need for understanding and respect Readings” by Sovereign World International in co- between all three Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity operation with Open Doors. and Islam. Non-Muslims in Muslim Majority Societies, edited by Ill-considered advocacy that, often inadvertently, brands Kajsa Ahlstrand and Goran Gunner. all members of a given faith community as persecutors Eyes of the Tailless Animals: Prison Memoirs of a North can contribute to the polarisation which is part of the Korean Woman, by Soon Ok Lee. wider problem. Operation World, by Patrick Johnstone. Secret Believers, by Brother Andrew. It is important to eschew any appearance of a partisan On the Side of the Angels, by Joseph D’Souza and approach which is concerned only for fellow-Christians Benedict Rogers. and unmoved by discrimination or persecution being Modern Saints and Martyrs, by Caroline Cox and experienced by other religious communities. To stand Catherine Butcher. clearly on the side of justice, it is necessary to advocate Magazines: religious freedom for all. It is the furtherance of this Connect and Encourage principle which is the best weapon with which to fight Barnabas Aid the discrimination and persecution currently being The Open Door Magazine experienced by minority Christian communities. Release Let us not be silent Websites: “The greatest sin of our time, is not the few who www.world-mission.org have destroyed, but the many who have remained silent”. (Martin Luther King) http://anglicancommunion.org/acns. www.asianews.it. The World Mission Council offers this report to the General http://www.barnabasfund.org. Assembly in the hope and prayer that the Church of www.csw.org.uk Scotland may - www.opendoorsuk.org. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of those who are destitute. www.releaseinternational.org. speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the www.steadfastglobal.org poor and needy.” www.awm.org Proverbs 31: 8-9. www.interserve.org

In prayerful and practical solidarity with those of the It is anticipated that future reports on much of the Body of Christ that suffer most, the whole Church will be following ongoing work will be accessible on the strengthened, the world will be better served, and God internet. WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/17

Europe be actively opposed at governmental levels. In this past The Presbytery of Europe’s 17 congregations, mostly year our partners in Waldensian church in Italy have taken in mainland Europe but also in Malta, Bermuda and Sri a brave stand against the Italian government’s rulings on Lanka, began as congregations of Scots living or visiting refugees. abroad - some well over 100 years ago - but their role has increased greatly and continues to develop. A new In the suburbs of Prague, our partners in the Evangelical summary of this ministry and mission work can be found Church of the Czech Brethren saw the government try to at www.europepresbytery.net. It encompasses everyone take over a building they use to help refugees, especially from international business communities to asylum seekers Romany people, to be used as a nursery school. With and refugees; worshippers drawn from five continents, and international support from the Church of Scotland and from the widest range of Christian backgrounds; mission others, this attempt was successfully resisted. work stretching into Africa, Asia and the Americas. 2009 saw four vacant charges being filled – Bermuda, Every one of these 17 churches operates in a minority Malta, Gibraltar and Lisbon – and Lausanne emerged situation, offering distinctive reformed Christian worship, stronger from a period of interim ministry. The Presbytery ministry and mission. A number of these churches also looks forward to the challenges of the coming decade. actively minister to Christians from persecuted minorities – in Sri Lanka, for example, where Christianity is very much Asia a minority faith (circa 8%), and Reformed Christianity a tiny The United Nations Development Programme describes proportion of that. Asia as the region that is the fastest growing in the world while at the same time home to half of the world’s poor: 7 Many of the European congregations have welcomed a region that houses countries experiencing economic into their heart persecuted Christians from sub-Saharan transition, two of the world’s largest economies (China, Africa – Ghanaians in Rome and Brussels, Nigerians in India), middle income countries, and countries facing or Turin, and Africans from many countries in Rotterdam recovering from conflict (including Pakistan, Nepal, Sri and Amsterdam. In Malta, very much in the front line Lanka, Thailand)1. of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing Africa, there is a growing community of Christians from northern and This diversity in economic strength is mirrored in the central Nigeria, where their lives were directly threatened, faiths of Asia: our partner churches bear Christian witness, from northern Ghana, and from Sudan, Somalia and Chad through their life and service to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, – where Christians are also very much in the minority. The Sikhs as well as to people who may not profess a faith. last year has seen a significant African refugee ministry developing through the Scots Church in Malta. Pakistan Leaders and representatives of the Church of Pakistan met The churches of the Presbytery of Europe, like the church with partner church delegates for three days in October in Scotland, mainly operate within so-called “Christian 2009. The Moderator of the Church of Pakistan Synod, countries” yet of course they face the challenges of Rt Rev Samuel Azariah (himself a special delegate at the marginalisation that Christians in all western nations know. General Assembly in 2008) spoke of how instability and Moreover as with some of our partner European churches, terrorist violence affected the whole country while religious in some countries Protestants, or Christians in general, can be more than just marginalised: they can appear to 1 http://www.undp.org/asia/ retrieved 14 January 2010 7/18 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL extremism, discrimination and intolerance has reached Over 100 families were accommodated and fed for nearly new levels. Rt Rev John Samuel, Bishop of Faisalabad, told three months and WMC was one of a number of partners of incidents in his diocese in the villages of Gojra and Korian who gave grants to support the camp for these Internally where over 100 houses were burned and damaged and Displaced People. Two couples were married during their nine people died after a dispute over property descended stay in the camp while a baby born there was named into inter-religious violence. Rt Rev Samuel Pervez, Bishop of Aman, meaning Peace. Such gestures are symbolic of the Sialkot, commented about an incident in Sambrial that led defiant hope of many Pakistanis of all faiths as they face to death of a young Christian man who was in a relationship violence and instability. The Pakistan Institute for Peace with a Muslim girl. Both these tragic incidents highlight Studies reported 3,021 people killed and 7,334 injured in the continued misuse of sections of the Blasphemy Law terrorist attacks in the al-Qaeda-inspired insurgency that introduced by General Zia-ul-Haq. has targeted civilians and destabilized the country.

A statement issued by the Church of Pakistan calls for the There are stories of hope. Jan Masih, a Christian army sweeper in Swat, was kidnapped by Taliban and faced government to repeal this law and implement a range of execution unless he became a Muslim. When Jan said policies to address the discrimination and insecurity felt by he was prepared to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and be the Christian community, and also invites civil society to killed a maulvi (Muslim cleric) intervened and ordered Jan’s work together for peace and justice for all in the country2. release on the grounds that he was a true Christian. A phrase heard repeatedly was the “Talibinisation of Bangladesh Pakistan”, yet in the face of this, the church is developing Rt Rev Michael Baroi retired as Bishop of Dhaka in interfaith dialogue and remains committed to witness and December 2009 and was succeeded by Rt Rev Paul Shishir service through health and educational ministries. There are Sarker who moved from Kushtia to the capital. Rt Rev Sunil also opportunities for the church to join with civil society Mankin was elected as the new Bishop of Kushtia and to de-legitimise the Taliban and reclaim Pakistan for the is the first person from the Garo ethnic minority to be a overwhelming majority of moderate, peace-loving people. bishop in the Church of Bangladesh - an affirmation and celebration of the church’s multi-ethnic membership. During 2009, after Pakistani Taliban brutally took over the Swat valley in the northwest, public opinion for the In November 2009 international partners met with first time turned resolutely against the extremists’ claim church leaders in the last in series of consultations that they were fighting for Islam. This was followed by an considering recommendations for the Church of offensive by the Pakistan military against Taliban militants Bangladesh Social Development Programme (CBSDP). in Swat Valley which led to a humanitarian crisis as more Due to excellent preparation, there was clear acceptance than two million people fled the fighting. According to the of the recommendations contained in the evaluation. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, this was These covered governance, organisational management, the biggest population displacement since the Rwandan programme delivery, financial issues and linkages with genocide in 1994. The Diocese of Peshawar set up a centre the wider Church of Bangladesh, partners and donors. for displaced Christians in Mardan. A working paper developed through the follow-up consultation exercises focused on the mission and vision 2 “A Statement by the Church of Pakistan” adopted by the Executive of CBSDP and the need to develop an understanding of Committee of the Synod, 21 October 2009 faith- and rights-based development, revisiting goals WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/19 and objectives, administrative and management issues, The Constituent Assembly, beset by delays, will find it staffing policies and salaries, networking and partnership. hard to meet the May 2010 deadline for writing the new While the general acceptance of the need for review and constitution. Progress on reforming the security sector, change is clear, there will be difficult decisions ahead for including the integration and rehabilitation of former the leadership especially regarding staff where there may Maoist fighters, has been slow and characterised by mutual be changes in the roles of some people and salary levels distrust. The continuing existence of two standing armies will be reviewed. – the Nepal Army and the Maoist People’s Liberation Army – is inherently destabilising. WMC advertised for a post of lecturer at St Andrew’s Theological College in Mirpur, Dhaka. Unfortunately no UN monitoring of both armies is due to end by May 2010. suitable candidates applied and the Church of Bangladesh Its mission in Nepal, UNMIN, has been extended four times request WMC to re-advertise in early 2010 for a suitable but it has been downsized and has no political mandate.3 person to teach ministry candidates. China Nepal In 2009 WMC withdrew from the Scottish Churches China Dr Mark Galpin was appointed Executive Director of United Group and is now an active member of the Churches Mission to Nepal in April 2009. UMN “strives to address Together in Britain and Ireland’s China Forum which root causes of poverty as it serves the people of Nepal in “provides a channel of communication between the China the name and spirit of Jesus Christ.” UMN is a cooperative work and its British and Irish stakeholders. This leads to joint effort between the people of Nepal and a large number action and project collaboration that provides effective of Christian organisations from nearly 20 countries on partnership with the churches in China and Christian- 7 four continents. Multicultural teams of Nepali nationals initiated organisations working on social development and expatriate staff work alongside local organisations in issues.” less-developed areas of the country, building partnerships that lead to healthy, strong and empowered individuals, It is difficult to estimate the number of Christians in China families, and communities. WMC is happy that it will once as membership between the official and non-registered again have a mission partner serving with UMN when Joel churches overlap. Further, the official church tends to under- Gitinji begins his work as Integral Mission Advisor for HIV report its membership numbers while the non-registered and AIDS. Visit www.umn.org.np for more information. churches tend to exaggerate. However, there are thought to be 60 to 100 million Christians in China, though some claim WMC continues to build partnerships with National much higher figures. There are some 25,000 churches and Council of Churches in Nepal, Nepal Institute of Theology 30,000 other meeting points. There is one national Protestant and Nepal Ebenezer Bible College. seminary and 18 regional or provincial seminaries and Bible colleges producing some 2,000 graduates annually, though The International Crisis Group describes the political standards and curriculum vary. situation in Nepal as unstable as “the peace process now faces severe tests”. The multiparty consensus on which it WMC’s resources are now available to share with was based has frayed. The Maoists have not completed organisations and institutions in China who have the transition to non-violent, pluralist politics and the old parties remain unrepresentative and out of touch with 3 http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=1265&l=1 retrieved voters. 13 January 2010. 7/20 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL welcomed Church of Scotland as a partner. These countries in the world in the coming century are exciting include the Amity Foundation, an independent Chinese and complex and will challenge our own thinking in the voluntary organization created in 1985 by Chinese years ahead. Christians. The Amity Foundation’s activities include Education, Social Welfare, Basic Health & Public Hygiene India (including HIV and AIDS), Environmental Protection, Rural The Moderator, Rt Rev William Hewitt was invited to the Development, Church-run Social Service and Disaster Church of South India Diocese of Madras last December to Relief, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. participate in a series of events celebrating the centenary of Bishop Lesslie Newbigin. He and his wife also visited At a consultation with international partners in Nanjing a few of the 1,200 churches and worship stations, 200 in October 2009 Qiu Zhonghui, General Secretary of schools and colleges and other institutions run by the Amity Foundation, spoke of the transformation of social diocese. They met a range of people, including some structures as Chinese citizens change from being Danwei of the 900 catechists and 500 Lay Preachers who assist (Unit) persons to social persons; as information technology 170 ordained ministers in rural and urban ministry. They and the internet allow for more expression, awareness learned, among many other things that the Diocese of and communication; and the growing importance of Madras expects to baptise 5,000 converts and plant over community. The Amity Foundation faces new challenges: 100 new churches each year and congregations take turns Human-Nature conflicts; Urban Poverty; Ageing Society. to pray for diocesan ministries from 9am to 5pm each day China is in transition and the shift from planned to a more of the year. market-oriented economy may allow more space for Conclusion NGOs. Qui, in reporting progress also acknowledged that WMC continues to maintain relationships with partner there would also be “backward steps”. Strategically, Amity churches in Burma/Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Foundation aims to be a resource and a service provider, a Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand and together explore ways to capacity builder and a policy advocate. More information develop our relationships. WMC believes that the Church can found at www.amityfoundation.org of Scotland has much to learn from engagements with Another partner is Nanjing Union Theological Seminary our partners’ churches in Asia as they witness in diverse whose new campus was provided by the Chinese cultures as minority faith communities seeking to leaven government. The seminary currently has more than 200 society. The Church of Scotland, which often seems to be students, just over half of whom are women, but has trying to manage decline, has the opportunity to learn capacity for 500. There are 30 teaching faculties and the and be revitalised by this part of the world church which seminary is the only national level Protestant seminary expects and achieves growth. and the only one permitted to have foreign lecturers. Africa and Caribbean Opportunities for sharing with the seminary could include grants, scholarships for faculty development, library Zambia grants, encouraging suitably qualified people from the The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) continues to grow Church of Scotland to go to teach on either short- or and its membership currently stands at around 3 million long-term contracts. The possibilities and outcomes of the divided into 1060 congregations with 250 ministers and Church of Scotland’s involvement in a key institution that 45 Diaconal workers. A good urban example is the new serves a fast-growing church in one of the most important St Andrew’s Church on Independence Avenue in Lusaka WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/21 which has grown in less than 50 years from a congregation In 2008 Zambia experienced devastating floods and in of 50 to 9000 today. There is also a Church School that order to support the people affected the UCZ became meets on the same premises. heavily involved in training programmes for farmers in rural areas in the western part of the country. Although The UCZ’s mission is a holistic one, supplying, equipping, at times the problems can seem overwhelming, and the facilitating, empowering and healing the community capacity of the church so small, the UCZ still tries to do enabling building and development. The Church works in what it can. partnership with the Government to provide health and social services. There are a number of schools, clinics and Keith and Ida Waddell continue to do good work in hospitals, including Mwandi, which are run by the UCZ. Mwandi. The Ministry of Education has given the Church permission to open its first grade 10 high school class At Synod Headquarters the process of reviewing the this year. Keith has taken on responsibility of overseeing Church structure is underway trying to address the needs the building programme. The work began in July, but of the fast-growing membership of the Church. There are with some complications the building had to be put on plans to establish three more offices and departments to hold. However, with the go ahead now given from the deal more specifically with women, youth and children. government there will be a flurry of activity to get things in order for the opening. This is another example of the United The project department is trying to find help with the Church of Zambia and the Government working together preservation and maintenance of the David Livingstone to provide public education for materially disadvantaged Memorial at Chitambo. The Ministry of Finance has assisted pupils. UCZ is grateful for the Government’s backing for with the Synod being able to purchase construction this project to improve the educational opportunities for 7 material VAT-free. children in its area.

The United Church of Zambia’s General Secretary Rev Ida is the HIV co-ordinator and to date the project has Chrispin Mbalazi visited the World Council of Churches 1914 HIV+ people under its care of which 1478 receive in Geneva as the UCZ is keen to deepen its ties with the ARVs (Anti-Retroviral Drugs). 155 are children. An ecumenical family. Mr Mbalazi believes there are many important development has been the attempt to enroll areas in which the UCZ can contribute to the worldwide people earlier. There is still a distressing tendency for many ecumenical family in the fight against poverty, HIV and patients to leave things until it is too late. Stigma and a lack AIDS and corruption. of education are still mainly to blame for this. Patients often die because they stop taking medication as they have no “The church is at the forefront of the fight against HIV and food and are chronically malnourished so are more open AIDS,” says Mr Mbalazi. UCZ is promoting a number of HIV to opportunistic infections which pull them even further and AIDS initiatives from home-based care programmes down. The starting and stopping of medication is leading to providing free treatment facilities at hospitals. to cases of treatment failure.

Addressing poverty and corruption is high on UCZ’s Malawi agenda. Zambia’s relatively small economy, which is In May 2009 Malawi held its fourth democratic presidential centred on mining, is feeling the impact of shut downs and and parliamentary election since 1994. Malawians elected lay-offs. UCZ are asking the government to take protective President Bingu wa Mutharika for a second term. With a measures for those affected by job losses. resounding victory in the general election, he holds power 7/22 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL with a healthy parliamentary majority. While Malawi is In December 2009 a series of earthquakes hit the Karonga still among the poorest nations, it has one of the fastest- area which comes within the Church of Central Africa growing economies in the world and Western donors Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia. Many people hope its relative stability over the past decade will not be lost their homes, and at the time of writing, the CCAP are disrupted. Poverty, agriculture and health care are the big pulling resources together in order to co-ordinate the issues for Malawi, where two-thirds of the population live humanitarian activity to support those affected by the on less than one U.S. dollar a day and AIDS has orphaned earthquakes. Many international partners have been able an estimated one million children. to support this.

The Church of Scotland has continued to partner with the Climate Change Scottish Government in supplying funding for the Nkhoma Representatives of 10 African countries met in Ethiopia Safe Motherhood Programme http://www.nkhomahospital. to try to agree a common position on climate change. It org/ This Programme received one-year funding of £265,000 is considered that African nations are among the lightest at the end of 2008 and it is hoped that the application for polluters but analysts say they will suffer the most from a continued 3-year funding will be successful. The project climate change. One of the criticisms is that Africa fails to aims to improve women’s access to health, especially make its voice heard in the debate. complications in pregnancy, by providing training for However, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), traditional birth attendants. The scheme will also provide a Ghana was invited to the Windsor “Alliance of Religions number of bicycle and motorcycle ambulances and allow for Conservation – United Nations Development the Synod’s health service to update its IT systems. This will Programme” celebrations in November 2009 to receive help to ensure that women are able to reach the hospital an International award from the UN General Secretary when problems arise. Maternal health is a priority for the for the EPC’s leading work on Climate Change. The government of Malawi where the maternal mortality rate is Windsor event, hosted by HRH the Prince Philip brought one of the highest in the world. The project has already seen faith leaders together from around the world. The aim a steady increase in the number of admissions to maternity of the conference was to launch and discuss long-term units, deliveries and referrals since the start of the project. initiatives tackling Climate Change. The project has been able to procure 30 bicycle ambulances and three motorbike ambulances, set up a revolving fund for Agenda 21 is one of the development programmes of the repairs and provide training in maintenance of the vehicles. EPC focusing on sustainable development. It has a poverty reduction project in three districts in Northern Ghana with Helen Scott continues to serve at Ekwendeni Girls an emphasis on nutrition, environment and sanitation. It Secondary School as Deputy Headteacher. David Morton has established sanitation clubs in secondary and primary has just been appointed at Nkhoma hospital as a Medical schools equipping them with basic hand tools to facilitate Doctor. He and his wife Rebekah moved to Malawi at cleaning of the environment and to carry out best practice the beginning of December 2009 and have settled in demonstrations. well. Robert Jones has been appointed as a Pharmacist at NkhoMA He will be accompanied by his wife Ritu and Programme of Christian Muslim Relations in Africa their two children Sophie, who is three, and Zara who is 20 (PROCMURA) months old. The other post which has been filled is that of In 2009 the 50th anniversary celebrations of PROCMURA lecturer at Zomba Theological College. were held in Nairobi, bringing together over 70 delegates WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/23 representing circa 25 countries. Representatives from the Church in Southern Africa, maintains an active presence in Presbyterian Church of Sudan, the Presbyterian Church many urban communities. The Presbytery is in the process of of East Africa, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, establishing 20 new congregations in rural areas by 2012. the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana were all present. The celebrations, lasting Church of Scotland members John and Mary Miller four days, considered inter-faith relations across Africa. were Scottish Churches World Exchange volunteers in Zimbabwe for much of 2009. In October 2009 together Islam and Christianity are the predominant faiths across with the Rev Alistair Shaw, Moderator of the Presbytery Africa and PROCMURA’s purpose is to bring both together of Greenock and Paisley, they attended a conference on to explore peaceful co-existence. Regardless of faith the Zimbabwe sponsored in Denver by the Denver Presbytery people of Africa suffer common hardships. Some of the of the United Presbyterian Church of the USA. This ‘Denver key issues highlighted, particularly in respect of women, Summit’ was attended also by five members of the were as follows: Presbytery of Zimbabwe and members of the UK’s United a) it is commonly felt that scripture is used in a negative Reformed Church Eastern Synod. Important principles context when relating to women; emerged from the Denver Summit. In this critical era b) culture impacts negatively on women both in Muslim for the church in Zimbabwe the value of support from and Christian communities; overseas partners cannot be overstated. The Presbytery c) violence and other forms of abuse against women is of Zimbabwe has designated priority tasks for itself, and common regardless of faith; the three overseas partners have committed themselves d) whether Muslim or Christian, positions of leadership, to contributing material and human resources in support especially at the local level, are rare for women. of these priorities. 7

Zimbabwe The four partners determined that the interaction among In Zimbabwe underlying problems persist. However the them must be reciprocal. For the church in Zimbabwe fledgling Government of National Unity has reduced some lives in New Testament times where faith is immediately of the political tensions. Since the country, in February 2009, relevant, a matter of life and death. The other partners adopted the US dollar as its currency the economic climate know they have lessons to learn from Zimbabwe about has stabilised. Key workers receive only minimal salaries, life and worship in this dimension. industry has vanished and the country has overwhelming unemployment. The HIV and AIDS pandemic continues The Presbytery of Zimbabwe operates as both a local to wreak destruction on children and adults. Health presbytery and also a national church. It is beyond the and education services have seriously deteriorated. The scope of our Locally Supported Partnership – from the collapse of social infrastructures endangers community Presbytery of Greenock and Paisley - to relate adequately health through other epidemics such as cholera. Anyone to the church at national level in Zimbabwe. without access to foreign currency is unable to purchase food. In the absence of the Rule of Law people’s liberty Accordingly the Council’s Africa/Caribbean Secretary will and safety are always at risk. further the action plan of the Presbytery of Greenock and Paisley by linking them in to the communication systems Against this background the churches remain a continuing of the wider Church of Scotland. In this way information source of encouragement and hope. The Presbytery of and prayer requests can be co-ordinated across the whole Zimbabwe of our partner church, the Uniting Presbyterian church. 7/24 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

In addition it is hoped to establish a strategic approach to Israel - Palestine congregational twinnings, to ensure that some Zimbabwe Working in the Middle East is neither easy or predictable. congregations are not disproportionately supported These factors make our work and witness there all the more while others are left out altogether. In support of the important – working for peace in an area of conflict, justice central structure of the church the Council this year gave amidst unfairness and discrimination, reconciliation in the a second Emergency Grant of £15,000 to the Presbytery of face of division, long-term sustainability in a changing Zimbabwe. climate, and above all love for our Christian brothers and sisters, and for all our neighbours in the region and beyond. The Council is delighted that the minister of Banchory- The conflict continues, and although it is not open warfare Ternan West Parish, the Rev Donald Walker, has recently as witnessed in Gaza at the beginning of 2009, there is accepted a call from St Columba’s Church in Mutare. Donald simmering disquiet which flares up on occasions such as is now a minister of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in the feast of Rosh Hashana when there were incidents on Southern Africa in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe, and the the Temple Mount/ Haram al-Sharif, or house evictions in Council commends Donald and his wife Judith to East Jerusalem, or when the pressures of the occupation the prayers of the whole Church. bite too hard on either side.

The Council will continue to fulfill the instruction of the 2009 saw Israel elect a right-wing government, and 2010 2009 Assembly to support the Presbytery of Zimbabwe will see elections for the Palestinian Authority, but many with prayer, material and personnel resources. voices throughout the land bemoan a leadership vacuum with accompanying fatalism or despair about the lack of The Caribbean obvious solutions to the conflict or leaders mandated to 2009 has seen little engagement with the Caribbean. resolve it. This is due to change in personnel and limited resources. However, there continues to be a number of Twinnings Great hope was held out for the influence that the new within Jamaica, Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago. It is also US President Barack Obama could have in changing the planned that the Africa and Caribbean Secretary will visit paradigm, especially after a landmark speech in Cairo in the Caribbean in the latter half of 2010 in order to engage June 2009, but there has been little development since more fully with Partner Churches. then.

In 2009, the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Some, such as Arik Aschermann, the founder of Rabbis for Islands embarked upon a programme of renewal and Human Rights to whom the Church of Scotland Guild has transformation in response to what has been discerned as a pledged a grant as part of their interfaith project, foresee God-given call. Using a broad-based approach, the United further bloodshed in war or intifada before peace can Church undertook a process spanning approximately five break out, as he noted in a blog entitled “Armageddon, years which included review, dialogue, prayer, discernment, Straight Ahead”. Elsewhere, there are calls for a single, bi- and planning. The exercise of listening and heartfelt national, bi-cultural state: as Jonathan Kuttab, a Palestinian sharing clearly indicated that the United Church needed attorney wrote in the LA Times at the end of 2009 “we to renew their approach to ministry in the community. need to start thinking of how we can live together, rather This would mean embracing radical restructuring and than insist on dying apart.” The Christian presence, though refocusing in an effort to deepen the effectiveness of the small, is an important bridge providing a gleam of hope. ministry of the church. An important development at the end of 2009 was the WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/25 launch of the Kairos Palestine document, a cry for love and Palestine-Israel issues as the church experiences them; justice of which more is reported below and accessible on • working extensively within the local community www.kairospalestine.ps. to support all those who seek to make a positive contribution to their own community and to peaceful On the economic front, the end of 2009 saw Israel appear living together. to turn the corner out of recession, so that both St Andrew’s Guesthouse and the Scots Hotel had high-performing Local Partnerships months of November and are set for continued recovery We have two formal partnerships. The first is a longstanding in 2010. Last year’s report made reference to the fact of partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem “change being a constant” in the Middle East, but the which has involved exchanges of personnel and support Council is happy to report that this year, consistency of projects and has encouraged congregational twinning of staff and stability within our own team have enabled opportunities. The main focus of current activity with the relationships to be established and work to be progressed Diocese is the development of a ‘Peace, Reconciliation in a more considered and sustainable fashion. A particular and Interfaith Centre’ in Tiberias. The centre is an exciting strength is the commitment to the region, to peace, to development which would utilise our church building and our Christian partners, and to witnessing to the Gospel work alongside our church. A Partnership Working Group of Jesus Christ that the increased number of permanent meets regularly to take this forward. appointments is seen to embody. In March 2010, the Moderator, Rt Rev William Hewitt, Parish Ministry signed a Partnership Agreement with the Evangelical St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church, Jerusalem with St Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). 7 Andrew’s Church in Tiberias form the basis of a Parish The general terms of this agreement were approved at the Grouping, with a Minister and Associate Minister. The 2009 General Assembly. As with the Episcopal Diocese the Minister, Rev George Shand took up his post in Holy Week WMC looks forward to developing our relationships with 2009 and Rev Colin Johnston, took up the post of Associate the ELCJHL, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement. Minister at Tiberias in October 2009. Thus for the first time The Local Christian Presence for a number of years there is a team for ministry with a Crucially important is the support of local churches. The long-term commitment to the church and to building Christian community is a minority group which finds that relationships. This work includes: the tensions of the region have a disproportionate impact • nurturing and developing the local congregation which on it. One result of this is that many young local Christians includes local people and expatriates on longer term- are leaving the region and the Christian community is contracts; getting smaller. The Church of Scotland is one of the • providing support and guidance, where required, to international churches that the Middle East Council of staff of all three Church centres in which the staff group, Churches look to for positive support and understanding coming from a wide range of cultural and religious of their experience. backgrounds, refl ects the commitment of the Church to the whole of the community; At the end of 2009 the local churches, supported by • connecting positively with the many visiting groups the World Council of Churches, launched what is now and individuals who want to know about the work of called the ‘Kairos Palestine’ document. This controversial the church and helping them understand more fully the document is supported by the leaders of all the local 7/26 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL churches, and by most of the organisations the Church of a room strewn with flags of the 35 nationalities at the Scotland works with and would call partners. It therefore school. has implications for the work of the church on the ground in Israel-Palestine, and what it can do to support partner As the children grow and learn together, leaving politics churches in what will be a difficult and perhaps dangerous at the door, they demonstrate that the conflict so often time for them. They have expressed what they see as seen in this region need not be repeated down the generations. the distinctive Christian message that arises out of their experience, and that Gospel challenge is for all parties While not focused entirely on grades and statistics, the within the conflict situation in the Middle East, particularly school is pleased to be able to report an improving trend Israel, and for churches throughout the world. It is crucially of “strength in depth” so that although the graduating class important that the document is understood for what it is, was a mixed bag of results, the next year down performed and the positive things it can offer. Debate in this region exceptionally well at AS-level, and the GCSE class obtained is so often not about what is said but about defending a result of 78% A-C grade, far above the sub-50% reported positions against attack. It is important that the debate a decade ago and above the national average in England on ‘Kairos Palestine’ is actually about what is said, and the and Wales of 67% at A-C Grade. The high quality and Church of Scotland can have a role in contributing to this. reputation are also shown in the continued demand which results in the school continuing to fill all of its 330 places, International Partnerships attract a full quota of staff, and retain students to A-level. At the end of the Kairos Palestine document the writers encourage others to, “.....come and see our reality.” It is a The school’s new Amuta status has helped with relations continuing priority of the Church of Scotland in Israel- with public authorities, and has also been a driver for Palestine to find ways to build an increased understanding improvements in governance, documentation and of the issues in the Middle East and the experience of local administrative efficiency. people of good will. To this end the Council encourages Twinning at every opportunity, and support projects A new parents’ group has been invaluable in strengthening such as the Guild Israel-Palestine project with Christian, the school’s good relationships with the local community, while an alumni group started by alumni is improving Muslim and Jewish organisations. It is a priority to find connections with former pupils of Tabeetha all over the ways to link the Church in Scotland, and other areas, with world. the experience and reality of Christians here in Israel- Palestine. St Andrew’s Scots Guesthouse, Jerusalem St Andrew’s continues to receive praise and commendations Tabeetha School in Jaffa for its warm atmosphere, high quality and friendly service, Led by Mr Antony Short and a competent and experienced but does not sit on its laurels. Senior Management Team, Tabeetha School continues to improve its performance and reputation as a good quality Mr Rimon Toubassi has kept a close-knit, high-performing school where a happy, creative and productive atmosphere team, rewarding good performance and encouraging is maintained in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi- loyalty. The guesthouse gardens have been significantly national environment. Pupils and parents were proud to improved and consistently maintained to create an be able to bring samples of their nation’s cuisine for the attractive outdoor space to complement the renovated school’s “International Food Day” in October, enjoyed in interior, and which is used commercially for special events WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/27 as well as to provide a resource for our partners such as whom the hotel and Church are made available through a youth group from the Sabeel Ecumenical Centre and a subsidies. It is hoped that the demand on subsidies will charity bazaar each spring. The guesthouse interior has increase and anticipated that the demand can be met also been kept up to date with continued improvements from the hotel. to accommodation and to the library. Social Enterprise Despite the Gaza conflict at the beginning of 2009, and the During the past year, the Leadership Team of the Church global economic crisis which impacted the first quarter of Scotland’s Centres in Israel Palestine, including the of the year, the Guesthouse’s financial performance heads of each Centre and the two Ministers, have remained high, returning £102,000 in lease payment and come together regularly to share their experiences and net operating profit, while covering more of the “shared” encourage each other. In spring 2010, this team took two central costs of the Church’s operations in the country and days away to build stronger relationships and consider spending very little on advertising. A particular success their roles as part of a single entity in Israel Palestine. Part has been the relaunching of the Guesthouse’s weekend of this process of examining and defining our Values, brunches, which have attracted a varied clientele and Vision and Mission over the year has been a growing increased revenue while also building a “buzzing” but sense of responsibility to our history, community and not intrusive atmosphere. The Guesthouse hosted 28 environment, and steady progress along the road to groups in 2009, and pilgrims were common guests, both being united as a social enterprise. as individuals and groups, and the guesthouse has been happy to welcome many visitors from the Church of Working towards an assessment by Good Corporation Scotland. on corporate responsibility of each Centre, including 7 educational quality indicators for Tabeetha as well as Scots Hotel, Tiberias indicators of governance, community relations, good Mr Shimon Kipnis has skilfully managed the Scots Hotel employment and good management, the team now aims through a challenging year in terms of economic recession towards a higher goal of having a positive impact on the and political conflict, both of which struck the premium local community and its challenges. This will infuse the tourism in the regions hard, so that the Scots Hotel was principles of reconciliation being implemented in the not as badly hit as the general market in Tiberias and Centre for Peace, Reconciliation and Interfaith Dialogue, Galilee. The hotel’s occupancy rate was 59% and despite and link with similar initiatives in other Councils and more than 60% unexpected increase in municipal rates it areas of the Church of Scotland both within and outwith returned £176,000 in lease payments and net operating Scotland and Israel Palestine. profit. It continues to receive plaudits and positive press both locally and abroad as a high-quality boutique hotel, Scottish Churches World Exchange professional and with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Since its inception in 1992 the Church of Scotland has employing a loyal team from a multi-ethnic and multi- led the way in the development of World Exchange as an religious local community. ecumenical instrument of the Churches in Scotland. SCWE is jointly owned and managed by the Church of Scotland, During the year the hotel has welcomed Christians either as the Scottish Episcopal Church, the United Reformed individuals or in groups. In addition to hosting 206 pilgrim Church and the Roman Catholic Church through SCIAF. groups from outside Israel and Palestine, the hotel has This ecumenical structure has given considerable freedom been a centre of hospitality for 50 local Christian groups to to experiment with different forms of voluntary service 7/28 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL throughout the world. Volunteers who served through under the wing of the Kirk. Senior elders speak of having SCWE in 2009 are listed in Appendix VI to this report. advocated this move as long as fifteen years ago. Since 2005 the World Mission Council has been encouraging the Since 1992 approximately 600 volunteers from all walks fulfilment of this dream and reported to the 2008 General of life have served in over 20 countries of the world most Assembly that: “The two congregations in the Bahamas of whom have been deeply influenced by the witness plan to form a Presbyterian Church of the Bahamas and and commitment of the church they encountered while are working on the preparation of a constitution attuned overseas. Many have remained in contact with the place to local conditions while being rooted in their Church of they worked and the people with whom they shared part Scotland history.” A year later, in 2009, the Council reported of their life. to the General Assembly that there was evidence of “fresh In addition, World Exchange has been instrumental in impetus to the aspiration to form a Presbyterian Church of developing new opportunities for service, for example, the Bahamas, initially comprising the Church of Scotland with the support of the Board of National Mission as was, charges.” to develop a volunteer programme in Scotland; with A significant development during 2009 is that the Kirk the University of Malawi launch a successful volunteer Sessions of the two charges came to the view that, while programme in “Malawi for Malawians”; developing the the formation of a Presbyterian Church of the Bahamas CCAP Likhubula House in Malawi supporting the welfare remained their goal, at this stage they do not have the and education of orphans, providing activity weeks for over 2,000 local young people and developing curriculum capacity to run a denomination on their own. They activities for leadership courses with the assistance of therefore propose, as an interim step, to affiliate to the Glenmore Lodge and other Scottish outdoor centres. Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the USA. Unlike the Presbyterian Church (USA), this denomination is willing Despite its success on many fronts SCWE has been to admit congregations outside the borders of the USA. challenged over recent years by reduced income from Furthermore it has a Presbytery in Florida, very close to its members and increasing costs of its activities and in the Bahamas, where the two congregations could have February, reluctantly, took the decision to wind down the experience of being part of a working Presbytery and its operation. While work continues in that process benefit from the capacity and supervision which it offers. World Mission Council is exploring how, within its own resources, it can continue with a volunteer programme The Kirk Sessions therefore decided to recommend to as an invaluable strand of service which compliments the the congregations that they should leave the Church of Council’s strategy in partnership of “saying it with people”. Scotland at the General Assembly of 2010 and join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. At a formally constituted Overseas Charges meeting of Lucaya Presbyterian Kirk it was moved: “That St Andrew’s Nassau and Lucaya Kirk, Freeport: the we the members of the Lucaya Presbyterian Kirk, after a Next Step towards the Presbyterian Church of the long and happy association with the Church of Scotland, Bahamas do now agree to permanently separate ourselves from the It has been a long-held ambition of the Church of Church of Scotland forthwith.” On a vote being taken, 40 Scotland congregations in the Bahamas to form their members voted in favour and three against. It was further own denomination, following the example of many moved: “That the Lucaya Presbyterian Kirk offer itself as a other churches around the world which began their life candidate for membership in the Evangelical Presbyterian WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/29

Church of America”. On a vote being taken, 40 members Bahamas. The Council therefore recommends that the voted in favour and three against. two congregations be released with the blessing of the 2010 General Assembly as they take forward their life and At a formally constituted meeting of St Andrew’s witness in the Bahamas. Presbyterian Kirk it was moved that the following steps be taken: Implications for the Church of Scotland Should the above recommendation be accepted, there Step 1 – Go through the process of being released from would remain only one overseas charge: Greyfriars St the Church of Scotland and make our affiliation with the Ann’s linked with Arouca and Sangre Grande in Trinidad. Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). We will also magnify In this event, the Council recommends that the Overseas our profile in Nassau by using the 200th Anniversary [of Charges Committee be discharged and responsibility for the congregation] (and the 450th of the Reformation) to the overseas charge in Trinidad passed to the Africa and have special events highlighting our heritage. Provide Caribbean Committee. Since the latter Committee already intensive training and teaching for members and elders has responsibility for partnership with the Presbyterian regarding our faith. Church of Trinidad and Tobago, it is well placed also to exercise responsibility for the Church of Scotland charge Step 2 – With the help of the resources of the EPC we in that country. expand our mission in Nassau as we try and reach a new generation of worshippers for the Kirk. We begin a series Local Development of talks with potential candidates for joining us in the PCB Working together with the Panel on Review and Reform including more interaction between the Kirks already following the Commission of the General Assembly of 7 existing in the Bahamas. 2008 for ‘a study into the effectiveness of overseas mission on the life of the local church communities, where they Step 3 – Work on a constitution that will establish the have an interactive partnership with an overseas project’ practices and procedures of the new denomination. has been an opportunity for the World Mission Council Step 4 – The formation of the new denomination. to have on record the findings of a piece of independent research. On a vote being taken, 32 members voted in favour and 16 voted against. At the mission station on Abaco, two The document ‘Partnership in Mission’ will be presented members voted in favour and four voted against. The total as part of the Panel’s report to the Assembly but it is vote was therefore 34 members in favour and 20 against. important to note its significance here also. The impact of The motion therefore carried. world-wide partnership can be seen in the comment of one church member of their experience of being part of a Following the congregational meetings, the Evangelical twinning in Zambia “It has been a life-changing experience Presbyterian Church confirmed its willingness to receive for me. It has been a joy to watch people grow through this” the two congregations. In October 2009 the Convener and or that of a member who was involved in hosting a family Secretary of the Church of Scotland World Mission Council during a twinning visit with a congregation in the Czech Overseas Charges Committee visited both congregations Republic “They changed from being visitors to being friends and found a very positive spirit in regard to membership and part of our family, and so they remain.” The document of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church as an interim step highlighted not only the benefits but also the challenges, towards the formation of a Presbyterian Church of the therefore providing a working document for the World 7/30 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

Mission Council as it seeks to resource congregations, During the visit they met MacDonald Kadawati, General engaging with them to recognise their unique situation Secretary of CCAP Blantyre Synod who spoke of the and to contribute effectively. The study has shown that positive ethos of partnership, welcoming shared values partnerships at local level in Scotland with the world church and the opportunity to move forward together. are many and varied. However, the growing demand for developing twinnings with Partner Churches has had an “Tiyende Pamodzi…lets go together along dusty roads, under impact on the work of the Council, in particular in relation the searing sun, on foot, by the light of the moon, sharing to resourcing Church of Scotland Congregations. faith under the mango tree or in a mud built prayer house. … as Jesus would have done.” So what next? This is usually the The addition, in December 2009, of a new member of staff, question after a Faithshare visit and it is usually a multi- Karen Francis, whose main responsibility will be to help faceted answer. congregations as they take the early steps along the road of twinning, has been a positive step. One component of the answer seen in the report from Orkney Presbytery after a visit from members of Thyolo The research has informed the development of new Highlands Presbytery in Malawi was to work towards resource material for twinnings including a monitoring engagement with the wider community in both countries and evaluation tool which has just been piloted by Lothian to bring a long-term focus and new resources to Presbytery and their partner the Diocese of the Eastern strengthen the whole partnership. Summing up a visit to Himalayas, and Murrayfield Parish Church and their partner Methillhill and Denbeath Church their Trinidadian Partners community of Kwamibekrom in Ghana. Other resources said “the essence of the twinning is in discovering what we are in development including information about safety have in common. It is like opening a door to fresh air, it is and security when planning visits. invigorating, refreshing and we are all wondering why it was not done before!” ‘Saying it with people’ has become a mantra of World Mission Council and it is the opportunity for making Ness Bank Church in Inverness has been in regular email personal connections that often results in growth, and skype contact with a church in Nanping City, China. As both individual and corporate. It is inspiring to see the a trusting relationship has developed, they have been able breadth of this within the Faithshare Programme, (see to share information about difficult circumstances which appendix six) and realize this is only a cross-section of in turn have been upheld in prayer. world connections for the whole Church. 19 members of Tarbert Youth Fellowship on arrival back on the St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow have approached Isle of Harris after visiting Hebron Church, Tansen, their twinning with Holy Family Episcopal Church in Raineh, Nepal wrote “The trip was a time of real blessing – every Galilee as a journey of friendship, in response to the cry member learned something important and saw God at of Holy Family for friends in the wider world to walk with work in significant ways. We developed our relationship them in their life and work in a most challenging context. with members of Hebron Church and look forward to this Christians comprise less than 2% of the population, and increasing in the future. Through us the wider community life for Palestinians in Israel has become increasingly on Harris are now benefiting from our experience.” The difficult. Good friends support each other, and St Michael’s congregation of Auchtermuchty linked with Edenshead folk are seeing more clearly the need for advocacy on and Strathmiglo had the opportunity to receive visitors behalf of Palestinian Christians, not as part of an issue- but also to visit Namadzi CCAP in Malawi this year. based solidarity but as part of a developing understanding WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/31 through friendship in Christ’s name, seeking together the the whole church when our two committees co-ordinate peace and well-being of all. work is huge.

It is a regular occurrence to work with colleagues in It is impossible to open a newspaper, magazine or watch other Councils to bring a World Dimension to their television these days without hearing a mention of work. It was most definitely a success, despite a huge Climate Change. World Mission Council as a stakeholder commitment of time and resources to bring 17 children in the Church of Scotland Climate Change Programme and six adults from Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Hungary has committed itself to ensure a global dimension within to the National Children’s Assembly on Iona in Octobe its work and has taken the lead in the production of a 2009. Their integration with Scottish children was almost module for Eco-congregations relating to the International instantaneous and bonds of lifelong friendship were dimension of Climate Change. Our Partner Churches formed. Shared learning between the leaders was a in Bangladesh consistently ensure this very important positive experience and has led to the first Children’s subject remains high profile as year by year they lose Assembly being planned for CCAP Synod of Livingstonia land to the sea. Issue 33 of WM, the Council’s magazine in Malawi to take place in April, 2010. challenges congregations to think beyond ‘being green’ to tackling the root causes. Congregations involved in links The Priority Areas Committee of Ministries Council and World with overseas partners often are moved by the reality of Mission Council both work in spheres which are considered the margins of society. One area of mutual connection the effects of climate change. The congregations of Papa is through the Together for a Change Project where Westray linked with Westray, pride themselves on their communities see how people in another part of the world 3rd Eco-congregation award but also are challenged to 7 deal with various issues which in turn helps to see problems share together with their Malawian partners sustainable differently and hopefully offer new insights and solutions. methods of combating Climate Change. During the next three years four new communities are being Our campaigning activities and advocacy are important supported to learn with and from each other. The impact of to our Partners overseas; many who are unable to make this project on the lives of some of the poorest people living their voice heard in the international arena ask us to do in Scotland and within communities in some of the poorest it for them. We continue to encourage congregations countries in the world has been and is continuing to be to share with members ways in which they can be part significant. One of the newest links is between Greenock of something bigger: signing a campaign postcard East End and Zambia Compound, Kafue, Zambia. In both demand justice for persecuted Christians; joining communities there is significant unemployment due to together with the 8000 people making their voice closure of local industry. heard at ‘The Wave’ in Glasgow in December 2009 or The World Mission Council is committed to working with continuing to lobby MP’s to ensure funding promises Priority Areas Committee, other Councils and Committees by the rich nations of the world to the Global Fund for of the Church as well as a wide range of broader partners TB, HIV and malaria are kept. It was good to have Joy to deliver its Action Plan for the next seven years. Many of Tudu in Scotland in September. Joy, an activist working our Partner Churches work in fragile situations: economic, with the Church of North India, shared passionately his climatic, political or religious instability are some examples. work in relation to land rights of Adivasis in Jharkhand The courageous nature of partners in these situations is and the issues related to prevention of land grabbing often inspirational and the potential for shared learning for that are affecting the communities. 7/32 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

The project receiving support from the Boys Brigade World HIV/AIDS Project Mission Fund in 2010-11 is Bethesda Children’s Hospital in The Council has continued to assist with the provision Budapest, run by the Reformed Church of Hungary. This of administrative support for this project of the Church. was unveiled in Stornoway in November 2009 when the During the year, as noted within the Council of Assembly’s 2nd Stornoway Company hosted the Moderator as he report, it became clear that the Councils of the Church were received £12,000 for the previous year’s project. finding it difficult to provide funding beyond 2010 to assist with the staffing of the project. This reality required the The occasion was marked by the commissioning of a new World Mission Council to consider its continuing support pipe tune called ‘The World Mission’ written by Pipe Major for the project. The outcome was a resounding agreement Peter Mackay. to continue the management and administration of the In a world where communication methods are constantly “Church of Scotland HIV Programme” entirely from within evolving thought has been given this year to development its own resources from the 1st January 2011 for three of new resource materials and refreshment of others. years in the first instance. The Council looks forward to the continuing and encouraging support of the Programme The WM magazine has been given a new look and is from congregations and presbyteries. being launched at the time of the General Assembly. One very practical reason for this is to reduce postage costs. St Colm’s College However it is also available on the website to download, as It was with great regret that the World Mission Council is our weekly e-newsletter ‘Update’. Several very interesting has taken the decision to sell St Colm’s College in short audio files have been created and used by radio Edinburgh. Opened in 1909 as the Women’s Missionary stations around Scotland and further afield. These too are College of the United Free Church, and most recently available on the resource section of the website. being the headquarters of Scottish Churches World Exchange, St Colm’s has been the place in which many Plans are in place for new resource materials, both have been prepared for mission and service in Scotland web based and printed and these will be available by and throughout the world. Its history has been long September. Working with our Mission Partners, we are and distinguished, and it rightly holds a fond place in seeking to update the Partner Plan Scheme, and are the hearts of those who have been associated with it. encouraging them to use blogs. It is hoped to develop However, following extensive research, and noting the these along with our Facebook profile during 2010. amount of money required to maintain and to develop St Colm’s for use in the 21st century, the Council recognised In the spirit of Church without Walls over the next year that it does not have the resources that such a building World Mission Council is decentralising its conferences requires. In reporting this difficult decision, the Council for its key stakeholders at local level, the World Mission salutes the hard work and dedication of the Friends of St Presbytery Conveners. Plans for 5 events around the Colm’s, Scottish Churches World Exchange and all who country which will allow training, information and sharing have cherished the place over the years. not only for the Presbytery Conveners but for members of congregational world church teams also are underway. Edinburgh 2010 Working with small regional groups we hope to provide a ‘Edinburgh 2010’ has been established to celebrate forum for networking opportunities and sharing of good the centenary of the Edinburgh 1910 World Missionary practice and inspirational stories. Conference, which strengthened evangelistic work WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/33 worldwide and led to the emergence of the ecumenical This last year has seen significant progress towards a movement of the twentieth century, including the successful and worthy celebration of 1910. Under the able formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC). In management of Dr Kirsteen Kim the study process has 2000-1 ‘Towards 2010’ was formed as a Scottish conference continued to explore the nine key themes relating to the series reviewing the eight ‘commissions’ which had formed nature of the Christian faith and mission today through the substance of the 1910 Conference. In 2005-6 Towards a wide range of meetings and conferences around the 2010 helped in the formation of an international process world. The results of this process will be available in a which led, in 2007, to it taking the title ‘Edinburgh 2010: special publication produced for the June conference. Witnessing to Christ Today’. At its meeting in April 2009 the General Council aware of the impact of the world-wide recession and the shortage In April 2007 Dr Daryl Balia, a South African missiologist of funds, decided to reduce the conference from 1000 and an ordained Methodist, was appointed International delegates to 250. The conference arrangements are being Director for the project with an office at New College, and handled by the University of Edinburgh’s Office of Life- employed by the University of Edinburgh. Long Learning. In September 2007 the General Council met for the first The conference is to take place at the Pollock Halls, time in Edinburgh and became in effect the governing University of Edinburgh, from 2 – 6 June 2010, with a body for the project. With 20 representatives from all the closing act of worship in the Assembly Hall on Sunday major World Church denominations the General Council 6 June at 3 pm which it is expected over 1,000 people is unprecedented, bringing together the Anglican, will attend. The project has been very well served by the Evangelical, Protestant, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and Roman 7 employment of Dr Jasmin Adam as Communications Catholic churches. Officer with the remit of handling its communications From the start the opportunity for Scotland to ‘welcome’ and public relations aspects. Through the development the World Church to this celebration was recognised as of a website, a monthly newsletter, brochures, and using important, and the Scottish Coordinating Team (SCoT), Facebook and Twitter, the project is well placed to enable set up by Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), participation by a world-wide audience. Plans are being has been arranging the practical support. Although only made to stream the conference’s closing act of worship partially a project of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh on the internet. 2010 has been reported on to the General Assembly for the last five years. Three publications during the year have made significant contributions. Professor Brian Stanley’s ‘The World These reports have been included in the Council Reports Missionary Conference, Edinburgh 1910’ promises to with cross references in the Reports of Mission and become the definitive history of the 1910 Conference, Discipleship and Ecumenical Relations. As the host nation Professor David Kerr and Professor Kenneth Ross edited Scotland clearly has a particular place in helping to bring ‘Edinburgh 2010: Mission Then and Now’, a retrospective this project to a successful conclusion. The General Council assessment of the eight commissions of the 1910 is grateful to the Church of Scotland for agreeing, through Conference, and Professor Ross produced ‘Edinburgh the World Mission Council, to handle the project’s finances, 2010: Springboard for Mission’, a primer which both looks and, through the Ecumenical Relations Committee, for back to 1910 and helpfully sets the context for 2010 and employing one staff member. the challenge for the next century. By the time of the 7/34 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL conference it is expected that ‘Edinburgh 2010: Witnessing In response, Colin has led the Council with wisdom and to Christ Today’ edited by Dr Balia and Dr Kim will also have compassion, leavened with his characteristic wit and good been published. humour. He has represented the Church on important occasions in the life of overseas partner churches, and Those who would like to know more about Edinburgh has been an energetic advocate for World Mission in the 2010, and who would like to be involved, are advised to wider Church at home. His leadership regarding Israel and go to the website www.edinburgh2010.org and follow the Palestine has been of crucial value, particularly with regard links. Following the close of the Assembly the final lecture to the management of our institutions; the recruitment of of the Alexander Duff Lectures will be given by Professor new personnel; the signing of historic partnerships with the Dana Robert in the Assembly Hall. This will be something of Diocese of East Jerusalem (Anglican) and the Evangelical a ‘curtainraiser’ for the June conference, and is open to all. Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land; and organisational and fi nancial support of those working for “Give thanks to God for the worldwide impact of the justice and peace. We are grateful as well to his wife Eilidh Edinburgh 1910 World Missionary Conference, encourage for her understanding and support during a Convenership congregations to pray for fruitful outcomes from the that called for a great deal of time to be spent away from centenary conference, and extend a warm welcome to all home. From Jordanhill to the Jordan and back again, Colin who travel to Scotland in connection with the centenary.” has fulfi lled a demanding calling exceptionally well, and we wish him and Eilidh joy and continued fruitful service In the Name of the Council in the years to come.

COLIN C RENWICK, Convener In the Name of the Council STEWART GILLAN, Vice-Convener SHIRLEY BROWN, Vice-Convener STEWART GILLAN, Vice-Convener SHIRLEY BROWN, Vice-Convener ADDENDA The Rev Colin C Renwick Rev Dr Kenneth Ross In 2010 Rev Colin Renwick completes his term of offi ce After 11 years as World Mission Council Secretary, Ken as the Convener of the World Mission Council. It is with Ross has returned to parish ministry. With his encyclopedic deep appreciation for both his person and work that we knowledge of the history and personnel of the World bid farewell to Colin Renwick as Convener of the World Church and 10 years of experience as a professor within Mission Council. Having served as Convener of the Middle Chancellor College in the University of Malawi, Ken’s East Committee during the fi nal years of the Board of contribution to the Church of Scotland’s engagement with World Mission, he answered the call to succeed Alan Greig its overseas partners has been considerable. Blessed with as Convener of the Council in 2006. The Council, a year into a keen mind and clarity of expression, Ken has penned its mandate, faced the considerable challenge of having many fi ne reports for the General Assembly and other to fi nd its way forward in the wake of signifi cant cuts to bodies. It is in no small measure due to his enthusiasm the World Mission budget, the reorganisation of mission and knowledge of the history of global mission and of partnerships into centrally and locally supported work, the issues facing churches in the 21st century that the and the resultant redundancies in mission partner posts. Edinburgh 2010 celebrations have taken shape. WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/35

Ken’s concern for those who are the victims of poverty and communicator and his pastoral sensitivity will stand him in oppression throughout the world has been obvious to all good stead in this new chapter of his life. who know him. He has been a passionate and eff ective advocate and will continue to be so. In thanking Ken, and In the name of the Council in wishing him and his wife Hester God’s blessing in all that lies ahead, members of the World Mission Council are confi dent that his passion for mission, his ability as a COLIN C RENWICK, Convener STEWART GILLAN, Vice-Convener SHIRLEY BROWN, Vice-Convener

7 7/36 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

APPENDIX I Staff and family members overseas between 1 January to 31 December 2009

ASIA Church of Bangladesh Dr Helen Brannam Doctor Bollobhur Hospital (Ecumenical appointment)

Mr David Hall Development Consultant Church of Bangladesh (Ecumenical appointment)

Mrs Sarah Hall Education consultant Church of Bangladesh Rebecca (Ecumenical appointment) Reuben and Matthew

Mr James Pender Environmental/Conservation work Church of Bangladesh, Mrs Linda Pender social dev. Programme, Meherpur (Ecumenical appointment)

Caribbean, Central and South America Bahamas Rev Scott Kirkland Minister Lucaya Presbyterian Kirk, Mrs Anita Kirkland Colombo Pricilla and Sarah

Rev John Macleod Minister St Andrews Presbyterian Mrs Carol Macleod Kirk, Nassau Bethany and Andrew

Trinidad Rev John Bacchas Minister Grey Friars St Ann’s with Mrs Claudette Bacchas Arouca & Sangre Grande Kerri-Ann and Shena-Marie

Middle East & North Africa Israel/Palestine Rev George Shand Minister St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Mrs Margaret Pressland Church, Jerusalem and St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Tiberias WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/37

Mr James Laing Regional Manager Israel Mrs Nicola-Jayne Laing John

Rev John Cubie Locum Minister St Andrew’s Scots Mrs Moira Cubie Memorial Church, Jerusalem and St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Tiberias

Mr Anthony Short Principal Tabeetha School, Mrs Darya Short Jaff a. Joelle and Ezra

Rev Colin Johnston Associate Minister St. Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church, Jerusalem and St. Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Tiberias

Rev Ian Clark Locum Minister St Andrew’s Church, Tiberias 7

Rev Alistair McGregor Locum Minister St Andrew’s Church, Tiberias

Rev Ian Alexander International Co-ordinator Sabeel (Ecumenical Appointment)

Mr Jimmy Maxwell Chemistry Teacher Tabeetha School, Jaff a

Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Malawi Miss Helen Scott Teacher Ekwendeni Girls Secondary School

Dr David Morton Medical Offi cer Nkhoma Hospital Mrs Rebecca Morton 7/38 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

United Church of Zambia Rev Colin Johnston Tutor United Church of Zambia Theological College, Mindolo (Ecumenical Appointment)

Mr Keith Waddell Mission Support Partner Mwandi UCZ Mission, (Education) (Ecumenical Appointment)

Mrs Ida Waddell Mission Support Partner Mwandi UCZ Mission, (Medical) (Ecumenical Appointment)

Ms Jenny Featherstone Trainer Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation, (Ecumenical Appointment) WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/39

APPENDIX II APPENDIX V DEATHS WORLD EXCHANGE VOLUNTEERS OVERSEAS Rev Robert McMahon July 2008 2009 Rev J Wilfred Moore 10 March 2009 Clare Arnold Kenya Rev Robert Manson 4 April 2009 Chris Barr India Rev Lindesay Robertson 23 June 2009 Emma Cowan Malawi Miss Helen McMillan 6 September 2009 Judith Craig India Rev Maxwell Craig 26 September 2009 Blodwin Farquhar Malawi Miss Margaret Ritchie 6 October 2009 Norma Forbes India Mrs Robina Logie 25 October 2009 Claudia Fusaro Malawi Rev Frederick Marshall 28 October 2009 Fiona Grimmond India Miss May Wilson 29 October 2009 James Hutchinson Malawi Mrs Lillian Moore 10 January 2010 Fiona Hutchinson Malawi Mr Ron Hunston 30 January 2010 Neil Hewitt Malawi Rev Dr Charles Morrice 26 February 2010 Sean Keighren Malawi APPENDIX III Kevin Kilty Malawi BRITISH AND IRISH AMITY TEACHERS’ GROUP (BIATG) Dorothy Martin Malawi Zsofia Molner Malawi BIATG Teachers currently working in the Peoples Republic Hamish Muiry Malawi 7 of China: Ross Muiry Malawi Mary Miller Zimbabwe 2006 John Miller Zimbabwe Christine Green (Wuwei) Cecillia Stephens Malawi 2007 Kath Saltwell (Lanzhou) APPENDIX VI 2008 FAITHSHARE VISITORS 2009/2010 Ian Groves (Nanjing) Father Samuel Barhoum, Holy Family Episcopal 2009 Church, Raineh, Galilee, Israel. St Michael’s Parish Robert Kenyon (Hezhou) Church, Linlithgow, Scotland. (11- 18 February 2009). Claire Brook (Qinzhou) Mr Thomas Joramson, Rev Henry Kaira, PCEA, Umoja Angela Evans (Lanzhou) Parish Church, Nairobi, Kenya. Colinton Parish Church, APPENDIX IV Edinburgh, Scotland. (20 – 31 March 2009). MISSION ASSOCIATES Mrs Margaret Cranston, Mrs Susan Macdonald, St Tony and Catherine Paton CMS, Lao Kenneth’s Parish Church, Kennoway, Scotland. CCAP, Mike and Jane Fucella Church of Christ, Lusangazi Congregation, Synod of Livingstonia, Malawi. Thailand (17 April – 2 May 2009). 7/40 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

Mr Lovemore Mkandawire, CCAP, David Gordon Episcopal Church, Raineh, Galilee, Israel. (22 June – 1 July Memorial Hospital, Synod of Livingstonia, Malawi. 2009). Gardenstown and Macduff Parish Churches, Scotland. (21 April – 19 May 2009). Miss Kirsty Mackay, Miss Rhona McKellar, Miss Jayne Morrison, Mr Ryan Toor, Tarbert Church of Scotland Mrs Elizabeth Mondol, Rev Martin Mondal, Church of Youth Fellowship, Scotland. Hebron Church, Tansen, Bangladesh. Presbytery of Angus. (1 May – 16 May and 1 Nepal. (16 July – 3 August 2009). May – 26 June 2009). Ms Elizabeth Chilvers, Mr Ian MacAulay, Auchtermuchty Rev John Mlera, Mr Bennet Mukiwa, CCAP, Namadzi with Edenshead and Strathmiglo Church, Congregation, Blantyre Synod, Malawi. Auchtermuchty Auchtermuchty, Scotland. CCAP, Namadzi Congregation, Parish Church with Edenshead and Strathmiglo, Blantyre Synod, Malawi. (22 July – 13 August 2009). Auchtermuchty, Scotland. (27 May – 13 June 2009). Mrs Marjory Cowie, Mrs Williamina Hartley, Mrs Mary Mr Sameh Bebawy, Coptic Orthodox Church, St Mary’s MacDougall, St Ninian’s Parish Church, Glenrothes, Church, Luxor, Egypt. Luss Parish Church. (1 – 25 June Scotland. HRC, Ramacsahaza Congregation, Hungary. 2009). (27 July to 2 August 2009).

Mrs Faye Buchan, Rev Elizabeth Fisk, St Ninian’s Mrs Heather Johnson, Mr David Johnson, Mr David Parish Church, Dunfermline, Scotland. ECCB, Orlova Ogilvie, Rev Gordon Savage, Maxwelltown West Congregation, Czech Republic. (11 – 15 June 2009). Church, Dumfries, Scotland. PCEA, Mathia Congregation, Mrs Fernella McCarthy, Mr Anthony Bayley, Church of Karatina, Kenya. (30 July – 11 August 2009). Scotland Greyfriar’s St Ann’s, Trinidad. Methilhill and Miss Suzanne Farrant, Miss Rachel Hutcheson, Mr Denbeath Parish Church, Scotland. (2 – 6 June 2009). Colin Scott, COSY, Mission and Discipleship Council. Ms Ellie Kapenda, Mrs Esther Kawerama, Mr Stanley ECCB, Youth Camp, Czech Republic. (25 July – 3 August Mkandawire, Mr Enos Msowoya, CCAP, Ekwendeni 2009). Hospital. Presbytery of Ross, Scotland. Mrs Isobel Wood, Newmachar Parish Church, (12 June – 2 July 2009). Newmachar, Scotland. UCZ, Kitwe, Zambia. (13 – 23 July Mrs Margaret Misuli, Mrs Joyce Nkandawire, Mr Kester 2009). Chiwalo, Rev Davidson Moyo, CCAP, Thyolo Presbytery, Mr Harry Ngwira, Mr Josham Thawi, CCAP, Synod of Livingstonia, Malawi. Presbytery of Orkney. (3 Engcongolweni Congregation, Synod of Livingstonia, – 17 June 2009). Malawi. Dalgety Bay Parish Church, Dalgety Bay, Ms Ashley Liddell, Ms Pamela McTaggart, Rev William Scotland. Hunter, Ruchazie, Glasgow, Scotland. CCAP, Baula, (30 August – 22 September 2009). Malawi. Together for a Change. (24 June – 14 July 2009). Mrs Trisha Meyer, St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Miss Fiona Duke, Miss Suzanne Farrant, St Michael’s Brussels, Belgium. PCG, Christ Presbyterian Church, Parish Church, Linlithgow, Scotland. Holy Family Adentan, Ghana. (7 – 25 August 2009). WORLD MISSION COUNCIL 7/41

Miss Tambudzai Makwelele, Miss Mary Musonda, Mrs Ana Melo, Rev Abel Padilla, PRCC, Presbytery UCZ, Chipembi Girls School, Zambia. South Leith Parish of Havana, Cuba. Moray Presbytery, Scotland. (6 – 20 Church, Edinburgh, Scotland. (6 – 28 August 2009). September 2009).

Mr Joy Tudu, Church of North India, Synodical Board Mr Custom Mwale, Ms Elimase Mndoli, Ms Siza of Social Services. World Mission Council and Christian Mulambya, Miss Sharon Chikuse, Master David Aid, Scotland. (1 – 29 September 2009). Nyirenda, Miss Fannie Nyangulu, Miss Lucy Kaunga, Master Hope Soko, Miss Staphel Nkhandwe, Miss Dr Basil Obasi, Mr Nnanna Uma, PCN, Presbyterian Mthise Ziba, Master Phunziro Chinula, Master Urban Health Services, Aba, Nigeria. Banchory Ternan Rodwell Madise, Miss Annie Mzumara, CCAP, Synod West Parish Church, Banchory, Scotland. of Livingstonia, Malawi. Mrs Joyce Kafumbe, Miss (3 – 22 September 2009). Elizabeth Chibuye, Miss Niza Mbalazi, United Church Mrs Carol Chimuzu, Mr Justin Chabwera, Rev Peter of Zambia. Rev Sicily Muriithi, Miss Caroline Kuria, Kandulu, Mr Clifton Thyangathyanga, CCAP, Balaka Master Brian Githaiga, PCEA, Kenya. Rev Endre Iszlai, Congregation, Blantyre Synod, Malawi. Castle Street Master Marton Viranyi, Master Balazs Barath, Master Church, Dingwall, Scotland. (18 September – 13 October Daniel Stevens, Hungarian Reformed Church and the 2009). Presbytery of Europe. Mission and Discipleship Council, Children’s Assembly, Iona, Scotland. (8 – 16 October Ms Carol Finlay, Rev Robin Hill, Church of Scotland 2009). HIV/AIDS Project. CHAM, CCAP Ekwendeni Hospital AIDS 7 Programme, Synod of Livingstonia, Malawi. Mrs Rosslyn Scott, Rev Lynn Brady, Abdie and Dunbog (19 – 29 September 2009). linked with Newburgh, Scotland. United Church of Zambia, Mwandi, Zambia. (5 – 29 October 2009). Mrs Doris MacKenzie, Holy Trinity Church of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland. Rev Gift Simwera, CCAP, Theological Mrs Gladys Moyo, Mrs Tecla Usayi, Rev Mark Phillips, College Ekwendeni, Synod of Livingstonia, Malawi. UPCSA, Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Greenock and Paisley (15 September – 7 October 2009). Presbytery, Scotland. (5 – 20 October 2009).

Mrs Babra Hunga, Mrs Eunice Lowole, Mr Thomas Hara, Mr Craig Christmas, Mr Paul Christmas, St Blanes Mr Martin Nsini, Baula, Malawi. Ruchazie, Glasgow, Church, Dunblane, Scotland. CNI, DISHA, Kalimpong, Scotland. Together for a Change. India. (10 – 26 October 2009). (16 September – 5 October 2009). Mrs Cynthia Douglas, Rev Alexander Douglas, Ms Ruby Dagadu, PCG, Osu Ebenezer Congregation, Blackhall St Columba’s Church, Edinburgh, Scotland. Accra, Ghana. Cramond Kirk, Edinburgh, Scotland. (4 – 14 UPCSA, Pirie Mission, Eastern Cape, South Africa. September 2009). (9 – 27 November 2009). Mr Daniel Gaturu, Rev Joseph Njoroge, PCEA, Icaciri Congregation, Gatundu, Kenya. Birse and Feughside Mr Joel Gathinji, UMN, HIV and Aids Technical Advisor. Parish Church, Banchory, Scotland. (19 September – 5 Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Project. (12 November – 6 October 2009). December 2009). 7/42 WORLD MISSION COUNCIL

Rev Bill Brown, Dr John Crispin, Murrayfield Parish Miss Jane Martin, Rev James Simpson, Mrs Anne Stott, Church, Edinburgh. PCG, Kwamebikrom, Ghana. (10 – 22 Mr David Stott, Chalmers Ardler Church, Dundee. February 2010). PCEA, Kayole Congregation, Nairobi, Kenya. (6 – 16 April 2010). Mrs Jemima Bell, Mrs Dorothy McMonagle, The Guild and World Mission Council, Church of Scotland. Rev Alexander Horsburgh, Rev Alison McDonald, Interfaith Action in Israel and Palestine. (15 – 27 February Presbytery of Lothian. CNI, Diocese of Eastern Himalayas. 2010). (26 April – 13 May 2010).

Mrs Grace Millward, Mrs Marilyn McCann, Livingston Old Parish Church, Scotland. CNI, St James Church, Kolkata, India. (25 February – 8 March 2010). CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly: 1. Receive the report and thank the members of the Project Group and the Project’s partners around the world. 2. Thank and congratulate congregations around Scotland for their enthusiastic and eff ective participation in Souper Sunday 2010 and invite congregations and partner churches to support a similar initiative in January 2011. 3. Acknowledge and congratulate the Presbyteries who have successfully responded to the Moderator’s Challenge, and encourage other Presbyteries to consider how they might respond to the ongoing ‘Challenge’. 4. Commend the various campaigns urging governments to ‘keep the promise’ regarding universal access to ARVs for people living with HIV, and encourage churches and congregations to add their support to such campaigns, as they are highlighted on the Church’s website. 5. Encourage churches and congregations to be aware of the stigma and discrimination facing people living with HIV, within Scotland and beyond, and to challenge them in appropriate ways. 6. Recognise that HIV will continue to be a major issue for our partner churches for the foreseeable future, and affi rm the commitment of the Church of Scotland to continue to stand in solidarity with them. 7. Welcome the intention to establish the Church of Scotland HIV Programme from January 1st 2011 for three years in the fi rst instance.

REPORT 7.1

“The Church as the Body of Christ – how does 1. Introduction it respond to HIV and AIDS? We must become Nine years ago, in 2001, the General Assembly “expressed listening churches with large ears – quick to hear deep concern, in Christ, for all those aff ected by the rapid the challenges of the people; compassionate spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, particularly partner churches with warm hearts; churches with quick churches in the worst aff ected areas” and “recognised that feet that respond rapidly to need; and touching confessing faith in Christ and being part of the body of Christ churches with anointed hands. In the Body of involves, in today’s context, both an active engagement in Christ, churches will have loud voices, raised on the battle against the disease and a loving solidarity with behalf of the marginalised. They will be research- those infected.” From this, the Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS orientated: churches with sharp minds, seeking Project was born, with the stated aims to for truth, asking relevant questions and seeking • break the silence on HIV/AIDS; relevant answers.” • stand together with partner churches; • off er practical support; Dr Peter Okaalet, Senior Director, Health and HIV/ • speak up for the voiceless; AIDS Policy at MAP International • involve every member of the Church. 7.1/2 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP

For the past eight years the Project has striven to be faithful As people of faith we know that the Cross represents both to each of these aims. death and life – we have a distinctive hope and that hope should reach into all corners of life. Our belief in a God of love who holds in unity both compassion and justice leads us to act in the interests of 2. A Critical Point those who live with HIV. We do not see Christ’s Good News The global HIV pandemic, now into its 26th year, has as being theoretical, but deeply practical: lived out in reached a critical point. Today’s picture is signifi cantly solidarity with those whose experience of life and of death diff erent from that of 1996 with its peak of new have been fundamentally altered by a world in which AIDS infections. The stabilisation of the incidence of HIV has played such a destructive part. As disciples of Jesus, globally is an important factor, but despite this there we know that God calls us to take a stand and to act in a direct and eff ective way for our brothers and sisters who are now more people than ever living with HIV (UNAIDS are infected with HIV or who are aff ected by it. How are report 33.4million people living with HIV at the end of we to be disciples of the Risen Christ in a world of HIV, if 2008.) With an estimated 2.7 million new infections not by actions which back up our words? Whom will God worldwide in 2008, national strategies used in prevention send, if not us? programmes need to constantly evolve to refl ect known transmission modes in a particular country or region. For We might ask why HIV and AIDS are justice issues? The every fi ve new infections only two people will access the harsh reality is that poverty leads to high-risk behaviours, as vital antiretroviral (ARV) medication which is enabling do confl ict and war, gender inequality and powerlessness; more people to live with HIV rather than die from AIDS. all of these make people vulnerable to ill health, stigma The challenge here is about delivery of, and access to, and discrimination. HIV also fl ourishes in areas of poverty. this medication for all who need it. One important area It is no coincidence that Haiti, the poorest country in the where a degree of success can be reported is mother northern hemisphere, is the country with the most severe to child transmission (MTCT) interventions, where HIV epidemic among the Caribbean states and is home to programmes have been identifi ed as signifi cantly half of all people living with HIV in the region. lowering the number of new infections among children The challenges to the church and church members under 15 years. Major investment from a country’s HIV are real. Engaging with the reality of the HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme budget may be spent, rightfully, epidemic can also mean engaging with marginalised in achieving this reduction in MTCT, but this leaves fewer populations – intravenous drug users, commercial sex resources for investment in other ‘strategy for prevention’ workers, prison populations, men who have sex with men, programmes aimed at stemming new infection rates. all of whom have found themselves excluded or judged or both by mainstream religion. It also means engaging The former Director of UNAIDS Dr Peter Piot said in 2008 with those who appear on the surface to be successful in “Much has been achieved; much more remains to be done. society, professionals who engage in casual sex who are In many respects the challenges that lie ahead will be even lonely and desperately seeking to purchase fulfi lment. We more testing than those we have already overcome” It is are called as disciples of Jesus who himself embraced the clear that there is no room for complacency or relaxation marginalised and the vulnerable, and liberated them from from the ongoing response to the HIV pandemic. It is the stigma and discrimination, ultimately making himself projected to continue as a signifi cant global cause of vulnerable by dying on the Cross. premature mortality for decades to come. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP 7.1/3

3. Keeping the Promise? highest levels for the maintenance and extension of ARV One of the most signifi cant developments over the past provision throughout the world. People receiving ARVs few years has been the increasing availability of ARVs for need to take the medication for life – any withdrawal of people living with HIV allowing a reasonable quality of life, funding risks limiting access to ARVs for people, leading hopefully for a lifetime. The Global Fund to fi ght HIV, TB to quicker death. Sporadic access can also lead to and Malaria has played a signifi cant part in making ARVs resistance issues. ever more widely available for people in lower and middle “I urge the Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Project income countries, increasing provision tenfold since 2003. through your members to ensure your Government However, it is estimated that only 42% of those requiring puts pressure on the other members of the G8 ARVs in these countries are able to access them. This falls who committed themselves to universal access to far short of the promise pledged in 2001, and specifi cally prevention, care, support and treatment for all and re-iterated at the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in 2005, that to ensure continued support of the Global Fund. everyone who needs ARVs would have access to the The Global Fund is the sole fi nancier of ARVs for the medication by this year, 2010. people of Malawi.” “The global economic crisis should not be an Dr B. Mwale, Executive Director, National AIDS excuse to stop investing in the AIDS response. We Commission, Government of Malawi. cannot aff ord to let the economic crisis paralyse us. Not when the AIDS response is showing results.” 4. Faith-based Organisations Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS The report to last year’s General Assembly focussed on the contribution which faith-based organisations and The discovery of an eff ective vaccine is still likely to communities can make to the global response to HIV and 7.1 be many years away, therefore it is salutary to remind AIDS. Both UNAIDS and the World Health Organisation ourselves that people currently living with HIV will (WHO) have acknowledged that faith communities can need life-long medication and care. Concern has been and do play a signifi cant part in delivering a nation’s expressed in some circles (2009 “Punishing Success?” response to the epidemic. Yet only 5.4% of the Global Fund Medecins Sans Frontieres) regarding the eff ect the resources are currently given to faith-based Organisations. global recession might have on the commitment of So we welcome the publication, in December 2009, of governments to continue to fund these literally life-saving the UNAIDS Strategic Framework Paper “Partnership with drugs. The Board of the Global Fund considered a motion Faith-based organisations” which speaks of the potential to cancel the funding round for 2010, and other funders of such collaboration. The paper recognises that for too have decided not to increase funding this year. The long there has been mutual suspicion, misperception and consequence of any retreat from international funding prejudice between national AIDS organisations and faith- commitments could prove disastrous for developing based groups. In seeking to overcome this, it encourages countries. In an age when international development is the creation of stronger partnerships, more co-ordination increasingly threatened by a harsh economic climate, it and increased capacity building so that national AIDS has never been more vital for governments to “Keep the programmes can be even more eff ective. The Ecumenical Promise”. Churches must be prepared to actively monitor Advocacy Alliance, which has long campaigned on the this situation, campaigning where necessary at the subject of HIV and AIDS, is to be congratulated for their 7.1/4 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP work in collaborating and consulting with UNAIDS over a “In 1996 Maria was literally dying in front of my sustained period of time; this Strategic Framework Paper eyes. We were able to fund through our programme is the latest result. Against this background, we can look antiretroviral medication and slowly we watched at the type of projects which, through the generosity of Maria come alive again. Today you can see not donors within the Church of Scotland, the Project has only Maria has benefi ted but her children have a been able to fund. mother, and the original support group for people living with HIV which she started has become many 5. Prevention, care and support groups, with over 2000 people being helped. She is In highlighting the importance of prevention of the living proof that courage, determination along spread of the virus, raising awareness amongst the most with ARVs can cause great things to happen.” vulnerable communities has been a focus of many of our partner projects. In India, SACRED (Society for Agricultural Esther Lupafya, Ekwendeni Hospital HIV and AIDS Child Rural and Education Development) raises awareness Programme of HIV, working with day workers, rickshaw drivers, etc in For those already living with HIV, the support of our Andhra Pradesh, providing voluntary counselling and partner projects can literally provide a lifeline. This can testing, and referral for treatment and care. Similarly DEAR be by helping people access the necessary medication, (Development Education and Action for Relief) in Tamil or by providing a safe place for people living with HIV Nadu works particularly with low-paid gem workers, and (PLWH) and their families to come to terms with their through awareness seminars, health camps, and peer group status and find positive ways of living with the virus. Our education, has encouraged people to go for voluntary partner projects challenge stigma and discrimination counselling and testing; their latest project is supporting within communities, and through the provision of skills those who have been identifi ed as living with HIV, in a training and micro-credit schemes, PLWH are enabled climate where they face stigma and discrimination. to make a living and restore their sense of self-worth. Deep Griha provides support, counselling, nutrition There are still areas of the world where there continues to be and home based care in Pune in India; the Mwandi denial about the existence of or threat from HIV; our partners Mission AIDS Relief in Zambia enables more than 1500 are working to train other non-governmental organisations people to access ARVs from the Mission and 6 satellite (NGOs) so that they can in turn mainstream HIV education clinics. The Sangklaburi Project of the Church of Christ with their existing clients. The Galilee Society in Israel is the in Thailand gives practical care and support to PLWH. only NGO in the area working to promote HIV awareness In their last report, they commented “We used to be with the Palestinian Arab community. The Evangelical helping people with HIV and AIDS to die well, now we Church of Egypt is creating a Christian Network against are helping people living with HIV to live life to the full AIDS, working with high-risk and vulnerable groups. And as far as possible.” with the United Mission to Nepal, Joel Githinji, who visited Scotland in November, is similarly working with Christian Our partner projects are concerned with prevention, care NGOs to mainstream HIV education and awareness. Joel and support, a fact which was reinforced by the visit to will be continuing this work in Nepal as a Mission Partner of Malawi made by our Convenor Rev Dr Robin Hill and Carol the Church of Scotland. Similar kinds of projects are being Finlay, World Mission Council, in September/October funded in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. 2009. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP 7.1/5

6. Malawi: a journey of hope women and children, often thanks to the involvement This was Robin’s fi rst visit to overseas Project partners and and dedication of our partners, the Christian Health proved to be an eye-opening experience of great hope in Association of Malawi (CHAM), Livingstonia Synod the midst of near-overwhelming challenge. AIDS Programme and CCAP Ekwendeni Hospital AIDS Programme. Throughout the 11 days of the visit, Robin and Carol joined in 65 meetings of one sort or another. From policy-makers The overriding lesson of the visit was that ARVs, when in the capital city to child heads-of-households in the rural taken responsibly, make a clear and remarkable diff erence northern region, it was obvious that the people being to the lives of those living with the virus. encountered were keen to tell their stories. “Sitting under a tree with the Tigomezge PLWH “We have made a deliberate attempt to include HIV support group, we were challenged by the insistence into all the courses in the syllabus, thus sensitising of the members that we should share their story the students in a way they have not been before. with folks in Scotland, struck by their surprise that The reason we are intensifying this aspect for our few people in Scotland would be open about their theological students is that although they all HIV status and humbled by their positive message know about HIV, there is still the element that it is of hope (refl ected in the group’s name which means ‘God’s vengeance’ or ‘sin’. Education is needed for a ‘we have hope’) for the future - such a diff erent new understanding and we do not blame but be story to the one of even fi ve years ago when sad, compassionate. God is speaking to us (ministers) desolate eyes refl ected the hopelessness of an HIV diff erently these days, telling us to take a new positive test result. In October 2009, a vast diff erence approach to know that all are God’s people for in attitude shone from happy eyes, largely due to whom Christ died; to understand that God is an access to ARVs and the care and support systems 7.1 all embracing Father and that he has given us as available. Now there is for many under that tree a leaders a responsibility. Theologians around the life with a future.” world should have new vision and new courage to Carol Finlay go out and show the love of Christ to the people for whom he died. Here is a situation, a rare opportunity 7. HIV in Scotland that God has placed in our hands and the onus is Asked to comment on the situation regarding HIV in on us; the pandemic has spared nobody.” Scotland, Roy Kilpatrick, Chief Executive of HIV Scotland, Rev Dr O. Mazunda, Principal, Livingstonia had this to say: “Commissioners to the General Assembly Theological College, Malawi bring various degrees of awareness of the impact of HIV; across Scotland, however, HIV is on the rise. Again and again, the visitors were told that Malawi has become a country which is open about HIV, ready to More people than ever before are living with HIV, with the talk about vital lifestyle questions and willing to discuss total number diagnosed in Scotland now past the 6,000 sensitive issues which are often suppressed in Scotland. mark for the fi rst time. Of these, over 1,600 have died. Over 400 newly diagnosed cases have been reported each year Moreover, it was obvious that the provision of ARVs for the last two years. Eff orts to increase the numbers being has made a remarkable diff erence to the lives of men, tested are proving successful, annual rates almost doubling 7.1/6 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP in the last fi ve years to about 42,000. This is important in The Church can mirror its Master and its Inspiration by ensuring the most eff ective treatment options, as well as coming alongside, standing with those infected and in protecting oneself and others. Although there is no cure aff ected by HIV. Its members can do this by educating for HIV, the range of therapies available mean that many themselves, challenging HIV and related discrimination, of those with HIV are living well, although health concerns giving time and talents, and making sure that religion become more complex and care more complicated. Over includes and supports rather than excludes and isolates. 2,800 individuals receive specialist HIV care in Scotland, Practical events like ‘Souper Sunday’ demonstrate that a fi gure that’s likely to increase annually by between 5% several purposes can be successfully achieved in the one and 13% (some 150 to 350 persons). In parallel with the initiative.” diagnosis and care for HIV are health issues related to other sexually transmitted infections. The majority of new The Project has kept in contact with the various infections are acquired through unprotected sex, with organisations and groups working in the area of HIV and sex between men and women representing the highest AIDS in Scotland, eg HIV Scotland, Waverley Care, and proportion of HIV acquired abroad, and sex between men Positive Help in Edinburgh, in a spirit of mutual support. the highest rate for infections acquired in Scotland itself. “People don’t realise how hard it is to say, ‘I am living HIV is a major public health challenge. It is also a challenge with HIV’. While it might not be such a profound for social and spiritual care, given the context of the physical disability, in terms of mental health it can experience of what it means to live with HIV today. be quite diffi cult. People are living with something One such context is the experience of stigma – a word that shuts them off from everybody else.” whose use in spiritual thinking will be well understood by Martha Baillie, Senior Community Manager, commissioners. The dominant defi nition describes stigma Waverley Care, Edinburgh as a ‘discrediting attribute’, or an ‘undesirable diff erence’, a static individual mark. Christian thinking turned the 8. Sharing the message wounds of crucifi xion into a glory, recognising as it did Throughout the year, the Project has been working hard that shame emerges from social perception. A similar shift to raise its profi le within Scotland. In addition to visits to is needed for people living with HIV, who report in high Presbyteries, congregations and Guild groups, our Project numbers a sense of internal shame and external devaluing Group members and other volunteers have engaged with and discrimination for what is a health condition. Recent the church and the wider public in a variety of ways: preliminary results of research into the experience of HIV-related stigma in Scotland report that about 18% for the four days of the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, believed that their rights had been abused in the last 12 the Project staged workshops for school students, alerting months. Another 21% reported that at some stage in their them to the need for food security if the challenge of HIV experience, a health care professional had told someone is to be addressed globally; about their HIV status without consent. Layers of stigma compound this experience, mostly on the grounds of coinciding with World AIDS Day in early December and sexuality, ethnicity, immigration status and mental health. in conjunction with the Ministries Council, the Moderator Avoidance, diff erential treatment and moral judgements and Mrs Hewitt kindly invited probationer ministers can be subtle expressions of stigma but to those on the from around Scotland to lunch at the Moderator’s fl at. receiving end, their insidious eff ect can be disabling. This provided the members of the Project Group with CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP 7.1/7 an ideal opportunity to inform our future clergy of latest together within presbyteries with a common purpose to developments in the life of the Project; focus on HIV. Many also used ‘Souper Sunday’ as a way of responding to the Moderator’s Challenge. ongoing opportunities are given to lead sessions within the cycle of the various training conferences for Ministries; It is hoped that the remaining presbyteries will play their these sessions focus on the theological considerations part in taking up The Moderator’s Challenge, not only in surrounding the HIV pandemic and Christian responses to raising much needed funds through a variety of imaginative it. We would welcome more opportunities to engage with activities but, equally importantly, in raising awareness of ministers and church leadership teams not just at central HIV among congregations and their members. level but also locally. “We were delighted when a Presbytery conference Another important way in which the church can be session on The Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS involved is through advocacy. The Project has worked Project led to Kirkcaldy Presbytery’s enthusiastic with ImpactAIDS to support and promote the African HIV acceptance of the challenge to raise £10,000 for Policy Network’s “Destination Unknown” campaign. This the Project. To raise funds congregations have held challenges the UK authorities not to send HIV+ asylum ceilidhs and Songs of Praise services and have got seekers back to home countries until they are assured that together for a quiz evening. Presbytery has held an they will continue to receive the medication they require. inspiring and informative World AIDS Day service The Project was also represented in St Andrews when the and is soon to invite supporters of the Project G20 Finance ministers met in November, urging them to to a Favourite Hymns evening and a concert by ‘keep the promise’ to provide universal access to ARVs. Kirkcaldy Choral Union. Many congregations have Other potential areas for campaigning include the need also raised funds and helped people refl ect on issues to challenge discriminatory legislation which denies the around HIV by participating in Souper Sunday. 7.1 Our signifi cant progress towards our target shows human rights of PLWH, such as those related to travel and that members of churches here see the Project as employment. a very worthwhile cause. We see ‘The Moderator’s 9. “The Moderator’s Challenge” Challenge’ as a great way to raise awareness, as Following the welcome lead taken by the Very Rev David well as to help the Project with funds.” Lunan in issuing a fund-raising challenge to presbyteries Elisabeth Cranfi eld, Kirkcaldy Presbytery Church in 2008, it was excellent to have the continuing support and Society Committee of the Right Rev Bill Hewitt in this area during his moderatorial year. At last year’s General Assembly, it was 10. Souper Sunday agreed to “encourage all presbyteries to set up a fund- The second Sunday of January saw many churches across raising goal averaging at least £10,000 (according to size) Scotland and beyond holding elder-led acts of worship for the Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Project”. Since then, in which the topic of HIV was brought before God in the two originally participating presbyteries (St Andrews worship and in prayer. “Souper Sunday” fl owed from an and Lothian) having achieved their goals have been joined idea successfully piloted in the Presbytery of Lothian in this year by a number of other presbyteries taking up the 2009 and adopted by the General Assembly of that year. challenge. Such events as sponsored bike rides, concerts It involved the distribution of a range of useful resources, and ‘Songs of Praise’ evenings have drawn church members including a complete order of service for a shared act of 7.1/8 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP worship, enabling congregations to refl ect together on KILMARNOCK St JOHN’S ONTHANK: We felt part of HIV in our nation and in our world. Typically this service something big, which was great. The elders were was followed by a simple lunch of soup and bread, with very confi dent in their leading of worship. Some an off ering being given by members to aid the Project’s of them wrote their own prayers and the children’s work at home and overseas. (Some churches were forced address was one that an elder had made up. Other to postpone their event because of the bad weather at parts of the service were taken from the website the beginning of the year; “Souper Sunday” became a and the elders were so pleased to have managed moveable feast, with events being held from January to the whole service that they are looking forward to March.) The feedback from the various churches who took leading worship again! part indicated that the content of the service, focussing as it did on HIV and the work of the Project, was much 11. Guild Project: “A New Hunger” appreciated, and raised awareness, with good hymns and In 2009, the Project became a partner of the Church of meaningful prayers. There was a strong sense of fellowship Scotland Guild in its latest three-yearly round of Guild shared, not just within the individual churches but also Projects. As one of six agencies working under the theme, from the knowledge that they were part of something “What does the Lord require of you?” we are committed happening all over the country. (All the comments can be to producing resource materials and sending speakers to seen on the dedicated website www.soupersunday.info) groups around the country.

GLASGOW CATHCART TRINITY: We had a most “A New Hunger” aims to alert Guild members of the major enjoyable lunch yesterday with a large crowd of problems of food insecurity faced by countless millions volunteers sharing the work. I was struck by people’s of people throughout the world, many of whom will be concern about malnutrition negating the positive living with HIV. As regular supplies of high quality food is eff ects of the antiretroviral drugs – this seemed needed to make ARVs eff ective, we aim to demonstrate to strike a chord. Although raising money was the urgency of addressing this issue in our time. Money important, so too was the fellowship and strong raised will go to help communities become more able sense of working together. I have a real sense of to invest in food infrastructure, allowing them to grow, God blessing people as they serve him. harvest and distribute the food they need to stay fi t and healthy. Following the success of the day, when many across the Church were encouraged to think afresh of the needs 12. The future of those who live with HIV, and when a signifi cant sum The last two years have seen the Church of Scotland HIV/ was raised to help partner projects, the challenge is AIDS Project engaging in conversation with the Council now to build on this initiative so that the momentum of Assembly and the Project’s funding Councils over the achieved can be further increased in time to come. In our future provision of activity in this vital fi eld. Project’s continuing commitment to making the Church of Scotland an HIV-competent Church, the signifi cance The time is right for novel ideas and fresh commitment, to of Souper Sunday cannot be underestimated. With more enable our Church to develop its work in the fi eld of HIV, than 250 churches taking part this year, there is no doubt to the very best of its abilities. With this in mind, we are that many people benefi ted from fresh insights into the delighted to report that the course of our work is about virus and how it aff ects individuals and communities. to take a new and exciting direction. At the close of this CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP 7.1/9 year the Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Project will reach ADDENDUM the end of its fi xed term, but as of 1st January 2011, it will Rev Dr Robin Hill be replaced by a new, long term initiative: The Church of On the 31st December 2010, Rev Dr Robin Hill will stand Scotland HIV Programme, based fully within World Mission down as Convener of the Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Council. Project. Robin has ably and skilfully guided the thinking of The use of the word “Programme” represents a bold step the Project Group over the past three years and has offered on the part of World Mission. A “project” no longer, this excellent leadership at a time when the Project has faced Church’s HIV Programme will off er lasting, dedicated a number of significant challenges. The effectiveness of commitment, enabling our partners overseas to engage his commitment to the Project has been demonstrated with HIV in their local settings. This Programme will build by the very encouraging response of congregations to upon our current work, off ering the Church at parish level Souper Sunday and the Moderator’s Challenge. Much of (through information, education, training and worship) a the credit for the success of these initiatives can be given strong and eff ective means of engaging overseas with HIV. to Robin who has tirelessly championed them and has Just as HIV will remain on the world’s agenda for decades worked very hard to ensure production of appropriate to come, so too HIV can only remain on World Mission resource materials. Council’s agenda, into the future. Robin gained greatly in his knowledge and understanding It is to be hoped that, with the vigilance of World Mission of HIV and AIDS by visiting our partners in Malawi in Council, specifi c areas of joint action might still be 2009 and this has increased his determination to ensure identifi ed and brought to the attention of the Churches’ that members of congregations and presbyteries of the other Councils, provided that some funds could be Church of Scotland continue to increase their awareness identifi ed by them to make such joint actions feasible in and understanding of HIV and to be actively involved in 7.1 time to come. making our Church HIV competent.

We look forward to January 2011 in gratitude for the real As the Project takes on a new identity as the Church of commitment of World Mission Council to make possible a Scotland HIV Programme, the members of the Project new dawn for this Church in addressing fundamental, life- Group express their heartfelt thanks to Robin for his threatening issues of HIV in our wider world. enthusiasm and commitment and wish him well in his future ministry. By the Grace of God, may we all play our part in this continuing Good News story within the Church of On behalf of the Project Group Scotland: a truly remarkable story of Christ’s Light in a world of darkness. ELISABETH CRANFIELD, Vice-Convener CAROL FINLAY, Project Group Member In the name of the Project Group

ROBIN HILL, Convener MARJORIE CLARK, Co-ordinator 7.1/10 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HIV/AIDS PROJECT GROUP

Webography: Building Haiti’s response better. www.unaids.org/ en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/ archive/2010/20100128_Haiti.asp

“HIV Prevention – a Global Theological Conversation” ed. Gillian Paterson. Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, Geneva 2009. www.e-alliance.ch

HIV Stigma Index. www.stigmaindex.org

HIV Scotland. www.hivscotland.com

Partnership with Faith-based Organisations – UNAIDS Strategic Framework. www. unaids.org/pub/BaseDocument/2009/ jc1786partnershipwithfaithbasedorganizations_en.pdf

Punishing Success? www.msf.org/source/countries/ africa/southafrica/.../punishing_success.pdf

Souper Sunday. www.soupersunday.info

Waverley Care. www.waverleycare.org

UNAIDS Epidemic Update 2009. www.unaids. org/en/KnowledgeCentre/HIVData/EpiUpdate/ EpiUpdArchive/2009/default.asp

COMMITTEE ON CHAPLAINS TO HM FORCES May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. 2. Affi rm the support of the Church for all who serve in Her Majesty’s Forces as Chaplains and thank them for their spiritual and pastoral care of sailors, soldiers and air personnel and their families. 3. Affi rm the support of the Church for the Committee on Chaplains to Her Majesty’s Forces in their task of recruitment of Chaplains for regular and reserve service, and also for service with the Army Cadet Force. 4. Affi rm the commitment and support of the Church to our continuing Chaplaincy of Word and Sacrament in the Armed Forces. 5. Urge the Church to uphold in prayer all those facing particular danger and the stress of separation during Operational Duties, especially in Afghanistan. 6. Commend to Ministers of the Church consideration of service as a Chaplain in the Royal Navy, Naval Reserve or Sea Cadets, Regular Army, Territorial Army or Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force or Air Training Corps. 7. Urge Congregations to direct material support to troops serving on Operational Duties through the SSAFA Operational Welfare Fund. 8. Commend the work of the Army Cadet Force and congratulate the organisation on its 150th Anniversary.

REPORT 1. Introduction and off er counsel to the anxious, the bewildered and the The privilege of serving men and women in Her Majesty’s bereaved. They prepare men and women for confi rmation 8 Forces as a Chaplain comes at a price. Personal needs, and baptise them and their children. In short, military domestic stability and future uncertainties take second Chaplains are the continuing face and presence of the place to the needs of those men and women. Along with Church, fulfi lling a supporting role for much of the time them, Chaplains place themselves at the service of their as in civilian life, yet turned to expectantly in times of need country. This means that there will always be a particular and when deployed on Operational Duty. Consequently, personal sacrifi ce demanded of ministers who fulfi l this military chaplaincy off ers a uniquely challenging vocation very special form of parish ministry. to all who serve. The Assembly’s Committee is therefore Those who serve as Chaplains remain, fi rst and foremost, honoured to pay tribute once again to those who serve our a minister of their Sending Church. Their ‘parish’ will be Church and our Country in military chaplaincy, whether as populated, in the main, by men and women the majority a regular or reserve, for their dedication and faithfulness. of whom will be in the 18 to 40 age range, each and all working in a wide variety of environments and situations. 2. Recruitment Military Chaplains preach the Word of God and administer As a consequence of last year’s Report to the General the Sacraments; they visit the sick, absolve the penitent Assembly, the Committee was pleased to receive 8/2 CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES enquiries from a number of ministers concerning their Roman Catholic and United Board. However, in preparation possible service as a Chaplain or as a member of the and to aid future discussion, a Paper suggesting the Committee itself. Recruitment is our ongoing priority and possible introduction of Roman Catholic Pastoral Assistants we are delighted to report that, at the time of writing, two is being prepared. It is hoped by all Sending Church ministers are off ering themselves for Regular Service with representatives that a mutually acceptable solution may the Royal Navy, one with the Army, one as a Territorial be achieved before long. Army Chaplain and two as Chaplains with the Army Cadet Force. 4. Visits and Events The Committee thanks the Right Rev William and Mrs Vacancies exist for Chaplains, both regular and reserve, Moira Hewitt for fulfi lling visits to the three Services within each of the Services and with the Army Cadet during the past year, particularly to the Royal Navy where Force. Particular concern lies in recruiting Chaplains for the Moderator’s ‘offi cial’ visit was greatly appreciated for the Royal Air Force where, at present, only two of their his interest and support. Such visits are of immense value sixty fi ve Chaplains are from the Church of Scotland! The especially to all in the military, of whatever rank or status, Committee would welcome enquiries from ministers who must bear the heavy responsibilities deployment who may feel themselves called to this ministry. Each of creates and who look to the Churches for sensitive the Services will happily arrange an ‘acquaint’ visit which understanding and spiritual guidance. places the enquirer under no obligation but which allows future decisions to be informed. Applications or enquiries Since the last Assembly, the Convener has been Guest should be addressed, in the fi rst instance, to the Secretary Preacher at the ‘Colours to Chapel’ service at the Royal of the Committee, Douglas Hunter WS, Exchange Tower, Military Academy, Sandhurst, participated in the Iraq 19 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EH. The upper age Service held in St Paul’s Cathedral, London and represented limit for entrants to all three Services is forty nine years. the Committee at a Service to Mark the Passing of the World War One Generation held in Westminster Abbey, 3. Sending Church / IAG Discussions the Commissioning Service of the Anglican Bishop to the As reported to previous Assemblies, the Convener has Forces at Lambeth Palace and the Ordination Service of the represented the Committee at various meetings of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Forces held at Westminster Sending Churches held over the past two years. The Cathedral. At the invitation of the Chaplain General (Army), principal agenda item has been the Roman Catholic the Convener was an Observer at the three-day Army proposal to introduce Lay Chaplaincy to the military. The Offi cers Selection Board held at Westbury last May and concept of this proposal is regarded as controversial, at was delighted to witness the successful participation of a best, by other denominations represented by the Sending Church of Scotland candidate! Throughout the year, the Churches and, hence, discussions have been protracted. Convener also attended various meetings in Edinburgh, Because of the retirement of Bishop David Conner as London and Belfast and participated in the Annual Anglican Bishop to the Forces and the translation to Wales Conferences of both the Royal Navy and Army at Amport of Bishop Tom Burns, formerly Roman Catholic Bishop House. The Vice-Convener also visited Amport House. of the Forces further discussion on this topic was not possible during 2009, nor was the annual meeting of the 5. Operational Duty Interdenominational Advisory Group (IAG) comprising the Since the last General Assembly, Padres John Duncan, David Baptist Church, Church of England, Church of Scotland, Anderson, Donald Prentice and Jim Aitchison from the CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES 8/3

Army, along with Padre Jonny Wylie from the Royal Air Force origins dating back 150 years. While the organisation has have been deployed for service in Afghanistan. In January, changed a great deal over that period, it remains committed Padre Louis Kinsey. minister at Bridge of Don, who serves to the development of young people and welcomes boys with the Territorial Army, also began a three month tour of and girls from the age of 12, of all abilities and backgrounds. duty there in January. Padres Benjamin Abeledo and Rory Through a great array of exciting, fun and adventurous Macleod, both Army, are due for deployment by the time opportunities it helps them towards responsible adulthood, of the Assembly. Such deployment can prove particularly stretching them physically and mentally, improving self- stressful and challenging in every way. While we owe them a confi dence, teamwork, friendship and leadership skills, great deal of gratitude for their public ministry and personal whilst also fostering a sense of community. Chaplains are courage, these Chaplains are but representative of all others indispensable to this programme of activity. Parish ministers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years who may like more information about becoming a Chaplain with considerable distinction. The Committee, however, is to the ACF should please contact our Secretary, Douglas aware of the not inconsiderable pressures such deployment Hunter, at the above address. also brings to Chaplains’ families. The Committee, therefore, In the name of the Committee commends to the whole Church prayers for their support and continued wellbeing. JAMES M GIBSON, Convener ANDREW V M MURRAY, Vice-Convener 6. Support for Service Personnel on DOUGLAS M HUNTER, Secretary Operational Duty Support for Members of congregations throughout the ADDENDUM Church have been generous in their Service personnel on Operational Duty. However, the Forces postal system is The Rev James M Gibson TD unable to cope with the extra demands made upon it by The conclusion of this year’s Assembly sees the retiral of unsolicited gifts from the public, particularly at Christmas Jim Gibson after having served four years as Convener. time. All post arriving in Operational Theatre requires Undoubtedly, Jim’s long service as a TA Chaplain meant that 8 onward delivery to Forward Bases and necessitates he very quickly grasped the most signifi cant issues which additional logistic eff ort in an already highly dangerous confronted the Committee at the time of his appointment. environment. People wishing to give future support are Not the least of these was the subject of recruitment of therefore urged to do so by making monetary donation. Chaplains and he used his very best endeavours to achieve Donations may be made online at www.ssafafundraising. success in that area. He leaves the Committee at a time org.uk/donate; by telephone to 020 7463 9225 or by when the signifi cant issue of Lay Chaplaincy, as referred cheque payable to SSAFA Forces Help, Freepost NAT to at 3 above has not been concluded. Jim brought a steadfast reality to these discussions and has contributed 19507, London SE1 2BR. to what should be an agreeable solution. We are indebted 7. Army Cadet Force 150th Anniversary to him for the time and commitment which he has given With almost 45,000 cadets and 8,500 adult volunteer to the work of the Committee. instructors dispersed throughout some 1,760 detachments In the name of the Committee in every corner of the United Kingdom, the Army Cadet Force is one of the largest and most successful youth ANDREW V M MURRAY, Vice-Convener organisations in the country. It is also one of the oldest, with DOUGLAS M HUNTER, Secretary 8/4 CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES

APPENDIX 1 high seas, enabling global trade to continue unhindered REPORT ON CHAPLAINCY IN THE ROYAL NAVY by pirates, traffi ckers and criminals. Naval units are permanently deployed in the South Atlantic in support of Safeguarding Freedom – the Maritime Contribution the Government’s responsibilities to protect the Falkland to Defence Islands, the South Atlantic Islands and preserve Antarctica. We live in an unpredictable world characterised by a rapid, At the same time, Royal Navy ships and aircraft continue often confounding, rate of change. to safeguard the integrity of UK Territorial Waters, provide This inevitably has an impact on the United Kingdom. The counter terrorism support to the Home Offi ce to protect UK is an island nation dependent on the free movement shipping, ports and off shore energy platforms, and of maritime trade and highly reliant on the stability undertake inspection and enforcement action on behalf and security of the globalised world. It has worldwide of the Marine and Fisheries Agency. interests and responsibilities, benefi ts from being a hub for global activity and is an infl uential member of NATO In this context the Naval Chaplaincy Service, through its and the EU. Maritime Forces, appropriately structured, Chaplains, brings the ministry of the Church and the Good trained and resourced, provide the Government with a News of the Gospel to the men and women of the service, highly cost-eff ective military means by which political wherever they serve. Their ministry is highly valued, as and diplomatic infl uence can be leveraged to prevent they seek to be a friend and adviser to all on board. confl ict. A generation ago, Chaplains joined the Royal Navy in The Naval Service (Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal their late 20s or early 30s. Since then the age profi le has Fleet Auxiliary) remains fully engaged in the operation risen signifi cantly. Where once people went for ministerial in Afghanistan. The Naval Service today provides a training after school or university, now they do it in later proportion of the forces deployed to Helmand Province, life. Consequently, the average age of Chaplains joining the including the Royal Marines of 40 Cdo Royal Marines Royal Navy in the last 5 years is over 42 years. To recognize and the Harriers of the Naval Strike Wing, Naval Air this fact-of-life, a suitable minister can join until the eve of Squadron helicopters, logistics and engineering support, his or her 49th birthday. and associated medical and welfare staff . The Naval Service continues to have a long-term commitment As invited by last years Assembly, we look forward to and engagement in this campaign, while the Service our continuing discussions with the Church and Society continues simultaneously to undertake a wide range of Council on the theological and ethical issues surrounding other tasks around the world. the nuclear deterrent.

Naval ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel are The Church of Scotland currently has 5 full-time Chaplains currently deployed worldwide conducting national and and 3 reservists serving in the Naval Service. There are today multi-national operations. Over the last 12 months, sailors opportunities for ministry in this exciting and challenging and marines have been instrumental in intercepting area, both full-time and as a reservist. If you would like to major narcotic shipments in the Caribbean, off West Africa fi nd out more, or would like to visit us to see more of what and in the Indian Ocean. Maritime security operations we do, please make contact with The Revd Scott Brown, in the Mediterranean, the Arabian Sea and off the Horn the Principal Chaplain. (Tel 023 9262 5552, or email scott. of Africa continue to reassure legitimate users of the [email protected]) CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES 8/5

The Rev Scott J Brown QHC Royal Navy Force, the RNZN at Devonport, the RNZAF at Whenuapie Navy Command Headquarters, Portsmouth (Auckland) and the New Zealand Army at Waiuru. Scott continues to serve as the Principal Church of Scotland and Free Churches Chaplain (Naval) and as Director Naval My next appointment is to small ships at Portsmouth and Chaplaincy Service (Operations). He is responsible to the I look forward to returning to sea. Chaplain of the Fleet for the delivery of chaplaincy to the The Rev Alen McCulloch Royal Navy operational environment, both at sea and to the Royal Chaplain to Commodore Devonport Flotilla Marines. On behalf of all Naval Chaplains, he is grateful to the Alen spent his last evening in Afghanistan leading a Church of Scotland for their ongoing support and prayers. Burns Supper in Camp Souter, Kabul. Quoting from “The The Rev Stan Kennon Royal Navy Cotter’s Saturday Night”, giving the “Immortal Memory”, HMS DRAKE, Plymouth and singing “My love is like a red, red rose” provided an In Spring last year, Stan was appointed as Church of Scotland opportunity to share Christian values and truth with and Free Churches Chaplain in HMS DRAKE. As the largest many personnel for whom this was their fi rst ever Burns Naval Base in Western Europe, this Plymouth establishment Supper. Since March 2009 he has been Chaplain to HM covers 650 acres and four miles of waterfront. Along with Ships CAMPBELTOWN, SUTHERLAND, and PORTLAND. two Anglican colleagues he looks after the spiritual and Later that month he joined PORTLAND for part of a long pastoral needs of sailors in the Devonport Flotilla when deployment in which this ship was involved in over 30 their ships and submarines are alongside. successful anti-piracy and counter-narcotics boardings and intercepts as part of the Combined Maritime Forces The Rev Mark Dalton Royal Navy Task Force in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden HMS RALEIGH, Torpoint, Cornwall and Horn of Africa. It is estimated that she oversaw the Mark is serving as the Chaplaincy Team Leader at HMS destruction of nearly 50 tonnes of drugs. Other highlights RALEIGH, the Navy’s new entry training establishment. of the past year include: leading in prayer for our Armed RALEIGH is also home to the Defence Maritime Logistics Forces on the hallowed turf of Plymouth Argyle’s Home 8 School and the Royal Naval Submarine School. The Park when that team hosted their Armed Forces Day; Chaplaincy team at RALEIGH seek to introduce the Christian visiting the Dead Sea and Petra with personnel from faith to a predominantly un-churched audience and also to PORTLAND; preaching on the Ten Commandments the role of the Chaplain in the Service. It is a busy but hugely whilst sailing round the Sinai peninsula; and adventure rewarding ministry and a sought after appointment. training in Gibraltar with personnel from SUTHERLAND. The Rev Stevie Thomson Royal Navy Once CAMPBELTOWN fi nishes her refi t in Rosyth, he looks HMS SULTAN, Gosport forward to serving in her in 2010. In the weeks leading up Another busy year at HMS SULTAN where we contribute to to this year’s General Assembly he expects to be aboard the duty of care for all 3000 trainees and staff , which include PORTLAND in the South Atlantic, before fl ying out to the “railway children”, apprentices sent to HMS SULTAN for join SUTHERLAND off the Eastern coast of the USA. He is engineering training by Rail Track, and members of the most grateful to a number of congregations for their very Royal Fleet Auxiliary. warm welcome to him and fellow shipmates during 2009, including Dornoch Cathedral, Invergordon Parish Church, I was fortunate to go on a 4 month exchange to New St Andrew’s (Malta), St Andrew’s (Gibraltar), Logie & St Zealand and served with the New Zealand Defence John’s Cross (Dundee), and Mutley Baptist (Plymouth). 8/6 CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES

The Rev Dr Marjory MacLean Royal Naval Reserve very clearly the challenging context in which chaplaincy HMS SCOTIA, Rosyth operates. The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) Dr MacLean spent two weeks last September working in has a vital role to play as part of the Army of today. the Chaplaincy of HMS RALEIGH, the Royal Navy’s initial Prospective applicants for this rewarding and exciting training establishment for ratings. She serves in a growing ministry are most warmly encouraged to contact the Chaplaincy Team at HMS SCOTIA in Rosyth, where the Convener or Secretary of the Committee. There is always main pastoral challenge is caring for the families of a need for new Regular Chaplains, and specifi c vacancies deployed personnel (up to 10% of the unit’s strength at within other categories are identifi ed in the list below. any time). Later in 2010 she will deploy for a period of The Rev Dr David Coulter QHC continues as Principal of full-time service, most probably serving on anti-piracy the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at Amport House. He operations in the Indian Ocean, but with the possibility of remains also Denominational Representative Chaplain for serving on land operations in Kabul in Afghanistan. the Church of Scotland. The Rev Angus MacLeod is now The Rev Ross McDonald Royal Naval Reserve Director (Army) at Amport House, and Angus assisted HMS DALRIADA, Greenock David Coulter in arranging a very productive Church Ross completed his induction training at Britannia Royal of Scotland Chaplains’ Conference at the beginning of Naval College, Dartmouth in the past year, an important December. The Rev Peter Eagles continues as Assistant nd milestone in his ongoing training for chaplaincy in the Chaplain General 2 Division with overall responsibility Naval Reserve. The coming year will see further training, for recruiting, provision and administration of chaplaincy including a period of time at sea. Ross supports the men across Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. and women of DALRIADA with spiritual and pastoral care The Rev Stewart Mackay was recruited to serve as a Regular and is an integral part of the team. Chaplain. Another candidate for Regular Chaplaincy is The Rev Mark Davidson Royal Naval Reserve currently in process. A TA candidate was successful at the HMS SCOTIA, Rosyth Selection Board and awaits commissioning. Recruitment Mark is the newest member of the team. He completed the to the Army Cadet Force has been good, with the Rev Keith fi rst stage of his induction training at HMS COLLINGWOOD Blackwood now commissioned to serve with Shetland in Fareham in January of this year. Living in Aberdeen, he is ACF and with two more candidates in process. affi liated to HMS SCOTIA in Rosyth, although will undertake Church of Scotland Chaplains have played a signifi cant some duties at the RNR unit in Dundee. Mark is currently part in operations in Afghanistan throughout the year. undertaking his doctorate at the University of Aberdeen. John Duncan and David Anderson, interviewed live by APPENDIX 2 telephone link at the 2009 General Assembly, returned home in the autumn after six months in Helmand. CHAPLAINCY IN THE ARMY Donald Prentice and Jim Aitchison deployed with 11 Church of Scotland Chaplains exercise their ministry within Lt Bde in October 2009, followed by Louis Kinsey at the the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in all categories: Field Hospital in January 2010. The chaplaincy team for as Regular Chaplains, as Chaplains to the Territorial Army 4 Mech Bde (March – October 2010) is led by Benjamin and to the Army Cadet Force, and as Offi ciating Chaplains. Abeledo and includes Rory MacLeod. The work at home The nature of the campaign in Afghanistan makes great in support of deployed units and personnel and families demands upon our soldiers and their families and shows is clearly very considerable, and the involvement of TA, CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES 8/7

ACF and Offi ciating Chaplains in ministering to the wider 2. Rev J W Aitchison HQ 101 Log Bde military community, either routinely or in response to grief Buller Barracks and tragedy, is witness both to the demands of war and Aldershot to the ethos of the RAChD. Perhaps this ethos of ministry Hants is best illustrated by a selection of quotes from Chaplains’ GU11 2BY reports: 3. Rev D Anderson 3 Bn The Royal Regiment ‘ ‘My fundamental tasks have been prayer for the Unit, of Scotland leading worship, off ering counsel and spiritual guidance, (BW) providing a listening and caring ear into which soldiers Fort George and offi cers can speak with frankness and honesty, Ardersier whilst at the same time living under the same conditions Inverness and getting involved in all of the same training being IVI 2TD carried out by those around me …. The close proximity of the military Chaplain to the serviceman or –woman 4. Rev D Connolly Chaplain is the foundation stone for many wonderful Gospel British Contingent opportunities’ …. ‘There are too many other memorable UNFICYP events and incidents to list but it goes without saying that OP TOSCA there have undoubtedly been a great many highs but also BFPO 567 some diffi cult and demanding moments … even with 5. Rev Dr D G Coulter QHC AFCC all the challenges it is a marvellous privilege’ … ‘For me it Amport House has been a year of deepening relationships … remarkable Amport memories: Communion from a mess tin and a wine glass Andover on a table covered in a clean white sheet; the words of Hants the Bible heard and refl ected upon; psalms and hymns SP11 8BG 8 sung; all in a reverent atmosphere, attended by professing atheists and every denomination and none.’ ’ 6. Rev J C Duncan Chaplain 2 Mercian The fi nal sentence above says something of the way of Holywood Palace Barracks chaplaincy in the Army. It is for all people in all places, BFPO 806 accessible and pastoral yet also authentically sacramental and prophetic, with an acknowledged place at the centre 7. Rev Dr J Francis Chaplain of our life and experience. 2 Royal Anglian Trenchard Barracks Church of Scotland Army Chaplains as at February BFPO 23 2010 1. Rev B J A Abeledo HQ 4 Mech Brigade 8. Rev D V F Kingston 39 Engr Regt Baden Powell House Waterbeach Barracks Scotton Road Waterbeach Catterick Garrison Cambridgeshire DL9 3JS CB5 9PA 8/8 CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES

9. Rev J MacGregor DST 16. Rev D K Prentice 3 RIFLES Normandy Barracks Redford Barracks Leconfi eld Colinton Road East Yorkshire Edinburgh HU17 7LX EH13 0PP

10. Rev S A MacKay 5 SCOTS Also serving from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Howe Barracks Rev N G McDowell Senior Chaplain Canterbury ITC(C) Kent Vimy Barracks CT1 1JU Scotton Road Catterick Garrison 11. Rev H MacKenzie 4 SCOTS & 2 Bn REME North Yorks St Barbara Barracks DL9 3PS BFPO 38 Rev H M Rendell Chaplain 12. Rev S L MacKenzie ATR 3 RHA Bassingbourn Barracks Caen Barracks Royston BFPO 30 Hertfordshire SG8 5LX Rev Dr S P Swinn JSC & SC Defence Academy 13. Rev C A MacLeod Director Army Shrivenham Armed Forces Chaplaincy Swindon Centre Wilts Amport House SN6 8LA Nr Andover Hants Rev M Henderson CSFC Chaplain SP11 8BG British Forces Episkopi BFPO 53 14. Rev R N MacLeod 1 Bn The Royal Regiment of Scotland Rev S W Van Os 1 R Irish (RS) Tern Hill Dreghorn Barracks Shropshire Edinburgh TF9 3QE EH13 9QW Location of Territorial Army Chaplains 15. Rev D J MacPherson Assistant Chaplain 6 Bn The Royal Regiment Rev S A Blakey RMA Sandhurst of Scotland Camberley Surrey 7 Bn The Royal Regiment vacancy GU15 4PQ Rev S A Blakey CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES 8/9

105 Regiment Royal Rev D J Thom Orkney [Independent] Bty vacancy Artillery [V] Shetland [Independent] Bty Rev K T Blackwood 32 [Scottish] Signal Rev C J Rowe Regiment [V] Lothian & Borders Bn vacancy 71 Regiment Royal vacancy vacancy Engineers [V] vacancy Scottish Transport Rev J Smith, MBE, TD West Lowland Bn Rev D M Almond Regiment [V] [Congregational Church] Rev R MacDonald vacancy 225 GS Med Regt [V] Rev Miss N Frail vacancy Cumbria ACF Rev D J Thom vacancy Location of Offi ciating Chaplains to the Forces 205 [Scottish] Field Hospital [V] Rev L Kinsey, TD Rev R A Whiteford Resident Battalion, vacancy Fort George vacancy Rev Dr I C Barclay Aberdeen UOTC & Queen Location of Army Cadet Force Chaplains Victoria Bks Angus & Dundee Bn Rev W A McCaff erty (Scottish Episcopal) The Rev Dr J Walker Tayforth UOTC vacancy Rev A R Mathieson Resident Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Rev R D M Campbell, Dreghorn & Glencorse Highlanders Bn OStJ, TD Barracks Rev Fr W Hattie (Roman 8 Catholic) Rev S C Parsons (Scot Episc) Resident Battalion, vacancy Redford Barracks

Black Watch Bn Rev Dr I C Barclay, MBE, Rev P A Comensoli(RC) Resident Battalion, OStJ, TD Redford Barracks Rev D Wilson (Scottish Episcopal) Rev N N Gardner Edinburgh UOTC

Glasgow & Lanarkshire Bn Rev J E Andrews Rev S Blakey G & S UOTC & HQ vacancy 51(Scottish) Bde

1 Bn The Highlanders Rev I C Warwick, TD Rev T A Davidson Kelly Army Personnel Centre, Rev F Stewart Glasgow

2 Bn The Highlanders Rev T Bryson The Rev PA Eagles vacancy Assistant Chaplain General (2nd Division) 8/10 CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES

Chaplains attached to Scots units 91 year history. Put simply, the Royal Air Force’s role is to 1 SCOTS The Royal Scots Borderers 1st Bn, defend the UK and its interests, strengthen international The Royal Regiment of Scotland. peace and stability and be a force for good in the world. Based in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Chaplain: Rev R N MacLeod In the UK the personnel of the Royal Air Force remain alert 24/7, watching the skies over Britain, with aircraft poised 2 SCOTS The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Bn to react at a moment’s notice. From radar and command The Royal Regiment of Scotland. and control sites to the Tornado F3 and Typhoon, a Quick Based in Penicuik. Reaction Alert force is ready to launch fi ghters to intercept Chaplains: Rev S T McCaulay any aircraft threatening the UK. Also on standby 24 hours a day are the Royal Air Force’s Search and Rescue Sea King rd 3 SCOTS The Black Watch, 3 Bn helicopters, Nimrod aircraft and the Mountain Rescue The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Teams, ready to go to the aid of those in distress, or to Based in Inverness. provide aid during natural or medical emergencies. Whilst Chaplain: Rev D Anderson the Royal Air Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams 4 SCOTS The Highlanders, 4th Bn wait to be called out to deal with suspect packages and The Royal Regiment of Scotland. unexploded World War 2 bombs, the personnel at RAF Based in Germany. Fylingdales maintain a constant vigil monitoring space Chaplain: Rev H M MacKenzie objects as part of the Allied Space Surveillance Network.

5 SCOTS The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Away from home, the Royal Air Force is in action across the Bn The Royal Regiment of Scotland. globe. In the South Atlantic, the Royal Air Force has aircraft Based in Canterbury. and personnel based in the Falkland Islands, policing Chaplain: Rev S A Mackay the skies of the Islands to protect their sovereignty. Afghanistan remains the Royal Air Force’s main focus for SCOTS GUARDS 1 Scots Guards. operations with many personnel and aircraft deployed in Based in Catterick. and around the country helping the Coalition to support Chaplain: Rev C F MacLeod the Afghan Government. After 5 highly successful years on operations, the Harriers have been replaced by Tornado SCOTS Scots DG. GR4s to provide vital reconnaissance and fi repower for DRAGOON Based in Germany. ground troops. Chinook helicopters continue to provide GUARDS Chaplain: Rev A Dalton essential mobility, moving personnel and equipment and undertaking medical evacuations ably supported by the APPENDIX 3 Hercules tactical air transport aircraft, with C17 and Tri-Star CHAPLAINCY IN THE RAF aircraft fl ying personnel and equipment in and out of the Agile, Adaptable, Capable. Three words that sum up the country. Other aircraft including Tri-Star air-to-air refuelling Royal Air Force during the last year and that have defi ned it tankers to Nimrods also provide invaluable support. from the day it was formed. The Royal Air Force has a proud Flying from Afghanistan, but operated by Royal Air Force and distinguished history and the air power it delivers has personnel based in America is Reaper, the Royal Air Force’s been a vital element of military operations throughout its unmanned aircraft that can carry out both reconnaissance CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES 8/11 and conduct attacks. All air assets fl ying over Helmand campaign. The emotional toll was felt across all services province are coordinated and controlled by Number 1 and all operating bases. Aircraft Control Centre. Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force The most signifi cant pastoral issue among the tri-Service Regiment continues to defend the airfi elds to ensure they personnel I served at Kandahar was the ‘ripple-eff ect’ of the remain safe for air operations. casualties on the front line. While the soldiers fi ghting in The Royal Air Force’s presence in and around Iraq has vastly Helmand clearly bore the greatest burden, there were people reduced during the last year as the UK’s mission there serving ‘behind the lines’ at Kandahar who were regularly draws to a close. The Royal Air Force’s work to help stabilise being exposed to soldiers with terrible, life changing injuries. the country and, in particular, make Basrah International So along with the Joint Force Senior Chaplain, also serving Airport a genuinely international, civilian-run airport, will at Kandahar, I had a very busy ministry caring pastorally be a lasting legacy. for medical personnel, battlefi eld ambulance drivers, IRT Chinook crews, mortuary staff and airfi eld fi re fi ghters.’ But behind all of this equipment lie the personnel of the Royal Air Force. From the youngest airman to the most Alasdair’s words could be echoed by many an RAF Chaplain senior offi cer, everyone in the Royal Air Force is a highly whether based on a large training unit, ministering to Chinook crews and their families at RAF Odiham or the trained, motivated individual who has a vital role to play in seriously injured and their families at Selly Oak Hospital. the delivery of air power. It is these people and their families RAF Chaplains: Serving the Royal Air Force Community who make up the RAF Community. The mission of the Royal through Prayer, Presence and Proclamation. Air Force Chaplains’ Branch is To serve the Royal Air Force Community through Prayer, Presence and Proclamation Currently there are only two Church of Scotland ministers serving as Royal Air Force Chaplains, a statistic which Royal Air Force Chaplains deliver their mission wherever does not refl ect the demographic make up of the Royal the men and women of the Royal Air Force serve. The Rev Air Force. Sadly it means that members and adherents of Alasdair Nicoll, a Scottish Baptist minister serving with the the Church of Scotland serving in the Royal Air Force are Royal Air Force wrote this: ‘In the early part of the year, station unlikely to come across a minister from their home church. 8 life at RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth was busy, though there We would therefore be extremely happy to hear from any was little out of the ordinary. I shared duties leading worship minister who may be feeling the fi rst stirrings of a call to in the joint Church of England/Church of Scotland and Free military chaplaincy. To allow any such minister to explore Churches congregation with my C of E colleague… Links their calling further we would be delighted to chat or with local civilian churches have strengthened further. We organise a visit to one of our units. If this is you, please make have organised a twice yearly community service gathering contact with The Rev’d Ashley Mitchell 01494 496693, or worshippers from all traditions. The last such service was an e-mail him at: AirChapServs-SnrChapStratPolPlans@mod. open-air service by the sea in Lossiemouth and gathered uk Alternatively you can access the RAF Chaplains website a couple of hundred worshippers, to the sound of the RAF at www.raf.mod.uk/chaplains Kinloss Voluntary Band. Church of Scotland Chaplains I arrived in Afghanistan in late June and quickly found myself in the middle of the busy operational period of Op The Rev Gordon T Craig QHC RAF PANCHAI PALANG which, as the media reminds us, also Headquarters Air Command, RAF High Wycombe saw the highest monthly rate of casualties in the whole Gordon is serving as Assistant Chaplain in Chief (Training) 8/12 CHAPLAINS TO HER MAJESTY’S FORCES and Principal Chaplain, Church of Scotland and Free Aberdeen & North East Scotland: Churches.. He is responsible to the Chaplain in Chief for Rev James L K Wood the delivery of chaplaincy on all RAF units within 22 Group, 1 Glen Drive, Dyce training by chaplains and the training of Chaplains. Aberdeen AB21 7EN The Rev Sheila Munro RAF 01224 722 543 RAF Halton [email protected] Sheila is currently serving at RAF Halton working as part of an ecumenical team. RAF Halton is a large initial training Dundee & Central Scotland: unit which saw around 1500 new recruits through its doors Rev C Graham Taylor during the last year. Sheila delivers the Beliefs and Values 22 Albert Road, Broughty Ferry Programme and looks after the spiritual and pastoral needs Dundee of the trainees and staff . DD5 1AZ Presbyterian Church of Ireland Chaplains 01382 779 212 [email protected] The Rev David Edgar Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, Amport House Edinburgh & South Scotland: At the time of writing David is the RAF Director at the Rev Alistair K Ridland Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre. However he is soon to 13 Stewart Place, Kirkliston move to a new appointment as Senior Chaplain RAF Brize EH29 0BQ Norton. At Brize Norton David will have the responsibility 0131 333 2711 of running an ecumenical team tasked with the delivery of [email protected] chaplaincy at the RAF’s largest Station. RAF Brize Norton is the gateway for all service personnel deploying or returning Glasgow & West Scotland: from operations. David will face a heavy workload. Rev Colin G F Brockie 36 Braehead Court, Kilmarnock The Rev Jonny Wylie Ayrshire RAF Leuchars Jonny has recently returned from an operational tour at KA3 7AB Camp Bastion in Afghanistan where he provided ministry 01563 559 960 to the Joint Aviation Group. He is now working as the sole [email protected] Chaplain at RAF Leuchars as the Station prepares itself for Highland: the arrival of Typhoon. Rev Alan Lamb Location of Air Training Corps Chaplains Smiddy House, Arisaig Chaplain Scotland & Northern Ireland Region: Inverness-shire Rev Alistair K Ridland PH39 4NH 13 Stewart Place, Kirkliston 01687 450 227 EH29 0BQ [email protected] 0131 333 2711 [email protected] THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND TRUST May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report and thank the members of the Trust for their diligence. 2. Re-appoint John M Hodge and W F Stuart Lynch as members of the Trust from 1st June 2010. 3. Thank the Rev Prof Kenneth Ross for his service to the Trust. 4. Appoint the Very Rev Dr Andrew R C McLellan and Thomas C Watson as members of the Trust from 1st June 2010.

REPORT

The Church of Scotland Trust, which was established by (d) Pakistan Act of Parliament in 1932, submits its Seventy eighth It is the Trust’s stated objective to transfer all of the Trust’s Report to the General Assembly. remaining property interests in Pakistan to a suitable body in terms of the Church of Scotland Trust Order Confi rmation 1. The Work of the Trust Act 1958. The Trust continues to fi nd this objective diffi cult (a) General to achieve. As previously reported the Trust appointed Dr The function of the Church of Scotland Trust is to hold Peter David, a Pakistani Christian resident in the UK and properties outwith Scotland and to act as a trustee in a Jamshed Rahmat Ullah, a Supreme Court lawyer based number of third party trusts. During the year it has dealt with various matters which have arisen regarding these in Lahore as its Attorneys in Pakistan. Unfortunately Mr properties and trusts. Matters of particular signifi cance are Ullah had to stand down as an Attorney when he was noted hereafter. appointed a judge in the Supreme Court in Pakistan, a post incompatible with the role of the Trust’s Attorney. A search 9 (b) Third Party Trusts for a replacement Attorney was unsuccessful and Dr David The Trust is currently trustee of 47 third party trusts which is now the Trust’s sole Attorney in Pakistan. Representatives benefi t diff erent areas of the Church’s work. In 2007 the of the Trust and the World Mission Council aim to meet Trust instigated a Rolling Review Programme for these with Dr David at least quarterly to monitor progress. trusts. The Trust’s Secretary and Clerk undertakes a review of the trusts annually, producing reports on half the third As reported for a number of years, the Trust continues to party trust portfolio to each of the February and September be a party to a number of court cases involving its property Trust meetings. interests in Pakistan. No substantive progress has been (c) Israel made regarding these actions during the last 12 months. The Trust continues to be consulted by the World Mission The Trust is legally represented in these cases but, due to Council regarding ongoing and future developments the nature of the Pakistan legal system, it is anticipated relating to property in Israel. that these cases will be ongoing for some time. 9/2 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND TRUST

2. Accounts for 2009 9th February 2010. The members of the Trust wish to The Trust’s Accounts for the year to 31st December 2009 record their appreciation to him for his 10 years service to have been independently examined and copies thereof the Trust. It is also suggested that the Very Rev Dr Andrew are available on request from the General Treasurer. R C McLellan and Mr Thomas C Watson be appointed members of the Trust from 1st June 2010. 3. Membership In accordance with the constitution of the Trust, the In the name and by authority of following two members retire by rotation on 31st May The Church of Scotland Trust 2010 but are eligible for re-appointment: John Maxwell Hodge and William Ferguson Stuart Lynch. It is suggested to the General Assembly that John M Hodge and W F ROBERT BRODIE, Chairman Stuart Lynch be re-appointed. Rev Prof Kenneth Ross has CHRISTOPHER N MACKAY, Vice-Chairman tendered his resignation from the Trust with eff ect from JENNIFER M HAMILTON, Secretary & Clerk REPORT OF THE CHURCH HYMNARY TRUSTEES (A registered Scottish charity; Scottish Charity No SC002769) to THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND and UNITED FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND in respect of year ending 31 December 2009 May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. 2. Agree that 2.5% of the Trust assets should be made over to the United Free Church in exchange for a Discharge from them of their interest in the Trust. 3. Note that Trustees are also actively considering the future of the Trust and how best to make appropriate arrangements for the ongoing activities of the Trust when there will be only one constituent Church in the Trust.

REPORT

1. Church Hymnary 4th Edition 1.3 The sales of the Hymnary under the title Hymns 1.1 In the year to 30 September 2009 11,905 copies of Glory, Songs of Praise (the edition of CH4 specifi cally (2007-2008 - 22,062) of the Hymnary in the form of CH4 designed for the non Scottish market) amounted to 726 in its various editions were sold. This is broken down into copies. The total commission paid to the Trust was £1067.04 sales of the words only edition – 8,456 (2008 - 17,142), full (2008 – £1074). No royalties were payable by the Trust. 10 music edition - 1,557 (2008 – 1,943), melody edition - 680 2. CD Rom (2008 - 868), large print edition – 1,212 (2008 – 2,109). It The CD Rom has now been produced and is available. 359 is expected that domestic sales will continue to decline copies have been sold. because so many congregations are now using CH4. 3. Future of The Trust 1.2 Commission due to the Trust calculated in respect The original purposes of the Trust were to negotiate on of the year to 30 September 2009 in respect of CH 4 was behalf of the constituent Churches with the publishers £11,708.68 (2008 - £21,239.63). The level of royalties paid for the publication of the Hymnary and to ensure a fair to the authors was £11,363.23. These fi gures are exclusive distribution of the royalties received from the publication. of VAT. Over the years funds were accumulated and held by the 10/2 CHURCH HYMNARY TRUSTEES

Trustees, thus enabling the Trust to perform the useful role The Trustees are also actively considering the future of the of arranging for the Hymnary to be updated at regular Trust and how best to make appropriate arrangements intervals. This facilitated the publication of the Revised for the ongoing activities of the Trust when there will be Church Hymnary, the Church Hymnary Third Edition and only one constituent Church in the Trust. This will involve now the Fourth Edition. While in the early editions of the not only discussions with the Church of Scotland but also Hymnary many more churches were involved, the number with the publishers of the various editions of the Hymnary has declined over the years and in the case of CH4 the only and the Offi ce of the Scottish Charity Regulator to devise a participants were the Church of Scotland and the United suitable scheme of arrangement for the ongoing activities. Free Church of Scotland. Following the completion of the The permission of the Offi ce of the Scottish Charity publication of CH4 the Trustees have been considering their Regulator is required before any major change can be reserves policy. Discussions were held with the United Free eff ected and once agreement has been reached on the Church who indicated that it was unlikely that they would appropriate way forward an application will be made to be involved in connection with any future edition of the the Offi ce of the Scottish Charity Regulator for approval of Hymnary. As on previous occasions, the Trustees resolved the arrangement. that the United Free Church should be released from the current arrangements. Following discussions, the Trustees have resolved, subject to the approval of the constituent In the name of the Trustees General Assemblies, that 2.5% of the Trust assets should be made over to the United Free Church in exchange for a GEORGE W PENROSE, Chairman Discharge from them of their interest in the Trust. JOHN M HODGE, Secretary & Treasurer CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS PLANNING GROUP May 2010

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE This body will not be contributing a report to the General Assembly this year.

11 DELEGATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report of the Delegation of the General Assembly and thank it for its work. 2. Continue the appointment of the Delegation with the same powers as hitherto - the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly to be Chairman and the Depute Clerk of the General Assembly to be Vice-Chairman. 3. Authorise the execution of Deeds of Constitution by any two of the members of the Delegation.

REPORT

The Delegation has to report that during 2009 it granted, to review their constitutions. This is greatly welcomed by in virtue of the powers conferred upon it by the General the Delegation. Assembly, 9 additional Model Deeds of Constitution. The Membership of the Delegation comprises the Clerks of The present amended Model Deed of Constitution was Assembly, the Procurator and the Law Agent. The General approved and adopted by the General Assembly on 21 Assembly of 1929 agreed that a quorum of the Delegation May 1994 for issue to each congregation whose temporal for all purposes including the execution of Deeds of aff airs were then administered by a Congregational Constitution should be any three members thereof. In Board under the Model Deed and for granting to each recent years, it has been customary for Deeds to be signed congregation thereafter adopting it. Some amendments by the Clerks and the Law Agent, this being quick and to it were approved by last year’s Assembly to take account convenient with all three being based within the Church of changes required by charity legislation. Offi ces. With the Depute Clerk’s post becoming a part-time appointment, the Delegation is of the view that it would The General Assembly of 2003 also permitted be appropriate to provide for the execution of all Deeds congregations to adopt, as an alternative to the Model of Constitution by any two members of the Delegation. Deed of Constitution, the Unitary Constitution either by This would enable the speedy turnaround of Deeds to Resolution of the congregation or by Basis of Adjustment. continue, with the signing of Deeds in most cases being 48 congregations adopted the Unitary Constitution during carried out by the Principal Clerk and the Law Agent and 2009 compared to 50 in 2008. The numbers electing to would give greater fl exibility when either is not available. be constituted in terms of the Unitary Constitution thus 12 continue to be substantially higher that those adopting In the name and on behalf of the Delegation the Model Deed.

A number of the congregations adopting a new form of FINLAY A J MACDONALD, Chairman constitution have done so prompted by the Deliverance JANETTE S WILSON, Secretary of the General Assembly of 2008 instructing congregations GENERAL TRUSTEES May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report and Accounts of the General Trustees. 2. Re-appoint Mr W Findlay Turner as Chairman and Rev Dr James A P Jack as Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year and authorise the making of a payment of £1,450 to each of Mr Turner and Dr Jack as Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the past year. (1.3) 3. Note the increasing number of cases where congregations are engaging in partnership with external organisations as they seek to develop their buildings in order to engage more effectively with their local communities. (3.1.1) 4. Note the commitment of the General Trustees to work in partnership with the Priority Areas Committee as it seeks to implement the Priority Areas Action Plan in relation to buildings. (3.2) 5. Note the encouraging work being done by the Trustees in liaison with the Priority Areas Committee in developing a pilot scheme to provide the appropriate resources at an early stage to congregations who are seeking ways of providing sustainable ministry and witness in sustainable buildings. (3.3) 6. Note that the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme is scheduled to finish in March 2011, urge HM Government to continue the Scheme and encourage congregations to make representations to their MPs. (3.4) 7. Note the position with regard to the implementation of the revaluation for insurance purposes instructed by the 2008 General Assembly. (4.1)

REPORT 1. Introduction and Composition of Trust professional expertise in land and estate management to 1.1 The Church of Scotland General Trustees submit to the the service of the Trustees and the Church. The Trustees Assembly their eighty-third Report since the passing of the also regret to report the resignation of Mr Alan F Nisbet Church of Scotland (Property and Endowments) Act 1925. FRICS ACIA who was appointed at last year’s Assembly but who has found it impossible to reconcile the demands of 1.2 The Trustees report the retirement at this Assembly a busy professional career in land and estate management of two of their number. Rev Dr Angus T Stewart MA BD with the work of the General Trustees and the Glebes PhD was first appointed in 1991. His wide knowledge Committee in particular. of the Church and his kindly temperament have been greatly appreciated by his fellow Trustees and by those 1.3 The Trustees recommend that Mr W Findlay Turner congregations and Presbyteries with whom he came in CA and Rev James A P Jack BSc BArch BD DMin RIBA RIAS contact through deputations for the Fabric and Chairman’s be appointed Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively 13 Committees. The Trustees are also losing Mr James R H for the ensuing year and that for their services as Chairman Moffat FRICS who, since his appointment in 1998, has and Vice-Chairman for the past year they should each ably served the Trustees particularly through his work on receive remuneration of £1,450 as authorised by Section the Glebes Committee. Mr Moffat was able to bring his 38 (1) of the 1925 Act. 13/2 GENERAL TRUSTEES

1.4 Full details about the Trustees’ structure, governance - £105,000) were voted for works being carried out by and management, their objectives and activities, the congregations in Priority Areas. Funds under their administration and their achievements and performance can be found in their Annual Report and 2.1.4 By the end of 2009, the Trustees’ share of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 10% Levy charged on property sale proceeds amounted 2009, copies of which are available from the Secretary’s to £103,000 compared to the 2008 figure of £139,000. Department. The relevant Assembly Regulations stipulate that the amount of the Levy credited to the Fund is ring-fenced for 2. Fabric Funds congregations working in Priority Areas and other areas of identified need. 2.1 Central Fabric Fund 2.1.1 The Fund provides financial assistance to 2.1.5 A synopsis of loans and grants made from the congregations towards the cost of repairing and Central Fabric Fund during 2009 is shown in Appendix 1. improving the buildings for which they are responsible. As at 31 December 2009, the capital of the fund stood at 2.2 Consolidated Fabric Fund £17,666,000 (2008 - £12,656,000) out of which the Trustees 2.2.1 As at 31 December 2009, the Fund had a value made available new standard loans totalling £3,570,000 of £64,280,000. It is worth noting that the Fund has (2008 - £4,542,000). The vast majority of these loans carry two separate elements, one being capital and accrued the standard rate of interest of 5% per annum but where revenue derived principally from the sale of redundant special circumstances pertain, the Trustees have charged properties and occasionally from the transfer of monies interest of 3% per annum and in occasional cases loans from congregations’ holdings in the Consolidated Stipend have been given on an interest-free basis. During the year Fund and which amounted to £43,158,000 at the end the Trustees also made available bridging loans totalling of the year. Administered by the Trustees on behalf of £725,000 (2008 - £4,573,082) in connection with the individual congregations, the holdings are available for purchase of manses. The sharp reduction is a consequence a wide variety of fabric-related expenditure on churches, of the slowdown in the property market and also the fact halls and manses. The second element of the Fund that the Trustees are able to offer bridging facilities only represents the capitalised value of heritable assets as now where there are concluded missives for the sale of the required by accounting regulations. Assessed on the basis manse which is being replaced. of historical cost, the value of these assets at the end of 2009 was £21,122,000. 2.1.2 Grants are made available from the Fund, financed by a combination of periodic transfers of surpluses on 2.2.2 Since 2003, Financial Boards have had the authority the Trustees’ General Fund, interest charged on loans, to advise the General Trustees if they wish to make changes investment income, an annual allocation from the to the investment mix of their capital holdings in order Mission & Renewal Fund and the half share which the to meet specific local requirements. Any such requests Trustees receive from the operation of the 10% levy should be sent in writing to the Secretary’s Department. on property sale proceeds. In 2009, the Trustees made available standard grants totalling £1,002,000 (2008 - 3. Fabric Matters £1,647,000). 3.1 Projects In the last year, the Trustees’ Fabric Committee dealt with 2.1.3 In addition, priority grants totalling £402,000 (2008 an average of 72 cases involving repairs and/or alterations GENERAL TRUSTEES 13/3 to churches, halls and manses at each of its monthly – the poorest 5% of neighbourhoods in Scotland – and meetings. Ranging from the high-value and complicated to approved seven strategic priorities for that work, instructing the relatively modest, nonetheless all have been extremely the Ministries Council to bring a Priority Areas Action Plan important for the congregations concerned and many will to this year’s Assembly. Over the last year the Trustees have have a positive impact on their neighbourhoods and local worked with the Priority Areas Committee to develop the communities. Some examples are: Plan while continuing to give practical support to Priority • Abronhill congregation in Cumbernauld received grants Area congregations in the form of expert advice as well as totalling £35,000 and a loan of £40,000 to help with the the financial assistance noted in para 2.1.3. The Trustees cost of major repairs to the roof of their architecturally- welcome the Plan which they are pleased to see recognises iconic church and hall. the value of regular maintenance and repair of existing • A £10,000 grant from one of the Trustees’ bequest funds buildings as much as adaptation and improvement. They has enabled Lossiemouth: St Gerardine’s High to repair look forward to working with the Committee and other the church roof after Historic Scotland refused to assist Councils as the plan is implemented and delivered. towards the £150,000 cost. • A modest £5,000 grant to cover the cost of a Feasibility 3.3 Project Development Support Study will hopefully provide the Howe of Fife By and large, congregations are able to progress fabric congregation with a solution for the provision of a new, projects very well once a clear scheme has been identified centrally-located place of worship to replace buildings and a professional team of advisers is in place. As identified in need of substantial repair. in their report last year, the Trustees had become aware • Having sold three out-dated churches, the congregation that ministers and officebearers often experienced of Birsay, Harray and Sandwick is putting the sale considerable difficulties at the earlier stage of developing proceeds and a grant of £15,000 and a loan of £116,400 good ideas especially those involving the transformation from the Central Fabric Fund towards the cost, estimated of buildings into modern assets to support congregations’ at £850,000, of constructing a new community church work and witness. Although certainly not confined to at Dounby. This pump-priming was one factor in congregations in Priority Area parishes, the problem has securing substantial grant-aid from the Scottish Rural been most noticeable in these cases and over the past Development Fund for the project. year the Trustees have been working with the Priority Areas Committee of Ministries Council to investigate what sort 3.1.1 The Trustees are encouraged by the increasing of advice, input and resources would be most effective. number of congregations which are engaging in Interestingly, what has emerged is a much wider view of partnership working with external groups and an the range of resources and input that congregations are encouraging example is at Toryglen, Glasgow where a likely to need. Housing Association, the Trustees and the congregation are co-operating in major improvements to the church It was quickly recognised that a purely buildings and complex in conjunction with housing regeneration in the finance-oriented approach would be too narrow and that surrounding area. congregations also need help to think creatively about 13 the activities and services which they hope to see taking 3.2 Priority Areas Action Plan place. The successful adaptation of buildings and the The 2009 General Assembly reaffirmed the Church’s long-term sustainability of the activities inside them are ongoing commitment to its work in Priority Area parishes two sides of the same coin. So for example, congregations 13/4 GENERAL TRUSTEES need to be able to get advice on how to draw up a brief loss of the Scheme combined with a general reduction for alterations or prepare a business plan as well as how in government funding available through the likes of to engage effectively with the ‘movers and shakers’ in a Historic Scotland would be very unwelcome news. The local community or with individuals and organisations Trustees in their own name and also through the Scottish who have business and enterprise skills or entrepreneurial Churches Committee have made representations to flair. Ideally, congregations should encourage use of HM Government and are making common cause with their buildings by groups and organisations who are not the Church of England and other denominations south dependent on local or central government grants which of the border. As the matter is not a devolved one, the are often short-term and increasingly may be liable to cuts Trustees have already encouraged congregations to or withdrawal. The goal is to have congregations which make appropriate representations to their MPs and thrive not just survive. Westminster Parliamentary Candidates.

At the time of preparation of this Report, a small working 3.5 Surplus and Redundant Buildings group is developing criteria for the provision of tailored The Trustees’ Risk Register has for several years referred support for up to eight congregations in Priority Areas to a major risk, namely, that as there is no co-ordinated which wish to seek assistance in developing sustainable strategy by the Church of Scotland as a whole in respect buildings for the future. The Trustees believe that, once of surplus and redundant buildings, inappropriate selected, these congregations will gain access to external decisions may be made by the Trustees, the General facilitation and guidance in drawing up proposals as well Assembly, presbyteries and congregations. The Trustees as a modest grants scheme which will provide funding are encouraged that a number of initiatives are now for ministers, members and office-bearers to develop underway which should help the Church to better skills through training in particular aspects of project manage the risk, namely, the Special Commission anent development and visits to other projects. the Third Declaratory Article, the Panel on Review and Reform which is considering presbytery structures, the 3.4 Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme Priority Areas Action Plan, and the Ministries Council First introduced in April 2001 and subsequently extended in relation to Presbytery Planning. The Trustees have in scope, the Scheme (funded by a grant from HM appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the Treasury) enables congregations to recover an amount deliberations and look forward to providing further input equivalent to the VAT which they have paid on repairs where necessary. to listed church buildings. The Scheme was set up as an interim measure pending a European Community review 3.6 Care of Ecclesiastical Properties of VAT rates which last year concluded that repairs to In terms of the relevant legislation, Presbyteries are listed ecclesiastical buildings should not be zero-rated for required to report diligence with regard to the Care of VAT purposes. This decision maintains the anomaly that Ecclesiastical Properties within their bounds. The returns alterations to listed church buildings are zero-rated for from 40 Presbyteries (out of 44) to hand at the time of the VAT purposes while repairs are charged at the standard preparation of this report revealed that in the year to 30 rate. The Trustees believe that the Scheme has been a June 2009, 1,198 Property Registers out of 1,360 had been cost-effective method of assisting congregations to keep examined and all had been found satisfactory. In the same their buildings in good order. The Scheme has been period, the properties of 244 congregations had been scheduled to be wound up by the end of March 2011. The inspected. GENERAL TRUSTEES 13/5

3.7 Energy 4. Insurance Matters 3.7.1 Conservation 4.1 Insurance Revaluation Programme The Trustees continue to work in partnership with Church The programme of insurance revaluation of all and Society Council in assisting congregations to conserve congregational buildings is nearing completion, energy and reduce carbon use primarily through their the deadline being 30 June 2010. At the time of the Heating Consultant Mr Andrew W MacOwan and through preparation of this report, revaluations of the buildings in their Energy Advisers Argyle Energy. Mr MacOwan carries 34 Presbyteries have been completed, are currently being out independent surveys of the heating systems not just undertaken or are scheduled to be completed by the in churches and halls but also in manses giving advice on deadline. Buildings in 4 Presbyteries are being dealt with on improving the efficiency of heating systems, saving energy an individual basis. Of the remaining 7 Presbyteries, most costs and improving the standard of comfort. The Trustees have been in contact with the valuers but the revaluations provide grants to meet around one-third of the cost of such have not been scheduled and it would appear unlikely surveys. By the end of 2009, Mr MacOwan had carried out that they will be carried out prior to the deadline. 31 surveys including repeat surveys of churches and halls as well as 8 surveys of manses. Since the inception of the 4.2 The Church of Scotland Insurance Company scheme, a total of 1,955 initial and repeat surveys of churches Limited and halls and 200 manse surveys have been undertaken. 4.2.1 The company is owned by the General Trustees and is authorised and regulated by the Financial 3.7.2 Procurement Services Authority. The company either by itself or as an As a result of the one-year contract with British Gas intermediary can provide cover for all classes of insurance coming to an end on 31 March 2010, the Trustees’ Energy and continues to insure the vast majority of Church of Consultants, Argyle Energy sought tenders from half a Scotland congregations as well as the congregations of dozen gas and electricity suppliers following which a other denominations. contract for the supply of electricity and gas at preferential prices to congregations in the Utility Group Scheme has 4.2.2 During 2009, six new fire claims were submitted been placed with Scottish Hydro for a two-year period to in addition to four fire claims which had been brought 31 March 2012. At the time of preparing this Report, 1,350 forward from previous years. The overall cost to the electricity sites and 760 gas sites are covered under the company was £50,059. The Directors propose to distribute Group Scheme. New participants are always welcome and a total of £1,534,000 under Gift Aid to the General Trustees any enquiries about how the Scheme operates should be representing the company’s net profit in the year to 31 directed to the Secretary’s Department. December 2009 (2008 - £1,521,385). Of this total, £393,000 had been paid over by the end of 2009. The Trustees have 3.7.3 Heating Oil and LPG determined that the monies received from the company In response to a recent questionnaire issued to all for 2009 and credited to their General Fund should be congregations participating in the Group Scheme, the allocated to the Central Fabric Fund to assist them in energy consultants are investigating the setting up of a giving grants to congregations. 13 buying group for heating oil and LPG. Again, any enquiries from congregations outwith the Scheme whose Financial 4.2.3 In accordance with current accounting Boards feel this would be beneficial should be addressed requirements, the 2009 Annual Accounts of the Company to the Secretary’s Department. have been consolidated with those of the Trustees. 13/6 GENERAL TRUSTEES

4.2.4 The Trustees again wish to record their appreciation Stipend Fund with the endowment income assisting of the very significant financial contribution made by the congregations in meeting their parish ministry costs. Company towards the Trustees’ work. None of the General Net rental income in 2009 was £322,000 compared with Trustees who are Directors of the Company receive any £327,000 in 2008. The depressed housing development remuneration for their services. market has meant that there has been a small number of glebe sales but, by the end of 2009, sale proceeds 5. Stipend Matters totalled £447,000 compared with £225,300 in 2008. The 5.1 Consolidated Stipend Fund Trustees wish to remind congregations that upon the 5.1.1 The capital of the Fund derives in large measure recommendation of Presbytery and with the concurrence from the sale of glebeland but also from transfers out of of the Ministries Council, surplus stipend capital can be the Consolidated Fabric Fund and from the investment of reallocated for fabric purposes and a number of such new monies by individual congregations. Approximately reallocations can been seen in Appendix 4. 1,400 congregations have holdings in it and it is the second-largest Fund under the Trustees’ administration. 7. Determinations under Act VII 1995 The General Assembly and the Ministries Council have The Trustees report that under Act VII 1995 (anent powers agreed that the Fund should be operated as a permanent delegated to The Church of Scotland General Trustees) as endowment and the Trustees are therefore able to set their amended by Act XIII 1996 and IV 1998, they have made 54 investment strategy as being for the long term. Following Determinations as set out in Appendix 3. professional advice, the Fund is invested primarily in equities which, over the long term, have consistently 8. Reallocation of Endowments generated capital growth and income yield. At the end of The Regulations anent the application of stipend and fabric 2009, the Fund had a capital value of £58,963,000 (2008 - endowments (Regulations V 1995) provide a mechanism £53,366,000). to reallocate the capital held by the General Trustees for the benefit of congregations in the Consolidated Fabric 5.1.2 Last year, the Trustees reported to the Assembly that and Stipend Funds. Details of the reallocations made the rate of dividend to be declared for 2010 was likely to be during 2009 are contained in Appendix 4. at a reduced level. With the concurrence of the Ministries Council, the Trustees propose a dividend rate of £0.1871 9. Finance for 2010. This contrasts with the dividend rate of £0.2173 9.1 Accounts for 2009 but this exceptional rate was a result of receipt of The General Trustees’ Accounts for the year 2009 as audited special dividend income during the course of 2008. by the Auditor of the Church will be laid on the table at the Assembly. Copies of the Annual Report and Financial Statistics showing the historical income and dividend Statements are available from the Secretary. The Trustees position are set out in Appendix 2. intend that the firm of registered auditors appointed to audit the accounts of the Unincorporated Councils and 6. Glebes Committees for 2010 should also be appointed to audit 6.1 The historical position that glebeland formed part of their accounts for that year. a minister’s living continues to be reflected in Assembly legislation so that income from glebe rents as well as 9.2 Investments capital receipts upon sale are credited to the Consolidated As previously intimated to the Assembly, the vast bulk of GENERAL TRUSTEES 13/7 the Trustees’ non-property assets are invested through the cost basis of certain heritable assets in the Trustees’ three investment funds offered by the Church of Scotland ownership as required by accounting standards. The Investors Trust – the Growth, Income and Deposit Funds. process of capitalising heritable assets in the Accounts is The market values of these investments were: continuing. It had been hoped that the exercise would have been completed by the end of 2010 but due to the 31.12.2008 31.12.2009 volume of the work involved, the process is not now likely Growth Fund £66,570,000 £74,213,000 to be completed until the end of 2011. Income Fund £5,959,000 £6,112,000 Deposit Fund £33,498,000 £33,786,000 On behalf of the General Trustees The Trustees of the Church of Scotland Investors Trust monitor the performance of these Funds comparing W FINDLAY TURNER, Chairman them with the relevant indices. More detailed information on investment performance is contained in the Annual JAMES A P JACK, Vice-Chairman Report and Accounts. DAVID D ROBERTSON, Secretary and Clerk

9.3 Valuation of Heritable Assets The Trustees’ Accounts contain a valuation on an historical

13 13/8 GENERAL TRUSTEES

APPENDIX 1 SYNOPSIS OF CENTRAL FABRIC FUND GRANTS AND LOANS VOTED IN 2009

Churches/Halls Manses Total no amount no amount no amount Grants Priority 10 £379,000 2 £23,000 12 £402,000 Standard 97 £740,000 36 £262,000 133 £1,002,000 £1,404,000

Loans 5% 37 £3,009,090 11 £344,000 48 £3,353,090 3% 1 £12,000 2 £8,000 3 £20,000 Interest free 3 £160,000 2 £40,000 4 £200,000 £3,573,090

Bridging Loans 4 £725,000 £725,000 GENERAL TRUSTEES 13/9

APPENDIX 2 – Viewforth church and hall; Edzell Lethnot Glenesk – CONSOLIDATED STIPEND FUND Lochlee church; Glasgow: Castlemilk East – church and hall; Glasgow: Castlemilk West – church and hall; Glasgow: Dennistoun New – Dennistoun Blackfriars church and hall; Capital Total Value Value of Share Halkirk and Westerdale – manse; Hawick: Trinity – manse; 31 December 2005 £61,204,475 £4.3384 Kennoway Windygates and Balgonie: St Kenneth’s – hall 31 December 2006 £67,189,816 £4.7009 outbuilding; Kilbirnie: St Columba’s – hall; Kildalton and Oa – manse; Kilmarnock: St Andrew’s and St Marnock’s – 31 December 2007 £69,607,174 £4.7722 manse; Kilwinning: Mansefield Trinity – Fergushill church; 31 December 2008 £53,365,154 £3.5154 Kirkcaldy: St Andrew’s – manse; Kirkurd and Newlands – 31 December 2009 £58,962,655 £3.8557 retirement house; Mid Deeside – Lumphanan church; Mid Deeside – Lumphanan manse; Mid Deeside – retirement Shares Issued house; Motherwell: Dalziel St Andrew’s – hall; Motherwell: Revenue Income at 31 December Rate of Dividend St Margaret’s – ground at church: Paisley: Wallneuk North – 2005 £2,367,778 14,107,493 £0.1646 hall; Penninghame – Bargrennan church; Rousay – Brinian church; Turriff: St Ninian’s and Forglen – hall; United Church 2006 £2,436,204 14,292,869 £0.1657 of Bute – hall. 2007 £2,962,031 14,586,116 £0.1773 2008 £3,306,958 15,180,264 £0.2095 2. Glebe Sales: In the following parishes, the General Trustees made determinations authorising the sale of 2009 £2,891,692 15,292,347 £0.2173 Glebe subjects and directed that the proceeds should During 2009 the sum of £347,836 was admitted to the be credited to the benefit of the congregation in the Fund in exchange for 112,083 shares. Consolidated Stipend Fund:- Ale and Teviot; Barra; Colvend Southwick and Kirkbean; Glamis Inverarity and Kinnettles; APPENDIX 3 Glassary Kilmartin and Ford (2); Glenelg and Kintail; Halkirk DETERMINATIONS MADE UNDER ACT VII 1995 and Westerdale; Innerleithen Traquair and Walkerburn; Iona; Kildonan and Loth Helmsdale; Kirkgunzeon; Stonehouse: 1. General Sales: In the following cases, the General St Ninian’s; Manish Scarista; Oathlaw Tannadice; Traprain. Trustees made determinations authorising the sale or let of the property concerned and directed that the proceeds 3. Miscellaneous: The General Trustees made the should be credited to the benefit of the congregation in following miscellaneous determinations: the Consolidated Fabric Fund:- Auchtermuchty – manse; Auchtermuchty manse garden building plot; Beath and (a) Motherwell: Clason Memorial (Dissolved) – sale of Cowdenbeath: North – Beath church; Biggar – manse; retirement house and transmission of £55,000 to Central Buchlyvie – former North church graveyard; Buckhaven Fabric Fund and balance plus Individual Fund to New and Wemyss – manse; Carriden – halls; Coatbridge: New St Charge Development per Ministries Council; Andrew’s – Clifton church, hall and church officer’s house; 13 (b) United Church of Bute – discharge of ecclesiastical Colvend Southwick and Kirkbean – hall ground; Dull and trust conditions. Weem – former manse ground; Dundee: Douglas and Mid Craigie – Mid Craigie church and hall; Dunnichen Letham and Kirkden – manse; Edinburgh: Barclay Viewforth 13/10 GENERAL TRUSTEES

APPENDIX 4 DETERMINATIONS MADE UNDER REGULATIONS V 1996

The reallocations made as a result of determinations during 2009 were as follows:-

(a) Auchterarder - £40,000 from stipend to fabric;

(b) Auchterarder - £210,000 from stipend to fabric;

(d) Methven and Logie Almond - £40,000 from fabric to stipend. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the report. 2. Commend the Guild for the continued work of its Project Partnership Scheme and its support of a wide range of work through prayer, increased awareness and the raising of funds. 3. Approve the revised Constitution as set out in Appendix V and declare it shall come into effect from 1st June 2010. 4. Urge ministers and Kirk Sessions to support their local Guilds and offer opportunities for them to share the Guild’s work with the wider congregation, particularly during Guild Week. 5. Recognise the costs involved in staging, inter alia, Guild Week and Regional Annual Meetings and offer prayerful support in the undertaking of these events. 6. Commend the Guild for its contribution to the Decade to Overcome Violence and the continued value of raising the profile of the issues involved. 7. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, Section 1.3) and commits the Guild, in partnership with others, to its effective delivery over the next seven years. 8. Commend the Guild for its contribution to the ACTS Trafficking Task Group and urge the Church of Scotland to adopt its report, to be contained in the Supplementary Reports. REPORT All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good (people) to do nothing Edmund Burke 1. Just Guild? journey. This dialogue format makes a good model for 1.1 The Guild’s new three-year strategy for 2009-2012, us as we take forward the strands of study, exploration, What does the Lord require of you? is based, of course, practical and prayers support that are thrown up by this on Micah 6:8. The Guild hopes this strategy will be as fundamental question – What does the Lord require of you? challenging and rewarding as those which have gone before. It is about our response to God’s grace – where 1.2 The first strand of that strategy, Called to act justly, does our Christian life and witness, in these days, connect was the subject of our annual meeting in September 2009 with justice, mercy and walking humbly God? entitled Just Guild. While the leadership team recognised the homonyms hidden in the title given to the meeting, Although the answer to the question is given immediately it is arguable that it gave us even more food for thought in the book of Micah, the very fact that this overall theme than expected. is in the form of a question, engages us from the outset. 14 A response is sought here, and involvement on a personal Bill Hewitt, in his Moderator’s address to Just Guild, pointed and group level should be a constant feature of our out that the right relationship with God always begins 14/2 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD with humility, not arrogance. Emphasising the Guild’s aim, 2. Guild Projects he noted that we tend to think that God’s role is to make 2.1 A key part of our practical and prayer support is our us happy, to serve us, to answer our prayers. But it is we Project Partnership Scheme. A set of six projects is chosen who are to serve and glorify God. for each three-year period. As we move onto a new set of projects, we step back a little from the six we worked Our theme of justice carried on through our keynote in partnership with in 2006-9. Guild support doesn’t stop speaker, Mary Miller. Mary spoke of her upbringing and there of course – many members and groups, as well as the concern about the need to combat, as Martin Luther King Guild nationally, take a particular interest in the continued put it, the ‘evil triplets’, poverty, racism and war. Then, most work of past projects, feeling a degree of ‘parental’ concern movingly, of her work, with husband John, in Zimbabwe as they continue without the Guild’s close support. – the unfairness and inequality amongst people there; the overwhelming injustice of life for those born into poverty Final figures of the financial support offered to our projects and complex political situations. Mary Miller’s passion for under the strategy Let’s live: body, mind and soul stand at: the work in Zimbabwe has moved many of us, and indeed National Convener Betty Dunn, has made it a key aspect Borderline: Supporting Homeless Scots of her year. in London: £149, 344.67 The two thousand members who had gathered in Christian Aid: Action for the Adivasi in Dundee’s Caird Hall to attend this annual meeting are Bangladesh £96,134.70 dedicated members of the Guild, so none are unaware of Crossreach: Beyond the blues, Bluebell the effects of injustice, nor the different types of injustice, project £137,834.53 in our country and beyond. But here we felt galvanised to The Leprosy Mission Scotland: even more action. Walking in the light in Nigeria £134.364.96 Reflecting the Micah verse, the Guild is, as are all Christians, Lydia Project: Changing the world together called to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with in eastern Europe £115,104.56 God. As the Moderator said “When we walk humbly with Scottish Love in Action: Touching the God, our life will demonstrate the characteristics that are Untouchables in India £166,062.47 evident in God himself. The evidence of our walk will be witnessed in our acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, Total £798,845.89 justice” – something the Guild takes, and continues to take, very much to its heart. At a time of cut backs and recession, of financial difficulties for families and individuals up and down the country, 1.3 Our former Convener, while making her farewell Guild members continue to increase support for those address at the meeting, reflected on the title – Just Guild. affected by poverty and those living on the margins What had she done with her year - Just Guild? Yes, we have of society. We thank those with whom we worked in a just Guild – a Guild keen to use their faith in action to do partnership for allowing us to share in, and be inspired by, what it can to combat injustice. But ‘merely’, or ‘only’ Guild their enthusiasm and passion for their work. – no, far from it, as our Guild year testifies. 2.2 Rather early in each three-year period, we have to think of the future and the following strategy, and so it was In future – web-only publication CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/3 that in the summer of 2008, the Guild invited submissions of lawyers to tackle the issue of trafficking. They do this for possible projects for members to support during the through working with local governments, prosecution period 2009-12. Some 26 proposals were received and of offenders, and providing assistance to those who after much prayer and deliberation, the Guild’s Projects have been trafficked. This project supports IJM’s work and Topics Committee made the difficult decision. In due in Cambodia, where some 30,000 women and girls are course, the projects for this new strategy were launched at trafficked each year, the majority for sexual purposes – a the Project Co-ordinators’ Conference in April 2009. great many are children, some as young as five.

Those present at the conference, whom we charge with 2.2.4 Ministries Council - A Place for Hope (UK) helping cascade information and inspire enthusiasm for Ministries Council has been highlighting the need to the projects, were keen to learn more about the work of work in partnership with others to help individuals, the following project partners: congregations and communities resolve their differences and restore relationships. The Guild is working with the 2.2.1 CrossReach: On the other side (Scotland) Council to establish A Place for Hope – through this the The Guild will be supporting the work of the Church’s Church can begin to re-establish their role within society Social Care Council as they provide a vital service to the as peacemakers and healers. Progress on this has already families of those in prison through the Visitors’ Centre been made with a successful conference in Aviemore. at Perth Prison. There, those who have family members in prison are able to share worries and receive help and 2.2.5 Mission Aviation Fellowship - Mission Run advice – this plays a significant role in helping to keep (Madagascar) the family together, as far as possible, during a term of A friend and former project partner of the Guild, MAF are imprisonment. This has been shown to play a significant seeking Guild support for their work in Madagascar which part in keeping reoffending rates low. will benefit those in remote areas by providing flights which will allow them access to transport for goods, people and 2.2.2 The Church of Scotland’s HIV/AIDS Project – medical aid. No strangers to working in difficult terrain, MAF A new hunger (various countries) will be using Guild support to fund their vital and effective The need for help and support for those affected by HIV/ work on one of the poorest islands in the world. AIDS at home and abroad continues: anti-retroviral drugs are vital for the treatment of the disease, but the drugs 2.2.6 World Mission Council - Interfaith Support (Israel/ do not work if the individual does not have a good diet Palestine) or access to good food. This project will raise awareness The Guild’s theme for 2009-12 presents Christians of this and provide education and support; ensuring everywhere with one of the most fundamental challenges the health benefits of these drugs are not minimised by for the application of their faith - World Mission Council ignorance or poverty. meets this challenge directly in its work in Israel/Palestine. The Guild will be supporting three areas of work in the 2.2.3 International Justice Mission - Terrify no more region, one Christian, one Muslim and one Jewish, assisting (Cambodia) those who refuse to accept the inevitability of conflict and An interesting side effect of the Project Partnership Scheme impossibility of reconciliation. is that it can bring you into contact with organisations with 14 which you may be unfamiliar. And so it is with International 2.2.7 Guild members are already getting to grips with Justice Mission - an organisation which uses the skills the issues behind these new areas of work and it is worth In future – web-only publication 14/4 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD reiterating the ethos of the Project Partnership Scheme, products to use for meetings and events. This has been which we are committed to, and share with, our partner much appreciated and made the scale of the promotional organisations. The first priority of the scheme is to give week possible. The leadership team would like to thank prayer support. The second is to raise awareness of the RWD for their support and, in particular RWD staff issues involved and learn more about them ourselves. members Joanne Rae and Ann Kennedy for their work The third, and it is very much the last priority, is, if we can, over these years. raise money for the work involved. In all of these areas, it is clear Guild members value the opportunity, and the 3.1.2 The Guild’s Executive committee has been looking challenge, to make a difference in the lives of others who at alternative sponsorship arrangements, but to date, due to find themselves in difficult circumstances. the recession and financial uncertainty for many, no funding stream has been identified. Guild Week will again take place At the time of writing, donations are coming in steadily, in in 2010 (21 to 28 November) showing the Guild recognises this, the first few months of the new strategy. the value of communicating its work to others. 3. Opportunities 3.2 Support and assistance are provided for members, The Guild continues to find ways to promote and publicise groups, and councils on a daily basis primarily by the staff the movement in a variety of ways yet also knows that team which prides itself on its helpful and prompt responses the work it does in Christ’s name is important in its own given to queries; the Guild member is the most important right. However, a movement of this kind can only flourish presence in the office. Ministers are also invited to make use and continue its work through growth in numbers and of the knowledge and experience of the staff to help them development of its structure. provide that vital support to the Guilds for whom they and their Kirk Sessions have overall care and supervision. 3.1 Guild Week November 2009 saw our 6th Guild Week – the opportunity 3.2.1 Most recently, the Acting General Secretary, for Guilds to highlight their work and activities to their completing work started by the General Secretary, has congregations and local areas. Publicised throughout supported members of Lothian West Presbyterial Council the year and with two mailings providing material as they sought to find new ways to ‘be’ a council, given to complement the annual resources, Guilds are well the changing needs of the area and the resources of the equipped to communicate the ethos of this movement. members involved. The Acting General Secretary was The leadership team are much in demand during this time, impressed by the commitment shown, not just by the and greatly value the opportunity to share the message outgoing officebearers, but by the new team of 8, coming of Guild Week in different parts of the country. Particularly together to ensure their legacy was not lost. noteworthy, are the areas where Councils rise to the challenge to encourage fellowship and understanding 3.3 The Bield Group, a team of experienced former in areas far from the central belt, such as Caithness, National Conveners, continue to make themselves Lochcarron & Skye and Lewis. available to work as facilitators with groups and Councils round the country and invite invitations to develop the 3.1.1 After six years, Robert Wiseman Dairies (RWD) are Guild in a given area. completing their sponsorship of the annual Guild Week. Over this period, RWD have provided publicity material, 4. Constitution (Appendix V) covered postal costs and provided groups with their The National Executive Committee of the Guild set up In future – web-only publication CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/5 a group to review the Constitution in November 2008. as a member. The membership of the Group is shown Members of the group, which was convened by Helen- in Appendix VII. The Guild was represented by Alison May Bayne, Perth Council, were Esme Duncan, National Twaddle (2008 – 2009) and Fiona Punton (2009 – 2010). Convener 2008-09, Caithness Council; Kirsty Currie, Wigtown Council; Janet Whyte, Abernethy Council. Alison Twaddle, The Task Group will, via the Guild’s section of the General General Secretary, was secretary to the Group. The Group Assembly 2010, bring their report to the Church of met on two occasions and as a result a draft was prepared Scotland, for endorsement by the whole church. The and tabled at the Council Conveners’ Conference of 28 May report is currently being prepared and will take the form 2009. Council Conveners were invited to review, discuss and of a Supplementary Report to the Guild’s. reflect on the changes in their Councils. Following this, a document detailing the following amendments was sent to 6. Decade to Overcome Violence National Committee Representatives on 3 September 2009 The Guild has risen to the challenge raised by the World four weeks in advance of the Joint Meeting of 6th October Council of Churches (WCC) to recognise 2001 – 2010 as 2009. In addition, the 2003 Constitution and a copy of the the Decade to Overcome Violence. Along with the Church proposed new Constitution, including the changes, was and Society Council, the Guild has kept the profile of this sent to them. high within the Church of Scotland. The issues behind all aspects of violence, of women and of others, have At the meeting of 6 October, following questions and underpinned all the Guild’s work and has been the subject discussion, the meeting moved to a vote. The vote in of, for example, discussion topics and informed our favour was unanimous. themes and areas of concern. One of the members of our National Executive committee has been charged, during The Guild now brings before commissioners the revised the Decade, with attending interfaith meetings and other Constitution (Appendix V) for approval and adoption. events connected with violence and reports back on a regular basis. 5. ACTS Trafficking Task Group The Trafficking Task Group was formed to take forward a In March, our Executive was pleased to hear from the remit (Appendix VI) recommended to ACTS’ Forum by the Church’s Ecumenical Officer, Very Rev Dr Sheilagh Kesting Group which had had responsibility for marking in 2007 about the WCC’s plan to hold the International Ecumenical the Bicentenary of the passing of the Act which abolished Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Jamaica in May 2011. In the the Slave Trade. That Group regarded human trafficking words of Rev Dr Fernando Enns of the Mennonite Church as a new form of human slavery and believed that the and WCC Central Committee member; Churches should be called upon to lead a campaign “The IEPC will empower and ecumenical partners against it. to become self-confident in their witness for peace with justice” The Member Churches of ACTS were asked to nominate people to serve on the Task Group and four of them did. As part of the Guild’s input to this event, it will be holding a Others asked to be kept informed of the progress of the National Service in Perth during Guild Week in November Task Group’s work, as did the Free Church of Scotland. this year. Details are still in the planning stage, but the The Evangelical Alliance, and through it the Baptist Guild is delighted that Dr Kesting has agreed to attend this 14 Union of Scotland, expressed interest in the Group’s service to mark the Guild’s contribution to the Decade, and remit and nominated the Alliance’s Parliamentary Officer to ensure that the issue remains central in our concerns. In future – web-only publication 14/6 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD

7. Involvement and, due to the cost being lower than previous venues, Our contact and involvement with other secular allows better stewardship of Guild funds. However, organisations allow us to play a part in areas which affect while transport is not a problem for the majority of Guild us in our everyday lives. members (indeed, it can add to the ‘day out’!) some in a few areas of the country find it harder to undertake the 7.1 One such was the opportunity to contribute to the long journey. debate at Holyrood on the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill. This was brought to our attention by Guild 8.1.1 As a response to this, the leadership team, after members of Moray West. With continued support from the consideration of all the options and taking soundings from Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, the Guild was able members in the areas concerned, organised the Guild’s first to communicate its concerns to MSPs about the possible Regional Annual Meeting. It was held in Castle Douglas effects of this bill if it became law. It was possible that, if Town Hall and 300 members from Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, passed, it would mean that voluntary groups holding sales Stranraer, Annandale & Eskdale and Wigtown Presbyterial of work or events with third party sellers would be required Councils attended a hugely successful day on 31 October to hold a market operator’s license – potentially with an 2009. With the presence of the whole leadership team, onerous and costly impact on Guild and congregational wonderful speakers in the shape of former Moderators, activities. Thankfully, following interventions by ourselves Very Rev Dr David Lacy and Very Rev Dr Andrew McLellan, and others, MSPs agreed to have that section dropped. The and with the technical and administrative support afforded Guild, with its wide network, welcomes the opportunity to the ‘main’ meeting, those present had a wonderful day use it, for the good of the church, as and when appropriate. and were grateful to the national team for putting on this event. 7.2 Gude Cause is a group formed to commemorate the centenary of the Women’s Suffrage Procession in Edinburgh 8.1.2 In the light of this, the team are, at time of writing, in 1909. The Guild were keen to play a part and so our planning a similar event in Fort William in October 2010, National Vice Convener headed the team of individuals from and look forward to bringing a flavour of the fellowship Caithness, Abernethy, Perth, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Edinburgh and inspiration of an Annual Meeting to those in the and Jedburgh West Presbyterial Councils who took part in surrounding areas. the march. Over 3,000 women and men from a variety of charitable, religious, secular and political groups marched 8.2 The annual Guild Theme and Topic Days held, along a route which sadly was unable to follow the original usually, in March, prove a successful way to help members along Princes Street due to the infamous tram works. understand the forthcoming themes and topics of the However, the march ended at the top of Calton Hill with Guild and provide helpful ideas for the use of the packs music and speeches. It was a moving event to be a part of at Guild level. In addition there are opportunities to and it felt good to be acknowledging all those great women encourage leadership of the Guild by sharing ideas for who have fought to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. worship and, in 2009, a section on Guild financial matters was included to assist treasurers with recent changes in 8. Working together procedures. In 2009, Days were held in six venues round 8.1 Regional annual meeting the country with nearly 400 members taking advantage For a number of years, the Guild’s annual meeting has of the opportunity to learn more about the forthcoming been held in Dundee – which provides super amenities theme. In future – web-only publication CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/7

8.2.1 At time of writing, planning is well underway attend meetings which involve an overnight stay. Early in for the 2010 Days, will be held in Dundee, Ayr, Glasgow, the committee’s year, National Executive gathers together, Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh over three weekends not just for a meeting, but for valued fellowship. Last in March. summer, we were pleased to have Rob Wightman, the then Associate Secretary of the Church & Society Council, 8.2.2 Training and encouragement has enabled an speak to us about racial justice, and our Joint Committees’ increasing number of members to feel able to hold conference in the autumn benefited from hearing from local events in their own areas. Leaders of these locally Martin Johnstone, the Priority Areas Secretary from run events receive the workshop leaders’ packs to help Ministries Council speak to us about the issues of social with their planning, and it is an encouraging sign on the justice. The passion of both men for the issues involved dedication of members that they feel empowered to was inspirational and informative and we appreciated undertake such a venture. them giving of their time and sharing with us.

8.3 Partnership with Mission and Discipleship Council 9. Partners enables resourcing of our Guild Education Representatives 9.1 The Guild continues its commitment to its position as in the form of mailings and an annual conference. Fiona a component part of the Church of Scotland and benefits Fidgin continues to work with the Guild on this on behalf from its ability to contribute to the following: of Mission and Discipleship and her work in ensuring the conference is helpful and imaginative is much appreciated. Mission and Discipleship Council The value to individuals, groups and congregations Mission Forum of working together in this way with different areas of Interfaith Forum the Church is immeasurable but significantly aids our World Mission Council understanding and therefore enhances our work in our HIV/AIDS Project Guilds and congregations. The Guild is grateful too for the Church and Society Council work Ecumenical Relations does in resourcing the Guild’s Ministries Council Ecumenical Reps – a valuable network for the promotion Priority Areas Forum of local interdominational partnerships and initiatives. Ecumenical Relations Committee

8.4 Guild Presbyterial Council officebearers are further 9.2 The Convener and General Secretary appreciate supported by the Project Co-ordinators Conference and the now annual invitation to meet with the Council of Council Conveners too have their own conference, which Assembly to update them on the work of the Guild and in 2009 included Pamala McDougall, from the Religious the opportunity to strengthen informal partnerships with Society of Friends reflecting on the beliefs of the Quakers all areas of the Church’s work. in the different areas of justice. There is also a valued opportunity to share ideas, questions and discussion 9.3 Priority Areas Action Plan around the work of the Presbyterial Councils and to share The 2009 General Assembly reaffirmed the Church’s forthcoming news ongoing commitment to its work in priority area parishes – the poorest 5% of neighbourhoods in Scotland. It 8.5 Members of the Council team who act as National approved seven strategic priorities for that work and 14 Committee Reps, as well as representing their areas on one instructed the Ministries Council to bring a Priority Areas of the five Guild committees, also have the opportunity to Action Plan to this year’s Assembly. In future – web-only publication 14/8 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD

Over the last year the Guild has worked with the Priority 9.7 The leadership team would like to thank Guild Areas Committee of the Ministries Council to develop this stalwart and former General Secretary Lorna Paterson plan. Priority to the poorest and most marginalised is a for her significant contribution to the Scottish Women’s commitment shared by the whole Church. Convention since its inception when she was the first chair of its Steering Group. Lorna has decided the time is right to The Guild welcomes the Priority Areas Action Plan move on from the SWC, and will be replaced in due course. (Ministries Council, Section *.*) and looks forward to She will be a hard act to follow and has been an excellent working with the Priority Areas Committee, other Councils communicator of the convention’s work. Lorna will not, of & Committees of the Church as well as a wide range of course, be moving on from her Guild involvement, but we broader partners to deliver the Priority Areas Action Plan thank her for ensuring the national team has always been over the next seven years. fully informed. 9.4 Beyond the Church of Scotland, the Guild is 9.8 Connections with the Women’s National Commission, connected with the work of ACTS, particularly the Network of Ecumenical Women in Scotland which fosters good which feeds into the Westminster Government, have by relations with other denominations. Guild officebearers definition been more tenuous, but the leadership team are invited to attend major events in the lives of equivalent was pleased the National Vice Convener was able to attend organisations throughout the year, and are pleased to the Women’s National Commission Event in November, reciprocate; invitations are extended to our own main discussing the United Nations Women’s Agenda. Once event. The General Secretary is an alternate member of the again a valuable source of information which informs the Church Members’ Meeting, and the movement is kept up whole work of the Guild. to date on related matters by the minutes. 10. Stewardship and Governance 9.5 International connections are maintained through 10.1 Ever mindful of the need to constantly address the Guild’s continued membership of the Ecumenical good stewardship of the Guild’s finances, National Forum of European Christian Women which expands the Executive has agreed an increase in the Capitation Fee Guild’s network across the rest of the continent. for the next session, 2010-11. At that point, the fee will rise from £7 per year to £8. The Fee has remained at £7 9.6 The Scottish Women’s Convention, in which the since 2007 and it was felt a small increase was the only Guild has played a part since its inception, has undertaken sensible and responsible thing to do to enable the Guild’s a study on Gender Equality. The Acting General Secretary work to continue. National Executive has authorised a met with the researcher involved and was able to report on full programme of publicity to ensure all members are the Guild’s perception of this issue as well as contributing fully informed. It is hoped the information produced will as an individual. A full report is expected in due course. remind members that the Guild receives no funding from While no longer having a formal representative on the the wider church and the fee pays for all the work of the Scottish Women’s Convention, the Guild continues to have Guild even down to the rental of its national office in ‘121’. members connected to this group which feeds into the The cost of membership continues to be considerably less Scottish Government. This provides a valuable opportunity than equivalent organisations and, indeed, annually only to contribute or get involved with issues affecting the lives amounts to the equivalent of a fortnight’s worth of The of people on a daily basis. Scotsman newspaper or a mere 15p per week. In future – web-only publication CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/9

10.2 The Guild continues to invite applications to its They are a dedicated and faithful group of members who Initiative Fund. This fund was formed from interest on a combine good team work with friendship, support and legacy and continues to give small, but much needed having fun in each others company. grants to Guild-led local initiatives. Most recently, grants were awarded which contributed to the shipment of books 10.5 Staff to Malawi, and to the production of publicity material for a The long term absence of the General Secretary following summer mission in Moray. the diagnosis of cancer has, naturally, had an impact on the staff in the Guild Office, not least on a personal level 10.3 Our committed members continue to enact as the team worried about their friend and line manager. the Guild’s aim and express their faith through worship, The Information Officer combined her role with that of prayer and action. As well as the contribution they make Acting General Secretary, which added new meaning in their congregations and areas, they have coped well to the term ‘busy’. However, she readily acknowledges with the administrative demands of the charity regulator that this combined role would not have been possible and meeting their secular obligations as well as their non- without the support and team work of the office staff. Ann secular ones. The Guild network is considered to be one Anderson, the General Secretary’s secretary, has provided of the best in the Church and as well as the opportunities invaluable support which has enabled the usually well provided by the events mentioned elsewhere in this organised Information Officer to stay that way. Maureen report, groups regularly receive mailings with news, Morrish continues to provide excellent administration of advice and resources. In addition, every member receives the Guild finances, as well as contributing to the general a copy of the newsletter. The weekly e-bulletin continues office work at times of added pressure. Lesley Blyth, even with a growing readership and contains a particular blend though still fairly new, has risen to the challenge and of humour and anecdotes as well as more serious news. has readily taken on more responsible tasks, and done The informal prayer list attached is well used and much them well, thereby allowing Ann more time to provide appreciated. much-needed and appreciated support to the Acting General Secretary. As well as all the usual Guild busy-ness, 10.4 Leadership Team the team also coped with organising and attending the The Guild has valued Betty Dunn’s role this year, the latest Regional Annual Meeting at relatively short notice. At time in a long line of committed National Conveners who of writing, Alison Twaddle is hoping to be able to consider share their gifts and skills with the wider Guild. Betty, from a phased return to work – the Acting General Secretary is Glasgow North Presbyterial Council, is supported by Helen- immensely grateful to the staff for all of their significant May Bayne, from Perth Presbyterial Council as National contribution in ensuring the ‘service support’ of the Guild Vice-Convener. Other members making up the team carried on as normal. are Alison Angus, from Lochcarron and Skye Presbyterial Council who convenes the Marketing and Publicity Despite these difficult circumstances, and thanks to Committee; Margaret Broster, from Ardrossan Presbyterial the assistance of the Acting Senior Human Resources Council who convenes the Projects and Topics Committee; Advisor (Learning and Development) Ann and Lesley and Mary Ford from Glasgow North Presbyterial Council have taken advantage of a number of courses provided who convenes Finance and General Purposes Committee by HR, as well as attending recommended external ones, 14 and Dorothy Ramsay from Paisley Presbyterial Council which have been financed by our Finance and General who convenes Programmes and Resources Committee. Purposes Committee. The staff appreciate the support of 14/10 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD the leadership team and the Finance Committee and for ADDENDUM allowing them, through a legacy given for the purpose, Elizabeth Dunn, or Betty, as she is known to us all, retires to take part in a team ‘awayday’ facilitated by Eglinton at the end of this Assembly. Betty has brought to the Consultants. Convenership her many talents: not ‘just’ her strong faith and experience in the Eldership and wider Church life, but 11. Just Guild also her extensive experience of the business world. Betty, In times of change in our environment, our lives and our awarded her MBE for her services to Export and the Textile church, the Guild remains a constant: not ‘just’ a group or Industry, has been a successful Sales Director before network, nor ‘just’ a talking shop or effective fundraisers. It setting up her own business with trade links to Japan. Her is, as it always has been, a vital organisation, doing What business acumen has been valued and much utilised by the Lord requires of us through ‘worship, prayer and action the Guild. Alongside her head for business, Betty has been (this finishes a quote - ‘worship, prayer and action’). blessed with a compassionate and caring nature which has been very evident to the Guild office staff, in particular, In the name of the Guild who have appreciated her hands-on support this year: even down to phoning the Acting General Secretary regularly from her holiday in Florida, to check how things ELIZABETH M DUNN, National Convener were last summer! FIONA J PUNTON, Information Officer, and Acting General Secretary We thank Betty most warmly on behalf of the members and officebearers of the Guild, and hope that now her trusted, not to mention reliable, Personal Assistant, husband Ian, can now get some time off for the golf course – much deserved as his support extended far beyond that of a husband to acting as secretary and managing her ‘office’ back home in Lenzie!

HELEN-MAY BAYNE, National Vice Convener FIONA J PUNTON, Information Officer, and Acting General Secretary CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/11

APPENDIX I Membership statistics Members 28,441 Affiliated groups 1,027 (Figures based on most up-to-date figures available at the time of preparation of this report.)

APPENDIX II Operational Income and Expenditure 2009 General fund income £ General fund expenditure £ Members’ contributions 203,429 Management and admin. 206,821 Sales of goods 17,790 Objects expenditure 288,587 Donations and grants 285,165 Cost of sales 15,325 Project support 18,595 Other 1,465 Total £551,480 Total £510,733

APPENDIX III Amounts given to Church Sums given by guilds in 2009 were as follows : To Ministries and Mission Funds via congregations £127,843.67 To Congregational Funds £411,523.06 To Work of the Church (including projects) £298,855.21 To Work outwith the Church £107,117.51 Total £945,339.45

APPENDIX IV Project donations (since June 2009) CrossReach: On the Other Side £24,377.40 HIV/AIDS Project: A New Hunger £14,467.02 International Justice Mission: Terrify No More £15,955.83 Ministries Council: A Place for Hope £7,136.89 Mission Aviation Fellowship: Mission Run £11,948.04 World Mission Council: Interfaith Support £4,816.39 Total £78,701.57

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APPENDIX V address of a contact member, and of a treasurer, from each Church of Scotland Guild proposed Constitution group, to whom information can be sent. The group must ensure that the financial regulations (see relevant section 1. Aim of Going for Growth) are observed. The Church of Scotland Guild is a movement within the Church of Scotland which invites and encourages both 4.3 An annual fee is due from each member and is paid women and men to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and to the Guild’s national administration office. This is the enables them to express their faith in worship, prayer and main source of operating income for the Guild. action. 4.4 Congregational groups may wish to adopt a project 2. Membership or projects nominated by the Guild. When such projects of the Guild is open to all who accept the Aim. are chosen the group would benefit from having a Project Partner (or more than one), who becomes part of 3. Structure the leadership team, to maintain interest in the selected of the Guild is as follows: projects, enabling members to receive relevant information 3.1 Congregational Groups. and progress reports.

3.2 Presbyterial Councils which unite local groups within 4.5 Congregational groups may choose to raise money a Presbytery area, and which elect representatives to serve for their project(s) and for congregational needs. If money on National Committees. is to be raised for charities or causes outwith the Church of Scotland, this must be made clear before the money is 3.3 National Committees, responsible for policy and final collected. (See relevant section of Going for Growth) decision-making, subject to section 14 below. 5. Presbyterial Councils 4. Congregational Groups 5.1 Councils are an important part of the Guild. Not only 4.1 Congregational groups are formed within the family do they provide inspiration and stimulus to the groups, but of a local congregation with the agreement of the Minister from each Council one member will be elected to serve at and Kirk Session and are subject to their jurisdiction and national level (see 7 below). Normally this person should care. Each group elects its own leadership team to run the not be the current Council Convener, but automatically group in whatever way is appropriate for the members. becomes a member of the leadership team (see relevant It is a requirement that there is a majority of Church of section of “Going for Growth”). Scotland members or adherents on this team. Short periods of leadership are acceptable and no one should 5.2 Each Council is registered with the Guild’s national be expected to remain on the team for longer than three administration office, which also needs the name and years. Members may expect to be encouraged by their address of a contact member, and of a treasurer, from each leadership teamto share responsibility for organising Council, to whom information can be sent. The Council meetings, helped by the current themes and resources of must ensure that the financial regulations (see relevant the Guild. section of Going for Growth) are observed.

4.2 Each group is registered with the Guild’s national 5.3 All members are welcome to attend Presbyterial administration office, which also needs the name and Council meetings. Should the Council be required to take CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/13 a vote on any issue, each local group appoints two voting 7. National Committees members. Each Presbyterial Council elects a member to serve at national level and to encourage consultation through Councils aim to provide support and encouragement and the Councils. These elections take place on a three year it is open to them to find the best ways in which to do this. rota basis, one third of Councils being invited each year They are encouraged to set up a process of consultation to nominate a representative. At national level there is with the groups so that needs, suggestions and ideas may an Executive Committee and four Committees to advise be responded to it and monitor the administration of the Guild. These National Committees are therefore: a) through local action b) through representation at national level. 1 Executive 2 Finance and General Purposes Councils are free to organise themselves to suit local 3 Marketing and Publicity needs, but should they feel the need of a structure, 4 Programmes and Resources the following guidelines are suggested: 5 Projects and Topics A leadership team to assist the Convener and Treasurer One third of Council representatives serve on the National to oversee the work of the Council including: Executive Committee and the remainder on the National a Project Co-ordinator, to promote support for the Guild Committees, 2-5 as listed above. An appointments Sub- Projects at local level; committee meets annually to allocate newly nominated Council Representatives to the vacancies on the National an Education Representative and an Ecumenical Committees 1-5, taking account of relevant qualifications, Relations Representative, who are encouraged to experience and interests. promote activities within the Council and with local In addition, the National Executive Committee may appoint groups, and to provide a link with the Church of a working group with a particular remit for engaging with Scotland’s work in these fields. younger people. 5.4 Each Presbyterial Council member appointed to a These Committees elect their own Conveners who also particular responsibility should seek an invitation to link serve on the National Executive. At the end of each year with the appropriate committee of Presbytery. one member from each Committee is appointed to serve 6. Co-Option on the National Executive for that member’s remaining year(s) of office. National Executive, National Committees and Presbyterial Councils may co-opt any member or adherent of any Normally no member is expected to serve longer than branch of the Christian Church, up to a maximum of five, three years at national level. and for one year only, whether a member of the Guild or not, if such a person is willing and able to contribute 8 . National Executive significantly to any particular aspect of the work The National Executive holds responsibility for the policy 14 undertaken by the Committee or Council. These co-opted development of the Guild and has authority for decision- members have no vote. making on its behalf. It must submit an Annual Report, 14/14 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD which is presented by the National Convener to the General 13. Individual Membership Assembly, to whose jurisdiction the Guild is ultimately Any person belonging to a parish or congregation of the subject. The Guild is invited to appoint a corresponding Church of Scotland in which there is no local affiliated member to the General Assembly. group may join another convenient group or become an individual member of the Guild by applying to the General The National Executive elects the National Convener and Secretary for membership and paying the current annual a National Vice-Convener who shares the work-load with fee. Names and addresses of such individual members the National Convener. Any current member of National are sent by the General Secretary to the appropriate Committees, including any member about to retire, is Presbyterial Council. eligible for election as Vice Convener. The Vice Convener and committee Conveners are eligible for election as 14. Amendments to Constitution National Convener. The Constitution may be amended by the General The office of National Convener is normally held for only Assembly following consultation with the members on the one year. recommendation of the National Executive and National Committees. Proposed changes must be intimated in 9. Administration writing to all the voting members at national level at least The National Executive appoints a General Secretary one week in advance of a meeting at which they will be employed to administer its affairs and other office staff considered. Changes may be considered only if two thirds as necessary. The General Secretary is a member of the of those eligible to vote are present at the meeting, and National Executive, ex officio. must be agreed by two thirds of those present.

10. The Guild shall continue and shall assume the whole APPENDIX VI responsibilities and the whole rights and assets previously Remit of ACTS Trafficking Task Group exercised and enjoyed by the Woman’s Guild, whose The 2007 Group believe that churches in Scotland lack work and functions are incorporated into the work and a reference point where information, concerted action, functions of the Guild. Existing trust funds and all future and strategic thinking to tackle the issue of trafficking for donations and legacies received in connection with the sexual exploitation can happen. As a result many churches Woman’s Guild or any such work or functions shall be held and church groups are not aware of what others are doing and applied by the Guild, all according to the terms and in this area. conditions applying to them. The 2007 Group welcomed the fact that a number of church 11. Appointments denominations had produced material and resource packs All appointments take effect immediately after the General which highlighted the problems, particularly through Assembly in any year. case studies. However the 2007 Group believe that there is a need to share information and to develop effective 12. Statement of Accounts collaboration which would ensure the most efficient use of A statement of the accounts of the National Executive of limited resources. The 2007 Group, therefore, recommend the Guild prepared as at 31 December each year, must be to the Forum that a small, short life working group should included within the audited Accounts of the Councils and be set up to draw up, within two years, a strategy for co- Committees of the General Assembly. operation and joint action by the churches of Scotland. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD 14/15

This working group should be composed of men and women with some knowledge and passion about the subject, prepared to be pro-active and preferably with connections to the relevant body/group in their particular church. To help them prepare an effective strategy for common action the working group would seek information from those working in the field, including governmental, voluntary, community and church based groups. APPENDIX VII Task Group Membership Dr Nelu Balaj, (Convener); formerly Scottish Churches’ Racial Justice Officer

Major John McCaffrey Salvation Army

Dave McCann Roman Catholic Church

Charmian Paterson Scottish Episcopal Church & NEWS

Fiona Punton Church of Scotland Guild

Dr Enid Scobie Scottish Episcopal Church (Mothers’ Union)

Alistair Stevenson Evangelical Alliance & International Justice Mission

Sr Christine Triay Roman Catholic Church

Alison Twaddle Church of Scotland Guild

Rev Francis Alao Scottish Churches’ Racial Justice Officer (from January 2010)

14 TRUSTEES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND HOUSING AND LOAN FUND FOR RETIRED MINISTERS AND WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS OF MINISTERS May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report and thank the Trustees and Staff .

REPORT 1. Aim of the Fund The percentage of those eligible to apply, and who were 1.1 The Fund exists to support retired Church of Scotland granted assistance, is similarly shown in Appendix 1. ministers, and widows, widowers, and separated or All those who applied and who fell within the fi nancial divorced spouses of Church of Scotland ministers, in parameters of the Fund were provided with assistance. need of help with housing. The Trustees endeavour to 2.2 The Trustees owned 263 houses at the end of 2009. provide assistance by way of either a house to rent or a The houses purchased and those sold by the Trustees house purchase loan in accordance with guidelines set, during that year, are detailed in Appendix 2, which also and regularly reviewed by, the Trustees. Guidance Notes shows the average price of the houses so purchased, and incorporating these guidelines are available on the the average price of the houses disposed of. At the end of Church of Scotland website or can be requested from the 2009, 5 houses were still being marketed for sale. Secretary at the Church offi ces. The Secretary is always happy to meet with potential applicants to discuss their 2.3 Apart from leases granted prior to 1989 (where rents particular situation, and the assistance which the Trustees continue at unchanged rates of 70 per cent of fair rents may be able to provide to them. for ministers and 35 per cent for widows or widowers of ministers), rents charged for houses provided by the Fund 1.2 The Trustees own, and regularly acquire additional are at a level of 50 per cent of the open market rent for houses for leasing at concessionary rents to those with ministers, and 25 per cent for widows and widowers of insuffi cient resources to enable them to purchase houses ministers. for themselves. Alternatively, loans at favourable rates of interest are granted up to 70 per cent of a house purchase 3. Loan Transactions : 2009 price, subject to an overriding normal maximum of £25,000 3.1 The Fund provides loans by way of Standard Loans, for Standard Loans, and £122,500 for Shared Appreciation Shared Appreciation Loans, and Short Term Bridging Loans. Loans.

2. Housing Transactions : 2009 3.2 Standard Loans are granted up to a normal maximum 2.1 Assistance provided during 2009 to ministers, limit of £25,000 at a rate of interest of four per cent for widows and widowers, and separated and divorced ministers and two per cent for surviving widows or spouses, is detailed in Appendix 1 annexed to this Report. widowers of ministers. 15 15/2 HOUSING AND LOAN FUND

3.3 Shared Appreciation Loans, which link loan values over 6.2 Investments at market value, and cash balances, at their term to the value of the property concerned over the 31 December 2009 amounted to £2,587,280. Small signs same period, may be granted up to a normal maximum limit of recovery in the global economic market produced an of £122,500. Currently rates of interest for such loans are two unrealised investment gain of £231,800. and half per cent for ministers and one and a quarter per cent for widows or widowers of ministers. 7. The Future 7.1 Those who are within fi ve years of retirement are 3.4 Short Term Bridging Loans are granted for a specifi c encouraged to contact the Fund if they feel they may period, and in specifi c circumstances, at the discretion of need to avail themselves of the Fund’s assistance. Similarly the Trustees. Interest is charged at a rate equivalent to that the Trustees always welcome an initial approach from permitted by H.M. Revenue & Customs without liability for those who are within fi ve to ten years of retirement. Such benefi t-in-kind taxation. At the time of writing this was approaches not only assist the Trustees with fi nancial four and three quarters per cent. forecasting, but can help to alleviate some of the anxieties 3.5 Details of each of the three types of loan outstanding which ministers and their spouses may experience in as at 31 December 2009 are given in Appendix 3. respect of housing as they contemplate their future after retirement. Details of commitments for the provision of 4. HM Revenue & Customs either a house to rent, or a loan, during the next fi ve years, 4.1 Commissioners may recall from the Supplementary and approved at 31 December 2009, which will require to Report to the General Assembly of 2008, that negotiations be met from funds can be found at Appendix 4. Further, were ongoing with HM Revenue & Customs concerning the the number of ministers due to retire within a fi ve to ten taxation of the benefi t-in-kind, perceived by HM Revenue year period from 31 December 2009 and whose names & Customs to be implicit in the rates of interest charged have been placed on the Preliminary Applications List for by the Fund on its various Loans. Despite representations assistance can also be found at Appendix 4. and off ers of negotiation having been made by both the Secretary and the Church’s Tax Consultant to HM Revenue 7.2 Mindful both of the current state of the housing & Customs, it has become apparent to us that there will be market, and equally of its obligations towards the Church no relaxation of this legislation for loans provided to retired and the proper and appropriate stewardship of its Ministers and their widows or widowers. It has however resources, the Trustees considered carefully the parameters been established that where loans are provided in joint for granting assistance with housing to rent, and assistance names, the tax liability can also be apportioned jointly. by way of housing loans, in December 2009. As a result, and particularly bearing in mind the static situation of the 5. Donations, Bequests etc. housing market in Scotland generally, it was agreed that 5.1 The Trustees have to report that during 2009 they the parameters for 2010 continue to be a maximum price received a total sum of £381,091 by way of donations, for a house to rent of £175,000 and the maximum price, bequests and gifts. or value, of a house in respect of which a loan would be given of, similarly, £175,000. The Trustees remain satisfi ed 6. Funds that such parameters will enable appropriate housing to 6.1 The net cost of house purchases less house sales be purchased for rental, or with the aid of Fund loans, in the during 2009 was £1,922,539. The net increase in long-term current housing market. Applicants for whom assistance loans during 2009 was £371,450. is to be granted by way of a house to rent are reminded HOUSING AND LOAN FUND 15/3 that the fi gure of £175,000 is a limit, and not a target, and an amount still within the two per cent of stipend limit they are requested to consider, fi rst, the Fund’s vacant allocated by the General Assembly for use by the Fund properties before consideration is given to purchasing a previously. new house for them. 10. Staff 8. Diligence 10.1 The Trustees wish to place on record their 8.1 The Trustees confi rm that the Staff have routinely indebtedness to the work of the Staff of the Fund, and and progressively monitored their stock of rental housing, in particular the care and support aff orded by Staff to all and housing over which loans have been secured, those who apply to, or have been assisted by, the Fund. and have continued to support all of their tenants and borrowers. No signifi cant problems have been identifi ed In the name of the Trustees or encountered.

9. Budget Allocation J G GRAHAME LEES, Chairman 9.1 The Trustees will, as previously reported, require IAN TAYLOR, Deputy Chairman to continue to draw down £500,000 per annum from LIN J MACMILLAN, Secretary Congregational Contributions to the Parish Staffi ng Fund,

15 15/4 HOUSING AND LOAN FUND

APPENDIX 1

Assistance provided 2009 2008 Number of Ministers retiring (and eligible to apply to the Fund) 47 48 Percentage assisted with a house to rent 26% 15% Percentage assisted with a house purchase loan 21% 19% Total percentage assisted 47% 34%

Percentage of individuals eligible to apply who fell within the Fund’s fi nancial parameters and who received assistance 100% 100%

Instances of assistance provided* Retiring Ministers 23 16 Ministers already retired 5 3 Widow(er)s 23 Spouses 31 Total 33 23

* Assistance may be provided in a diff erent calendar year to that in which the Minister actually retires

Tenants as at 31 December Ministers 160 159 Widow(er)s 82 78 Spouses 98 Commercial rental 2 1 Vacant 10 7 Borrowers as at 31 December Ministers 83 86 Widow(er)s 56 56 Spouse 10 HOUSING AND LOAN FUND 15/5

APPENDIX 2

Rental Housing 2009 2008 Total number of houses owned at 1 January 253 249 Houses purchased during year 16 11 Total cost of purchases £2,449,117 £1,761,830 Average house price £153,070 £160,166

Houses sold during year 4 7 Total amount realised £526,578 £1,219,910 Average proceeds £131,645 £174,273

Houses bequeathed/gifted during year 0 0 House relinquished during the year** 2 0

Houses relet during year 3 1

Total number of houses owned at 31 December 263 253

Average market rent of property purchased during year £7,556 £7,255 Average rent of new tenancies - Ministers/Spouses £3,778 £3,633 Average rent of new tenancies - Widow(er)s £0 £1,440

** 1 house now under the management of the Council of Assembly 1 house sold and proceeds received as a legacy

15 15/6 HOUSING AND LOAN FUND

APPENDIX 3

Housing Loans 2009 2008 Long term loans outstanding at 1 January 140 135 Value of loans outstanding £4,852,400 £4,176,950 New loans granted during year 9 12 Additional loans granted during year 0 1 Value of loans granted £562,500 £815,500 Loans fully repaid during year 9 7 Loans partially repaid during year 3 4 Value of loans repaid £191,050 £140,050 Long term loans outstanding at 31 December 140 140 Value of long term loans outstanding £5,223,850 £4,852,400

Short term Bridging Loans outstanding at 1 January 4 2 Value of Bridging Loans outstanding £183,000 £92,000 Bridging Loans granted during year 9 10 Value of Bridging Loans granted £464,000 £595,000 Bridging Loans repaid during year 9 8 Value of Bridging Loans repaid £457,000 £504,000 Short term Bridging Loans outstanding at 31 December 4 4 Value of Bridging Loans outstanding at 31 December £190,000 £183,000 HOUSING AND LOAN FUND 15/7

APPENDIX 4

Outstanding Commitments 2009 2008 For next 5 years Houses to rent 39 47 Housing Loans 26 30 Value of outstanding commitments £8,903,500 £11,225,000

Preliminary Applications 2009 2008 For those retiring between 5 - 10 years 5 9

15 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND INVESTORS TRUST May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Approve the re-appointments of A A Aitchison, C Y Alexander and J G Wilson as members of the Investors Trust from 1 June 2010. 3. Receive the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Investors Trust for 2009.

REPORT The Church of Scotland Investors Trust, which was Assembly. At their own meetings, the Trustees regularly established by the Church of Scotland (Properties and review and consider matters arising in respect of ethical Investments) Order Confi rmation Act 1994, submits its investment. Investment is avoided in any company whose fi fteenth Report to the General Assembly. management practices are judged by the Trustees to be unacceptable. In particular, investment is avoided in any 1. Introduction company substantially involved in gambling, tobacco The function of the Investors Trust is to provide investment products, alcohol, armaments and in other activities which services to the Church of Scotland and to bodies and trusts are felt to harm society more than they benefi t it. In general, within or connected with the Church. The Investors Trust investment is sought in companies that demonstrate off ers simple and economical facilities for investment in responsible employment and good corporate governance its three Funds: Growth Fund; Income Fund; Deposit Fund. practices, have regard to environmental performance and Investors receive the benefi ts of professional management, human rights and act with sensitivity to the communities continuous portfolio supervision, spread of investment in which they operate. risk and economies of scale.

The bulk of the Church of Scotland’s investments are 2. Investment Performance in 2009 held on a long term basis, for the purpose of generating The total value of funds invested through the Church of recurring income to support the Church’s work. An Scotland Investors Trust increased from £291.7 million increase or decline in the capital value of investments does at 31 December 2008 to £312.1 million at 31 December not necessarily have a corresponding eff ect on income 2009. The increase was mainly the result of the recovery in receivable. equity and bond markets.

Ethical considerations form an integral part of the All investment classes, apart from property and UK investment management process and the Trustees Government Bonds, showed positive returns in 2009. have given guidance to the investment managers, The major market for the Growth Fund, UK equities, rose taking into account views expressed by the General by 30.1% as measured by the FTSE All Share Index. Total

16 16/2 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND INVESTORS TRUST

Return was 17.8% against an increase for the benchmark The average rate for 2009 declared by the Deposit Fund of 20.9%. was 3.16% whilst base rate averaged 0.65%. The Fund Managers, within investment parameters set by the In consultation with the Fund Managers, the Trustees Trustees, followed a strategy of placing funds out for introduced an overall benchmark for the Income Fund longer periods to take advantage of the higher yields during 2009. The Total Return for 2009 was also 17.8%, available. This strategy delayed the adverse impact on against the benchmark of 16.5%, as many corporate bonds, the level of revenue earned following the dramatic fall in which make up the major part of both the Fund and the base rate to 0.50%. The average rate payable in 2010 will, benchmark, rebounded from depressed levels. as usual, depend on movements in the money market but Investment fundamentals for 2010 look more positive will undoubtedly be less than the 2009 level. than they were at the start of 2009. However, there will be challenges, including those arising from the historically high 4. Membership levels of Government debt both at home and abroad. In accordance with the terms of the Constitution, the following three members retire by rotation at 31 May 2010: 3. Income Distributions A A Aitchison, C Y Alexander and J G Wilson, all three having In the Growth Fund, the target was to maintain the indicated they seek re-election. It is recommended to the distribution rate at 16.5p per unit for 2009. As a result of a General Assembly that A A Aitchison, C Y Alexander and J G fall in property investment income and lower interest rates Wilson be re-appointed members as from 1 June 2010. on cash holdings, income generated by the portfolio was less than anticipated. Partial utilisation of the reserves built Mr D M Simpson retires as a Trustee on 31 May 2010 after up in the last few years when dividends were plentiful, has thirteen years service to the Investors Trust during which enabled the Trustees to declare the targeted distribution time he has served as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman. of 16.5p. The Trustees have again targeted a maintained The Investors Trust has been fortunate to have had at its payment of 16.5p for distribution in 2010. Although the disposal his considerable investment expertise and wise outlook seems less uncertain than at this time last year, counsel. the target is again set with the caveat that unforeseen developments could upset this forecast. 6. Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2009 The Income Fund distribution target rate for 2009 was 67.0p, Copies of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the same as was paid in 2007 and 2008. However this target the year to 31 December 2009 are available to download was made with the proviso that it would not be sustainable from The Church of Scotland website or can be obtained should there be any material income defaults from bond from the Secretary. holdings. The fi nancial distress was such in the corporate sector that two such bond defaults did occur and this, In the name and by the authority of combined with low returns on cash holdings, compelled The Church of Scotland Investors Trust the Trustees to reduce the 2009 distribution rate to 60.0p per unit. Confi dence and investors have since returned to the bond market and the Trustees are able to forecast that I J HUNTER, Chairman the same distribution should be payable in 2010, unless the A W T GIBB, Vice-Chairman fi nancial environment deteriorates signifi cantly. F E MARSH, Secretary 17

REPORT OF THE IONA COMMUNITY BOARD May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the report and thank the Board. 2. Commend the Rule of the Iona Community and the faithfulness it nurtures through mutual support and accountability. 3. Express appreciation of the Iona Community’s work with young offenders in countering sectarianism and through the Jacob Project. 4. Welcome the renovation of staff accommodation on Iona and thank the Church for its continuing support of the Growing Hope Appeal which has made this possible.

REPORT General and environmental degradation, the Community is 1. The Board is pleased to report another year of challenged by young people from around the world faithful service by the Iona Community. The work of the who come to Iona seeking examples of life and faith that Community is that of its members dispersed around the are driven neither by the pursuit of personal wealth and country and beyond who are united by its five-fold Rule. addiction to consumerism, nor by narrow dogma and Members seek to be part of an inspired and engaged sectarianism. community of women and men who are active in local For many people, old and young, social justice and climate churches and communities and passionate campaigners change are the great moral and spiritual crises of today and for justice and peace. they are looking for a belief system capable of transforming people to change the world. The Iona Community seeks The Iona Community through its worship and work, bears to model Christian spirituality, to rebuild common life witness to a God whose love is unconditional. Through their through working for social, economic and political justice. common faith, common task and common life, members The Community works for the renewal of the Church and staff mediate the grace of God for one another and to by exploring new and radically inclusive approaches to others. It is God’s grace that moves Christians from apathy worship and spirituality. to empathy, from passivity to prayer, from indifference to action. The grace of God is at the centre of the Iona The Community acknowledges that “for change to come, Community’s worship, discipleship and common life. It is we must be that change”. Through the practice of the the source of the Community’s passion for peace-making Rule members hold one another accountable for their and justice-seeking. prayer life and priorities, for the use of their income and of the Earth’s resources, and for actions towards peace and At the end of a decade characterised by corporate greed, justice. Life in Christian community is simultaneously a growing economic inequality, conflict and militarisation, spiritual and political statement. 17/2 REPORT OF THE IONA COMMUNITY BOARD

Islands Work throughout the season. Malcolm resigned in November 2. Iona Centres 2009 to take up an appointment in the Anglican Church of Australia. The 2009 season at the Community’s centres on Iona was, as always, full of challenges, surprises and good memories. 3. The refurbishment of the Community’s shop to Despite the difficult economic context bookings held up incorporate a welcome and interpretation centre (the well both in the Abbey (with over 1400 guests through second phase of the Community’s “Growing Hope Appeal”) the season from March to October and 84.25% occupancy was satisfactorily completed in March within budget and only slightly down on 2008) and at the MacLeod Centre timetable. The new building considerably enhances both (almost 70% occupancy – comparable with 2008, over the Community’s welcome to day-visitors as well as guests 1100 guests). In both centres, in addition to individual and provides new opportunities to promote the sale of guests from all over the world, there were many church- books and an attractive range of goods. Despite the drop related and other groups, for example, schools. Highlights in tourist numbers the shop had a fairly good year. of the season included the Church of Scotland Children’s Assembly welcoming young people from all over Scotland, 4. The third phase of the Growing Hope Appeal together with some from overseas (New Zealand, Zambia, concerns the much-needed improvement and extension Hungary, Malawi, Kenya). The event will return in the 2010 of staff accommodation in Dunsmeorach, the large house season. Introduction of a more flexible weekly programme opposite the Abbey which originally belonged to George (under a “Gathering Place” theme), with opportunities to MacLeod. The work is due to start later this year at a cost explore concerns of the Community and guests, was of around £400,000 of which £240,000 has already been generally well received. raised. Meanwhile, the implementation of a programme of planned maintenance for the Community’s properties on As always the Community is immensely grateful to its Iona remains a priority. Relations with the Historic Scotland resident staff (around 20 people on one-year or three- staff on Iona are satisfactory, although certain important year contracts). Along with volunteer staff from all over issues concerning the Community’s partnership with the the world (120 people coming for periods of six weeks agency’s headquarters staff, are still under discussion. And to three months or so) they provide hospitality for almost preparations are well in hand for the forthcoming season, 100 guests each week at the Community’s Iona centres. with promising bookings for the centres and a full resident We are richly blessed by their gifts and commitment staff complement in place once the appointment of the which contribute so much to building community and new Abbey Warden (currently in process) is completed. welcoming guests each week. During the latter part of the season, there were significant staff shortages (owing 5. Camas is the Community’s outdoor education centre to early departures, illness and visa problems), and the on Mull, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability, Community appreciates the additional demands this community building and adventure activities. Camas placed on staff. That the centres continued to operate so appeals particularly, though not exclusively, to young cheerfully and effectively is to the credit of them all. The people especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. leadership of Jamie Schmeling, a minister of the Reformed Mary Ireson, took up the post of Camas Co-ordinator in Church of America, who took over as MacLeod Centre July and with an experienced staff team led another Warden in April, and the team-building achievements of successful season. Groups were drawn from Scotland, Malcolm King, Abbey Warden, contributed significantly England and Sweden, from schools, universities, churches to the creation of a real sense of common purpose and residential social work centres. Some young people 17 REPORT OF THE IONA COMMUNITY BOARD 17/3 who are keen on environmental issues took part in the 2009 saw many challenges for the Jacob Project for John Muir Trust Award scheme. Adult weeks featured a young ex-offenders, a through-care scheme which has stimulating combination of storytelling, music making, supported eight young ex offenders to a new life and new peat cutting, kayaking and the whole experience of opportunities. The Project’s pilot period concludes at the sustainable living. end of 2010. Young adults continue to be empowered to take on leadership roles. Some were trained as youth Mainland Work leaders for our residential events; others presented the 6. Youth Development young voices of young people at policy level; while others Throughout the early part of 2009, the Iona Community’s again represented the Community abroad at international Glasgow based youth department experienced a number events. of changes – staff illness; temporary replacement staff; part time temporary staff. Yet in all the upheaval, the work Wild Goose Publications of the department continued, and with considerable 8. Wild Goose Publications published eight new titles success. over the past year:

A youth festival on Iona, with a large percentage of Scottish Acorns & Archangels, by Ruth Burgess, Down to Earth, by young people as participants, clearly demonstrated the Neil Paynter & Iain Campbell, Through Wood, by Alison success of on-going youth work on the ground. The Swinfen, Ten Things They Never Told Me About Jesus, by John enthusiasm of the under 16s, also from Scottish youth Bell, , Fifty Great Prayers from the Iona Community, by Neil centres, who, wanted to remain involved after a successful Paynter, Light of the World, by Neil Paynter & Peter Millar, week in the MacLeod Centre, was also an indication of A Blessing to Follow, by Tom Gordon and A Heart Broken good youth work practice sustained over a long period. Open, by Ray Gaston and a revised edition of Iona: God’s Energy, by Norman Shanks Throughout the year, our work in secondary schools and youth centres across the central belt offered a wide WGP has also taken forward its digitisation programme, range of workshops and reflective experiences. Feedback publishing a few eBooks and several separate liturgy from teachers, youth leaders and young people remains and worship resource downloads on various subjects. positive, highlighting the innovative and creative ways we Customers – especially those in North America and other offer a radical and inclusive Christianity to young people. parts of the world – find these a convenient and quick way of accessing material, and they are rapidly increasing 7. In HM Young Offenders Institution, Polmont “life in popularity. choices” youth work with young offenders continues to link one of the Community’s past concerns (borstal boys) with On the down side, WGP has had quite a difficult year. The the present (young offenders) as does our firm partnership economic recession has also affected trade sales drastically with the Chaplaincy in Polmont. The Youth Department – shops have been extremely cautious about ordering has continued to offer a range of work, particularly an stock or have gone out of business. Happily, direct sales to anti-sectarianism programme, which has come to the customers continue to hold up. attention of Scottish Government. Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing saw the course being delivered, 9. The Community’s magazine, Coracle, is published and suggested we expand the work in 2010 by piloting four times a year and a monthly online bulletin, eCoracle, the programme in two adult prisons. provides up-to-date news and topical vi ews. Both 17/4 REPORT OF THE IONA COMMUNITY BOARD publications are circulated worldwide keeping readers Project”, a Scottish Festival of arts, culture and faith. Jo Love informed of the life and work of the Community, offering joined WGRG in September as a third resource worker and resources for reflection and worship and providing a has been seconded part-time to Cranhill Parish Church platform for the sharing of provocative and diverse Community Art Project. perspectives on global and local issues of social justice. Growing Hope Appeal Wild Goose Resource Group 12. Funds raised by the Growing Hope Appeal have 10. The Board is pleased to note that the Resource Group enabled the redevelopment of Camas, the Community’s continues to make a significant impact on the life of outdoor centre on Mull, the creation of a new Welcome churches throughout Scotland and far beyond. Ten Things Centre and Shop on Iona and now, in the third and final stage They Never Told Me About Jesus, a beginner’s guide to a of the Appeal, be used to refurbish staff accommodation larger Christ by John L. Bell was published last summer on Iona. The Community is grateful for the donations and followed by the new WGRG liturgy booklet, Harvesting on-going fundraising activities of Members, Associates the World, suitable for contemporary harvest celebrations. and Friends and for the support of the wider Church and Following the success of Thinking Out Loud, a second numerous trusts and grant-making bodies. collection of John’s BBC Radio 4 Thoughts for the Day will be published. The Team led a week, Voices from the Edge Membership on Iona, sharing songs and experiences of those who 13. There are currently 265 Members, 1583 Associate are not “mainstream” but who have much to offer for the Members, 1403 Friends and 41 Youth Associates. Nine new renewal of the Church’s worship and witness. members were hallowed into full membership in July. All WGRG hosted a day seminar with Jeff Proctor-Murphy & twelve places for the 2009/10 New Members Programme David Felten (creators of Living The Questions) exploring have been filled and next year’s is already oversubscribed. the task of promoting progressive Christianity in Britain, In August a gathering of 34 Members, Associates and Europe and USA, and an evening with Tex Sample, master Friends took place in Boldern, Switzerland. Participants storyteller and contributor to Living The Questions. came from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland evidence of the growth of “Iona-inspired 11. John Bell was invited again to give talks at the 2009 networks” in continental Europe and further afield. Greenbelt Festival, and Wild Goose Resource Group were involved in leading worship, Big Sings and workshops, A commitment to Justice, Peace and the Integrity of representing the Community as part of the Northern Creation is a fundamental part of the Rule of the Iona Lights tent. Community, and a key aspect of Members lives both as individuals and as a community. The Holy City 2008-2009 session ended with an experimental event at Glasgow’s West End Festival, and The themes of Poverty, Place and Peace have provided a the 2009-2010 series began in October in Glasgow’s city focus to this part of the Rule. The Peace Working Group centre. This year’s theme is Revised Standard Visions: conducted an audit to provide evidence of how individuals, Imagining Another World. John has been working recently local Family Groups, and the whole Community endeavours in North America, New Zealand and Australia, as well as to fulfil the commitment to Justice, Peace and the Integrity the UK at conferences, churches, retreat centres, colleges of Creation. Members’ involvement varies according to and seminaries. Graham Maule became involved in “The the area they live in and their individual circumstances, 17 REPORT OF THE IONA COMMUNITY BOARD 17/5 and particular concerns but it is clear that across the In an age when already well paid financiers expect Community there is an unwavering commitment to bonuses for doing their jobs, Members of the Community peace and justice, reflected in many types of activity, are inspired by the example of departed friends who knew from quiet peacemaking in local neighbourhoods and the cost of discipleship in the service of the Kingdom. family relationships, to political lobbying and non-violent opposition to weapons of mass destruction. Morning worship on Iona concludes with responses which include a paraphrase of David’s words from 2 Samuel 14. The Community mourned the deaths of four 24:24. Members since last year’s Report. “We will not offer to God offerings which cost us nothing.” Rev Leith Fisher, former minister in Falkirk and Glasgow, The Iona Community contend that the economy is not Hymn Writer and Theologian, who served on many Church governed by a set of immutable laws which determine of Scotland Boards and Committees; how people relate and resources are distributed. Though Lindesay Robertson, former District Missionary in Malawi it might be costly to many of us we must change. As (where he served for 27 years), Kirk elder and respected Christians we must choose an economic system which is expert in rural community development; value based not value free. For the sake of the poor and the planet we must develop a global economy based on Rev Dr Samuel Varner, former minister in the United equality and sustainability. Churches of Christ USA, retired Clinician and Seminary Professor; In the name of the Board

Rev Maxwell Craig, former minister in Falkirk and Glasgow, STEWART SMITH, Acting Convener the first General Secretary of Action of Churches Together PETER MACDONALD, Leader in Scotland, former Convener of Church and Nation Committee and, at the time of his death, Convener of the Iona Community Board. NOMINATION COMMITTEE 18 May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Make alterations to Standing Committees and Councils as set forth in the Report. (Section 3)

REPORT 1. Statistical Information 1.4 As it happens the total number of names sent in ahead 1.1 Over the last two years the Committee has provided of the January meetings of the Committee more or less some statistical details as a means of highlighting the actual matched the number of vacancies to be filled. Members of engagement of the Church as a whole with the Nomination the Nomination Committee are also able from their local Committee process. As this was felt to be helpful the knowledge to suggest names during the course of the information is again provided and done so in such a way as meeting thus adding to the number submitted in advance. to enable comparisons to be made with previous years. 1.5 At the same time the response rate is disappointingly 1.2 Approximately 3,000 letters inviting nominations low and the Committee continues to give thought as to how were sent out. These went to Ministers, Session Clerks, this could be improved. One suggestion put forward was Presbytery Clerks, the National Office of the Guild, to allow for “self-nomination” subject to an accompanying members of the Nomination Committee and Secretaries reference from Minister, Session Clerk or Presbytery Clerk of Assembly Councils and Committees. as appropriate. The Committee will continue to monitor the situation but meantime urges all who are asked to put 1.3 These letters produced a total of 141 nominations names forward to take the request seriously. prior to the meeting, broken down as follows: • 41 nominations from 20 Ministers (compared with 41 2. Charity Governance from 37 last year and 44 from 36 in 2008); 2.1 In the course of its January meetings the Committee • 27 nominations from 15 Kirk Sessions (compared with was aware of the proposal before the Church that the 34 from 33 last year and 29 from 26 in 2008); voting members of the Council of Assembly (including the • 34 nominations from 11 Presbyteries (compared with Council Conveners) should become the Charity Trustees 21 from 6 last year and 45 from 16 in 2008); for the Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the • No nominations from the Guild (compared with 3 last General Assembly (The Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity year and 2 in 2008); Number SCO11353). This will be the subject of a report • 3 nominations from Nomination Committee members by a Special Committee appointed by last year’s General (compared with 16 last year and 26 in 2008); Assembly. In the event of the Assembly agreeing that • 36 nominations from Councils and Committees the voting members of the Council of Assembly should (compared with 61 last year and 57 in 2008). become the Charity Trustees for the Unincorporated 18/2 NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Councils and Committees, a more rigorous selection Member Retiring William Hawthorne process, including interviews, should be put in place Members Appointed Allan Dearing (Orwell and Portmoak), in respect of these appointments. The Committee fully Mary Sweetland (Alexandria) agrees with this proposal and will be ready to facilitate the Angus Macpherson, Convener necessary procedures. Bill Steele, Vice-Convener

2.2 The Committee believes that, notwithstanding the Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces outcome above, the General Assembly will expect all those Convener Retiring James Gibson appointed to its Councils and Committees to apply to their Convener Appointed Neil Gardner (Edinburgh: Canongate) duties the same standards which are required of charity Ministers Retiring Alex Forsyth, Iain Sutherland trustees. To reflect these considerations the Committee Ministers Appointed David Almond (Kirkmahoe), Alex has sought more information concerning the skills and Forsyth* (Markinch), Graham Smith (Livingston: Old) experience which nominees can bring to the work of the Members Retiring Ian Shepherd, Peter Sutton Councils and Committees. Members Appointed Richard Campbell-Doughty (West Kilbride: St Andrew’s), John Craw DCS (The Parish of 3. Nominations for Appointment to Councils Latheron) and Committees The Committee recommends the following appointments: Neil Gardner, Convener Andrew Murray, Vice-Convener Assembly Arrangements Committee Convener Retiring David Arnott Church and Society Council Convener Appointed Janet Mathieson (Cawdor l/w Croy Vice-Convener Retiring Alexander Horsburgh and Dalcross) Vice-Convener Appointed Dorothy Ferguson (Troon: St Vice-Convener Appointed Lorna Hood (Renfrew: North) Meddan’s) Ministers Retiring David Dutton, Gordon Savage Ministers Retiring Elizabeth Gibson, Elaine MacRae Ministers Appointed William Hogg (Sanquhar: St Bride’s), Ministers Resigned James Aitken, David Coulter, John Shaw Paterson (Strathaven: Rankin l/w Chapelton) Ferguson, Marion Howie, John McMahon Member Appointed Ron Steel (Edinburgh: Palmerston Place) Ministers Appointed Sally Foster-Fulton (Dunblane: Cathedral), Elaine MacRae* (Buchlyvie l/w Gartmore), Alan Janet Mathieson, Convener Miller (Paris), Iain Murdoch (Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old Lorna Hood, Vice-Convener and Morningside), Jayne Scott (Culross and Torryburn) Central Services Committee Member Retiring Marjory Russell Convener Retiring Stewart Roy Members Resigned Marjorie Clark, Fred Dinning, Grahame Convener Appointed Angus Macpherson (Edinburgh: Smith Palmerston Place) Members Appointed Gill Bishop (Culsalmond and Rayne), Ruth Halley (Gorebridge), Catherine Hay (Fraserburgh: Old), Vice-Conveners Retiring Douglas Paterson, Pauline Weibye Jason Lingiah (Edinburgh: Barclay Viewforth), Hazel Watson Vice-Convener Appointed Bill Steele (Alvie and Insh) (Glasgow: Jordanhill), Rhoda Wright (Aberdeen: Mannofield) Minister Retiring Iain Paton Minister Appointed Iain Paton* (Elie l/w Kilconquhar and Ian Galloway, Convener Colinsburgh retired) Dorothy Ferguson, Vice-Convener NOMINATION COMMITTEE 18/3 18 Committee on Church Art and Architecture Laurence Whitley (Glasgow: Cathedral), George Whyte Vice-Convener Retiring Peter Gardner (Presbytery Clerk, Edinburgh) Vice-Convener Appointed Andrew Nash (Glasgow: Elders Retiring Brian Adair, Alex Bennie, Margaret Foggie, Sandyford Henderson Memorial) David May, Andrew Nash, Margot Robertson, Monica Ministers Appointed Bill Hogg (Sanquhar: St Bride’s), Alison Stewart Mehigan (Bellie l/w Speymouth) Elders Appointed Andrew Bell (Edinburgh: Wardie), Member Retiring Campbell McKenzie Christopher Macrae (Strathaven: Avendale Old and Member Resigned Damien Mason Drumclog), Dennis Malcolm (Rothes), Struan Robertson Member Appointed Brian Robertson (Edinburgh: Palmerston (Glasgow: Merrylea), Alan Thomson (Burnside: Blairbeth) Place) Aileen Nimmo, Chairman Eleanor Macalister, Convener Alasdair MacFadyen, Vice-Chairman Andrew Nash, Vice-Convener Council of Assembly Legal Questions Committee Members Retiring Peter Ball, Donald Carmichael Minister Resigned Christine Goldie Members Appointed Stephen Brown (West Kilbride: St Minister Appointed George Cowie (Aberdeen: South Holburn) Andrew’s), Donald Carmichael* (Giffnock: Orchardhill) Member Retiring Elizabeth Fox Member Appointed Robert Hynd (Glasgow: Hyndland) Alan Greig, Convener Peter Brand, Vice-Convener Carole Hope, Convener Alan Hamilton, Vice-Convener Iona Community Board Convener Appointed G Stewart Smith (Glasgow: King’s Park Ministries Council retired) (1 year) Ministers Retiring Gordon MacRae, Jim Reid, Elisabeth Ministers Retiring Mark Foster, Alison Jaffrey Spence, Margaret Steele Minister Appointed James Black (Edinburgh: St John’s Ministers Resigned Susan Anderson, Kenneth Borthwick, Oxgangs member) Joanne Hood Member Appointed Fiona Cunningham (Kirkcaldy: Torbain) Ministers Appointed Colin Brough (Dundee: Fintry), Robert Hamilton (Airdrie: New Wellwynd), Alison Meikle (Lanark: G Stewart Smith, Convener St Nicholas’), Anne Paton (East Kilbride: Old), Andrea Price (Birsay, Harray and Sandwick), Jim Reid* (Kinghorn) Judicial Commission Members Retiring Fiona Kent, Pat Munro DCS, Elspeth Smith Ministers Retiring Sandy Cairns, John Ferguson, Michael Member Resigned Richard Roberts Frew, Iain Paton, Ramsay Shields, Valerie Watson Members Appointed Marion Buchanan DCS (Glasgow: Ministers Appointed Robert Allan (Falkirk: Old and St Garthamlock and Craigend East), Richard Campbell Modan’s), David Arnott (St Andrews: Hope Park l/w (Dunfermline: St Margaret’s), Janet Harper (Fossoway: Strathkinness), John Chambers (Inverness: Ness Bank St Serf’s and Devonside), David Stewart (Edinburgh: St retired), George Cowie (Aberdeen: South Holburn), Andrew’s and St George’s West) Jeremy Middleton (Edinburgh: Davidson’s Mains), Val Ott (Borgue l/w Gatehouse of Fleet), Wilma Pearson Graham Finch, Convener (Glasgow: Cathcart Trinity), Andrea Price (Birsay, Harray Ian Dick, Neil Dougall, Lezley Kennedy, and Sandwick), Lindsay Schlüter (Larkhall: Trinity), Muriel Pearson, Vice-Conveners 18/4 NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Mission and Discipleship Council Committee to Nominate the Moderator Vice-Convener Appointed Linda Dunnett DCS* (Glasgow: Member Retiring Ian Collie Partick South) (1 year) Member Appointed Roy Weston (Bearsden: Killermont) Ministers Retiring Bryan Kerr, Gayle Taylor Minister Resigned Roderick Macrae Parish Development Fund Ministers Appointed Gary Caldwell (Airdrie: Flowerhill), Convener Retiring Martin Fair Daniel Carmichael (Lenzie: Union), Mairi Lovett (Menstrie) Convener Appointed Rolf Billes (Edinburgh: Colinton) (3 years) Vice-Convener Appointed Scott Marshall (Abercorn l/w Member Retiring Dorothy Kinloch Pardovan, Kingscavil and Winchburgh) Member Appointed Pamela Mitchell (Dunscore) Minister Resigned Dugald Cameron Ministers Appointed Elizabeth Henderson (Edinburgh: Mark Johnstone, Convener Richmond Craigmillar), Iain McFadzean (Auchtergaven Alan Birss, Linda Dunnett, Neil Pratt, Vice-Conveners and Moneydie) Member Retiring Elizabeth Philip Nomination Committee Member Resigned Alexandra Bauer Ministers Retiring Nicola Frail, David Harper, Sigrid Marten, Member Appointed David Geddes (East Kilbride: Stewartfield David Randall, Robert Travers NCD) Minister Resigned Alastair Cherry Rolf Billes, Convener Ministers Appointed Christine Clark (Aberlady l/w Gullane), Scott Marshall, Vice-Convener David Clark (Dundee: Steeple), Adam Dillon (Kirkpatrick Juxta l/w Moffat: St Andrew’s l/w Wamphray), Euan Glen Personnel Appeal Panel (Cluny l/w Monymusk), Iain Goring (Glasgow: Castlemilk Members Retiring Derek Lawson, George Whyte West), William Holland (Lochend and New Abbey retired), Members Appointed Sheila Gunn (Glasgow: St George’s Douglas Nicol (Hobkirk and Southdean l/w Ruberslaw), Ken Tron), Norma Shippin (Edinburgh: Holyrood Abbey) Russell (Stirling: St Columba’s) Solicitor of the Church, Secretary Members Retiring James Couper, Flora Little, Ian Maclagan, Stuart Monro, Catherine Nelson, Xandra Shearer, William Publishing Committee Weatherspoon Convener Retiring John Macgill Member Resigned Ailsa Henderson Convener Appointed Kenneth Forrest (Paisley: Sandyford Members Appointed Duncan Alexander (Elgin: St Giles’ and St (Thread Street)) Columba’s South), Anne Brundle (Stenness), Janet Cameron Vice-Convener Appointed John Henderson (Bowden and (Stornoway: St Columba), Moyra Cameron (Aberdeen: Melrose) Mastrick), Janette Henderson (The United Church of Bute), Members Retiring Gavin Drummond, David Smith Christine Mackenzie (Inverness: Old High St Stephen’s), Members Appointed Rosemary Dewar (Largoward), Gavin Violet Service (Tarff and Twynholm) Drummond* (Forfar: St Margaret’s) Colin Sinclair, Convener Kenneth Forrest, Convener Ian Black, Vice-Convener John Henderson, Vice-Convener NOMINATION COMMITTEE 18/5 18 Panel on Review and Reform World Mission Council Convener Appointed David Cameron* (1 year) (Kilmarnock: Convener Retiring Colin Renwick New Laigh Kirk) Convener Appointed Andrew McLellan (HM Inspector of Vice-Convener Retiring Marina Brown Prison retired) (2 years) Vice-Convener Appointed Donald Campbell (Dumfries: St Ministers Retiring David Bartholomew, Catherine Buchan, George’s) Donald Martin, Aileen Robson Ministers Appointed John Ferguson (Peterculter), Jack Holt Minister Resigned Alison Swindells (Birse and Feughside) Ministers Appointed Catherine Buchan* (Laggan l/w Member Resigned Richard Wallis Newtonmore), Christine Sime (Dunscore l/w Glencairn and Moniaive) David Cameron, Convener Members Retiring Donald Burgess, John Milne Donald Campbell, Vice-Convener Members Resigned Judy Arrowsmith, Moira Cubie Safeguarding Committee Members Appointed Donald Burgess* (Linlithgow: Convener Retiring John Christie St Michael’s), John Crispin (Edinburgh: Murrayfield), Convener Appointed Ranald Mair (Stewarton: John Knox) Grahame Henderson (Eddlestone l/w Peebles: Old), Vice-Convener Appointed Karen Watson (Edinburgh: Campbell Jackson (Annan: Old), Roy Nelson (Montrose: Marchmont St Giles’) Melville South), Eileen Robertson (Bearsden: New Member Appointed Elizabeth Garrity (West Kilbride: Kilpatrick) St Andrew’s) Andrew McLellan, Convener Ranald Mair, Convener Shirley Brown, Stewart Gillan Vice-Conveners Karen Watson, Vice-Convener * denotes second term Social Care Council Ministers Retiring Douglas Irving, Ivor MacDonald, Ron In the name of the Committee Whyte Minister Appointed Douglas Irving* (Kirkcudbright) COLIN SINCLAIR, Convener Members Retiring Margaret Dallas, Mary Landels, Rena IAN BLACK, Vice-Convener Mappin, Ruth Middleton, Michael Thomson FINLAY MACDONALD, Secretary Members Resigned Robert McFarlane, Hugh Mackintosh Members Appointed Peter Barber-Fleming (Dunblane Cathedral), Kay Keith (Dunscore), Mary Landels* (Bannockburn: Allan), John Macgill (Haddington: St Mary’s), J Ross Macphail (Haddington: St Mary’s), Hazel Scott (Monikie and Newbigging and Murroes and Tealing), Bill Steele (Alvie and Insh), William Wallace (Balerno) Sydney Graham, Convener Sally Bonnar, Ramsay Shields, Vice-Conveners

PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM May 2010 19 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Approve the request for an extension of time to develop the proposals for reform set out in section 2 of the report and instruct the Panel to report further to the General Assembly of 2011. 3. Instruct Presbyteries to consider the Panel’s proposals for reform in conjunction with the issues raised by the Ministries Council and the Special Commission on the Third Article Declaratory. 4. Instruct Councils, Committees and Presbyteries to engage with the Panel as required with a view to sharing their experience and expertise in delivering the vision for the Church of Scotland. 5. Adopt the Overture anent Local Church Review as set out in Appendix 1, and transmit the same to Presbyteries under the Barrier Act, directing that returns should be sent to the Principal Clerk not later than 31 December 2010. 6. Instruct the Mission and Discipleship Council to produce and maintain guidance on the objectives of Local Church Review and instruct the Legal Questions Committee to monitor the effectiveness of relevant legislation. 7. Adopt Appendices 2 and 3 as initial statements of guidance for Presbyteries in exercising routine superintendence. 8. Commend the report “Overseas Mission in the Life of the Local Church” for study by the Church. 9. Urge congregations to establish a world church partnership with a congregation or project which is relevant to their situation. 10. Affirm the World Mission Council for the work undertaken so far in the development of partnerships and twinnings at local level and recommend that the research be used as a basis for future work. 11. Encourage the World Mission Council in its development of policy and strategy in relation to partnerships and twinnings which support and resource congregations and Presbyteries in line with section 4.8 of this report. 12. Encourage the World Mission Council in its development of mechanisms for shared learning for congregations and Presbyteries involved in partnerships and twinnings.

REPORT

1. Introduction the complexity of setting up and maintaining overseas 1.1 Overseas Mission Partnership Project partnerships. The report covers congregations involved The Panel presents its final report on the study into the in World Mission twinnings and extends to the many and effect of overseas mission on the life of local church varied other links which exist between congregations communities where they have an interactive partnership in Scotland and organisations overseas. Section 4 with an overseas project. This extensive report explores summarises the research, presenting an encouraging 19/2 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM report, highlighting the benefits and the challenges of • management and administration such relationships. The Panel commends the report to • buildings used creatively and effectively the World Mission Council, their partners and the wider • the importance of building fellowship church for further study. • encouraging ecumenical links/resourcing • encouraging the gifts/talents of all people 1.2 Superintendence • identifying and encouraging key leaders 1.2.1 Local Church Review • discerning the community’s needs The Panel considers that one way in which a presbytery • developing a shared ‘resource bank’ of gifts and can most effectively exercise its duty of care, support and specialisms oversight of congregations, Kirk Sessions, office-bearers and members is through a process of review. This is 2.1.2 For any proposal for change in the way presbyteries currently carried out under the provisions of the Act anent operate to be taken forward, it was recognised that Presbytery Visits to Congregations (as amended by Acts VI, • there should be clear guiding principles 1992, II, 2001, VI 2004, XV 2006, VII 2007 and IV 2009). The • worshipping communities should be flexible Panel proposes that this be replaced by a Local Church • ministry and mission are key to all we do Review. Although Local Church Review would include a • we need effective community/church collaboration visit, or a series of visits, it would entail much more, focusing • devolved responsibility for budgets and resourcing on the future plans of the local church for its mission. The should be considered detail is set out in section 3 of this report. • we must have a clear framework of governance, accountability and authority. 2. Preparing for reform 2.1.3 With its process validated by the 2009 General Instruct the Panel on Review and Reform to bring to the Assembly, the Panel embarked on a series of more detailed General Assembly of 2010 proposals for an alternative consultations on five possible models with Presbyteries, Presbytery structure, including size, devolved powers, congregations, Councils and Departments of the Church, staffing, and appropriate budgets, along with the resources to stimulate debate on the possibilities for reform. We necessary to facilitate and sustain such changes.1 were giving people an opportunity to comment on how the current presbytery system could be improved 2.1 Introduction in their own areas or a different model implemented. 2.1.1 The consultation on the remit given to the Panel What local adjustments would make a difference? What by the 2008 General Assembly began with a conference implications would it have for supporting functions such as of presbytery representatives in the autumn of that year communication, decision-making, resourcing and finance? and from information gathered from delegates, the Panel explored the following in more depth: 2.1.4 There is no one single or normative model of • possibilities for devolved powers church life. The Panel believes an agreed model for an • effective communication alternative structure should take into account the particular • the role and size of Presbytery circumstances in which a presbytery may find itself at any • resourcing – financial, human, support and training given time. For example, Highlands and Islands, central belt, urban, suburban, priority area and rural charges will 1 Special Commission on Structure and Change Report to the 2008 have a common operating structure but require sufficient General Assembly, Deliverance, s 4 flexibility according to regional and local need. The PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/3

Panel recognises that one size does not fit all and invites 2.2 A Reformed Tradition Presbyteries to work with them on a more dynamic model 2.2.1 The ‘Church Without Walls’ report delivered to the for the Church. 2001 General Assembly gained widespread support for, 19 amongst other things, its recommendation that “the 2.1.5 To set that process in motion, the Panel proposes shape of the church be turned upside down to affirm the to set up Presbytery Pilot Regions [PPRs] to plan and primacy of the local Christian community …”2 prepare the Church for reform. 2.2.2 Although such a model has been viewed by many 2.1.6 The Panel believes this is a pragmatic approach. as ‘new’, in reality it mirrors that instituted by the reformers We share the widespread conviction of many to whom we in the earliest years of the Reformed Church in Scotland. have spoken and listened that mission should be at the Far from turning the church upside down, a model of forefront of the whole Church’s agenda. church governance which affirms the primacy of the local Christian community, as suggested here by the Panel on 2.1.7 We recognise and commend the willingness by the Review and Reform, returns the Church back to the ‘right supporting structures of the Church to delegate significant side up’ of its reformed roots. functions to presbyteries. We also understand that simply defining a workable model is not enough to persuade the 2.2.3 Within the first decade following the Reformation Church to move to different way of ‘being church’. Parliament, the Church of Scotland recognised clear and distinct roles for the local court (Kirk Session), the 2.1.8 This report sets out proposals for strengthening regional court (Superintendent’s Synod), and the national presbyteries and for re-affirming their mission. It proposes court (General Assembly). Wherever possible, this was a that presbyteries should assume greater responsibility bottom-up model with the regional synods being the for their own planning and financial resourcing, be key court. encouraged to clearly define their mission, to operate flexibly and imaginatively and to develop procedures and 2.2.4 The role of the synods was to “consult upon the 3 structures that best fulfil that purpose. common affaires of there diocies.” The General Assembly repeatedly refused to discuss matters which could be 2.1.9 The Panel proposes a progressive implementation determined at the regional level.4 Only those issues that of these proposals to begin in September 2010. Those a synod felt unable to resolve, could be raised at national presbyteries choosing to participate in the pilot will level.5 work with the Panel to develop their own structures and procedures that support mission. During 2011 and 2012, more presbyteries will be encouraged to join the pilot. 2 Special Commission anent Review and Reform, Report to the 2001 General Assembly, Section 2, 36/16 2.1.10 The Panel seeks the General Assembly’s approval 3 Thomson, T, ed, Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies of the to develop these proposals along with the appropriate Kirk of Scotland from the year MMCLX,I, p 29, (Edinburgh, 1939-1945) bodies of the Church who have committed themselves 4 Thomson, T, ed, Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies of the to working with the Panel to provide the detail of how Kirk of Scotland from the year MMCLX,I, pp 52 and 132, (Edinburgh, 1939- an alternative presbytery structure can be resourced and 1945) 5 Thomson, T, ed, Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies of the sustained by the Church. The Panel will report on progress Kirk of Scotland from the year MMCLX,I, pp 191-92, (Edinburgh, 1939- to the 2011 General Assembly. 1945) 19/4 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

2.2.5 This ‘bottom-up’ model encouraged the a small number of presbyteries and is inviting others to development of local solutions to local problems and become involved. This is not about structural change for the regional determination of staffing needs and financial the sake of it but about renewal and engagement within allocations in light of local knowledge. It gave primacy to and beyond existing structures where the presbytery is the local church, with its local needs, and local solutions. the regional resource and support for delivery of local Indeed, even those matters which were determined at a mission initiatives. national level acknowledged the primacy of the regional level and it was not uncommon to see General Assembly 2.3.2 There would be a number of Presbytery Pilot deliverances modified as Synods took local factors into Regions each consisting of a presbytery or group of co- account when promulgating national policy.6 operating presbyteries. The Panel would work alongside these presbyteries on an approach to regional church 2.2.6 It is just such a model that we present in this which would have an impact on every aspect of church report. A model which recognises local needs, affirms local and parish life. knowledge and values local solutions. 2.3.3 As well as geographical boundaries, and to test 2.3 The Proposal the practicality of the local management of funds, the There is unfinished business when it comes to the Regional pilot regions would also have financial boundaries within Church. At present, a considerable degree of power is which they would have the freedom to adjust and make concentrated at the centre because there is no adequate such changes as would be required to make the church in repository for it elsewhere. In the event of the Regional that area more effective in living out its purpose. Church being reshaped in the way envisaged by Church 2.3.4 The Panel’s consultations with Presbyteries without Walls at least part of the function of equipping, demonstrated their wish to be mission-oriented rather resourcing and supporting local communities might pass than administration-driven. The primary objective of the to Presbytery, thus perhaps achieving a better balance pilot scheme is to strengthen presbyteries in ways that between local initiative, regional responsibility and enable them to further the mission of the Church, to national oversight. The central administration could and share the Gospel with all, and to provide resources and perhaps should become smaller. However, there are, and effective encouragement for the total Christian effort are likely to continue to be, things that cannot effectively within the region. They would need to be adaptable to be done by congregations or Presbyteries alone.7 change and continual review, flexible enough to be aware of the possibilities for different forms of ministry, and open 2.3.1 The Panel proposes to test a new model of regional to exploring new directions where missional imagination church by establishing a scheme the purpose of which could be realised. is to encourage presbyteries to focus on mission in the local context and to experiment with different forms of 2.3.5 Because presbyteries will have challenges operation appropriate to their own situations. At the time particular to their geography or demography, there will be of writing the Panel has already begun discussions with different outcomes in different regions.

6 St Andrews University Muniments, manuscript MS30415 2.3.6 The Panel encourages those involved in the 7 Special Commission on Structure and Change, Report to the 2008 pilot to be creative in their approaches to effective General Assembly, 25/10, 6.2 organisation. Structural change alone cannot improve the PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/5 life of presbyteries. Function should drive structure – not structure, strategy, systems, style, staffing and skills all the other way round – so any change must demonstrate a stem from the call to follow Christ into service – the core benefit to the overall presbytery system. purpose of the church. 19

2.3.7 The pilot scheme will be monitored as it proceeds 2.5 The Mission and structure of the Presbytery Pilot to determine how the procedures and structures could be Region further developed or adjusted.

2.4 The Vision Where there is no vision the people perish. The vision of the Church of Scotland is to be a (Proverbs 29:18, AV) church which seeks to inspire the people of Scotland It impacts upon us and upon our world; we are never and beyond with the Good News of Jesus Christ the same again once we determine exactly where it is through enthusiastic, worshipping, witnessing, we are trying to go. It influences our learning, our nurturing and serving communities.8 resources and how we use them, as well as affecting 2.4.1 Any proposal for change in the structure at a our relationships. (Panel on Review and Reform, presbytery level should facilitate the achievement of Report to the General Assembly 2005) the vision for the Church of Scotland. It should facilitate worship and inspiration, a more comprehensive oversight of resources, and relational support for local mission. 2.5.1 The Role of Presbytery “The single biggest reason organisational changes 2.5.1.1 The role of the presbytery in the national church fail is that no-one thought about the endings is to or planned to manage their impact on people. • encourage worship, mission and ministry in the Naturally concerned about the future, planners and presbytery area; implementers usually forget that people have to let • strengthen and support local congregations and their go of the present first. They forget that while the ministries; first task of change management is to understand • provide oversight of congregations, ministers and the destination and how to get there, the first task elders. of transition management is to convince people to leave home.”9 2.5.1.2 Governance, business and administration should support the primary missional function of the Church. 2.4.2 Any proposed structure and all elements within it should be in harmony with the vision and it should 2.5.1.3 The Panel envisages the establishment of always be possible, even during implementation, to resource groups which would concentrate on specific demonstrate that this is the case. Placing shared values issues affecting the Presbytery Pilot Regions and its at the core of proposals for change emphasises that our parishes such as youth ministry, the unemployed, property, values are fundamental to the development of all the or issues of geographical location. Congregations would critical elements of any presbytery structure. The Church’s be invited to send representatives to those groups whose interests matched their own, so encouraging co-operation 8 Panel on Review and Reform report 2006, 19/11, 8.1.2 between local churches and a commitment to address 9 Bridges, William, Managing Transitions, Nicholas Brealey, 2003 issues that cross parish and presbytery boundaries. 19/6 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

The groups would provide the focus of the presbytery’s • guide the presbytery in performing its essential functions; work in mission and ministry and determine the level of • reconfigure presbyteries to support congregations as support required. Group members need not necessarily they plan the best way forward. be presbytery members. 2.7.2 The proposals would contribute to the 2.6 The Aims of the pilot scheme achievement of some of the aspirations expressed by 2.6.1 The aims of the pilot scheme are: presbytery representatives during the course of the Panel’s (a) to encourage each presbytery involved, whether consultations: as an individual presbytery or as one of a group of • We need a change of spirit, spiritual growth, spiritual presbyteries in a Presbytery Pilot Region to: change and reformation; vision for the Church and • see the mission for the presbytery as its purpose enthusiasm in the congregations. for being and as the focus of its activity; • We need empowerment, courage to use the authority • be adventurous and enterprising in the activities we already have, the capacity to take more, the liberty it undertakes to fulfil that mission; to try new ideas: perhaps we already have this, but are • plan and think beyond the perceived constraints unaware of it. of the current presbytery system of operation • We need to accept and initiate change, to evaluate our and support, in terms of the types of ministry performance and to improve. that it uses, and in terms of the allocation of staff • We need a change of language and of style. and resources; 2.7.3 The proposals should help to overcome some of • develop a detailed plan for the undertaking the frustrations encountered: of mission across the presbytery or region, • The processes of Presbytery seem bureaucratic, bringing together an audit of the region, the ineffective, and not clearly contributing to the work of mission focus and the available resources; congregations or the personal revitalisation of those • develop and operate structures, processes and participating. relationships in the presbytery region with other • The role of Presbyteries is not clear. bodies, that allow it most effectively to fulfil its • Congregations have little contact with the Presbytery mission; and question its value. • develop structures and processes that embody • Presbyteries often have insufficient people prepared trust as well as accountability; to commit time to the work required to be done, • exercise its duty of care, oversight and overstretched with demands from the General Assembly encouragement of congregations through the and Councils and Departments of the Church. process of Local Church Review. (b) to evaluate the developments that arise in the pilot 2.7.4 Each presbytery would develop a detailed plan scheme that could be applied to other areas of the based on an overall vision for the region, an audit of its national church. social, economic, religious and spiritual environment, an understanding of the financial basis and the capacity 2.7 The Advantages of the pilot and vision of the congregations, together with a set of 2.7.1 The Panel’s proposals would aim to objectives for the future. • clarify the role of presbytery; • The Presbytery Plan would not need to be ‘approved’: • give more authority to the presbytery; the presbytery itself would develop and implement it. PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/7

2.7.5 The presbytery would have increased flexibility in specialist ministries; for example, a Presbytery Mission how it operated and greater control over its funds and the Development Officer to foster mission development use to which they are put. and growth or a Presbytery Administrator to deal with 19 • A presbytery could choose a structure and a method routine administration and finance which frees others to of operation that suited its own needs and identified concentrate on worship, witness, nurture and service; mission. • resolution by those less involved where ‘difficult • Additional funds could be raised from within the decisions’ have to be made about a congregation or presbytery to meet particular needs. minister with the possible negative effect on personal relationships. 2.7.6 A presbytery would have greater discretion to determine its own structure and set up its own operational 2.8 A Mission Project mechanisms, sub-committees and reporting processes. 2.8.1 The missionary calling of the church begins • This would involve a wider range of people eg the with the local. The Panel proposes to work with each membership of the mission groups, resource groups. presbytery region and with the Mission and Discipleship • Other committees need not be limited to members of Council to develop a mission-based focus appropriate to the presbytery meeting. the local situation, creating a church culture around local • The presbytery would have the flexibility to be creative, community. adventurous and enterprising. • It would allow a structure that is relationally focused, 2.8.2 The united effort of all congregations in the fosters trust, enabling personal support and encourage- Presbytery Pilot Region would be needed to ensure the ment of ministers and elders. rational use of resources and a mission sufficiently varied • It would free up ministers and elders allowing more to make room for all. If the Church is fragmented, her time for worship, witness, nurture, and service. mission is fragmented. • There could be a reduction in the number of presbytery 2.9 Structure unspecified meetings with consequent savings in travel, time and 2.9.1 What is the optimum structure that would deliver costs. these core functions in a way that is unique to the culture 2.7.7 The Panel strongly believes our recommendations and mission of each presbytery? would work better with a wider resource base from which 2.9.2 The shape and functions of the presbytery should to operate. This could mean that a number of presbyteries be determined by the key factors which would achieve its unite and work together with a combined budget. A larger mission: organisation of presbyteries would have the following • What is the church for? advantages: • Why are we here? • the availability of a greater pool of people with • What is our function? appropriate skills, leadership, training and experience to • How are we to serve in this place at this time? carry out governance tasks; • a regional structure that is more efficient and financially 2.9.3 The Panel’s consultations found there was sustainable; dissatisfaction with the large and diverse agendas • a reduction of duplicated resources across the country; considered at many presbytery meetings; some expressed • a greater resource base for paid positions and the view that “I am not needed at this meeting” or that 19/8 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

‘This is a waste of my time’. Meetings were often felt to Presbytery meetings each year held in turn in different be boring and to provide little personal fulfilment or congregations’ towns, and usually held over a weekend. stimulation. There was also concern at non-attendance This allows a mixture of worship, business, fellowship at some presbytery meetings, at the large size of others, and chat over an extended period. Most of the formal and a reluctance or inability of many to participate. For a business which requires decisions throughout the year presbytery meeting to be effective: is undertaken by the Presbytery Business Committee • Each member must find that the meeting adds value which communicates regularly by teleconferencing to his or her life, either because he or she believes they and occasionally in person. In addition, there are are contributing effectively to something important or four Committees: Superintendence, Mission, Finance because they value the fellowship. and Property, Education and Training. Individuals are • The meeting should be well managed. appointed by the Presbytery to take responsibility for matters such as safeguarding, adult training, financial 2.9.4 Many presbyteries have established, or are overview and property surveys. experimenting with, meeting formats to make them more attractive, effective and fulfilling for those who During the weekend of the main Presbytery meetings, attend them. Wigtown and Stranraer Presbytery, like time is set aside for committee meetings and plenary many other small presbyteries, has a limited number sessions. The Presbytery feels that the smooth of people available, had a heavy committee structure operation of its work is due to the careful preparation shadowing the Councils and Committees of the Church, undertaken by committees before the main business and poor attendance at meetings which often resulted meetings. Access to the internet by all the ministers or in a convener’s report being delivered at the Presbytery Presbytery members and the availability of broadband meeting. People wanted to be more involved but did facilities to all but one enables papers to be distributed not want to spend more time on Presbytery business. electronically, and fast communication is the norm. The Presbytery moved from multiple committees to Meeting only twice a year enhances the importance just three (Oversight and Superintendence, Finance and of those meetings and encourages good attendance Fabric and Special Interests, with co-ordination through (nearly always 100%). Partners are welcome to join in a Moderator’s Group). These Committees are well led and the events. A disadvantage of the success of this model attended, have significant agendas and the Presbytery is the increased financial burden that results from so hears and debates well-prepared reports. Presbytery many wishing to attend! meetings are limited to four plenary sessions per year, each preceded by a significant time of worship. Most of 2.10 Some Proposed Pilot Regions the business is taken forward by Committee meetings 2.10.1 The pilot scheme should represent the range of held on other months. churches in Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands, urban, rural and city-based. 2.9.5 Because of its geography, the Presbytery of Europe operates differently to most others in the Church. 210.2 The Panel is having discussions with a number It has the same relationship to the Councils and the of presbyteries who might be willing to help develop General Assembly as do other Presbyteries and consists the pilot and encourages the involvement of groups of fourteen charges (two of which are outside Europe) of neighbouring presbyteries to participate in the and two associated congregations. There are two development and implementation of these proposals. PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/9

2.11 The Role of presbytery as a support to the local 2.12.1.3 A presbytery has to do those things that church individual congregations cannot do, taking account of 2.11.1 The Panel sees the local church as the primary differing strengths, of the potential for different types of 19 way in which the Church participates in God’s work. ministries that are beyond the capacity of an individual • Congregations are the focus of the action as they congregation. Because the challenges cross parish discern their vision of what God is doing. boundaries, they are best dealt with in a co-ordinated way. • The regional church is the focus of support – the place of This could be through partnerships with churches outside oversight, regional resourcing, encouragement, regional the Church of Scotland, mission work, or by seeking links planning, co-ordination, and accountability. with community bodies. • The national church is the focus of essential servicing, policy development, and national networking. 2.12.1.4 A presbytery should undertake an audit or review to identify the mission for whole area. This would 2.12 Planning form the basis of a plan which has clear objectives, is sufficiently challenging and inspirational to harness Suppose one of you wants to build people’s energy and commitment but realistic enough to a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate be achievable. (SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? Relevant and Time-limited). For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, 2.12.1.5 The plan would set out the existing and everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow proposed deployment of ministries and finance together began to build and was not able to finish’. Or suppose with the rationale behind any proposals for additional a king is about to go to war against another king. resources. The plan should: Will he not first sit down and consider whether he a) identify the mission of the presbytery for the forthcoming is able with ten thousand men to oppose the planning period; one coming against him with twenty b) identify the circumstances and needs of the thousand? (Luke 14:28-32, NIV) presbytery; c) identify such resources as leadership, ministry, property and finance in accordance with the presbytery’s vision. 2.12.1 Developing a plan for the region 2.12.1.1 Presbytery Pilot Regions would be expected to 2.12.1.6 For the duration of the pilot scheme, plans for present a detailed five year plan for the region which would the Presbytery Pilot Regions would be submitted via the be updated annually. Currently, the plan produced by each Panel on Review and Reform to the Ministries and Mission presbytery often consists of little more than numbers of and Discipleship Councils and to the Finance Group of the ministers and where they should be allocated. Council of Assembly.

2.12.1.2 Each presbytery has a wide area of responsibility: 2.12.2 Implementing the Plan they have to review and understand the overall situation in 2.12.2.1 Having produced a plan, the Presbytery Region the presbytery, to ascertain what is God’s will, to determine would be solely responsible for its implementation. what is the capacity for action, what is the vision of God’s people in that situation and to what extent they can be 2.12.3 Linking to the Local Church Review and plan encouraged to achieve it. 2.12.3.1 The presbytery would set objectives both 19/10 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM informed by and informing the plans of congregations, Deacons Youth workers Mission and based on the proposed Local Church Review process Co-ordinators (see section 3). In this way, the mission of the local church would be a fundamental part of the presbytery’s mission. Pastoral Presbytery Counsellors In the first few years, until the Local Church Review process workers advisers is in full operation, the presbytery would have to rely on Other presbytery and parish support and development other means, including existing good practice, to establish staff a full understanding of the work and mission of all its congregations. It was he who gave some to be 2.12.4 Ministers and Ministries apostles, some to be prophets, some to 2.12.4.1 Every Christian seeks to respond to the call of be evangelists, and some to be pastors and God in their lives and to serve him in ways in which their teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of skills and God-given talents can be put to best use. In the service, so that the body of Christ may be built up context of the church, that service can take many forms, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge which together make up the pattern of ‘ministry’ to the community in which the church is situated. This includes of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the all categories of professional ministries (from counsellors whole measure of the fulness of Christ. Then we will no to chaplains and parish ministers). (We have different gifts longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves … according to the grace given to us. Prophesying, serving, Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, leadership, showing mercy, loving. [Romans 12: 6-9, NIV]) Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, 2.12.4.2 In the implementation of its plan, a Presbytery grows and builds itself up in love, Pilot Region would be able to establish a range of posts as each part does its work. and to appoint people to them. It would have discretion (Ephesians 4 11-16, NIV) over the nature, remit, locus, and duration of appointment and have control of funds, including salaries and expenses. The management of finances, accounting processes 2.12.4.4 The type of ministries would vary according to including salary payroll, income tax and National Insurance each region. In a rapidly-changing society, there will be deductions would continue to be handled by the financial an increasing number of places where the ‘call’ of one full- departments of the Church. time paid person will be unsustainable or less than ideal. A church that is open to a variety of styles and is creative in 2.12.4.3 The Presbytery Pilot Region would continue to placing particular ministries, would be better equipped to ordain and induct ministers and appoint: meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that arise. Readers Chaplains Parish Development Staff 2.13 Finance 2.13.1 The Overall financial situation of the Church Auxiliary Ordained local Non-stipendiary of Scotland Ministers ministers ministers 2.13.1.1 Most of the finance for the Church of Scotland comes from the offerings of church members and is spent PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/11 in local parishes, but those two lines of financial flow have 2.13.1.6 For at least the first two years of the scheme’s often been kept separate. Expenditure by the Church of operation, participating presbyteries would be given Scotland exceeds income by 9% and heavy drawings are staff support, for example, a Presbytery Mission 19 being made on its capital investments (see the Ministries Development Officer from the Mission and Discipleship Council’s Report to the 2010 General Assembly section 1.4). Council.

2.13.1.2 The present financial basis for operation is not 2.13.1.7 Presbyteries would have the discretion sustainable. Over the next year or so, presbyteries and to determine the amount that each congregation Councils and Departments of the Church will have to contributes and the use to which those funds could be address the issue of balancing income and expenditure. put. They would also be able to raise additional funds and There is no doubt that narrowing the discrepancy between determine how they would be used within their regions. income and expenditure for the Church of Scotland will This is an extension of the present provision which allows mean a reduction in the finance available, whatever the presbyteries 3% flexibility. It is hoped that bringing system of resource allocation. responsibility for decision-making on how funds are allocated closer to the place where they are raised would 2.13.1.3 Currently, Ministries and Mission Contributions promote an increased sense of ownership and willingness from each congregation are based solely on the income to give amongst those involved. The accounting process of the congregation over the previous three years. The to realise these proposals is likely to leave the responsibility General Assembly determines the allocation of funds to for collecting the Ministry and Mission Contributions from the various Councils. With 87% of the total budget, the congregations with the General Treasurer’s Department. Ministries Council is responsible for the provision of funds for ministries (comprising largely stipends, salaries and 2.13.2 Pilot funding for the presbyteries allowances) in accordance with the approved presbytery 2.13.2.1 While the project is developing, it is anticipated plans. This allocation takes account of three factors: that additional staff support will be required to help geography (rural, urban etc), population, and whether or not presbyteries with their new responsibilities. The Panel it is a priority area. The calculation for Ministries and Mission envisages that some staff, or at least the equivalent funds, Contributions from a congregation and the allocation of could be released from the supporting structure to the funds for ministries would continue as before. presbyteries.

2.13.1.4 Any presbytery involved in the pilot would 2.13.2.2 The Panel believes that a presbytery of 50 to 60 have the same resources allocated to it as it would have charges would need had were it not in the scheme. The Panel expects that the increased flexibility would encourage better use of (a) Staff able to undertake and lead mission, eg one full- finances for ministry. time mission co-ordinator, (Mission and Discipleship Council Mission Development Officer proposed) 2.13.1.5 As well as funding ordained ministers, the £45,000 Ministries Council funds Emerging Ministries, Priority Area Staff, and other Presbytery and Parish Workers. The Mission (b) Staff to provide leadership in planning and finance. and Discipleship Council funds Regional Development (One person full-time) £35,000 Officers. 19/12 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

(c) General administrative support (one person full-time or Management volunteers) £25,000 • Management of people including the role of a leader and of a manager, management of volunteers, staff 2.13.2.3 The project itself would need review processes (a) Project Manager £60,000 pa • Personal development, including self-appraisal • Management of information To co-ordinate the project, a member of staff at Associate • Planning, strategic and tactical, management of projects Secretary grading could be seconded from one of the • Management of finance including budgeting, cost Councils or Committees most closely involved, or should control, preparation of funding applications be appointed on a temporary two year contract. People skills (b) Travel and Meeting Costs • Facilitation of groups, committee management • Listening skills, counselling, conflict management The expenses incurred for meetings of the various committees set up as part of the pilot scheme have to be Review processes identified. £10,000 pa • Local Church review processes, analysis, timelining, forward visioning; presbytery review. (c) Equipment Costs 2.13.3.2 The primary responsibility for ministry It would be economically effective to ensure that every development rests with the Ministries Council which member of the key committees has access to sufficiently currently handles the main in-service training. Staff good computing equipment to allow the majority of development should be encompassed within the current the meetings to be conducted by teleconferencing and training provision for the Church. However the Panel individual meetings by video conferencing. considers that a separate training budget of £15,000 in 12 suitably networked computers for four regions. 2011 and 2012 would be necessary for the Presbytery Pilot £12,000 Regions. 2.13.3 Staff development 2.13.4 Operating costs of a presbytery 2.13.3.1 In any organisational process of change, it is 2.13.4.1 The operating costs of a Presbytery Region are essential to train staff in their new vision, and new duties. For set out below and are based on three presbyteries (A, B, the pilot to be effective, people taking senior responsibility C) currently working in isolation. For simplicity, costs have in each Presbytery Pilot Region must possess the requisite been rounded up. skills for which training should be provided as appropriate. The last column of the table indicates what might be expected if the three presbyteries were to operate as one region.

A B C Co-ordinated Number of charges 28 25 22 69 Ministries and Mission Contributions (net) £1,19k £900k £810k £2,730k Ministries allocation to presbytery plan* £1,000k £1,160k £1,020k £3,070k Presbytery dues collected £16k £17k £18k £47k PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/13

Expenditure funded from presbytery dues Salary/Honorarium to Presbytery Clerks £4k £5k £3k £15k 19 Administrative and secretarial staff (part-time) £2k £1k £2k £5k Costs, equipment, communication, stationery £6k £4k £4k £12K Expenses related to congregations eg training, £4k £7k £9k £20k surveys and mission * This excludes calculations of stipend allowances, glebe rents and vacancy allowances

2.13.4.2 The above typifies what it costs to run a 2.15 The Role of presbytery in relation to the presbytery region. To allow an in-depth examination of Councils of the Church these financial implications the Panel is pleased to have 2.15.1 If there is to be a major devolution to presbyteries, the co-operation of the Finance Group of the Council of then the range of that responsibility would need to be Assembly, the Mission and Discipleship and Ministries redefined in relation to the Councils of the Church. Councils who will work with the Panel to bring detailed costings to the 2011 General Assembly. 2.15.2 For devolution to be eff ective: • the presbytery must wish to, be prepared to, and have the 2.14 Representation and accountability in the pilot capacity to undertake the additional responsibilities; region • there needs to be a strong common understanding of 2.14.1 Representation mission and policy throughout the organisation; The Panel recommends that Presbytery Pilot Regions • planning is crucial; it becomes an interactive process should be represented on the Councils of Assembly with diff erent levels developing their plans, interacting initially through the Panel on Review and Reform, subject and remodelling, based on the combined views and to review, so that both central and regional functions have vision of all; a clear line of communication which encourages a shared • responsibility for making decisions must be linked to vision across the Church. fi nancial responsibility: delegation only works if fi nancial responsibility is also delegated. 2.14.2 Presbytery review and audit 2.14.2.1 The Panel’s proposal is that presbyteries should 2.16 Governance undertake a peer review at periodic intervals, perhaps 2.16.1 The structure of the Church of Scotland in which every seven years. the relationship between the different parts of the Church 2.14.2.2 Although there is an argument for a review is expressed and conceived of in terms of jurisdiction and process to be introduced for all presbyteries, irrespective law is not an approach that sits easily with the Gospel of whether or not they are part of the pilot scheme, at this virtues of service and humility, and is seen by some as the stage the proposal is that review should take place only in cause of a system of relationships based on mistrust rather those presbyteries involved in the pilot. than on trust. The relationships in the Church should be based on the love of God and love for, and trust in, one 2.14.2.3 Presbytery Review would follow the same another. Rules for the proper conduct of any organisation approach as the proposed Local Church Review process are necessary, but the legal framework under which based in part on the information which produces the presbytery operates does not necessarily encourage a current presbytery plan (see section 3). supportive system in presbyteries. 19/14 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

2.16.2 The Church of Scotland has inherited and developed 2.17.2 Regional Implementation Teams (RIT) a complex order and system of organisation which cannot be Each Presbytery Pilot Region would establish a Regional lightly discarded. Do the Courts of the Church restrict rather Implementation Team with responsibility for developing than encourage innovation and creativity? and implementing the pilot scheme in that region.

2.16.3 Presbyteries are expected to fulfil a number of 2.17.3 Pilot Management Group (PMG) key functions, the majority of which are governed by the A Pilot Management Group would comprise the leaders of legal framework of the Church and contained in the Acts the implementation teams, three members of the Panel on of the General Assembly. These are categorised as follows: Review and Reform and one representative each from the Ministries Council’s Planning and Deployment Task Group, (1) Planning and Ministry: to manage the number and the Mission and Discipleship Council, and the Finance shape of parishes and ministries in the presbytery; Group of the Council of Assembly (General Treasurer) and (2) Administration and Finance: to make decisions or a Project Manager (full-time temporary contract). The Pilot delegate tasks to appropriate bodies; finance and property; Management Group would act as the project management group for the pilot scheme as a whole. The Group would (3) Supervisory and Judicial: to manage the health of be responsible for specifying the objectives for the project, congregations; to undertake discipline which require the providing guidance, direction, encouragement, and co- presbytery to operate as a formal court of law; ordinating the areas as they develop independently. It would be responsible for the development and management of (4) Policy: functions which express the “mind of the project and would report to the Panel. It is proposed presbytery” on matters of public or church concern. that the membership of this group would remain stable for A fuller list is set out in the Panel’s report to the 2009 the duration of the pilot scheme. General Assembly.10 The Pilot Management Group would report regularly on the 2.16.4 We have created this legal framework for ourselves. operation of the pilot scheme to the Panel and through them Too often the mindset within our presbyteries has been to the appropriate Councils and Departments of the Church. one which sees this framework as being restrictive rather 2.17.4 The Panel than a tool which allows the freedom to be creative and The Panel on Review and Reform would provide overall innovative, permission-giving, encouraging congregations policy direction. It would also produce the final report on to fulfil their missional calling. the pilot for presentation at a future General Assembly. 2.17 Development and implementation 2.17.5 The Advisory Group 2.17.1 A project management approach An Advisory Group would be set up by the Panel to The pilot scheme would be further developed in provide advice to the Pilot Management Group and to the conjunction with groups of presbyteries and the Councils Panel on all major policy issues such as fi nance, church law, of Assembly with a view to the pilot beginning in the personnel issues, resources and staff allocations. It would autumn of 2010. include representatives from: • Each Presbytery Pilot Region 10 Panel on Review and Reform, Report to the 2009 General Assembly, • Panel on Review and Reform’s Regional Church sub- 19, s 8,3 group PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/15

• Mission and Discipleship Council 2.20 A Church under reconstruction and unafraid of • Ministries Council’s Planning and Deployment Task change Group 19 The Book of Nehemiah • General Treasurer’s Department is an important one for church • Office of the General Assembly leadership. It is a significant model for the church 2.18 Development Issues today: the origin of vision through prayer, the need to 2.18.1 In preparation for reform through the stepped share vision, and enable and empower others to become process of a pilot, factors to be borne in mind include: involved in making it happen, and the need to maintain • Is there a shared vision throughout the region? leadership through periods of conflict and opposition. • How does the Presbytery Pilot Region re-organise and (Panel on Review and align to a devolved structure? Reform, Strategy Paper, 2009) • How are decisions made? • How does the Presbytery Pilot Region co-ordinate 2.20.1 Nehemiah challenged his people with a activities? compelling vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He • Where are the lines of communication? Explicit and created an atmosphere which encouraged people to implicit? speak up. He recruited the leaders of the city to do the • What Acts and Regulations and processes need to be work. He used forty leaders with their teams working side- repealed, replaced, or renewed? by-side and shoulder-to-shoulder to rebuild the wall. Some • How eff ective is leadership? built large sections; others built next to where they lived. • How eff ective are the regional structures? They each did according to their ability and resources. • What additional staff and resources are necessary for The wall was just the pilot project for Nehemiah’s plan to the eff ective operation of the region? restore the nation. He had mechanisms in place to enable • Are there gaps in required competencies? feedback about progress. 2.19 Communication 2.20.2 The Panel has tried to follow Nehemiah’s model 2.19.1 Good communication is fundamental at every as it works to level of the pilot scheme. There must be: 1. offer a method to determine an alternative presbytery • a clear communication policy which sets out what structure information goes to whom, who sends it, how often 2. ensure that enough time is allowed to do the task and by what means (electronic newsletter, web page, thoroughly email, etc); 3. highlight the financial implications of reform • established and resourced mechanisms to enable good 4. ensure the appointment of staff with the appropriate communication and for the dissemination and sharing skills of information; 5. provide training in place for those who need it • provision to be made for away-days and where 6. create an opportunity for all presbyteries to participate appropriate, training for members of the Presbytery throughout the process. Pilot Regions; • mechanisms for remote communication to be 2.20.3 It is our reformed tradition that we have been established. able to improve – sometimes quite radically – yet we 19/16 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM retain our identity and our sense of calling and purpose as 3.1.3 The Panel’s consultations have demonstrated God’s people. We must constantly seek to re-articulate our that too often the experience of Quinquennial Visits has vision, re-interpreting what it means to bring the ordinances been of ‘ticking the boxes’, of major issues left unsaid and of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a unattended, of no follow-up, of a bureaucratic process territorial ministry. with no action arising and no benefit perceived. There needs to be a shift in emphasis to focus on the purpose of 2.20.4 The whole witness of the Bible points to a God the Presbytery Visit as set out in Section 2 of Act II 1984: who calls his people out and on from where they are, not knowing where they are to go, and the true image of the The object of the visit is to strengthen the hands Church is of the community of the future and not of the of the minister, Kirk Session, offi ce bearers, and past. members, to advise them should anything appear to be unsatisfactory in the state of the congregation 2.20.5 The Panel offers a vision for taking measured or not in accord with church law and order, and in steps to reform the regional structure of the Church general to give counsel and encouragement as to align with a mission strategy. We are excited by the may be suitable to the circumstances of the case.11 challenge and opportunity that lies before us and trust that the wider Church will become enthused by the 3.1.4 Is the primary object of the visit to advise prospect of together reforming a church whose structures congregations of that which is unsatisfactory or should we would be more focused on bringing the kingdom closer instead focus on encouraging congregations in worship, to the people of Scotland. witness, nurture and service and to set priorities and plans?

3. Local Church Review 3.1.5 While the Act is designed to do both, the Panel’s 3.1 In 2008, the General Assembly gave the Panel an research indicates that 90% of Presbyteries support 12 instruction “… in consultation with the Mission and the practice of forward planning and that there was Discipleship Council and Legal Questions Committee to a clear preference for support and encouragement of monitor and review the ‘Future Focus’ Pilot Scheme with congregations by the presbytery rather than an emphasis 13 Glasgow Presbytery and selected congregations, with a on enforcement of church law. view to bringing appropriate legislative amendments to 3.1.6 Any changes to the current Act should therefore Act II 1984 to the General Assembly of 2009.” reflect a more positive and deliberate emphasis on support 3.1.2 Accordingly, the Panel continued its review and encouragement of congregations as they set out their of the superintendence process, begun in 2006, and priorities and plans for the future. in particular the comments and recommendations of 3.1.7 To reflect this, the Panel proposes that the term those who had been involved in the ‘Future Focus’ Pilot, ‘Presbytery Visit’ be replaced by the term ‘Local Church but the time available did not allow the Panel to address all the attendant issues before bringing forward a fi nal recommendation in May 2009. Following a further period 11 Act anent Quinquennial Visitation of Congregations (as amended by of study and research, and after further consultation with Acts VI, 1992, II 2001, VI 2004, XV 2006, VII 2007 and IV 2009), s 2 12 Panel on Review and Reform Report to the 2008 General Assembly, the Legal Questions Committee, the Panel is now able to s 4.3.6 bring a fi nal proposal containing the necessary legislative 13 Panel on Review and Reform Report to the 2008 General Assembly, amendments to the existing Acts. s 4.4.2 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/17

Review’ as this more accurately describes the emphasis f) How the congregation plans to implement its vision that should be placed on the purpose and focus of this for the future. part of the superintendence process. The process would g) What resources the congregation needs for its 19 involve much more than just a visit and would focus on development, change and growth, and the source of the local church and its future plans. such resources.

3.1.8 The specific aims of the Review and the 3.1.11 The process of church review would lead to a requirements to be met are laid out in Appendix 1 of ‘Plan of Action for the Local Church’. Such a plan should this report. Presbyteries should be given more discretion bring together the church’s vision of the local church for to develop within the stated requirements a system of its mission over the next five years, taking account of its Local Church Review appropriate to their own particular present position, finances and other resources. situations. The Panel offers guidance at Appendix 2 and 3.1.12 The report should set recommendations, give encourages the use of good practice adopted by other advice, and where appropriate set a timetable for action, presbyteries and review processes long established in preferably one which has been agreed at the final church other organisations. review meeting. 3.1.9 Local Church Review would facilitate a conversation 3.1.13 The presbytery would expect to learn about the between Presbytery and a congregation in order to enable congregation’s achievements, the difficulties faced, and the latter to express its vision for the future and identify the how it could contribute to the congregation’s welfare resources required to undertake its mission. The Review and development. The report should not be a pass/fail would also establish whether there are any issues which judgement but a full account of the church which provides should be addressed. the congregation with a clear plan towards which to 3.1.10 The purpose of the review would be to establish: work. The whole process is worthless, however, if its only a) The congregation’s own analysis of its purpose and outcome is a nice plan on a shelf and a nice report written vision for the future. This should include all aspects about the review. of the church’s work as defi ned by that congregation, 3.1.14 Where issues of concern cannot be resolved including worship, service, fellowship, discipleship, during the visit, it would become the responsibility of evangelism, social outreach, congregational life, the Superintendence Committee to seek a satisfactory Christian education, fi nance, fabric, and ministries solution. Where local resolution cannot be achieved, a support in relation to the local, national and request to the Ministries Council to provide mediation international mission of the Church. or facilitation services should be considered. If this is not b) The nature of the working relationships amongst possible, then it would proceed under Act I, 1988 or by offi ce-bearers, and between the offi ce-bearers and submission of a report to the General Assembly through the minister. the Legal Questions Committee. c) The values that shape and direct the life of the congregation. 3.1.15 The Local Church Review process and the d) How the life and work of the congregation has congregation’s forward plan would feed into the overall developed since the last review. Presbytery Plan which in turn would provide a snapshot e) What challenges have been encountered, and how of the entire presbytery to help the congregation’s own these have been or can be dealt with. analysis of its position within that. 19/18 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

3.1.16 Such a review process is not a novel one. It is well 3.2.3 During the ‘Future Focus’ process, a thumbnail established in many public organisations and its principles sketch of the parish and any changes they have noticed is are well established in Scripture, for example: recorded. Questions are asked about what pleases them and And so encourage one another and help one what concerns them about the congregation. Details about another, just as you are now doing … pay membership, worship attendance, leadership structure, proper respect to those who work among you, fabric and fi nance are also recorded. Questions are posed for who guide and instruct you in this Christian life. discussion, for example, is there a general sense of health or (Thessalonians, 5, 11-12, NIV) unease? How is the spiritual life of people being deepened? Is this a learning congregation? What biblical passages or 3.2 Future Focus and Local Church Review themes shape the life of the church? The Panel reported to the 2009 General Assembly that its review of the ‘Future Focus’ Pilot provided a good working 3.2.4 With the help of a trained facilitator, a congreg- model for Local Church Review. This model in essence ation’s needs and aspirations will emerge. The entire process consists of a three-stage process: assumes there are no shortcuts to forward planning. 1. The Preparatory Phase where a congregation would 3.2.5 From the experience of the Glasgow Pilot scheme complete a series of questions in advance. during 2008-09, the Panel believes Local Church Review provides the mechanism that creates an objective 2. The Consultation Phase where a Visiting Team from benchmark for making the strategic resource deployment presbytery would hold a visit, or series of visits, to discuss and appraisal decisions that are required in implementing the advance questions as well as facilitating discussion on and reviewing a Presbytery Plan. The review provides worship, witness, nurture and service. the opportunity for congregations to take ownership of their local mission plans. At the same time it gives the 3. The Reporting Phase where a draft report would be presbytery the ability to engage with local congregations completed by the Visiting Team in consultation with the in a meaningful and realistic way when assessing whether congregation before being submitted to the presbytery. the mission goals are achievable within the constraints of 3.2.2 ‘Future Focus’ is a facilitated resource that invites an agreed Presbytery Plan. congregations to share their stories of how they see 3.2.6 Without a robust locally-driven process which themselves at that particular moment in their history. It leads to agreed and owned mission goals, it is not clear contains practical examples of how congregations and how presbyteries would be able to make reasonable, fair presbyteries can work towards an agreed vision which will and transparent decisions about the way forward for the encourage the setting of goals and the planning of future Presbytery Plan in a given area. If the Presbytery Plan is mission strategies. Drawing up a forward plan provides questioned in the future by local congregations (which a benchmark against which congregations can measure is increasingly likely with predicted reductions in ministry their effectiveness in achieving their aspirations. ‘Future posts), it will be vital that there is a clearly equitable and Focus’ as a resource will help identify a starting point for open decision making process which must be based on the journey which offers some analysis, reflection, vision- good quality interaction with the local congregations. building and understanding of the journey of change and determines how congregations and presbyteries set key 3.2.7 The Panel commends the process of review and objectives in planning for the future. the associated materials designed for the Future Focus PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/19

Pilot as a tool for Local Church Review. In particular, the have an interactive partnership with an overseas project”. 14 materials were seen to encourage reflection about past, Dr Austin Reid and Dr Virginia Cano of WBL Consultants present and future and made room for all to participate. In were commissioned to produce a report that would 19 addition, the process itself was viewed positively in that the present a detailed picture of the number, extent and visits were deemed to be a good experience for both the impact of overseas mission work undertaken by Church visitors and the congregations being visited. One reviewer of Scotland congregations, with recommendations on summed up the experience in these words: “The process is how those effects might be enhanced or otherwise a considerable improvement on the existing arrangements modified. for Quinquennial Visits – in being more extended (thus allowing for fuller, deeper discussion) and participative, 4.1.2 This is a brief report arising from that study. The and in being more future-orientated and focusing on full report may be found on the Church of Scotland setting priorities and producing recommendations.” website at http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/councils/ reviewreform/rrresources.htm 3.3 Conclusion 3.3.1 The Panel is convinced, arising from the work it The extent of overseas mission undertaken by Church has undertaken on the ‘Future Focus’ Pilot Scheme and of Scotland congregations was studied by analysing the on the wider body of consultation and research into the responses to a questionnaire issued to all churches. It was operation of the Quinquennial Visitation Scheme, that designed to elicit information on the existence of a link or Local Church Review offers the Church a way forward that partnership, on its nature and on the activities undertaken encourages and facilitates visionary thinking, provides a in that relationship. thorough evaluation of a congregation’s worship, witness, nurture and service and better equips the church to look 4.2 The Concepts of mission and partnership to the future with confidence. 4.2.1 The study looked at mission in the Church of Scotland and in local congregations, and particularly the 3.3.2 Along with the proposed new Act anent Local role of partnership in mission. The Church’s view of the role Church Review comes a set of Guidelines to facilitate the of mission has changed over the years from one largely process. These Guidelines can be found in Appendix 2 of evangelisation to one where mission is recognised as together with a further Appendix outlining the information being a partnership between churches in Scotland and that would be required in advance of a visit. The Panel churches and organisations overseas, but still with a role acknowledges the contribution of the Glasgow Presbytery for the mission partner. This is in line with the deliverance Pilot Scheme in developing sections of the Guidelines and of the General Assembly that congregations “… research commends them to the church. an area of the world church and establish a personal 15 4. Overseas Mission in the Life of the Local partnership with a congregation or project.” The essential Church elements of mission in this context have been identified as 4.1 Introduction and methodology evangelism, personal witness, and social responsibility. 4.1.1 The 2008 General Assembly agreed that the Panel 14 for Review and Reform and the World Mission Council be Church without Walls Report to the General Assembly 2008, deliverance s 8 asked to: “… commission a study into the effect of overseas 15 Special Commission anent Review and Reform Report to the General mission on the life of local church communities where they Assembly 2001, deliverance s 11 19/20 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

4.2.2 The essential elements of partnership were 4.3.5 The survey of all the churches revealed a identified as mutual respect, trust and friendship, mutual widespread misapprehension that the Church of Scotland benefit, and communication. has approved or recognised partnerships, and that partnerships and links not so recognised are not entirely 4.3 Partnerships and links proper, regarded as ‘informal’ arrangements and not 4.3.1 The study found that churches had a great variety Church of Scotland ones. There is also an understanding of links and partnerships: with churches, with individual that the Church of Scotland ‘appoints’ mission partners mission partners, with communities, hospitals, schools, to churches. This perception hinders the congregations’ orphanages (grouped in this report as ‘local trusts’), and own development of partnerships. Congregations need with missionary organisations and international charitable greater encouragement to pursue their own links and bodies (classed as ‘trusts more remote from a local partnerships so there should be a record of every possible community’). type of link and partnership and not just those recognised by the Council. 4.3.2 They were not all one-to-one relationships. Some mission partners had links with several Scottish churches. 4.4 Mission partners Some churches had partnerships and links with various 4.4.1 The links of churches to their mission partners are people, other churches, mission bodies and international varied. In many cases, the mission partner was a member charities. There are more links, therefore, than churches, of the congregation who had taken up Christian work eg 100 churches had links with a mission partner, but overseas. In some cases a group of churches, generally between them had 116 such links. geographically contiguous, supported one mission partner: over half (62) of the 116 links between churches 4.3.3 The study found a great range in the levels of and mission partners were concentrated in eight people. mission activity. In the congregations Not all of these links showed active involvement by the a) some churches had no active engagement church but in some, the mission partner had established b) some churches had limited engagement in the form written contracts with their supporting churches indicating of a link to one mission partner, or to a remote trust a high level of commitment and of organisation. Some of c) some churches had an active partnership with a the mission partners were appointed and employed by church or other organisation such as an orphanage the Church of Scotland. or hospital, or a strong link with a mission partner and were active in support and had engaged in visits and 4.4.2 We found that charities had been established correspondence by or for some mission partners, closely linked to their d) a small number of Scottish churches were work. We found cases where a mission partner, previously exceedingly active having what appeared to be close supported by a missionary body, had moved to ‘go it alone’, relationships with a range of mission partners, a close establishing lines of support from churches or setting up a relationship to one or more mission societies, and an trust or charity as a means of gaining the financial benefits active engagement with one or more churches or of charitable status. other organisations. 4.4.3 A further 3 of the partnerships in the study are 4.3.4 The partnerships span the globe linking Scotland community-based, legally separate from any church to over 50 countries. Out of 162 world-wide, 47 are with although still maintaining links to the initiating church. trusts and partnerships within Malawi. The reasons for them seeking separate charitable status PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/21 included a wish for greater community involvement or It provided participants with a new and changed to be independent. The establishment of a partnership perspective. Issues at home or in the church were seen as a separate entity or as a charity did not change its in different terms and in a broader context; problems that 19 aims. The impetus, however, which leads it to become an seemed huge seem less important. independent body might also lead it to shed its Christian connections. 4.5.5 People no longer see the social habits and culture in Scotland as being ‘just the way things are’ but as factors 4.5 The Benefi ts derived from partnerships and links that can be challenged and changed. Working with other 4.5.1 Congregations were asked to respond to the people from the church or the community has provided a following statements: bond. Working together to achieve something, especially a) We have learned more about the world, and the if it was difficult, has a uniting benefit, and some churches church’s work in the world. set out on a partnership with that as an explicit intention. b) We have benefi ted by being able to help others. There is a gain in personal development and self- c) It has lifted our eyes from local problems and put confidence from facing challenges and overcoming them, these in a larger context. whether through organising a visit or travelling abroad. d) We have seen other models of church operation and worship. 4.5.6 Partnerships have given churches and their e) The congregation has been brought closer together. congregations a better knowledge of the world and of f) The faith of some of our congregations has been Christianity in different countries. It has helped to establish strengthened. a realisation that there is much to learn from other people. There has been a sense of sharing hopes and cares, 4.5.2 Taking account of the different numbers of of walking the Christian life together, and of growing partnerships and links, this showed that, for the last five friendship. It has given the churches a different idea of of the six topics listed above, the benefits arising from worship. There is a strong sense of being needed: partnerships with churches were greater than those arising from partnerships with trusts, and these were greater than What I do can be of help and change lives. links with mission partners or links with remote trusts. On What I do is important to other people and only the first topic did links to individual mission partners therefore to me. provide more benefit than partnerships with trusts but still less than partnerships with churches. 4.5.7 The sense of success has proved attractive to people in the community, especially to young people 4.5.3 From this and from the detailed study, we and has drawn people into the partnership have included conclude that the development and encouragement of those without a church connection, partnerships with churches and other trusts contributes greatly to the health of the local church. I am of value.

4.5.4 The perceived benefits of partnerships with I have been successful in helping. churches and trusts were examined in more detail in the 15 case studies examined. This showed that a partnership The partnership has given church members an with a church or community overseas provided enormous opportunity to talk to people in the community benefits to members of the congregations involved. about their faith and the work of the church. 19/22 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

4.5.8 Partnerships initiated to help others have changed sometimes die. Many include a formal review point where the lives of those participating and consequently the continuation or termination is decided. churches and communities to which they belong. 4.7 Challenges These benefits are particularly true for those who visited 4.7.1 The establishment and development of the overseas partner, or who interacted with overseas partnerships face many challenges: visitors whilst in Scotland, but it is also true of those who had less direct contact. • Ownership – this is being addressed in most churches with a high level of ownership of the partnerships. 4.5.9 Apart from the sense of sharing described above, • Imbalance of resources – most partnerships have the benefits to the overseas partners which were most recognised that they are benefi ciaries as well as donors. often mentioned, were the sense that they were cared for However, this is a continuing challenge for all since the and loved and that they really mattered to the Church of sense of doing good can easily drift into a superiority Scotland partners. donor mentality, with damaging consequences on the relationship. 4.6 Aims of partnerships • High expectations, culture, accountability, planning and 4.6.1 The study found that in general, partnerships had the development of mutual respect. three main aims: • Communication – friendships need steady commun- • Christian witness and fellowship ication, particularly with partners in developing • friendship and sharing countries. There are many potential blockages, including • social responsibility, co-operation and help. organisational, technological and human factors. 4.6.2 This study found a difference in the aims of Communication takes time and eff ort, without which different partnerships. Church-to-church partnerships there can be no conversations, no sharing, no friendship always included Christian witness and fellowship as an – and no partnership. Visits provide the essential face- aim, but this was not seen as an alternative or inimical to to-face interaction and are highly valued but they are practical support. Partnerships with a community or trust also expensive and need to be planned with clear aims did not have Christian witness and fellowship as an aim in mind. The main form of communication is email. but emphasised a social relationship. Nonetheless, this did Partnerships have been instrumental in both partner not exclude friendship and sharing. communities in developing important links between church and community and among community groups 4.6.3 In some partnerships, the objectives were not (eg schools), spreading the idea of co-operation, and clearly articulated and few partnerships had a mechanism providing the opportunity to learn about and from for evaluating the achievement of their aims. others.

4.6.4 Partnerships could be initiated for many reasons: to 4.8 Recommendations to support the development engage young people, to participate in Christian mission of partnerships or twinnings or sometimes just to add excitement to church activities. 4.8.1 The study of the partnerships has demonstrated Many churches established formal agreements but these that a partnership between a Scottish church and an do not seem to be essential. However, the process of overseas church or community, when working well, has developing an agreement, and the symbolic nature of an extensive and beneficial impact on the church and a tangible record are helpful. Partnerships decline and community in Scotland. PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/23

4.8.2 To promote partnerships the following are needed: • a blog or web page for Scottish partnerships to which all churches, and not only recognised twinnings, can a) Support contribute. 19 Areas where support is needed to establish and strengthen partnerships should be identified. These will include: d) Motivation • Existing staff should be encouraged and empowered. • updating communication skills - blogs, Skype, Some staff in some central role are needed to co- cheap telephoning protocols, using mobile phones ordinate the work. This could be a mixture of full-time in developing countries, video production, social and part-time posts. networks • Establish a regional network of experienced people • fi nding solutions to communication problems in to support the establishment and development of developing countries partnerships. • developing project management skills in Church of Scotland churches and in the overseas partners’, e) Finance and policy including leadership, accountability, good governance Although there is a strong case for funding to be allocated • addressing social issues pertinent to each world cultural to support these endeavours; congregations should be area responsible for raising much of their own funds and for • developing legal and technical skills in establishing an sourcing outside funds. organisation as a charity or as a company • setting out the aims of partnerships and written Where finance is allocated in support of a partnership, the agreements criteria for funding should be made explicit and public. • co-operating with non-church agencies to raise funds At the initial stage of the partnership, the requirement of for projects. certain essential elements should be clearly set out: good leadership, planning and organisation, clear objectives and b) Resources aims, good communication, volunteer workers – in the Resources for churches should be established in the areas absence of which many partnerships currently languish. identifi ed. Where such materials are already available, they need to be collated and confl ated. They should include: 4.9 Thanks • written material eg leaflets that could form a handbook The Panel wishes to record its thanks to the World • workshops Mission Council who provided administrative support • training videos and contributed to the cost of the research. In particular, • networks of experts thanks are due to Ms Carol Finlay, World Mission Council Associate Secretary (Local Development), who so willingly c) Mechanisms for sharing experience attended meetings and gave the Group unstintingly of There should be mechanisms for allowing experiences to her experience and knowledge of mission partnerships. be shared, including: • a ‘mentor’ system whereby someone from an experienced partnership mentors a new recruit In the name of the Panel • a yearly conference of partnership churches • use of network communications eg video conferencing DAVID S CAMERON, Convener to develop identity and mutual support MARINA D BROWN, Vice-convener 19/24 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

APPENDIX 1 (c) whether the congregation’s current form of OVERTURE ANENT LOCAL CHURCH REVIEW constitution serves its future mission; (d) whether the employment status of members of The General Assembly adopt the Overture the tenor staff , the formal relationships among them and whereof follows, and transmit the same to Presbyteries the prioritisation of work amongst them serves the under the Barrier Act, directing that returns be sent in to congregation’s mission eff ectively; the Principal Clerk not later than 31 December 2010. (e) compliance by the Kirk Session with the church law The General Assembly, with the consent of a majority of and civil law relating to Safeguarding; Presbyteries, hereby enact and ordain as follows: (f) compliance with those provisions of Act XII 2007 regarding the provision and maintenance of manses; 1. The Presbytery shall conduct a review of every (g) implementation of the fi ndings of the most recent congregation in the Presbytery, normally once every property surveys; five years. This is without prejudice to the right and responsibility of the Presbytery to make other 5. The Presbytery shall undertake a review of the superintendence visits as it deems necessary. work of the congregation and an exploration of the future direction of the mission of the congregation 2. The object of the review by members of the using guidance materials provided by the Mission and Presbytery is to give counsel and encouragement to the Discipleship Council. congregation; to facilitate the congregation in setting out their priorities and plans for at least the next five years; The purpose of the review is to establish: and where anything unsatisfactory is found in the state of (a) The congregation’s own analysis of its purpose and the congregation or not in accord with church law and vision for the future: this should include all aspects of order they shall give advice or take supportive or remedial the church’s work as defi ned by that congregation, action. including worship, service, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, social outreach, congregational life, 3. The review may be conducted as two separate Christian education, fi nance, fabric, and ministries exercises (and if appropriate by different representatives of support in relation to the local, national and the Presbytery), for the purposes of sections 4 and 5 below. international mission of the Church. 4. The Presbytery shall satisfy itself on the following (b) The nature of the working relationships amongst matters and any other matters relating to the offi ce-bearers, and between the offi ce-bearers and implementation of the law of the Church and the the minister. deliverances of the General Assembly: (To aid the Visiting (c) The values that shape and direct the life of the Team initial information on these areas should be provided congregation. by the congregation as part of the advance information (d) How the life and work of the congregation has sent to the Visiting Team before the visits begin) developed since the last review. (a) the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism to (e) What challenges have been encountered, and how infants in accordance with Act V, 2000; these have been or can be dealt with. (b) whether offi ce bearers are representative of the (f) How the congregation plans to implement its vision congregation’s life, for example in terms of age and for the future. gender; PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/25

(g) What resources the congregation needs for its and a note of any comments received from the minister development, change and growth, and the source of such or Kirk Session. The minister or Kirk Session or any other resources. party having an interest may claim to be heard by the 19 Superintendence Committee or the Presbytery when the 6. The process of review shall involve the production of report is being dealt with by either body. an action plan for the congregation expressing a vision of the local church for its mission over at least the next five 11. Once approved by the Presbytery, the Superintendence years, taking account of the resources available and the Committee shall forward a copy of the report to other current Presbytery Plan. relevant Committees of the Presbytery mentioned as part of the report’s recommendations for action and support. 7. The review shall include a visit by a team appointed by the Presbytery to the local church, where they will 12. In the event of the Presbytery finding itself unable to meet with members of the ministry team, elders and other express satisfaction with the state of any congregation, it representative members of the congregation. shall instruct the Superintendence Committee to make further inquiry and to endeavour to remedy what is 8. The structure of the review by the Presbytery deemed to be unsatisfactory. If, after this further enquiry, representatives shall reflect the needs of the local church. the Presbytery finds that it is still unable to express It may include more than one visit, different meetings with satisfaction, it shall proceed under Act I, 1988. different groups, follow-up meetings, separate meetings with the minister, separate meetings with office bearers and 13. The Presbytery shall have the ability to develop such other meetings as it considers necessary. The leader the process to fit its own needs, provided only that the of the Visiting Team or his or her duly appointed deputy requirements set out in this Act are fulfilled. shall take the chair at all aforementioned meetings. Consequential Amendments 9. In all cases the Visiting Team (or teams) shall submit a 14. The following Acts and Regulations are hereby full report (or reports) to the Superintendence Committee repealed or amended: of the Presbytery and to the minister and Kirk Session. The (1) Act II 1984 is hereby repealed. Visiting Team shall make every effort to agree the terms (2) Act III 2000 s.39 is hereby amended by the deletion of its report with the Kirk Session, and shall indicate in the of the words “Act II 1984 anent Presbytery Visits (as submitted report any outstanding areas of disagreement. amended)” and the substitution of the words “Act The report shall narrate the current circumstances of the XXX 2011 anent Local Church Review”. congregation, the intentions and plans of the minister (3) Act VI 2002 s.2 is hereby amended by the deletion of and Kirk Session, the action plan referred to in section the words “Act II 1984 anent (as amended)” and the 6 and make recommendations for action and support substitution of the words “Act XXX 2011” by the Presbytery, and a time-table for subsequent (4) Act VI 2004 is hereby amended by the deletion of superintendence and congregational action. section 20. (5) Regulation 2, 2004 is hereby amended by the deletion 10. The Superintendence Committee shall, after due and of the words “Presbytery visits” and the substitution of careful consideration of the report of the Visiting Team, the words “Local Church Reviews”. submit a final Report to the Presbytery with its findings 19/26 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

APPENDIX 2 Church Review. This visit should encourage the key office LOCAL CHURCH REVIEW bearers to: GUIDELINES a) Express the life of the congregation as they see it, The specifi c aims of Local Church Review and the sharing what has gone well in the past ten years, what has requirements to be met are laid out in the Act anent Local been difficult, where they see the congregation’s strengths Church Review. Beyond that, Presbyteries may develop and weaknesses and how they discern God to have been their own systems within the stated requirements. The at work in their midst. following guidelines are designed to help Presbyteries develop a system of Local Church Review appropriate b) Look forward for at least the next five years to to their needs. It is important to note that these identify the changes that are likely to take place in the guidelines are not exhaustive and are not intended to congregation and parish as well as the opportunities and restrict Presbyteries to a particular way of fulfi lling their challenges that might present themselves within the obligations in terms of the Act. same time frame.

Advance preparation c) Review the database of basic statistical and contextual The Leader of the Presbytery Visiting Team should contact information on the congregation, and on the parish that the minister of the congregation in advance to outline the local church seeks to serve. the process and to suggest dates for the visit or series of visits. d) Discuss how the congregation understands its role within the Presbytery Plan. A group of key office bearers should be appointed to: e) Express what resources might help the congregation (1) Provide information in advance of the Presbytery Visit to better worship, witness, nurture and serve. (see Appendix 3). [This information should become part of a database of basic statistical and contextual information f) Satisfy itself on the matters listed in Section 4(a) to (g) on the congregation, and on the parish that the local of the Act Anent Local Church Review. [This may also be church seeks to serve. Presbytery should keep a record of done as a separate exercise under the terms of Section 3 this to assist with future reviews.] of the Anent Local Church Review, Appendix 1.] and The Presbytery Visit Having reflected on the meeting with key office bearers (2) To meet with the Presbytery Visiting Team prior to the the Presbytery Visiting Team will meet with the other Presbytery Visit to the whole congregation. office bearers and members of the congregation. Already having a picture of the work and future desires of the Pre-Meeting with key offi ce bearers congregation the Presbytery Visiting Team will review the The Presbytery Visiting Team should meet with the group of Key Office Bearers to explain the new process in detail, congregation’s work and explore the future direction of the and to confirm the date(s) of the visit(s). mission of the congregation in a way that is appropriate to the congregation by facilitating a wide ranging discussion The meeting with key office bearers should review at least on the life of the congregation and parish and the mission the areas set out in section 5a) to g) of the Act anent Local of the congregation locally, nationally and globally. PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM 19/27

Plan of Action • What support is needed to resolve internal confl ict/ The process should result in a Plan of Action for the dysfunction? congregation. The plan should bring together the vision of 19 the congregation for its mission over the next 5 years, taking Where the congregation can no longer sustain this model account of its present position, its capacity and finances. of church life or engage in effective mission: This should highlight the following as a minimum: • What other form of Christian presence would they • A plan of action for the forward mission and ministry consider? of the church with goals that are Specifi c, Measurable, • What other partnerships would they consider? Achievable, Realistic and Time–limited (SMART goals) • What resourcing is needed to equip the congregation • Resources available locally including human resources, for a new future? buildings and fi nance • What is the pastoral process of closure and/or • New resources required and who shall provide them dissolution?

The Final Report Where the congregation is no longer in synch with the The report should set recommendations, give advice, and community: where appropriate it should set a timetable for action, • What long-term process is needed to help them preferably, a timetable agreed with the Kirk Session. The reconnect? Plan of Action outlined above should be included in the • How will this process be facilitated and by whom? report. The report should outline the achievements of the Review as a Continuous Process congregation, any difficulties faced, and what Presbytery The process of review should be a continuous process and or the congregation itself can do to contribute to the not just seen as that which is done by the Presbytery Visiting welfare and development of the congregation. Team. The provision of good data provides the basis for good reflection, and is not an alternative to the reflection; The following questions are given as a helpful guide for the the reflection provides the basis for a plan of action, and Presbytery Visiting Team to consider as they write their report. the plan of action leads to action. The cycle then repeats, These are to be seen as neither exhaustive nor prescriptive: the actions that are undertaken should be reviewed and Where things are going well: reflected upon with a view to further improvement. This • How can the Presbytery affi rm and nurture this further? continuous cycle may be represented as follows: • How can the Presbytery encourage the sharing of this vitality with others? review Where the congregation is facing up to specific challenges (internally or externally): • What changes are needed in attitudes, relationships, act refl ect strategy or structure? • What specifi c resources are needed to meet this challenge eg developing worship, discipleship, practical plan skills in fi nance/fabric, deepening spirituality? • What are the potential partnerships with other agencies, other churches? 19/28 PANEL ON REVIEW AND REFORM

APPENDIX 3 support, travelling expenses, study leave, additional LOCAL CHURCH REVIEW staff needs; 10. Wider Church: relationship with Presbytery, Councils INFORMATION REQUIRED IN ADVANCE of the Church and ecumenical relationships; Factual Information 11. Community: relationship with community groups or Please provide information and comment on the following agencies; areas of congregational life: 12. Presbytery Plan: what are the interim steps and 10 year conclusions for your congregation in the Presbytery 1. Membership: statistics for the past ten years including Plan? How do you see these working out? estimated age profi le; 2. Worship: average weekly attendance (numbers, age Legal Information profi le, gender), style, musical range, use of audio Please provide information on the following legal visual equipment, innovations; requirements that a congregation must fulfil: 3. Pastoral Care: number of baptisms, weddings, funerals per year, specifi c demands of the situation, ways of 1. The administration of the Sacrament of Baptism to sharing responsibilities; infants in accordance with Act V, 2000; 4. Christian Nurture: numbers involved in Christian 2. Whether offi ce bearers are representative of the nurture: children, young people, young adults, adults; congregation’s life, for example in terms of age and resources used; gender; 5. Mission: specifi c mission initiatives – local or 3. Whether the congregation’s current form of international, school involvement or other constitution serves its future mission; chaplaincies, evangelism training and strategies, 4. Whether the employment status of members of communication; staff , the formal relationships among them and 6. Leadership: staffi ng, numbers of offi ce-bearers the prioritization of work amongst them serves the including age and gender profi le, training, structure, congregation’s mission eff ectively; constitution; 5. Compliance by the Kirk Session with the church law 7. Buildings: usage, state of repair, suitability, projects; and civil law relating to Safeguarding; 8. Finance: accounts, budget, allocations, shortfalls, 6. Compliance with those provisions of Act XII 2007 Christian giving plans, special projects, statistics for regarding the provision and maintenance of manses; givings over ten years; 7. Implementation of the fi ndings of the most recent 9. Support for Minister or Ministry Team: administrative property surveys. COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND May 2010

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE 20 The General Assembly: 1. Receive the report. 2. Rejoice with those congregations who, through the support of the Fund, have found new and exciting ways of engaging with their communities during this last year. 3. Thank the Fund Committee and staff for their diligence in assessing grant applications, making appropriate awards and supporting and monitoring congregations as they deliver their respective projects. 4. Approve the Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, Section *.*) and commit the Parish Development Fund in partnership with others, to its effective delivery over the next seven years.

REPORT 1. Introduction “So many of the church members who work as “Being involved in the project really has totally volunteers in the project have commented that the changed my life. I did not know what was going project has given them an opportunity to put their to happen to me when I got out of jail and I don’t faith into action in a challenging and exciting way. know what I would have done or where I would This has given them increased confidence to take part in other aspects of church life, such as worship, have gone without the support of the project or of eldership and church organisations.”(Youth Project) my befrienders, who are now my friends. I am now at college, I am living in my own flat, and I am really 1.1 Since 2003 the Parish Development Fund has been proud of myself”. (User of project for ex-offenders) fulfilling the vision of the Church Without Walls report (2001) which proposed the establishment of a fund to be “When I was younger the doors of this church “primarily concerned with obtaining and dispensing funds to seemed closed to my kind of family, but not now. enable congregations and groups of congregations to create I’m even helping out now in one of the clubs for and develop relevant forms of ministry for the 21st century”. the kids”. (Woman who grew up near to the church Over the past seven years grants from the Fund, together and now volunteers for the project) with support provided by staff, have helped to transform the ministries of many congregations throughout the country “More creative activity is seen in the life of the as they have developed practical initiatives responding to immediate congregation from a spin-off children’s identified needs within their local communities. And it is craft group that has sprung up, not directly involved not just ministries we have seen transformed. By taking in the project but has come from the project. This risks and reaching out to those who are often the poorest affects and influences our worship space which has or most vulnerable and marginalised, congregations been fabulous to see.”(Community Arts Project) themselves and the individuals they are supporting have 20/2 COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND found new life. Across Scotland we have seen partnerships combining the role of support with that of monitoring formed between Church of Scotland congregations, and evaluating the use of grants given. In other words, the across denominations, and between churches and other relationship between the Fund and projects doesn’t end agencies and organisations. once a cheque has been signed!

1.2 Churches throughout the land are working in ways 2.2.3 In addition to this ongoing support, in 2009 three which many of them never thought possible as they provide Induction Events were held – in Stirling in January 2009, in much needed support and activities for vulnerable children Aberdeen in June 2009 and in Glasgow in November 2009. and young people; or run community cafes; or provide These events brought together representatives of staff and valuable befriending services for older people; or support committees of newly or recently funded projects. They schools to challenge and cross sectarian and ethnic divides; offered the opportunity to network with others, to hear or draw local people into involvement with creative arts; more about the working of the Fund and our expectations or provide counselling and listening services for troubled of projects, and to explore topics of common interest and young people and adults; or open their arms to embrace concern such as evaluation, safeguarding or supporting those struggling with addictions. The list is endless! volunteers. All three events were very positively received by participants. 2. More than Money 2.1 The work of the Parish Development Fund is far more 2.2.4 Two more editions of the PDF Newsletter were than merely the handing out of money. published in 2009. These were distributed to projects, to all Church of Scotland Ministers and to a range of other 2.2 Support to Churches and Projects recipients. The Newsletters focus on stories from projects 2.2.1 When churches first make an enquiry about which highlight the work they are doing and are thus a the Fund they are put in touch with the Fund staff. The very effective way of illustrating the impact which the Co-ordinator and the Development Workers, who each Parish Development Fund is having around the country. have responsibility for a specific geographical area of the The December 2009 edition picked up on the Christmas country, then offer a range of advice, guidance and support. theme of celebration and highlighted the awards and The nature of this will depend on the specific needs of the achievements gained by many of the projects we fund. It church or project but often includes helping churches to was a delight to receive stories from projects celebrating clarify their vision and aspirations, offering advice on local individuals receiving certificates and awards in recognition community research, exploring matters of governance of achievements and projects themselves gaining external and management structures and giving advice about recognition for the quality of their work. funds and fundraising. In 2009 the number of first time enquiries significantly increased with staff responding to 2.3 Promoting the Fund almost 100 during the year – clear evidence of the vision 2.3.1 In addition to the direct work with congregations and aspirations of more and more congregations and, and projects, the Fund staff also take advantage of therefore, of continuing demand on the Fund. opportunities to promote the Fund.

2.2.2 The support offered can be ongoing, if required, 2.3.2 In January 2009 the Co-ordinator delivered a as the churches develop their plans and, in time, come workshop on the Fund as part of the Church Without Walls forward with an application. If successful the link with staff ‘Re-energise’ conference in Aviemore. Participants had the will continue throughout the life of the grant with staff opportunity to hear directly from representatives of two COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND 20/3 projects in receipt of funding, namely, the St Andrew’s instructed the Ministries Council to bring a Priority Areas Family Support Service in Dundee and the Cornertsone Action Plan to this year’s Assembly. Café Project in Evanton. 2.4.1.4 Priority to the poorest and most marginalised 2.3.3 In March 2009 the Co-ordinator took part in a ‘Meet is a commitment shared by the whole Church and the 20 the Funders’ event for faith communities in Glasgow. This Parish Development Fund will demonstrate this through was an opportunity for people from churches and faith its specific commitment to the following priorities within communities to meet a range of grant funders and to hear the Action Plan: about the work they do and the kinds of projects they • we will take our work to the margins: this is a core support. A number of contacts were made which were element of the work of the Fund. We require that subsequently followed up. churches demonstrate that they are responding to those in most need within their communities. Through 2.3.4 In September 2009 the Co-ordinator and one of the our administration of the Priority Areas Staffing Fund Development Workers delivered two workshops as part (see section 3.2 below) we directly engage with those of the Church & Society Conference. Participants heard congregations working in the poorest areas. about the work of the Fund and had the opportunity to • we aim to have worship at the heart of all that we do: a key ask questions and discuss scenarios. Once again contacts requirement for churches in receipt of funding from the were made which enabled follow-up conversations to Parish Development Fund is that they can demonstrate take place in the weeks that followed. the ways in which the work they are engaged with is having an impact on the congregation itself. We 2.4 Working with other Councils will now require churches to ensure that the hugely 2.4.1 Ministries Council important work they are doing out in the community 2.4.1.1 Priority Areas Committee is not disconnected from the worshipping life of the The main focus of the work with Ministries Council is congregation. We will ask churches to explore how through the Priority Areas Committee. The Co-ordinator their worship might change and evolve as a result of is a co-opted member of the Committee and during the the work they are doing and encourage them to share year attended Committee meetings and, along with the with others any specific ideas and resources which they Convener and staff, took part in the Priority Areas Forums. might develop. These Forums are hosted by a priority area congregation and bring together representatives of all Councils of the 2.4.1.5 The Parish Development Fund welcomes the Church and are an opportunity for Council members to Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council, Section hear directly from those living and worshipping in our 1.3) and looks forward to working with the Priority Areas poorest communities. Through involvement in these Committee, other Councils & Committees of the Church areas the Parish Development Fund contributed to the as well as a wide range of broader partners to deliver the development of the Priority Areas Action Plan Priority Areas Action Plan over the next seven years.

2.4.1.2 Priority Areas Action Plan 2.4.1.6 Emerging Ministries Fund 2.4.1.3 The 2009 General Assembly reaffirmed the 2.4.1.7 The Emerging Ministries Fund (EMF) is now in its Church’s ongoing commitment to its work in priority area second year of operation. The Parish Development Fund parishes – the poorest 5% of neighbourhoods in Scotland. Co-ordinator is part of a group of four individuals who It approved seven strategic priorities for that work and review Initial Registration forms from potential applicants 20/4 COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND and offer comment to assist with the decision making. other’s understanding and perspective helps to prevent duplication of effort and enhances the quality of the 2.4.1.8 PDF staff are also in regular contact with EMF support being offered to the local church. staff to discuss specific pieces of work being undertaken by churches. This process is designed to ensure both the 2.4.3.2 In November staff attended roadshows organised sharing of expertise and the avoidance of misunderstanding by the Council to promote the ‘Future Focus’ resource for concerning the respective criteria of each Fund. congregations. 2.4.1.9 In September 2009 one of the Development 3. Other Issues Workers, along with the Ministries Support Officer 3.1 Priority Areas Staffing Fund responsible for the EMF, took part in a joint training day for 3.1.1 Since 2007 the Committee has been managing representatives of a group of parishes in the Borders. the Priority Areas Staffing Fund (PASF) on behalf of the Ministries Council, as agreed by the General Assembly of 2.4.2 Church and Society Council 2006. Through this fund, the Ministries Council provides 2.4.2.1 Links have been strengthened with the Church additional funding for work in the Church’s priority and Society Council during 2009. As previously mentioned area parishes and is responsible for setting the policy the Fund contributed to the Council’s Conference in and criteria for disbursement of funds. Those churches September 2009 and also during the year a representative designated as priority area parishes - there are fifty-eight of the Council was co-opted onto the Parish Development parishes on the main list and twenty five parishes on the Fund Committee. ‘supplementary’ list – are entitled to apply for funding from the PASF specifically towards the costs of extra staffing to 2.4.2.2 In July 2009 the Co-ordinator was invited to join support their work within their local community. £50,000 the Council’s Debt & Unemployment Working Group. The per annum has been given to the PDF Committee as the Working Group was formed as part of the work of the administration ‘fee’ for the PASF. Council’s Community Reference Group with the remit to produce a report which illustrates the ways in which 3.1.2 During the first two years of administering the churches can offer practical responses to the problems of PASF it was recognised that the level of applications to poverty, debt and unemployment. The Co-ordinator was the Fund had been lower than was anticipated or hoped able to bring to the group’s attention a number of projects for. Despite the efforts of staff to increase awareness of supported by the Fund which are seeking to respond to the PASF amongst priority area congregations it was the needs of those affected by these issues. The report of recognised that staff had delivered as much support as this group appears within the Church and Society Council capacity allowed and that a new approach may be more Report. fruitful.

2.4.3 Mission & Discipleship Council 3.1.3 The Evaluation of the Parish Development Fund, 2.4.3.1 The Parish Development Fund has ongoing links which took place towards the end of 2008, recognised with the Mission & Discipleship Council mainly through the challenges of promoting the PASF and being able liaison with the Council’s Regional Development Officers to offer the level of support required by priority areas (RDOs). At various times, depending on the nature of congregations. The report recommended “a ‘dedicated local developments, the Fund’s Development Workers package’ of promotion and support in order to reach a level link closely with the appropriate RDO. This sharing of each of approximately 10 applications per year.” (Evaluation of the COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND 20/5

Parish Development Fund of the Church of Scotland, Dr these applications and the Convener and Co-ordinator act Eleanor M Logan, 2008) ‘under powers’ to make a decision, aiming to do so within four weeks of the application being received. As reported 3.1.4 Following discussions with the Priority Areas below six such applications were awarded during 2009. Committee it was agreed to ‘sub-contract’ to the 20 Transformation Team the work of promoting the PASF 4.3 The previously entitled ‘Small Grant’ is now defined and supporting congregations through the development specifically as a Training & Research Grant with the process to the point of application. The team, which is part application process unchanged. As reported below of Faith in Community (Scotland), already has a dedicated there were fourteen such awards made during 2009. brief to provide community development support to the This represents a considerable increase over previous 35 priority area parishes within Glasgow as well to other years and is indicative of the extent to which the input faith communities in the city. It was agreed that £35,000 of from Development Workers is encouraging churches and the administration fee will be paid to the Transformation projects to take the time and effort to undertake initial Team to promote the PASF and provide advice, guidance research and training to lay the groundwork for a full and support to priority area parishes throughout the application at a later stage. This grant is also available to country. churches and projects already in receipt of a main grant 3.1.5 This work by the Transformation Team began in and a number of grants were given to such projects to June 2009 and is beginning to bear fruit. It is anticipated enable them to undertake specific training for staff or that there will be between 8 – 10 applications for PASF committee members. forthcoming during 2010. 5. Grants Awarded 4. Grants Available 5.1 Main Grants totalling £622,000 (2008 – £765,000) 4.1 Prior to 2009 there were two types of grant available over periods from one to three years were awarded to 22 from the Fund; the Main Grant of up to £45,000 over projects. Of this amount £169,000 was awarded from the three years, access to which required a full and rigorous Priority Areas Staffing Fund. It is worthy of note that the application process, and a Small Grant of up to £1,500 £453,000 which was granted from the Parish Development for training or research purposes. It was increasingly Fund was in response to requests for £706,729. The total recognised however that churches were often looking cost of the work being carried out as a result of these grant for one-off grants of up to around £5000 to enable them awards is approximately £2.4million, with the balance of to try out or ‘pilot’ ideas they had for action. However, in funding required being sought from charitable trusts, order to access this kind of sum, they had to submit a full additional local giving, statutory agencies and locally held application and be subject to the same rigorous process funds. as those applying for full three year funding. 5.2 Pilot Grants totalling £32,100 were awarded to 7 4.2 In response to this the Committee introduced at the projects for the purpose of testing new ideas in practice. beginning of 2009 a Pilot Grant of up to £5,000. Criteria and guidelines were produced and the application 5.3 Training & Research Grants totalling £14,725 were process simplified to enable churches to apply for a Pilot awarded to 14 projects for activities such as committee Grant by sending a letter which details their proposal skills training, staff training & development and community under a number of set headings. There is no deadline for research. In future – web-only publication 20/6 COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND

5.4 Main Grants Awarded behaviour. They are encouraged to make positive relationships Edinburgh: Arts Worker Project, Gilmerton New with their peers and adults with opportunities to embrace new Church a total grant of £11,000 for two further years positive challenges and experiences. We never bar a child, but of continuation funding towards the cost of an Arts working with boundaries and consequences, we enable them Worker to look at their behaviour, and/or perhaps refer them to a “The initial pilot project of the Arts Worker has proved more supportive service ie befriending or a smaller group.” tremendously successful, drawing interest in drama and arts activities from young adults across Gilmerton. The GNC Arts Ardrossan: Arran Youth Foundation a total grant of Worker oversees the ReNEWal theatre group, conducts various £27,000 over three years towards staff costs workshops at neighbouring schools in conjunction with “AYF will provide a safe warm environment for young people on and in addition to their current drama curriculum, and has Arran who are not attracted to traditional youth organisations established links with the wider Edinburgh arts community and certainly not to any faith based establishment. Currently to get Gilmerton’s young people involved in various theatrical there is no such place where young people can meet in the productions and festivals in the city. We are hopeful that this evening, that offers a place free of threat and where respect exposure will provide Gilmerton’s young people with chances for self and each other is nurtured. The AYF working group to use their artistic expression as a way of strengthening both was started to initiate contact with the youth in school and to themselves and the community at large.” ask them to express their own felt needs. The youth themselves said the centre would be a big help as there is simply no place Edinburgh: Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk - open after 5pm in the evening - no meeting place, no café and grant of £12,000 for one further year of continuation few games facilities.” funding towards the cost of a Development Officer. “The Greyfriars Community Project (GCP) has been developing Greenock & Paisley: St Martin’s Parish Church: SMART, over the last 5 years as a partnership between Greyfriars Port Glasgow a total grant of £27,000 from PDF Tolbooth & Highland Kirk and the Grassmarket Mission; both over three years and £45,000 PASF over three years are committed to being alongside the most vulnerable and towards the cost of a Youth Development Worker and marginalised members of our community. The GCP vision is sessional staff to get alongside people who are poor, marginalised, excluded, “The church is situated within a community of high social homeless, unemployed, struggling with addiction or mental needs, brought about by industrial decline. We clearly see the illness. More than the traditional ‘handout’ of a soup kitchen, issues that young people are facing and in particular recognise we want to give people a ‘hand-up’ through developing social that young people who would have normaly found skilled enterprises, training and skills development and building employment in the ship yards are now experiencing alienation people’s confidence and self esteem. We believe that all our and hopelessnes through a shortage of apprenticeships and citizens deserve to reach their potential and enjoy success.” employment. The project wishes to provide early intervention with children to break the cycle of hopelessness and to work Irvine and Kilmarnock: The Sky Project - a grant of with young people in developing the necessary skills and £5,000 for one further year towards core project costs resources to enable and create opportunities to act on their “Using a high ratio of trained staff, and consistent boundaries, often hidden desire for change within their lives. It will help we use initiatives to help children and young people develop build bridges between faith communities through joint positive relationships with their peers. They learn to work initiatives and give those in need someone they can turn to within boundaries whilst being supported to manage their for support.” In future – web-only publication COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND 20/7

Greenock & Paisley: Supporting Parents, Greenock Christian Youth and children’s ministry within the South New Charge Development a total grant of £24,000 Glasgow community as a witness to our shared vision and from PDF over three years and £34,000 PASF over three passion of bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the young years towards the cost of a Development Worker people we are called to serve and to nurture them to grow in “Through our work in the community we have come across their relationship with Him. This project is being developed in 20 children and young people with significant unmet emotional direct response to identified community needs. The Cathcart needs, behavioural issues and who have a poor relationship Youth Ministry Partnership has enabled three local churches with their parents. Our ethos as a church has been to consult to focus resources and finances in a partnership response and to initiate and develop partnerships, so networking, to meeting these needs and providing a central point to joint promotion and where possible a sharing of resources, encourage growth and development within each partner training and activities is envisaged. As a church we not only church and the wider community they would seek to serve.” complement, in general, what is being provided by other groups and agencies, but as we are genuinely holistic, we Glasgow: “Givin’ It Laldie”, Gorbals Parish Church recognise parents and children’s intrinsic spirituality. The a total grant of £22,000 from PDF over three and Supporting Parents project will, as its name suggests, focus on £45,000 PASF over three years towards the cost of a parents, it will seek to support parents by listening to them, Community Musician mentoring them and by providing specific programmes.” “Givin’ it Laldie is about opening up new opportunities for residents of all ages in the Gorbals to live healthier, happier Glasgow: Bridging the Gap a total grant of £18,000 lives through active involvement in music making, with a over two years towards the cost of a Project Worker particular focus on the socially excluded and vulnerable. “Our programme is about easing the transition from Primary to We have been active in Gorbals for many years and are Secondary school for vulnerable young people. Based in local committed to making a distinctive contribution to the lives schools the project targets P7 and S4 ‘at risk’ pupils identified by of all who live there and we believe that this project has the the schools. Our staff trains older pupils to give regular support potential to do that. The project will be structured around to younger pupils. By building a pathway to non-academic singing based workshops for a variety of children’s and achievement and networks across cultural, national, and adults’ groups, delivered at different locations in the Gorbals. sectarian divides we make a valuable contribution towards Our proposal, to use music as the medium for personal and individual involvement and a cohesive community in the community development, is new, and responses to our pilot Southside of Glasgow. We are planning to deliver a programme study are extremely encouraging.” in the Gorbals Primary Schools to promote awareness and understanding of refugee and asylum seeker issues. This will Glasgow: Iona Jacob Project a total grant of £18,000 include discussion and question and answer sessions with local for two further years of continuation funding towards asylum seekers and refugees culminating in an event bringing core costs together all participants, parents and members of the local “Jacob is the only through-care scheme for young ex-offenders community in a cultural celebration.” which offers voluntary work, pastoral befriending, and housing support. No other scheme offers this. Volunteers are Glasgow: Cathcart Trinity – Cathcart Youth Ministry given the chance not to return to jail. I cannot underestimate Partnership - a total grant of £30,000 over three years - this is huge! And they learn a skill. And they are linked to towards the cost of a Youth Worker a congregation. Isn’t that amazing? We want to offer this “The purpose of CYMP is to resource, support and encourage to more ex offenders. Put simply, Jacob utterly transforms In future – web-only publication 20/8 COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND peoples’ lives, long-term! And it influences, challenges and to the needs of young people who chose to engage with us. We builds Community. It really does. have concern for development of the whole person, and seek to encourage young people to reach their physical, emotional, It changes the lives of ex offenders, a despised social group, mental and spiritual potential so that they may find life in all by giving them work, professional skills, housing, and a link its fullness, whatever form that might take for them. Hyzone to a church community. Practical and spiritual growth are has invigorated current faith practice with a new sense of supported together, hand in hand.” shared and collaborative work across real boundaries. Local Glasgow: The Meeting Place, South Carntyne Parish young people who have little knowledge of the church can Church a total grant of £6000 PDF towards the cost of relate to a sense of what difference faith based living makes to an Outreach Worker lifestyle. Some adults do care!” “The purpose of The Meeting Place @ South Carntyne Trust Hamilton: North Motherwell a total grant of £20,000 is to advance the Christian faith in the Carntyne area of for two further years of continuation funding towards Glasgow by providing various activities within the Church for the cost of the Project Worker the community of South Carntyne; to build bridges between “The Project has given opportunity for the two local churches church and community for individuals and families, through to work closely together and so be a sign of unity in an area outreach clubs for parents and toddlers, children, young where sectarian division still exists. We would be surprised people, and with adults through the Meeting Place Cafe. if there is another community in Scotland in which two While maintaining a strong Christian emphasis, the project churches of different traditions work so closely together eg is open to all members of the community regardless of race, this year St. Bernadette’s (RC Church) participated fully in sex, creed or colour. We go into the community of Carntyne to our ‘Christian Aid’ events, with minister, priest and members share the love of God in a practical and caring way.” of the community sleeping out in a ‘Third World Shack’ and Glasgow: The Wheel Trust a total grant of £6,000 over St Bernadette’s hosting a Christian Aid Benefit Concert, two years towards the cost of a Project Worker that was jointly arranged. Fair Trade, support of Congolese “The Wheel Trust is about long term relationships between Refugees, Recycling Poroject and now the New Opportunities God, young people, leaders and local church. Faithfulness is has brought the Congregations even closer together.” an important element of any relationship. The ability of local Falkirk: Larbert Churches Youth Trust a total grant congregations to sustain and progress youth work is often of £27,000 over three years towards the cost of a limited by the enthusiasm, time commitments and changing Christian Youth Worker lifestyles of younger volunteers and the other priorities of the congregation. This can lead to young people feeling “This project aims to strengthen and enrich the Christian abandoned, volunteers disillusioned and churches frustrated. input in the lives young people attending Larbert High The Wheel Trust provides strategic direction and practical School and feeder primaries through the employment and resources of leadership, training and coordination. The aim is support of a youth worker. All of the local congregations not to replace the youth work of local churches but to inspire, were aware of their lack of effectivness in communicating sustain and develop it.” the gospel to the vast majority of young people in the area. The 6 local Churches of Scotland came to a jointly held view Hamilton: Hyzone a total grant of £8000 for two further that a Christian youth worker could contribute to the social years of continuation funding towards staff costs and spiritual development of young people. In obedience to “Hyzone is a relational youth project, committed to responding Scripture (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:39), our concern is primarily In future – web-only publication COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND 20/9 for young people themselves, to provide ways in which their building relationships using the arts as a tool. It involves self-esteem, self-image and lifes-styles could bring them young people learning about leadership and understanding purpose and peace, rather than to fill our pews with young the creative nature of God as well as developing their skills. people!” We are doing this because there is a demand directly from local young people themselves for these projects and also 20 Dunfermline: Bridge 2 Youth in Kincardine: a total because we have the people already in place to carry out this grant of £20,000 for two further years of continuation work currently working in a voluntary capacity. Our project funding towards core costs is based in the church hall, community centre and the local “If we should be challenging young people, educating them schools with an office at the church.” to make informed decisions about their life, we believe this is at the heart of what we are doing. Challenge norms, equip Perth: Comrie /Western Strathearn a total grant of young people to question and see and achieve their potential £34,000 over three years towards project staffing and and choice. We offer a variety of informal education activities, core costs programmes and experiences which are recreational, social “The local people of Strathearn have identified, through and fun. We support young people through the transitions discussions at the Comrie Development Trust that there they experience in moving from childhood to adulthood. We were relatively few organised activities for children, and even create an environment where young people feel comfortable less for young adults, where they can be “Off the street” but and safe, a place to call their own, to provide a service for protected in a challenging world. This project intends to set them and with no hidden agenda attached and give young up a café environment for children [aged 8-12] and to extend people the opportunity for their views to be heard.” and enhance the Teenage Café (aged 13-19). The Youth and Kirkcaldy: Glenrothes Area Christian Youth Trust - Families Worker will assess and determine the needs of young GROW a total grant of £10,000 for two further years of families and develop a suitable plan to approach and meet continuation funding towards staff costs these needs through community involvement. We believe “We believe that our original vision has been more than that all members of the local communities will benefit. The justified. Only 5% of young people in the Glenrothes area have older people sometimes feel that they have little contact with a church connection, while 98% attend school. It continues the younger age groups (and vice versa). By involving different to make sense to provide a Christian worker who can provide age groups from throughout the villages, our project will the young people in our schools with repeated opportunities hopefully, breakdown these barriers.” to explore and respond to the message of Jesus. Opportunities Perth: Auchterarder Community Church Centre for the GROW worker in schools more than doubled from 50 in (ACCC), Auchterarder a total grant of £27,000 over 2006/7 to 133 in 2007/8. There continues to be an increasing three years towards staff costs demand for the worker to contribute to the RME and PSD “We’re about enhancing the lives of young people, especially aspects of the curriculum. The number of young people those who need it most and have yet to find God relevant to attending residential events has also increased. These allow young people to explore and grow in a personal faith.” them. We have around 100 young folk engaged in a vibrant range of youth activities spread across the week, outside St. Andrews: Holy Trinity St Andrews - a grant of and inside the church. Our work involves people from our £30,000 over three years towards project staffing and own church and those from the Episcopal, Free and Roman core costs Catholic churches in town and, importantly, those with no “This project is about reaching out to young people and church. For example, our holiday club, “Teepee in the Park”, In future – web-only publication 20/10 COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND involved dozens of kids from across the town. The imminent ways to widen the Horizons of young people. This provides opening of the new Auchterarder Community Church Centre opportunities for those young people not only to be involved in January 2010 will provide an exciting platform to broaden in fun and healthy recreational activities but also to change our impact and activities with the town’s young folk.” their lifestyles in a positive way, to look at their own aims and to reach for a future very different from the bleak one they felt Dundee: Hot Chocolate - a total grant of £8,000 for had been theirs.” one further year of continuation funding towards the core work of the project. Moray: Step by Step in Moray - a total grant of £23,000 “Hot Chocolate has worked with the community of young over three years towards the cost of a Family Worker people who gather in the city centre of Dundee to run drop- “Step by Step in Moray provides a welcoming environment in sessions, group work, art and music projects, outdoor for isolated & vulnerable families through a parent and activities and residentials and significant one-to-one support toddler group and a befriending service. These parents may for individuals. This work has covered issues of homelessness, have mental health issues, or drug or alcohol problems and domestic abuse, drug use, alcohol problems, criminal will often be quite young. This group of parents do not feel behaviour, depression, family breakdown, CV writing, support comfortable in traditional parent and toddler groups, but in education or finding training or employment, and much need opportunities to share experiences with other parents more. This has not only given quality youth work oportunities at a similar stage in their lives, while enjoying playing with to the young people, but additionally challenged prejudices their child; they often need a listening ear. The project has perceived by the young people, encouraged young people’s started in Elgin and will develop in other areas of Moray as community involvement, and allowed the church to engage appropriate.” with the wider community in many arenas across the business, statutory and voluntary sectors.” 5.5 Pilot Grants Awarded (£32,100) Angus: Havilah Arbroath a total grant of £42,000 over The Olive Grove, Inverness: Crown Parish Church - £5,000 three years towards staffing costs Brucefield Toddlers - £5,000 “The Havilah Project is a drop-in facility accessible to all but intended principally for men and women battling with drug Bridgeton St Francis in the East, Glasgow - £5,000 addiction. Through the development of relationships, and the The Shack Youth Project - £5,000 gradual build up of trust, our aim is to guide those we work with towards significant lifestyle change and, ultimately, Kilmarnock : Howard Centre / Chill Nite Club - £2,100 freedom from addiction. We are engaging in this work out Inverness Churches Winter Care - £5,000 of our belief that all of these young men and women are precious in the sight of God and deserving of unconditional St Andrews Clermiston - £5,000 love and support rather than judgement.” 5.6 Training & Research Grants Awarded – £14,725 Aberdeen: Blue Horizon a total grant of £18,000 over (£7,350) two years towards projects staffing and core costs Route 81 Youth Project, Garelochhead - £385 “Our youth workers are closely involved with young people Bridging the Gap, Gorbals, Glasgow - £1,500 who are at risk of exclusion from school and who, in some cases, are excluded. They are often the most stable point Noah’s Ark Parent/Carer & Child Group, St Andrew’s West in a young person’s life, and are constantly looking for Church, Falkirk - £900 In future – web-only publication COMMITTEE ON THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND 20/11

SMART Community Project, St Martin’s Church, Port ADDENDUM Glasgow - £1,440 Rev W Martin Fair The Parish Churches of Maxton & Mertoun lnkd w. Newton During his four years at the helm Martin Fair has been a lnkd w. St Boswells - £1,500 totally committed Convener - committed to the PDF and the work it has supported - the opening up of church, 20 Clackmannanshire LISTENERS - £1,200 the encouragement of Christian service, the support Laigh West High Kirk; Grange Church; and St John’s for ordinary people with exceptional visions. Martin is a Onthank Kilmarnock - £1,500 believer in people and wherever possible likes to show God how His people have grown and still have further to The Gateway: Parish of Hutton, Fishwick & Paxton - £1,500 grow. Trinity Parish Church, Galashiels - £1,000 An interested parent, engaging minister, positive staff Sandhead Learning & Research Centre, Kirkmaiden linked supporter, excellent listener and intelligent speaker, Martin with Stoneykirk - £1,150 has been a constant reminder to the Church and PDF Penicuik North Kirk – Cosy Café and Open Door Café - team that God has big dreams and enjoys when we work £300 together to make them come true. One of the genuine guys! Thanks, Martin. Hammy’s Out of School Care, Greenock - £850

Shettleston New Parish Church - £500 In the name of the Committee Cairns Counselling Service, Aberdeen - £1,000 ROLF H BILLES, Vice-Convener In the name of the Committee GRAHAM LUMB, Co-ordinator

MARTIN FAIR, Convener ROLF H BILLES, Vice-Convener GRAHAM LUMB, Co-ordinator

In future – web-only publication THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND PENSION TRUSTEES May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 21

REPORT

1. Scheme Statistics 2.3 At the time of writing this Report, the fi nal results As at 31 December 2009, the three Church of Scotland of the 2009 Valuations are not known. However, the Pension Schemes had a total combined membership of discussions which took place throughout the year within 5668 with assets under management of approximately the Pensions Working Group enabled the Trustees to work £280m. closely with the Council of Assembly’s Finance Group and the Employing Agencies to go as far as possible to 2. Schemes’ Overview establish a set of assumptions which will yield contribution 2.1 The year since the 2009 General Assembly saw the levels which are aff ordable within the respective budgets. continuation of a diffi cult period for all UK Defi ned Benefi ts Of course, the assumptions set by the Trustees must be Schemes. After a weak end to 2008 and beginning of 2009, prudent and are subject to approval by both the Schemes’ world stockmarkets recovered, showing a gain of some Actuary and the Pensions Regulator. 23% from last year’s General Assembly to the end of 2009, 2.4 After taking advice from the Schemes’ Actuary, the at which point the triennial actuarial valuations fell due. Trustees decided with regret not to award any discretionary During the same time, however, Government policy of increases to pensions in payment from 1 January 2010 quantitative easing supported bond prices, depressing and, furthermore, not to apply any increase to the 2010 yields which adversely aff ected the valuation of pension rate of Standard Annuity within the Ministers’ Scheme. This liabilities. is the second year in succession where no discretionary increases have been awarded and the Trustees are aware 2.2 Discussions took place over the course of 2009 of the implications of such decisions which are not taken with the Employing Agencies and the Schemes’ Actuary lightly. with a view to planning for the December 2009 triennial valuations and specifi cally to move towards an agreed 2.5 The Trustees’ discretion applies to pensions which position to fund the cost of future benefi ts and the defi cit accrued in respect of pensionable service prior to April recovery plans in respect of benefi ts already accrued. This 1997; increases to pensions in payment in respect of was facilitated by setting up a Pensions Working Group at service after that date attract statutory increases, though which all Employing Agencies and the Pension Trustees the rate applicable from 1 January 2010 is based on the were represented. underlying annualised Retail Prices Index applicable at 21/2 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND PENSION TRUSTEES

September 2009; that fi gure was negative, and, so, no all Schemes will refl ect a more modern approach. It is statutory increase will apply in 2010. No reduction in expected that further work will be required in consultation pension was made and no retrospective reduction will be with the respective Employing Agencies. applied to later increases. 2.8 Scheme Governance has become an increasingly 2.6 During 2009, the Trustees commenced a process of important factor in any UK Pension Scheme. Accordingly, fundamental review of investment strategy. Historically, the Trustees have an established Training Objective and the Trustees have based their strategy on a high exposure are committed to ensuring new Trustees have induction to equities and, whilst that approach has served the training within 6 months of being appointed. All Trustees Schemes well over the longer-term, enabling benefi ts to are encouraged to work through the ‘Trustee Knowledge be increased, the Trustees are in the process of analysing and Understanding’ toolkit on the Pensions Regulator’s whether a revised policy may be more appropriate for the website. Additionally, during 2009 a training time slot was future. Specifi cally, in setting suitable long-term strategies, introduced as a regular agenda item at the Trustees’ main the Trustees are mindful of the need to focus on ensuring quarterly meetings. Subjects covered in 2009 included that the shorter-term volatility of underlying asset values is an overview of the powers and duties of a Pension constrained to allow the Employing Agencies to manage Trustee; the Regulator’s expectations and requirements; this aspect of their budgets within tolerable limits. measuring assets and liabilities; risk management and various investment based topics. 2.7 In 2009, the updated Rules for the Staff Scheme were signed-off and, at time of writing, the Trustees are at an advanced stage in the process of updating the National In the name of the Trustees Mission Scheme Rules, which will include a renaming of the Scheme to refl ect the current situation within the W JOHN McCAFFERTY, Chairman Church. The Ministers’ Scheme Rules were updated in ARTHUR J PRIESTLY, Vice-Chairman 2008, so, once this further task is complete, the Rules of STEVEN D KANEY Pensions Manager RETURNS TO OVERTURES May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Convert into a Standing Law of the Church the Overture anent Discipline of Elders, Readers and Office-bearers as revised and set out in Appendix II. 22

REPORT 1. Introduction 2.3 In section 11 the addition of the words ‘civil or’ As will be seen from the return detailed in Appendix enables the Presbytery to suspend proceedings where a I, the Overture anent Discipline of Elders, Readers and concurrent civil action (and not only a criminal one) may Office-bearers, sent to Presbyteries by last year’s General require first to be concluded. Assembly, received sufficient support to be presented for 2.4 In section 25 the addition of the words ‘or Presbytery enactment. itself’ extends the grounds of appeal to include procedural failings by the whole Presbytery and not only by its 2. Amendments Committee. The Legal Questions Committee (hereafter ‘LQC’), which sponsored the Overture at last year’s General Assembly, 2.5 In section 27 a new final sentence has been added to is grateful for a number of helpful suggestions for ensure that Respondents need never face any element of improvement of the terms of the new Act. It believes the process alone, even if they are not accompanied by an they are all suggestions that can be incorporated into adviser provided by the Presbytery. the text without requiring further consultation under the 3. Comments commended by the Legal Barrier Act, and that they will commend themselves to the Questions Committee General Assembly. Several comments were made, which the LQC believe 2.1 In section 1(b) the addition of the words ‘(whether or should be borne in mind by Presbyteries as the legislation not a member of a Kirk Session)’ removes any doubt that is implemented. all elders should be subject to the provisions of the Act. 3.1 All legislation and regulations passed by each Assembly should be promulgated throughout the Courts 2.2 In section 8 the addition of the words ‘(or within a of the Church. This legislation in particular should be longer period for which the Presbytery can reasonably brought to the notice of those who are especially subject show necessity)’ addresses the implications of the to its terms. Presbytery’s failure to begin the process within the seven day time-limit. 3.2 Presbyteries should take particular care to be clear and 22/2 RETURN TO OVERTURES transparent in determining what behaviour constitutes a 4. Comments resisted by the Legal disciplinary offence in terms of the definition in section Questions Committee 1(a). Cultural variation across the country, and the nature The LQC considered some comments which either did of our Presbyterian system, will result in differences from not produce agreement or did not seem to require one Presbytery to another, but courts should try to avoid amendment of the text of the Overture. needless inconsistency in the application of the Act. 4.1 Section 1(f): The LQC did not agree with a suggestion 3.3 Presbyteries should be especially careful in situations that all cases should involve someone from another where the Respondent is both an office-bearer and an Presbytery, to ensure justice and independence. The employee. It will be important to ensure that action is intention of this legislation is to achieve those ends by taken in accordance with the correct legislation; and in changing the court of first instance from the Kirk Session some cases it may be necessary to consider action under to the Presbytery. It would be regrettable to suggest that more than one process. a Presbytery cannot be capable of impartially exercising non-routine superintendence over the charges in its 3.4 Presbyteries should always exercise best practice bounds; but the section as it stands allows for exceptional by keeping the Respondent informed at every stage, not use of external help where it is particularly needed, and forgetting to advise him/her formally at the point at which this should suffice for unusual cases. any process is abandoned. 4.2 Section 8: One Presbytery had difficulty identifying 3.5 Kirk Sessions should be rigorous in providing pastoral the recipient of the Presbytery’s powers; but the LQC has support to all parties within their parishes at the earliest no doubt that these are located in the Superintendence opportunity, since time may elapse before the Presbytery Committee and not (as in Act III 2001) the Investigating becomes formally involved and acquires its own pastoral Committee. The difference stems from the fact that the responsibilities at that stage. Presbytery remains the adjudicating authority in this new legislation, and so cannot devolve its own responsibilities 3.6 Where the Committee decides, in terms of s.17, that no to a group which will be subject to its judgement in due further action should be taken, Presbyteries must not treat course. the Respondent as if he or she were guilty of the allegation made. In particular, instructions relating to future conduct 4.3 Section 11: The LQC did not agree with the should be carefully and sparingly used, and never in a way Presbytery which believed that Presbyteries should have that gives the impression of constituting a reprimand. the opportunity to disregard the status of a criminal conviction where it believed there had been a miscarriage 3.7 The LQC agrees that, whenever the General Assembly of justice. Whatever the relationship between church has cause to amend Act III 2001, care should be taken to courts and criminal courts may be, a miscarriage of justice check whether there are any consequential or parallel in the latter should be addressed by a criminal appeal; and amendments to be made to this legislation, so that in the it is wholly inappropriate that a church court should make respects in which they are designed to be similar, they do judgements on the actions of another court as if it had not fall out of step with each other. However, the LQC is some kind of appellate function over the civil magistrate. clear that the two pieces of legislation are used in very different circumstances, and any amendment must be 4.4 Section 12: The LQC did not agree that a formal examined on its own merits. minute should be taken of the very first consideration of RETURN TO OVERTURES 22/3 circumstances by the Committee. This stage is preliminary 4.8 Miscellaneous to attempts at mediation, and does not yet constitute any 4.8.1 The LQC did not agree that the Committee of part of a formal disciplinary investigation. Presbytery would require to be clerked by someone outside its own membership, since there is no precedent 4.5 Section 16: One Presbytery was concerned that a for this in other comparable processes. complainer with a poor record of credibility might force the abandonment of a genuine complaint because it failed 4.8.2 In the light of proposed changes to Act III 2001 the good faith test in 16(1). However, as the Committee of (on discipline of ministers and others) brought by the Presbytery takes all the tests in section 16 together, the LQC itself this year, it did not need to adopt most of the 22 fact that relatively little weight might be given to one consequent amendments of that Act suggested by one factor need not be fatal to the process. Presbytery.

4.6 Section 22: One Presbytery was concerned that the 4.8.3 The LQC strongly disagreed with the comments Presbytery appeared to have the power to give repeated of two Presbyteries, which suggested that a centralised fresh instructions to its Committee, or replace it, or system (like that of Act III 2001) should be adopted for otherwise go to any length to over-ride its conclusions. discipline of elders and others. The Committee believes The LQC is satisfied that the normal prohibition on a court that the principle of subsidiarity requires disciplinary re-visiting an issue without due cause should provide functions to be exercised by the lowest court reasonably protection to those subject to the legislation, and enable capable of doing so. The LQC observed that a different Respondents to challenge unreasonable repetition of Presbytery was concerned about what it saw as greater process by the Presbytery. centralisation, and accepts that Presbyteries may produce 4.7 Section 27: The LQC did not agree that the adviser opposing comments on Overtures under the Barrier Act. must be a member of the Presbytery, or that it must 4.8.4 The LQC did not agree with the Presbytery which be a paid appointment. The Overture is designed suggested that Kirk Sessions should retain the discretion to to apply to those who do not have a professional or exercise discipline or to refer the matter to Presbytery. The otherwise patrimonial interest in the proceedings, so the possible difficulties of conflict of interest might prejudice requirement for advice or representation is very different the exercise of that discretion just as much as any other from the requirements in Act III 2001. For this reason the element of the process, if kept at Kirk Session level. Committee does not agree that consideration should be taken of circumstances in which the office-bearer is In the name and by the authority of the Committee exercising his or her professional skills pro bono, and might engage legal representation in proceedings under this FINLAY A J MACDONALD, Convener legislation: its provisions will clearly apply to an individual only in their capacity as elder (etc), and would not be used in a situation of alleged professional incapacity or impropriety. 22/4 RETURN TO OVERTURES

APPENDIX I Committee of any of these bodies or of a Kirk OVERTURE ANENT DISCIPLINE OF ELDERS, Session or Presbytery, and shall for the avoidance READERS AND OFFICE-BEARERS of doubt include all Clerks and Treasurers whether or not such individuals serve as voting No of Presbyteries Members voting for members of any such governing body; (d) ‘complaint’ shall for the purposes of this Act only Approving Disapproving Approval Disapproval mean a complaint that a disciplinary offence has 41 4 2263 105 been committed; (e) ‘Presbytery’ shall mean the Presbytery in whose bounds is the congregation of which the APPENDIX II Respondent is a member; OVERTURE UNDER THE BARRIER ACT (f) ‘Committee of Presbytery’ shall mean a OVERTURE ANENT DISCIPLINE OF ELDERS, Committee of Presbytery of three persons, of READERS AND OFFICE-BEARERS whom at least one will be a minister and one an elder, and any one of whom may be a member The General Assembly adopt the Overture the tenor whereof of another Presbytery appointed for this purpose follows, and transmit the same to Presbyteries under the in terms of Act VI 2002 (as amended) section 2. Barrier Act, directing that returns be sent in to the Principal Clerk not later than 31 December 2009. 2. For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that any proceedings under this Act are part of the exclusive The General Assembly, with the consent of a majority of jurisdiction of the Church and in accordance with the Presbyteries, enact and ordain as follows: Articles Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church 1. For the purposes of this Act: of Scotland in Matters Spiritual, as hereby interpreted (a) ‘disciplinary offence’ shall mean: by the Church. (i) conduct which is declared censurable by the Word of God, Act of the General Assembly or 3. For the avoidance of doubt, where an individual established custom of the Church or against whom an allegation of a disciplinary offence (ii) a breach of a lawful order of any court of the is made is a minister, licentiate, deacon or graduate Church; candidate, the provisions of Act III 2001 anent (b) ‘Respondent’ shall for the purposes of this Act Discipline of Ministers, Licentiates, Deacons and only mean an elder (whether or not a member Graduate Candidates shall apply and the Presbytery of a Kirk Session), reader or other office bearer shall proceed in terms of that Act. against whom a complaint has been made; (c) ‘office-bearer’ shall for the purposes of this 4. For the avoidance of doubt, where an individual Act only mean an individual who serves on a against whom an allegation made in terms of this Congregational Board, Deacons’ Court or Board Act is an employee of any Court or Committee of the of Management, or any other body deemed by Church, and that allegation arises within the context the Presbytery to form part of the governance of that individual’s employment, the provisions of arrangements of the congregation, or on any civil employment law shall apply. RETURN TO OVERTURES 22/5

5. Where an allegation is made to which the provisions 10. If at any stage of proceedings under this Act the of Act IV 2007 anent Bullying apply, this Act may not Respondent admits to any or all of the allegation(s), be invoked. and the Committee of Presbytery is willing to accept such an admission and abandon its consideration of 6. When in the course of proceedings under Act II any part of the allegation not admitted, the Committee 1984 (anent Presbytery Visits) or Act I 1988 (anent shall, with the consent of the Respondent, produce Congregations in an Unsatisfactory State) the Presbytery a Report for Presbytery recommending summary receives notice of circumstances indicating that a disposal of the case in terms of section 24. disciplinary offence may have been committed by an elder, reader or other office-bearer, it may either proceed (1) In the event that the Presbytery approves the 22 simultaneously in terms of this Act or resolve to initiate decision of the Committee, the Presbytery shall proceedings under this Act following the completion of proceed to dispose of the case in terms of section the existing proceedings. 24.

7. A Presbytery shall initiate investigatory proceedings as (2) In the event that the Presbytery does not soon as it comes to the notice of the Presbytery that approve the decision of the Committee, it shall the name of a person over whom it has jurisdiction has give such further instruction to the Committee been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register or included as is necessary. on the Disqualified from Working with Children List (DWCL) kept by Scottish Ministers under Section 1(1) 11. The Committee of Presbytery may sist proceedings of the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003. pending the outcome of any civil or criminal proceedings which relate to the allegation or part Allegation of Disciplinary Offence of the allegation. Where the allegation made to the 8. On receiving notice of circumstances indicating that Presbytery is the same as a charge brought against a disciplinary offence may have been committed, the Respondent in criminal law, a criminal conviction the Superintendence Committee of the Presbytery shall be deemed by the Presbytery to satisfy the shall within seven days (or within a longer period for standard of proof, for the purposes of this Act. which the Presbytery can reasonably show necessity) appoint a Committee of Presbytery, as defined in 12. The Committee of Presbytery shall meet separately section 1(f). For the avoidance of doubt it is expressly with the complainer (if any), with the Respondent, declared that in so appointing the Superintendence and with any other individuals the Committee Committee shall have all the powers of Presbytery. believes it appropriate to meet. The purpose of these meetings shall be to ascertain a preliminary account 9. At the request of the Committee of Presbytery, or of the circumstances. on its own initiative, the Presbytery may at any time impose upon the Respondent an administrative 13. The Committee of Presbytery shall, if it believes it is suspension, being an instruction by the Presbytery appropriate to do so, institute steps to effect mediation to the individual to abstain from the exercise of all or conciliation between or among the parties, and the functions of his or her office until proceedings these steps and their outcome shall be reported to under this Act are finally disposed of; and it shall not Presbytery through the Superintendence Committee. constitute a form of censure. The report to Presbytery need not contain the names 22/6 RETURN TO OVERTURES

of any of the parties in the event that the steps have, terms of section 9. Without prejudice to its in the opinion of the Superintendence Committee, existing powers of superintendence, the resolved the complaint without the need for further Presbytery may issue an instruction to the action on the part of the Presbytery. Respondent regarding his or her conduct. Any disobedience of that instruction may be Investigation of Complaint treated as a disciplinary offence. 14. In the event that the complaint has not been (2) In the event that the Presbytery does not resolved through the steps referred to in section 13, approve the decision of the Committee, it shall the Committee of Presbytery shall consider whether give such further instruction to the Committee to carry out an investigation. as is necessary.

15. The Committee of Presbytery shall intimate in writing 18. If the Committee of Presbytery decides to initiate to the Respondent the nature of the offence alleged investigatory proceedings it shall: and the nature of the evidence purported to exist in (a) give notice to the Respondent of the decision support of the allegation and shall offer him or her the to investigate the case and of the allegation or opportunity to make any answer thereto, provided allegations which are to be investigated; that he or she shall not be obliged to answer. (b) give notice to the Presbytery of that decision and of the allegation or allegations which are 16. In considering whether to carry out an investigation to be investigated; and the Committee of Presbytery shall have regard to all (c) give notice to the Legal Questions Committee, the relevant facts, and in particular which shall appoint a legally qualified assessor (a) the bona fides of any person making an to advise the Committee of Presbytery on allegation that a disciplinary offence may have matters of law and procedure, if it has not been committed; done so by invitation at an earlier stage. (b) any representation by the person who is the subject of the allegation; 19. On receipt of the notice referred to in section 18(b), (c) the preliminary account ascertained in terms the Presbytery shall make such arrangements as of section 12; and appear to it appropriate for the provision of pastoral (d) the gravity of the alleged offence. support for the Respondent and his or her family, for For the avoidance of doubt the standard of proof the person or persons who made the allegation and throughout proceedings shall be the balance of for any witnesses within the bounds of the Presbytery. probabilities. 20. The Committee of Presbytery shall carry out such 17. If the Committee of Presbytery decides that it is not investigations as it deems necessary to determine appropriate to carry out an investigation in respect of whether a disciplinary offence may have been all or any of the allegations made, the Committee of committed, and shall keep a Record Apart of the Presbytery shall report that decision to the Presbytery investigatory proceedings. for its approval. (1) In the event that the Presbytery approves 21. Before reaching any conclusion, the Committee of the decision of the Committee, it shall recall Presbytery shall make known to the Respondent the any administrative suspension imposed in substance of the complaint made against him or her RETURN TO OVERTURES 22/7

and the nature of the evidence existing in support (b) reprimand, which shall be an expression of the allegation and shall offer him or her the of disapproval of particular behaviour with opportunity to make any answer thereto; provided counsel regarding future conduct; that he or she shall not be obliged to answer. (c) removal from a particular office held, including removal from membership of a Kirk Session; 22. Upon consideration of the allegations and evidence (d) deprivation of status as an elder, subject to submitted and of any answers given, the Committee future restoration by the Presbytery, or of status of Presbytery shall be entitled to resolve that no as a Reader, subject to future restoration by the further investigation shall be carried out if there is Presbytery in consultation with the Ministries 22 no case to answer. In that event, it shall report to the Council. Presbytery for approval. (1) In the event that the Presbytery approves Miscellaneous the decision of the Committee, it shall recall 25. All decisions made by Presbyteries in terms of this any administrative suspension imposed in Act shall (subject to the provisions of section 26) terms of section 9. Without prejudice to its be subject to the normal rights of appeal to the existing powers of superintendence, the Commission of Assembly, but such appeal can Presbytery may issue an instruction to the be brought only on one or more of the following Respondent regarding his or her conduct. grounds: (a) that there were irregularities in the Any disobedience of that instruction may be process, (b) that the final decision was influenced by treated as a disciplinary offence. incorrect material fact, or (c) that the Committee of (2) In the event that the Presbytery does not Presbytery or the Presbytery itself acted contrary to approve the decision of the Committee, it shall the principles of natural justice. give such further instruction to the Committee 26. An appeal brought by any party against any actions as is necessary. taken in terms of sections 8-21 inclusive of this Act shall be regarded as an intermediate appeal and shall 23. In the event that the Committee of Presbytery decides not sist the Committee of Presbytery’s process. to proceed further in terms of this Act, it shall bring a report to the Presbytery in numbered paragraphs 27. No legal expenses in connection with proceedings stating its findings in fact and a recommendation as under this Act shall be met from the funds of the to disposal of the case. The Presbytery shall hear and Church. At the request of the Respondent the dispose of the Report. Presbytery shall appoint a person familiar with the practice of church law to act as an adviser to him Disposal of Complaint or her. If not accompanied by such an adviser, at 24. The Presbytery shall dispose of the case as seems all stages of the proceedings under this Act the appropriate to it. The disposals available to the Respondent shall be entitled to be accompanied by Presbytery shall include the following, and may one individual chosen by the Respondent, who shall consist of a combination of elements: not have the right to speak. (a) instruction to any party regarding future conduct; disobedience of such instruction Consequential Amendments constituting the disciplinary offence of 28. Act XI 1707 (the ‘Form of Process’) and Act XIX 1889 contumacy; (Act on Forms and Procedure in Trial by Libel and in 22/8 RETURN TO OVERTURES

Causes Generally) shall cease to apply in relation to 30. Act VI 2002 anent Co-operation by Presbyteries (as proceedings under this Act. amended) is hereby further amended by the removal in section 2 of the word ‘or’ and the addition, to the 29. Act III 2000 (Consolidating Act anent Church Courts) end of section 2, of the words ‘or YYY 2010’. (as amended) is hereby further amended by the addition in sub-section 37(1), after ‘execution,’ of the words ‘and, subject to the provisions of Act YYY 2010,’ MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 2009

At Stirling and within the University Campus 4 – 7 September a) Between young and old by creating ways for 2009 them to work together. b) By encouraging social and community events Debate One - Identity within churches to build relationships. The National Youth Assembly: c) By encouraging all local churches to engage 1. Believes that we as a Church should seek to recognise with a partner church somewhere else in the and celebrate people as individuals with individual world. gifts and talents, and not to generalise. We should: d) By developing small group networks for folk 23 a) Seek to develop these gifts and talents. to meet together, share their stories and build b) Value building relationships over organising relationships. evangelistic events. 7. Believes that the Church of Scotland should c) View people as works in progress and not the acknowledge that people within the Church, despite finished article. the fact that they are Christians, experience identity 2. Would like the Church of Scotland to explore the problems. emerging aspects of Positive Psychology as a way of 8. Encourages churches to make spiritual support forming relationships with people, particularly those groups available for everyone in the parish regardless on the edges of the church. We would encourage the of whether or not they are a member. Church to develop resources and make these available 9. Believes that the Church of Scotland should not to all groups and leaders working in the Church. make people conform to one identity. Instead it 3. Believes that inappropriate responses by the Church should embrace diversity, with its own identity being of Scotland to the identity of individuals and groups ‘Everyone is welcome’. has been a very real barrier to them feeling part of the church. Debate Two - Wealth 4. Urges the Church to explore ways of supporting The National Youth Assembly: growth in Christian identity for all ages, recognising 1. Urges the Church of Scotland to take the lead in the current work of COSY in this area. opening discussions on personal finance and to 5. Urges the Church of Scotland to continue supporting provide support in helping with issues of stewardship. the young people of the Church as they move 2. Recognise that while Western society encourages through education and into the world of work. We materialism, which is unacceptable, the Church encourage the Church to help with pastoral support, should not condemn individuals but should work offering guidance both spiritually and generally, as with them to combat materialism. young people develop their identity through these 3. Would like the Church of Scotland to prioritise difficult challenges. spending on people. Local churches should be 6. Believes that the Church of Scotland should respond encouraged to invite disadvantaged groups into positively to identity issues by providing opportunities their churches to use their resources in whatever way for social interaction: is appropriate. 23/2 NATIONAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY

4. Suggests greater discussion of collective tithing. There 13. Commend and encourage the continuation of ethical should be increased accountability and transparency investment practices by the Church of Scotland. from the Church as to where financial contributions 14. Urge individual Church members to review their go. Individual churches should have more of a voice giving with a view to giving more sacrificially in order in where their contributions go. that the good work of the Church may continue. 5. Urges the Church of Scotland to continue to work with people of other denominations and faiths in Debate Three - Spirituality trying to eradicate poverty. The National Youth Assembly: 6. Believes that the Church of Scotland should continue 1. Affirms that spirituality is a crucial part of the Christian to support the work of Christian Aid in its tax justice faith and believes that the Church of Scotland is campaign and should build stronger links with not good at engaging with this. The Church should projects tackling poverty. help people mature in their spirituality by openly 7. Feels that the church should be at the forefront confronting it and not hiding from it and by providing of tackling the structures that keep people poor more accessible resources and pastoral care. and encourage people to see poverty as not 2. Believes that every aspect of life has a spiritual being restricted to financial issues, with other dimension (eg use of money, relationships, values, factors including spirituality, health and education. suffering). Local issues should not be neglected in favour of 3. Would like to see people in the Church helped to international ones. develop a healthy relationship with silence, including 8. Would like to see the Church make tackling poverty during Church services. Where practical, a dedicated a priority and to see it as an act of worship. The use space should be provided in churches for meditation of biblical texts as a means of communicating the and reflection, both in and out of “Church hours” and necessity and impetus for working to eradicate open and advertised to the general public. poverty should be encouraged. 4. Would like to see more emphasis placed on 9. Recognises that churches do a lot of good work in spirituality in preaching, possibly including questions tackling poverty and encourage this to be fed back for contemplation and discussion. through stories about this. 5. Encourages the creative use of big posters/billboards 10. Believes that the Church should play a key part in in prominent public places, with messages to inspire tackling poverty through educating people and people spiritually. being active in the community. The local church 6. Encourages Church communities and individuals should be key to identifying local needs in order to within those communities to share their stories and prioritise eradicating poverty in Scotland. faith experiences, with the relevant support. 11. Would like churches to ensure that people in 7. Recognises that traditional services are of spiritual congregations who are struggling financially can be value, but would like to see more exploration of honest and receive help without having to feel they alternative worship both in and out of services for have to keep up a ‘respectable’ façade. example, art exhibitions, film liturgies, poetry, i-pod 12. Encourage the Church of Scotland to be more reflections and labyrinths. involved in practical work both at home and abroad 8. Would like to see the promotion of opportunities for (eg building projects) in charities and projects, other learning such as “Adult Sunday School” and programs than just providing financial support. like Alpha or Living the Questions. NATIONAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY 23/3

9. Thinks that spirituality should be spoken about and practical support to congregations engaging in Inter- practised from Sunday school age so that children Faith relationships. This could include an expansion of are aware of it, for example through “Godly Play”. the role of Inter-Faith workers and the development 10. Suggest that it is useful to look at spirituality in an of a volunteer network. Inter-Faith way. 8. Encourages the Church of Scotland to recognise the 11. Would like to see an event exploring alternative values which we share with other faiths and which worship and spiritual development, possibly on the should inform and encourage practical work on issues theme of “Live faith and share life” (rather than live life such as poverty, conflict resolution and justice. Faith and share faith). groups should work together for increased dialogue with all levels of government. Debate Four - Inter-Faith Matters 9. Are aware that ignorance breeds prejudice whereas The National Youth Assembly: knowledge breeds understanding. It’s crucial to build 23 1. Believes that the Church should do more to combat lasting relationships before tackling religious issues. stereo-typical views of what Christians are like and We need to be educated about other faiths and try to understand that all faiths have extremists, including educate other faiths in what we believe and why we Christianity. There is a need to extend education believe it, promoting mutual understanding. about all faiths to avoid stereo-typing based on 10. Encourages the Church of Scotland to reach out biased media reporting. to those who feel threatened and fearful of new 2. Thinks that there should be more Inter-Faith cultures and religions in their area in the hope that gatherings and conferences at local, national and such feelings won’t escalate. international levels, with better advertising to increase 11. Would like the Church to consider ways in which awareness of this work and its importance. communities can have dialogue with people of other 3. Consider consulting with local police forces and faiths while being careful to avoid tokenism and outside agencies to ascertain priority areas where condescension. Inter-Faith dialogue is required. 12. Encourage ongoing Religious Education programmes 4. Encourages the use of Inter-Faith meals as a means in schools with the involvement of churches and other of sharing faith and belief to build meaningful faith groups, as part of commitment to promoting relationships while being sensitive to other customs. understanding about different faiths among wider 5. Encourages the Church of Scotland to promote society. Inter-Faith Dialogue overseas in areas such as Israel/ 13. Encourage Inter-Faith dialogue at all levels of the Palestine and Africa. Church, including opportunities for people from 6. Challenges local churches to extend loving friendship other faith communities to speak to churches about and conversation to people of other denominations their beliefs. and faiths and to love their neighbours regardless of 14. Want to encourage ecumenical discussions so that faith or absence of faith. We should accept people Christians of all denominations can work to improve for who they are, treat them with respect, and never inter-faith relationships. pity. When talking with anyone we should have no agenda for converting them. IAN MCLARTY, Moderator 7. Encourages the Church of Scotland to offer more CATHERINE HAY, Clerk SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the Report. 2. Appoint the voting members of Council of Assembly to act as the charity trustees for the Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the General Assembly (The Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity Number SC011353) with immediate effect. 3. Require that the members of the various Councils and Committees of the General Assembly apply to their duties the same standards as are required of charity trustees. 24

REPORT Executive Summary of Report Report of the Council of Assembly. Rather than approve In 2007, the General Assembly agreed that the charity these sections of the Deliverance, the Assembly decided trustees for ‘The Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity in favour of a counter motion to set up this Committee to Number SC011353’ should be all the members of its look into charity trusteeship and charity governance in the Councils and Committees. The part of the Church Church. (1.2 & 1.4) registered under this charity number does not include any The Committee delineated its remit and ascertained that Presbyteries or congregations of the Church of Scotland charity trustees are the persons in general control and (some Presbyteries and all congregations have separate management of the administration of a charity. Thereafter, charitable status). (1.1) it conducted a series of consultations. (1.6-1.9 & 2.1-2.3) This meant that some 450 people are the ‘declared’ charity The Committee has given consideration to retaining the trustees, but most of them could not be considered to have status quo and to other alternatives. The General Assembly general control and management of the administration of has already given the Council of Assembly a remit and the charity. It is at least questionable whether this group of powers which result in the Council of Assembly being in people would in fact be accepted as the charity trustees. general control and management of the administration (3.3) of the Assembly’s Councils and Committees. Therefore, In the light of this, and mindful of the principles of “good they are de facto the charity trustees. The Committee is of governance”, the Council of Assembly sought to regularise the opinion that designating the voting members of the matters at the General Assembly of 2009. (3.3) Council of Assembly as the charity trustees of the Church of Scotland simply recognises the current remit of the Sections 2 and 3 of the Deliverance of this report, in identical Council of Assembly and should not be seen as changing terms, were considered by the Assembly last year on the its relationship with the other Councils and Committees, 24/2 SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE nor with the General Assembly. It further agreed that all 1.3 The voting members of the Council of Assembly members of the Assembly’s Councils and Committees comprise the Convener, Vice Convener and 10 elected should apply to their duties the same standards as are members together with the Conveners of the Councils. required of charity trustees. (3.4-3.8) The Secretaries of the Councils together with the Principal Clerk, the Solicitor of the Church and the General Treasurer The Committee has highlighted additional areas (and the new Secretary of the Council of Assembly, when which require to be considered in furtherance of good appointed) are members of the Council of Assembly but governance: a) a skills audit, which will be considered in a have no voting rights. Supplementary Report, and b) conflict of interest require consideration by both the Nomination Committee and 1.4 However, the following counter-motion won the the Council of Assembly, with c) transparency a matter eventual vote: for the charity trustees. Communication and trust are hugely important issues which the whole Church must “The General Assembly appoint a committee of strive to maximise as communication and trust must work nine members to effectively in both directions. (4.1-4.7) 1. review the implications for the governance of the Church of Scotland of contemporary standards 1. Background to our Task and practices in the running of charities 1.1 In 2007, the General Assembly agreed that the 2. consult the Principal Clerk, the Solicitor of the charity trustees for ‘The Church of Scotland, Scottish Church, the Council of Assembly, the Panel on Charity Number SC011353’ should be all the members Review and Reform, and others as appropriate of its Councils and Committees. The part of the Church 3. and report to the General Assembly of 2010.” registered under this charity number does not include any Presbyteries or congregations of the Church of Scotland 1.5 The mover of this counter-motion wanted the (some Presbyteries and all congregations have separate General Assembly to receive charitable status). “a proper report on which to base their decision 1.2 At the General Assembly of 2009, the Council of which outlines the possible courses of action that Assembly moved the following sections in their Deliverance would improve the Church’s governance and the to the General Assembly: implications of these options.”

“Appoint the voting members of the Council of 1.6 Our deliberations as a Committee have been Assembly to act as the Charity Trustees for the restricted to the charity trusteeship and governance Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the of the charity registered with number SC011353, ie the General Assembly (The Church of Scotland, Scottish Assembly’s Unincorporated Councils and Committees. Charity number SC011353) with effect from 1 June, 2009. 1.7 We, the members of the Special Committee, decided that we needed to try to delineate the implications of the Require that members of the various councils and original idea that the voting members of the Council of Committees of the General Assembly apply to Assembly members should be the charity trustees for their duties the same standards as are required of all the General Assembly’s Councils and Committees, charity trustees.” namely: SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE 24/3

- Would the nature of the Council of Assembly be changed Swarbrick, Head of Charities, Messrs Anderson Strathern, and would its relations with the other Councils and Solicitors, generously accepted our request for help. Committees be changed? If so, in what way? 2.3 In November 2009, the Committee also decided 1.8 We also needed to ask: to widen the consultation to all Presbyteries and we are – if there was an alternative to what had been proposed? grateful for the 19 responses we received by the end of – whether the role of the General Assembly and January, despite the late notice. Presbyterian principles of governance would be changed under any new scheme? 3. Findings 3.1 What is a charity trustee? 1.9 Lastly, we wanted to test the anecdotal perception Before any of these issues can be understood or discussed, of an increasing culture of regulation in the Kirk. the definition of a charity trustee must be known. The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 2. Consultations (2005 Act) gives us a definition: 24 2.1 In accordance with our Remit, we consulted with the Principal Clerk, the Solicitor of the Church, the Council of “‘charity trustees’ means the persons having Assembly (who chose to be represented by members of the general control and management of the their Governance Group) , and the Panel on Review and administration of a charity.” The Act also sets out Reform (its Convener) and the Committee is grateful for the general duties of a charity trustee: their perspectives and their time. “A charity trustee must, in exercising functions in 2.2 We decided that “others as appropriate” (Remit: Clause that capacity, act in the interests of the charity and 2) should be: must, in particular - • the existing charity trustees of the Church of Scotland charity (SC011353), ie all the members of (a) seek, in good faith, to ensure that the charity the Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the acts in a manner which is consistent with its General Assembly. The Committee is grateful to all the purposes, Councils and Committees for making space in their (b) act with the care and diligence that it is already busy agendas and welcoming us so courteously. reasonable to expect of a person who is managing At these consultations we also made it clear that written the affairs of another person, ………………..” responses from individual charity trustees would be welcomed. 3.2 The duties and responsibilities of a charity trustee • representatives from OSCR: we are grateful to the Acting of a standard charity are no different to those of charity Head of Inquiry and Investigations and the Acting Head trustees of a Designated Religious Charity (DRC) like the of Charity Services for the time and care they gave to us Church of Scotland. In the case of the Church of Scotland, in a very busy period for them. this status of DRC respects the principles acknowledged • representatives of the Scottish Council for Voluntary by the Westminster Parliament when enacting the Church Organisations (SCVO): the Deputy Chief Executive and of Scotland Act 1921 that the State should not interfere Director of Corporate Affairs and the Policy Officer were in matters falling within the spiritual jurisdiction of the very generous with their time and attention. Church; these include doctrine, government, discipline • an independent lawyer, expert in Charity Law: Ms Anne and worship. A DRC is exempt from the provisions of 24/4 SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE the 2005 Act relating to the appointment, discipline and Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the removal of charity trustees. These are areas where OSCR General Assembly. and the Civil Courts cannot interfere and remain within • The trustees are not responsible for approving the sole province of the religious charity, in the case of the Accounts of the Unincorporated Councils and SC011353, the General Assembly. Committees of the General Assembly (this should be a duty of charity trustees but in the case of the Church 3.3 The position at present of Scotland this was delegated to the Stewardship and Finance Committee and now to the Council of Assembly). “Charity Trustees are required to exercise “general control and management of the charity.” In 2007, 3.5 If the voting members of the Council of Assembly the General Assembly, on the recommendation become the charity trustees for all the General Assembly’s of the Council, agreed that the charity trustees Councils and Committees: for the Unincorporated Councils and Committees should be all the members of these Councils and Would the nature of the Council of Assembly be changed Committees, a number totalling around 450. and would its relations with the other Councils and What this means is that every member of every Committees be changed? Council or Committee is a charity trustee not only We came to recognise, in the counter-motion debate for their own area of work, but for all the Councils and in our consultations with some Councils and or Committees. The question therefore arises as Committees, a common thread of misunderstanding of to what extent, say, members of the Assembly the existing remit of the Council of Assembly: that it is Arrangements Committee can exercise “general solely a co-ordinating body, when that is actually not control and management” of the Social Care the case. The Committee was concerned at the level of Council, or members of the Church and Society misunderstanding of the Council of Assembly remit. The Council can act as effective trustees in respect of fear engendered by this misunderstanding was that to the work of the World Mission Council.” (The Report bestow charity trusteeship on the voting members of the of the Council of Assembly to last year’s Assembly, Council of Assembly would give it supervisory control 2.1.4.2) over the other councils and committees. The Committee is of the view that it would not because the Council 3.4 Why change the status quo? Why can’t we just leave of Assembly already has that supervisory control. The things the way they are? introduction of its Remit, agreed by the General Assembly in 2004 (Reports 10/22; Appendix 1), states: We found widespread agreement that the status quo cannot be considered good governance, for the reasons “The Council of Assembly shall be a standing well-expressed by one Presbytery: Committee of the General Assembly to which it • The number of 450 is too large and unwieldy for good shall be directly accountable and to which it shall and effective governance. report through its Convener. The General Assembly • Individual trustees are only involved in a small part of has conferred on the Council the powers as the work of the Church and may have no knowledge of described in the following remit and in particular what is being done by other Councils and Committees. the powers of supervision of its Agencies (said • The Trustees do not meet as a body and are Agencies being as defined in the Appendix) in the not responsible for supervising the work of the matters as detailed therein.” SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE 24/5

And part 2 of the Council’s Remit and Powers, again agreed cost implications in such a course of action. It would entail by the Assembly in 2004, reads - “To monitor, evaluate and a lot more accounting and regulatory controls; moreover, co-ordinate the work of the Agencies of the General Assembly, all would be required to act independently of each other, within the context of policy determined by the Assembly.” encouraging a move away from co-ordinated strategy in Although changes were made to the Council of Assembly’s the Kirk’s central agencies. The charity trustees appointed Remit in 2009, the introduction and part 2 of the Remit would be required to act in the interests of the council and Powers remain unaltered. or committee to which they were appointed and not necessarily in the interests of the Church of Scotland as 3.6 The General Assembly has already given the Council a whole. Any subdivision of the charity would result in of Assembly a remit and powers which result in the Council financial difficulties as funds would be ring fenced for of Assembly being in general control and management that particular area of work. Therefore, the Committee of the administration of the Assembly’s Councils and concluded that separate charitable status for the Church’s Committees. Therefore, they are de facto the charity Councils and Committees could be a threat to the trustees. The Committee is of the opinion that designating Presbyterian government of the Church of Scotland. 24 the voting members of the Council of Assembly as the charity trustees of the Church of Scotland simply 3.7.3 Incorporate some or all of the councils as, for recognises the current remit of the Council of Assembly example, companies limited by guarantee and should not be seen as changing its relationship with The Committee noted some parts of the Church are the other Councils and Committees, nor with the General already incorporated, eg the Church of Scotland General Assembly. Trustees is a statutory corporation incorporated by an Act of Parliament. A company limited by guarantee is another 3.7 Is there an alternative to what was proposed? incorporated vehicle for a charity: such companies are The Committee considered a number of other options regulated by both OSCR and the Registrar of Companies. raised during its consultations and deliberations: In addition, there are proposals to bring in a new form of Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) 3.7.1 A new body of Trustees, one from each Council which would be regulated as a charity only and not as a and Committee, and/or one from each Presbytery, company, thereby cutting out one layer of regulation. The sitting above and across all the Councils and objections listed under 3.7.2 similarly apply. Committees, including the Council of Assembly. The difficulty would be that this body would have to be 3.7.4 A few returns to our consultation questions asked in ‘control and management’ and the General Assembly “why we have to have charity trustees” since the Church would have to give it the powers currently exercised by has its own Court system. All charities are required to have the Council of Assembly. The new body would in effect charity trustees, e.g. trustees of a public trust, directors of replace the Council of Assembly. The Committee noted a charitable company, leaders of a BB Company, Elders in that the Councils were already represented on the Council a congregation etc. of Assembly and some Committees were represented by the Convener of the Support and Services Council. In the Church of Scotland, the General Assembly is the Supreme Court of the Church but is not in general control 3.7.2 Give each Council and Committee independent and management of the day to day administration of the charitable status Church as it only meets once a year and has a different It was acknowledged there would be significant additional composition from one year to the next. The church needs 24/6 SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE to have charity trustees who are in general control and “The Council is keenly aware that a considerable management of the administration of the charity: this is an degree of trust has been placed in it by the General obligation laid down by legislation and more importantly Assembly. At the same time it is very clear that a matter of good governance. its authority is limited and derives, not from any inherent power in itself, but entirely from the 3.7.5 A few consultees also suggested the option for the remit given to it by the Assembly. The Council Church not to be a registered charity. understands its role as standing in the place of the Assembly throughout the year with a responsibility The Church has chosen to be registered as a charity and to defend the decisions of the Assembly and ask has a lot to lose if it is not a charity. The Church as a whole questions which the Assembly itself has neither the benefits from the repayment of tax through Gift Aid which time nor detailed background information to ask.” is in the region of £11 million per annum. Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and other fiscal exemptions would be Therefore, the Council of Assembly stands in place of the lost and the Church would be required to pay Corporation General Assembly throughout the year and is not a threat Tax on surpluses, etc. The Committee is of the opinion that to the Assembly. Its remit includes the following powers: the consequences of not being a charity far outweigh the regulatory burden of being a charity. “To deal with urgent issues arising between meetings of the General Assembly, provided that 3.8 Would the role of the General Assembly and (a) these do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian principles of governance be changed Commission of Assembly or of any Presbytery under any new scheme? or Kirk Session, (b) they are not of a legislative or The Special Committee is quite clear that the Council of judicial nature and (c) any action taken in terms Assembly is a creature of, and derives all its powers from of this clause shall be reported to the next General the General Assembly. Therefore, it sits under the Assembly Assembly.” and has been given no locus in relation to Presbyteries or Kirk Sessions. It has an extensive remit, but just as its The General Assembly makes the policy, not the Council powers have been given to it by the Assembly, so can the of Assembly. Assembly take these powers away. The Committee particularly sought to clarify whether the The Church wants and needs its central administration to Council of Assembly would be able to avoid the authority be run well, both economically and efficiently. The Council of the General Assembly in fulfilling its responsibilities as of Assembly acts on behalf of the General Assembly in the body of charity trustees; or could it say to the Assembly relation to the administration. It has powers in relation that the Assembly cannot decide something? The answer to the spending of the Councils and Committees of the is, “no”. The General Trustees and the Pension Trustees Church and it has introduced across-the-board procedures have a different status and do not need to defer to the and controls for all Councils and Committees, eg staffing authority of the Assembly in certain matters. The Council recruitment is scrutinised by the Staffing Group of the of Assembly, however, is a body set up by the Assembly, Council of Assembly. acts on behalf of the Assembly and its powers are given to it by the Assembly. Therefore, it is technically different To quote from the Report of the Council of Assembly to from the General Trustees and the Pension Trustees. The the 2005 General Assembly: General Trustees are a Statutory Corporation bound by the SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE 24/7 terms of statute and as a charity in its own right must act 4. Other Considerations of Good Governance in the interests of the charity and the Pension Trustees are (a) Skills bound by Pension legislation. 4.1 The remit and skills required for members of the Council of Assembly, including their role as charity trustees, When looking at the Church of Scotland, we are considering must be set out to guide the Nomination Committee who should be the charity trustees of an unincorporated in selecting future members. In consultation with the association. The policy is made by the General Assembly; Council of Assembly and Nomination Committee, we the trustee body is appointed by the General Assembly hope to present to the General Assembly a Supplementary to be in general control and management of its Report outlining these skills together with proposals for a administration. The Committee can distinguish no threat transparent selection process. to that supremacy in any possible model. (b) Conflicts of Interest 3.9 Is the increasing culture of regulation experienced 4.2 When trustees are appointed, there requires to be in the church being laid at the door of OSCR more a continuing sensitivity to the issue of remuneration. 24 often than is appropriate? When the charity trustees are selected for the skills they Yes. The Church has chosen to become a charity and has, can provide to the Council of Assembly as the charity therefore, chosen to take on new ways of doing things trustee body, consideration needs also to be given by the in order to conform with civil law. OSCR have not made Nominations Committee, the Council of Assembly and demands nor imposed any regulations on the Church of the General Assembly to an appropriate balance between Scotland. The majority of changes we have experienced, those in receipt of payment of stipend or salary from the and are now considering, have come from the Church Central Fund and those not in receipt of payments from itself in the pursuit of better governance. Some changes the Church of Scotland. In our view, as a matter of good have been necessary because of new Regulations, eg governance, remunerated Trustees ought not to be in the the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 majority. and the Charities References in Documents (Scotland) This would reflect the decision of last year’s Assembly Regulations 2007. Prior to the passing of the 2005 Act, that the Council of Assembly should agree the stipend on the Church of Scotland was a Designated Religious Body the recommendation of the Ministries Council, because which entitled it to a great number of exemptions from the majority of members of the Ministries Council are the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act recipients of stipend. Now, only those voting members 1990. This included a blanket exemption from compliance of the Council of Assembly who are not in receipt of a with the previous Accounts Regulations for charities. For stipend or salary from the Central Fund agree the stipend this reason the ‘milestones to compliance’ for Church of for the Church. Scotland bodies were far greater when the 2005 Act and Regulations came into force. (c) Transparency 4.3 In the interests of good governance, opportunities The OSCR officials with whom we consulted, far from should be given for the voting members of the Council of reminding us of any regulatory demands we still needed Assembly to meet alone as charity trustees. to meet, were pleased that the Church of Scotland was taking steps to improve its own good governance and (d) Representation encouraged us all to continue down that path. 4.4 It is our belief that all Councils and Committees 24/8 SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF CHARITY GOVERNANCE should have a clear route into trustee representation on on improving the level of awareness amongst council the Council of Assembly. They must know “who speaks for and committee members of the powers of the Council of us?” Assembly (and the limits to these powers).

During our consultations we have become aware of (f) Trust certain anomalies, eg The Guild and the Housing and 4.7 The Committee has been made very aware that one Loan Fund which are not agencies within the remit of the of the key issues facing the Church of Scotland nationally, Council of Assembly. If the General Assembly decides to regionally and locally is trust. Quite a number of our abolish the Support and Services Council, there requires consultations evinced an undercurrent of distrust, which to be consideration of how the constituent committees of often proved to be baseless. Someone once described that Council continue to communicate with the Council Presbyterianism as “organised distrust”, designed to ensure of Assembly. that no individual or small group accrues too much power. The dispersal of power remains part of our good (e) Communication governance, but it is a matter of concern and sadness 4.5 The view was expressed to us several times that to hear so many echoes of innate distrust. That concern the good governance and administration of the Church must be addressed for the sake of good governance in the depend primarily on good communication. Clear and Church. transparent two-way lines of communication between the Council of Assembly and the Councils and Committees are needed. Although Conveners and Secretaries of Councils In the name of the Committee are members of the Council of Assembly, their role in ensuring the effectiveness of this communication must be DAVID W LACY, Convener underlined. The Council of Assembly will need “to monitor, GRAHAM K BLOUNT evaluate and co-ordinate” the communication practices in ELAINE DUNCAN and amongst the Kirk’s central agencies. CAROLE HOPE DAVID LEWIS 4.6 There will need to be some thought given to how PAT MUNRO the powers of the Council of Assembly are understood GILBERT C NISBET by Councils and Committees, and this will be particularly TOM WATSON important when the future Council Secretary becomes the GEORGE J WHYTE line manager of their senior staff members. The “general control and management” function of Trustees will depend SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE DECLARATORY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND IN MATTERS SPIRITUAL May 2010 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report 2. Pass a Declaratory Act anent the third Article Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland in Matters Spiritual in the following terms: The General Assembly declare as follows: (1) The Church of Scotland reaffirms the principles enshrined in the third Article Declaratory and declares anew its commitment to be a national church with a distinctive evangelical and pastoral concern for the people and nation of Scotland; 25 (2) The Church of Scotland asserts that, while this commitment is recognised by Act of Parliament, namely the Church of Scotland Act 1921 and Articles Declaratory appended thereto, its true origin and entire basis lie not in civil law but in the Church’s own calling by Jesus Christ, its King and Head; (3) The Church of Scotland remains committed to the ecumenical vision set out in the seventh Article Declaratory and, in pursuit of that vision, stands eager to share with other churches in Christian mission and service to the people of Scotland; (4) The Church of Scotland understands the words “a national church representative of the Christian faith of the Scottish people” as a recognition of both the Church’s distinctive place in Scottish history and culture and its continuing responsibility to engage the people of Scotland wherever they might be with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (5) The Church of Scotland understands the phrase “bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry” to mean a commitment to maintain worshipping, witnessing and serving Christian congregations throughout Scotland. 3. Call upon the whole Church to give heed and respond with a sense of real urgency to the challenges coming from the Ministries Council, the General Trustees and those charged with the Church’s stewardship and distribution of resources. 4. Affirm the key role of Presbyteries in the delivery of the commitment expressed in the third Article Declaratory as understood by the Church and instruct Presbyteries anew to engage with the process instructed by the General Assembly of 2008 to create a Presbytery structure which can more effectively manage the deployment of the Church’s ministerial and other resources. 5. Instruct the Ecumenical Relations Committee, in consultation with the Ministries Council and relevant Presbyteries of the bounds, to seek discussions with sister churches with a view to identifying areas where a sharing of ministries and buildings would enable a more effective ministering to communities throughout Scotland and to report to the General Assembly of 2012. 25/2 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

6. Instruct the Ministries Council to give consideration to the establishing of arrangements similar to the Shetland arrangements for other remote areas and to report to the General Assembly of 2011. 7. Urge ministers of word and sacrament to give prayerful consideration to serving urban priority area and remote rural parishes. 8. Instruct the Ministries Council, as it takes forward the Presbytery planning process, to engage with the General Trustees and Presbyteries on the development of a strategic plan for church buildings and to report to the General Assembly of 2012. 9. Instruct the Ministries Council in consultation with the Worship and Doctrine Task Group of the Mission and Discipleship Council to consider authorising identified and appropriately trained individuals to celebrate the sacraments in the absence of an ordained minister and to report to the General Assembly of 2011. 10. Instruct the Ministries Council, in consultation with the Legal Questions Committee, to review the helpfulness of Act VI, 1984 anent Congregations in Changed Circumstances with regard to ministerial flexibility and to report with proposals to the General Assembly of 2011. 11. Thank and discharge the Special Commission.

REPORT 1. Introduction adopt some kind of “supermarket model” which maintains 1.1 The tradition of placing the proposed deliverance a Church presence only where there is the “customer base” at the very beginning of a General Assembly report is which makes it economically viable to do so. rather like opening a novel with the final chapter in which 1.3 In the course of one meeting of the Commission all all is revealed. To read the deliverance is to see, before the ministerial members acknowledged that the parish reading any further, precisely where the report is heading. dimension was an integral part of their calling and a crucial Nevertheless, the Commission trusts that commissioners aspect of their ministries. Along with the other members will read on and follow the reasoning which has led to the they are grateful for the opportunity which the work of the conclusions reflected in the deliverance. Commission has given over the past two years to test those convictions. It is now the Commission’s earnest hope that 1.2 The Special Commission believes that the Church the General Assembly will judge that it has exercised due does indeed have a divine call and duty in this regard diligence and accept the recommendations which it brings. and holds with passion to the commitment enshrined in the third Declaratory Article. The Commission also 2 Background dares to hope that the General Assembly will capture its 2.1 The Special Commission was appointed by the enthusiasm for rising to the challenges and embracing the General Assembly of 2008 with the following remit: opportunities which the spirit of the Article lays upon the 1. to consider the relevance of the Third Article Church today. These include a readiness to take difficult Declaratory in today’s Scotland. decisions on the distribution of resources, an acceptance of 2. to investigate and report upon the relationship the need to develop fresh models of ministry and mission, between the Third Article Declaratory and the a new willingness to work ecumenically and a refusal to current: SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/3

(a). Parish staffing policy and Presbytery of the Christian Faith of the Scottish people it Plans. acknowledges its distinctive call and duty to bring (b). Financing of the Church’s work. the ordinances of religion to the people in every 3. To consider the effect upon the Church of parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry.” Scotland and its structures if the Third Article Declaratory was retained, modified or removed 1.2 The Church is accordingly constitutionally taking full account in its deliberations of the committed to providing a ministry, understood Church of Scotland’s declared priority for the as including a ministry of Word and Sacrament, poorest urban and rural parishes as the Gospel in every part of Scotland without exception. It imperative facing the whole Church. appears to us that everything that we have been 4. To make recommendations regarding the called upon to consider in the areas of structure, future of the Third Article Declaratory. finance and the allocation of resources, flows from 5. To report to the General Assembly of 2010. the imperative contained in the Third Article and, and instruct the Selection Committee to in particular, its third sentence. It is the requirement bring names to a future session of the General to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial Assembly taking full account of the need for 25 ministry that determines that congregations appropriate representation from the poorest must be maintained, irrespective of their ability urban and rural parishes in Scotland. to support themselves and therefore that other 2.2 This remit arose from the report of an earlier Special congregations must take on the burden of that Commission on Structure and Change. This had been support. It has implications for how resources are set up by the General Assembly of 2006 following a to be allocated. petition which raised issues concerning the structure and organisation of the Church with particular reference to the 1.3 We believe that the time is right for the relationship between local congregations and the central Church to look critically at the Third Article and administration. decide whether it should be retained, amended or removed altogether. 2.3 The relevant text of that previous Commission’s report is in the following terms: 1.4 We question whether any valuable principle is dependent upon retaining the Third Article. We The Third Article Declaratory would agree with the view expressed in Church 1.1 The Third Article Declaratory of the Without Walls that it is a statement that needs Constitution of the Church of Scotland reads: to be examined and questioned at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It may be that as a “This Church is in historical continuity with the result of such an examination the Church will Church of Scotland which was reformed in 1560, conclude that the time has come humbly to lay whose liberties were ratified in 1592, and for whose down the title of “National Church” and accept security provision was made in the Treaty of Union a new title such as “A Church for the Nation”. It of 1707. The continuity and identity of the Church may be thought more meaningful for the Church of Scotland are not prejudiced by the adoption of to “represent to” the Scottish people the Christian these Articles. As a national Church representative faith rather than to assume that the Church of 25/4 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

Scotland is “representative of the Christian faith of 3.4 While it is clear that the focus of the remit given to the Scottish people”. We are one of many Christian the Special Commission is on the final sentence of Article denominations within our country and it may III a brief commentary on the Article as a whole may be be that an ecumenical outlook would be more helpful in setting the broader context. effective in reaching all Scotland with the Gospel. Major changes would not necessarily see the Kirk 3.5 The text begins with a reference to historic continuity. lose its Presbyterian identity. The Presbyterian The Commission believes that this is fundamental to our Church in other countries has survived without self-understanding as a Church. James Cox’s Practice and Procedure in the Church of Scotland begins with a being “national” in its context. Our self-identity chapter on the constitution of the Church. This opens would change in some ways but so would the with the following declaration on the question of historic ability to earn greater respect within the nation. continuity: The example of Jesus as the humble servant would The Church of Scotland entered on a new era seem to provide a helpful model. in its long and chequered history when, on 2nd 1.5 Whether there is a continuing role for the Third October 1929, its sundered sections became Article is helpfully discussed in a section of Church once more united under the old name: but it was without Walls. We have included that section as not a new Church that came into existence on an Appendix to this report. We commend it to the that date. In like manner a new chapter, perhaps Church as a starting point in its consideration of rather a new volume, of its chronicles was begun the question. when in August 1560 there was accomplished the Reformation so greatly needed, so marvellously [Note: The extract from the CWW report achieved by the blessing of God; but then also it referred to in the immediately preceding was not a new Church that suddenly sprang into paragraph can be found at Appendix 2 to being. That achievement was not its origin but this report.] its re-formation, without loss of its identity. The Church of our fathers has a much longer lineage 3. Introduction to the Third Article Declaratory and a much greater heritage than is comprised in 3.1 For ease of reference the Articles as a whole, along four centuries. It has been built up stage by stage with the text of the Church of Scotland Act, 1921 are ‘upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, printed as Appendix 1 to this report. Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone.’ The Church of Scotland is a part of the One Holy 3.2 The text of the third Article Declaratory is also set out and Catholic Church. 1 in the extract quoted above. 3.6 The Act of 1592 Authorising Presbyterian Church 3.3 The Articles Declaratory of the Church of Scotland Government is described by the historian Dr Douglas in Matters Spiritual were drafted in the first and second Murray as “the high-water mark of Scottish Presbyterianism decades of the twentieth century as a fundamental part of and the recognition by the State of the spiritual claims of the process which led to the passing by Parliament of the Church of Scotland Act, 1921 and the union of the Church 1 James Cox, Practice and Procedure in the Church of Scotland, 6th edition, of Scotland and the United Free Church in 1929. p1 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/5 the Church.”2 Murray further points out that this Act, which regarded itself as a national Church with a calling to minister became known as the “Golden Act”, built on the provisions of to all the people of Scotland. an earlier statute of 1567. By this earlier measure Parliament had acknowledged that spiritual authority now resided in 3.10 Finally, it should be observed that the Article talks the Reformed rather than the pre-Reformation Church. of a National Church, not the National Church. Murray describes this as “not an exclusive claim” or one which 3.7 The other historic reference in the Article is to the would “detract from that role being carried out by other Treaty of Union. Dr Murray comments that these two Churches, such as had been done by the UF Church”4 Any statutes were included for a particular reason: “the statute difference lay in state recognition. This had been accorded of 1592 had secured the liberties of the Church and the to the pre-union Church of Scotland and was now Treaty of Union had made provision for the security of the carried forward into the united Church as an expression Church.”3 of the national recognition of religion. At the same time the language used spoke of “call and duty”, not privilege 3.8 As in 1567, so in the process which gave rise to and establishment. The consequent commitment to a the Articles Declaratory emphasis was placed on the territorial ministry was a missionary opportunity embraced recognition by Parliament of a spiritual authority which by a Church with a national perspective, not a legal the Church received from Christ alone (see Article IV). Not 25 requirement imposed upon it. until the General Assembly with the consent of a majority of Presbyteries had legislated to adopt the Articles 4. Meetings and Consultations Declaratory did the provisions of the Church of Scotland 4.1 The Commission met ten times between June Act become operative. (See The Church of Scotland Act, 2008 and February 2010. In the course of these meetings 1921, section 4) consultations were held with a variety of individuals and 3.9 It is also of interest to note the use of the term “national bodies, namely: The Rev James Stewart (member of the church” rather than “established church”. The latter term had Special Commission on Structure and Change), the Ministries been used of the 1690 settlement following which the Council, the Stewardship and Finance Committee, the Head Church of Scotland became referred to as “the Kirk by Law of Stewardship, the Ecumenical Relations Committee, the Established”. Following that settlement continuing tensions, Ecumenical Officer, the Church Relations Officer of the largely over the relationship of church and state and the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Priority Areas Committee, spiritual independence of the Church, led to the eighteenth the Panel on Review and Reform, the General Trustees and century Secessions and the Disruption of 1843. Given that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). the Union desired in the early years of the twentieth century had somehow to balance the establishment principle with 4.2 In March 2009 members of the Commission spent the Church’s spiritual independence it was clear that the two days visiting Priority Areas parishes in Glasgow, term “national” would be more appropriate than the term namely Colston Milton, Cranhill and Ruchazie. During the “established”. In this connection it is relevant to point out course of the Glasgow visit meetings were also held with that the United Free Church, while fearful of anything which representatives of suburban congregations on the south might suggest a freedom fettering establishment, also side of Glasgow and an “open” meeting was held within the parish of Gorbals. 2 Douglas Murray, Rebuilding the Kirk, p13 3 Murray op. cit. p99 4 Murray op.cit. p 95 25/6 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

4.3 In April 2009 Commission members visited the invited all Presbyteries to comment on its remit and in Presbyteries of Caithness and Sutherland. particular on that part of it which was to investigate and report upon the relationship between the Third Article 4.4 All Presbyteries were sent the remit of the Declaratory and the current parish staffing policy and Commission and the extract from the report which gave Presbytery plans. Twenty-six Presbyteries responded and rise to its appointment and invited to comment. Twenty- the Commission is grateful for the care and thought which six Presbyteries did so and a summary of the comments has been given to the framing of those responses. received is included in this report. A number of submissions were also received from Kirk Sessions and individuals in 5.2 It is noteworthy that in every response, though with response to an invitation published in Life and Work. varying degrees of emphasis, Presbyteries were in favour of the retention of the Third Article Declaratory. It is 4.5 All Scottish local authorities were made aware clear that Presbyteries viewed the Third Article not as an of the work of the Commission and invited to submit onerous obligation but as a Gospel imperative. A number observations on the role of the Church of Scotland within of Presbyteries drew attention to the differences between their communities. A number of authorities responded to the Scotland of 1921 and of today and questioned whether this invitation and excerpts from their responses appear it was now appropriate to speak of the “Christian Faith of later in the report. The views of national government were the Scottish people” or to claim that as “a National Church” also sought from both Holyrood and Westminster. the Church of Scotland is “representative” of that faith. 4.6 The Convener and representatives of the Commission There was however no appetite for a major re-drafting of met with Mr Fergus Ewing, MSP, the Minister for Community the Article. Safety in the Scottish Government. 5.3 There was widespread support in Presbyteries for 4.7 Written comments were received on behalf of the the view that the “Call and Duty” should be shared with Secretary of State for Scotland in the United Kingdom other denominations though some Presbyteries drew Government. attention to the practical limitations of an ecumenical approach in as much as the geographical cover of other 4.8 A written submission was received from the Scottish denominations is patchy and they face similar financial Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). and staffing constraints as the Church of Scotland.

4.9 The Commission considered the 2003 Report on 5.4 The necessity for a flexible approach to Ministry the Church and Social Capital commissioned by the then was a recurring theme in many of the responses from Board of Social Responsibility from the Urban Studies Presbyteries. There were calls to mobilise the whole people Department of Glasgow University. of God and for a greater empowerment of the Eldership as a vital resource of the Church. 4.10 Finally, having regard to the fact that work in the same general area was being undertaken by the Ministries Council 5.5 The continued commitment to the poorest in both and the Panel on Review and Reform a consultation was held urban and rural communities was stressed in almost all with representatives of these bodies in October 2009. the responses received.

5. Comments from Presbyteries 5.6 Few Presbyteries addressed in specific terms the 5.1 As part of its process of consultation the Commission question of the relationship between the Third Article and SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/7 parish staffing policy and Presbytery plans but of those are many examples of valuable charitable and which did, none reported that the Article had a restricting voluntary contributions made in local parishes effect on Presbytery plans or staffing policies. In regard throughout the Highlands, including work with to parish staffing, some Presbyteries made comment on young and disadvantaged members of our the present legislation and policy on tenure of Ministers communities………Adopting an approach of Word and Sacrament as a constraining factor in the that would focus the local presence of the deployment of personnel but this is a matter beyond the Church only on areas that are fi nancially able to remit of the Commission. It is, however, under the active support it would undoubtedly have an impact consideration of the Ministries Council. of communities in the Highlands. (Highland Council). 5.7 Throughout the responses there was recognition of • In Glasgow local churches and faiths of all the problems arising from duplication of charges arising denominations have been at the forefront from the 1929 Union with the attendant burden of the of activity to tackle some of the City’s most maintenance of congregational buildings; there was no challenging issues. Church of Scotland plea for the maintenance of the status quo but there was ministers and congregations have been very remarkable unanimity on the privilege accorded to the active in supporting the city’s Asylum Seeker 25 Kirk to provide a territorial ministry across Scotland to the accommodation programme. There are also whole of its people. excellent examples of anti-poverty work within Glasgow’s most deprived communities either by 6. Comments from Local Authorities the Church or through the Church’s inter-faith 6.1 The following local authorities responded to the work. (Glasgow City Council) invitation to make comment to the Commission: Aberdeen, • While the churches (sic) role in adding to the Argyll and Bute, Dundee, East Ayrshire, East Lothian, East social capital of its membership can still be seen Renfrewshire, Falkirk, Glasgow, Highland, Orkney, Perth and as important, if it wishes to contribute to the Kinross, Shetland, South Lanarkshire and West Lothian. wider social capital of Scotland as a whole it must make more eff ort to break out of its ‘comfort zone’ 6.2. These comments came in some cases from the and engage with wider communities. (Aberdeen Chief Executive, in others from a variety of officials. The City Council). Commission is grateful for the time and care given by • There are key areas where the Church could assist these officials to assisting in its work. in bringing about positive change to enhance 6.3 At both national and local government levels there community life and this could include how the was recognition and appreciation of the role played Church uses its physical assets to encourage by the Church of Scotland and other denominations broader use of buildings for the greater good in communities around Scotland. There was also some of the community in partnership with us….. negative feedback. A few quotations will help give a An(other) area where the Church may be able flavour: to develop the role in advancing social capital is through our young people, specifi cally how we • The Council acknowledges the importance of the might support each other in developing youth role of the Church of Scotland and other faith- outreach services…(East Renfrewshire Council). based organisations to local communities. There • The Council knows of a number of examples 25/8 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

where the Church and its ministers play an 7. Key Points from Consultations important role in relation to community 7.1 Priority Areas Committee engagement and regeneration activities…the 7.1.1 At its January 2009 meeting the Commission met Council would be concerned about any potential with representatives of the Ministries Council Priority changes in ministry which could diminish the Areas Committee. It will be recalled that the remit to the contribution to local regeneration eff orts. (South Commission specifically instructed it to take full account of Lanarkshire Council). the stated priorities of recent General Assemblies, namely • Evidence that membership of the Church of a commitment to the poorest and most marginalised Scotland and other Christian Churches is in as “the gospel imperative facing the whole Church.” The decline might suggest that the traditional role is Commission heard a powerful rebuttal of the argument less important to an increasing number of Scots. that, in the modern age, the concept of place no longer I hope it is not because we lack faith but more matters. On the contrary, the Commission was told that because the institutions which support and place is particularly important in Priority Areas, where there develop faith have not ‘moved with the times’. is limited social mobility and people tend to live their entire (West Lothian Council). lives in their home community. The notion of territoriality • If at the conclusion of your deliberations there is thus crucial. The Commission was informed that in is any change to this position (the commitment Priority Areas the Church is the ‘life and fabric’ of the local enshrined in the Third Article) then it might neighbourhood – it is not only a building, but a people too. mean there was no Church presence in areas The line between Church and community is blurred, and of Dundee, especially those that suff er from people identify with the Church even if they do not attend multiple deprivation. In this eventuality there worship. The congregation also becomes an enabling force is the possibility that the citizens of these areas for attracting and supporting amenities which enhance the could lose much of the good work that is done life of the community. Were the Church to withdraw from in local communities by the Church and its these areas the loss would be incalculable. representatives. (Dundee City Council). • The Council recognises the Church as a 7.1.2 However, the point was also made to the signifi cant stakeholder in the delivery of adult Commission that such a commitment to a territorial social care and early intervention, as well as ministry and presence did not necessarily mean a supporting a substantial volunteering network in commitment to a traditional Ministry of Word and the community. The Council is keen to maintain Sacrament. Rather, the emphasis should be on the and develop ways of communicating with the development of new models of ministry which would Church locally. We are interested in working be able to respond effectively to the relevant context. in partnership with local churches and their The Commission was told that worship is at the heart of congregations across East Lothian. We would everything that goes on within priority areas and that the welcome the opportunity to meet with local sacraments are particularly important in places where Presbyteries and build relationships with them. wounds and pain are very raw. We consider this to be important in sustaining community benefi ts highlighted above as we 7.2 Stewardship and Finance Committee/Head of both face a tougher fi nancial outlook. (East Stewardship Lothian Council). 7.2.1 At a consultation held in November 2008 the SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/9

Commission learned that, approximately one-third of Council is again looking at the question of tenure and congregations (or groups of linked congregations) are net notes the relevance of this discussion for the strategic contributors to the Parish Ministries Fund. The Commission deployment of the Church’s ministries. was also informed that, when asked in what circumstances it was appropriate for congregations to receive financial 7.4 Ecumenical Relations support with their ministries costs, the answer given by 7.4.1 The Commission’s consultation in January 2009 with Presbytery stewardship representatives was “in remote representatives of the Ecumenical Relations Committee rural areas and in urban priority areas”. It was pointed out and the Church Relations Officer of the Scottish Episcopal to the Commission that many congregations receiving Church was assisted by a paper which examined the such support were in neither of these categories and that territorial ministry from an ecumenical perspective. this situation was not sustainable in the longer term. 7.4.2 The Commission learned that there are places 7.3 Ministries Council already in Scotland – both rural and in certain parts of larger 7.3.1 At the same meeting in November 2008 the towns - where a congregation of another denomination is Commission was advised that the Ministries Council looked on by those around it as serving the function of regarded the territorial ministry as fundamental to a parish church. A case in point is a Methodist Church in 25 planning and deployment policy and that the Council Netherton, on the outskirts of Wishaw, which is the only was committed to an equitable distribution of ministries church in a large area of housing. There is also in place across the whole nation. However, the implementation of an ‘ecumenical welcome’ mechanism, produced through this policy came up against three problems: ACTS and recognised by the National Sponsoring Body for (1) Larger and larger parishes were being created Ecumenical Partnerships. This is designed to be used where and these stretched relationships between there is only one church available in an extended area and ministers and members. where it is unreasonable to expect people to make their (2) Questions of fi nancial sustainability were arising way to the nearest congregation of their own tradition. with only 35% of congregations meeting their Its use requires the permission of the relevant authority – ministries costs. Bishop, Presbytery etc and it allows people to participate (3) Many vacancies were protracted with real fully in the life of a congregation, including in some diffi culties arising in fi lling these, particularly in instances, with the appropriate permission of the Bishop, more remote areas. the reception of the Sacrament by Roman Catholics.

7.3.2 Since that discussion the Commission has 7.4.3 The Commission was also told that there are places become aware of the work being done by the Ministries in the Highlands where the Scottish Episcopal Church or Council to address these problems in the next stage of the Free Church has a considerable presence. In Shetland, the Presbytery planning process through the deployment the Methodist Church is strong. It was suggested that in of a variety of ministries and a range of ministry models. such places it may be possible for a territorial Christian The Commission notes that these developments will be presence to be maintained in co-operation with such reported to the General Assembly by that Council, along churches. At the same time it was recognised that there with an assessment of the number and types of ministries are areas where all the churches struggle. the Church can expect to afford in the years ahead. 7.4.4 The Commission was also informed of a recent 7.3.3 The Commission is also aware that the Ministries conversation amongst denominational Ecumenical 25/10 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

Officers which indicated that, were the Church of Scotland the basis on which they undertake their two charitable to depart from its territorial responsibility, the whole objectives, namely, the support of parish ministry and the church in Scotland would lose something important. In assisting of congregations to provide suitable buildings such circumstances it would be likely that other churches for parish ministry. It is also the basis on which they move would feel a need to rise to the challenge. However, it is assets from those who have to those who do not. The recognised that their resources are also stretched. Certainly Trustees acknowledged that the assets under their care there is a willingness amongst Scottish churches to explore – glebes, manses, churches, halls etc – were historically the concept of ecumenical team ministry (not necessarily provided from local landowners with a view to maintaining exclusively clergy), to provide ministry in a given area. a ministry to and within the local territory.

7.5 Panel on Review and Reform 7.6.3 The Commission heard that it was a matter of 7.5.1 Also in January 2009 the Commission consulted with concern to the General Trustees that, while recognising the Convener of the Panel on Review and Reform on its remit that buildings are key local resources, the Church as a to bring forward proposals for a new Presbytery structure to whole has no effective buildings strategy. In the view the 2010 Assembly. It was noted that the 2008 Assembly of the Trustees this is a major risk. The Trustees feel that had acknowledged the need for new arrangements which the existing Presbytery planning process must be taken could empower Presbyteries to become more effective seriously and the buildings element dealt with robustly agents of mission. In the Panel’s view there were a number and honestly. of Presbyteries which were “on the edge of viability” and it was necessary to develop a new vision of the Presbytery as 7.6.4 The Commission also learned that there are more than a business meeting. situations where there is a sharing of facilities with one building accommodating church sanctuary, health centre, 7.5.2 While it is for the Panel to develop its proposals and and community services centre, eg at Auchtergaven and commend them to the General Assembly the Commission Moneydie in Perthshire. fully shares the Panel’s view of the crucial role Presbyteries have to play in enabling the Church’s ministries throughout 7.7 Glasgow Visit Scotland. 7.7.1 In March 2009 members of the Commission spent two days visiting churches in Glasgow. This 7.6 General Trustees included the priority area charges of Colston Milton, 7.6.1 The Commission met with representatives of the Cranhill and Ruchazie. In addition the Commission invited General Trustees at its meeting in October 2009. Given representatives of a number of suburban congregations on that the Presbytery planning process, as noted from the Glasgow’s south side to meet with them. These included consultation with the Ministries Council, is based upon Broom, Burnside: Blairbeth, Cathcart: Trinity, Eaglesham, the commitment to territorial ministry it is relevant to note Giffnock: Orchardhill, Giffnock: Park, Giffnock: South, that Act VII, 2003 (the legislation which governs Presbytery planning) requires Presbyteries to give consideration not Greenbank, Mearnskirk, Merrylea, Netherlee, Newlands: only to ministries deployment but also to the use and South, Newton Mearns, Rutherglen: Stonelaw, Shawlands, maintenance of buildings. Stamperland and Williamwood. Finally the Commission held an “open” meeting within the parish of Gorbals and 7.6.2 The Trustees stated that their work was essentially engaged in discussion with individuals who accepted the grounded in the third Article Declaratory since this is invitation to attend. SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/11

7.7.2 In the priority area parishes the Commission was and the appreciative comments submitted from Glasgow challenged on the question of how success and failure City Council. (see para 6.3) are measured in the life of a local church. Attendance at Sunday worship and financial offerings may suggest 7.7.7 The meetings with office-bearers from a number failure when compared with other congregations, though of south Glasgow suburban churches threw into sharp levels of per capita giving can be exemplary. At the same focus the issue of wealthier churches contributing time the contribution to the life of the community can significant sums of money (and a significant proportion be highly significant in terms of supporting struggling of their members’ offerings) to support work such as that individuals and maintaining social networks. For example, carried out in priority areas parishes. There was a ready the Commission learned from the Chief Executive of recognition of the need for this work, a concern that it a local Housing Association that without the Church should be encouraged and expanded and a willingness the Association would not exist. A Malawi exchange to support it. At the same time there were voices which programme with Ruchazie has been valued by all parties indicated that those congregations which were significant in terms of addressing issues of poverty and community net contributors to the Ministries and Mission Fund and how these are viewed in different cultures. should have some kind of say in how “their money” was being spent. The Commission also heard a challenge to 25 7.7.3 The Commission recognises the challenge to the this approach on the grounds that, as one minister put it, whole Church to continue funding priority areas where “once the money is in the plate it’s the Lord’s, not yours”. worshipping communities are small but wider community That said the Commission readily affirms the importance activities are significant in contributing to what one of responsible stewardship in the use of the Church’s minister referred to as “well being, wholeness and life in all centrally controlled budgets and the need to reassure the its fullness.” wider membership of the Church that such stewardship is exercised. 7.7.4 The Commission was also told of the importance of the parish minister to the community. In the priority area visits 7.7.8 The Commission also noted the concerns relating the Commission had to overcome perceptions that they had to an ageing and declining membership being asked come to audit the need for a minister in that particular place to contribute more and more to central funds against and were left in no doubt that the local congregation would a background of desire to fund local outreach work, for view the loss of ministerial provision as “disastrous”. example through the employment of a youth worker.

7.7.5 An interesting observation was made on the word 7.7.9 The discussion also included the topic of “twinnings” “parish”, which is traditionally understood inclusively to between congregations within the Church of Scotland. refer to the sphere of work beyond the congregation. In These enable a congregation to share at a most practical one priority area the Church notice board announces not level in the Church’s wider work. The Commission was told a “Parish Church” but a “Community Church” because the that when these work well they provide a valuable two- perception locally is that “parish” implies that the Church way flow of information and enrichment. is for the members, whereas “community” signifies that it is for all. 7.7.10 In the meeting at Gorbals the Minister of Gorbals Parish Church underlined the connections between inner 7.7.6 The Commission also noted the connections city and outer suburb by stating that priority areas work between the work being carried out in these communities is done on behalf of everybody. His congregation was 25/12 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE doing work that neighbouring suburban congregations any Presbytery. At the time of the visit it had three parish could not undertake. However, he readily acknowledged ministers and two parish assistants, one of whom was that without the support provided by such neighbouring about to retire. There are a number of long-term locums congregations that work could not be delivered in the first and a reliance on ministers from beyond Scotland, eg place. Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.

7.8 Visits to Caithness and Sutherland 7.8.5 One office-bearer observed that the Church was 7.8.1 Bearing in mind the priority identified in its remit, already withdrawing from Caithness in that ministers were reinforced in the consultation with Stewardship and not choosing to serve there. Finance, the Commission decided to visit not only urban priority area parishes but also remote rural ones. Two 7.8.6 The Commission also heard criticism of the fact that days in April 2009 afforded members the opportunity of a deacon who was now authorised to conduct marriages travelling around a number of parishes in Caithness and was not permitted to celebrate the Sacraments. Sutherland. 7.9 Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) 7.8.2 While the geography was very different from the 7.9.1 The Commission is grateful to Mr Jon Harris of Glasgow visit similar issues arose, eg the same anxiety COSLA who accepted an invitation to attend its August that the Commission had come to conduct some kind of 2009 meeting. He spoke to a Joint Action Plan recently viability audit with potential resource implications. More adopted by the Scottish Government and COSLA which positively, there was evidence of congregations learning to had been made available to members of the Commission. depend less on ordained ministry and accept more in the This addressed issues of community empowerment and way of parish responsibilities. This was perhaps inevitable detailed a variety of projects. Mr Harris suggested that, as given that in one charge a minister was responsible for a the largest charitable organisation in Scotland, the Church five-way linkage. The Presbytery provides training in the should be key to the process of community support but leadership of worship. observed that its profile was not as high as it might be due to the insularity of some congregations. On the other hand 7.8.3 The Commission was also made aware of the it was readily acknowledged that in some communities difficulty in filling vacant charges and was led to reflect the Church is the only community agency remaining with on the meaning of the congregation’s right of call when its buildings the only community facility. parishes attracted few if any applicants. However, it was noted that attracting teachers and doctors is also 7.10 Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations difficult. In this connection reference was made to (SCVO) special arrangements which were in place to attract such 7.10.1 The Commission received a helpful paper from professionals and it was noted that the Church makes the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). similar provision, though only in respect of Shetland. These This referred to “the enormous historical contribution of Shetland arrangements provide for five year contracts with the Church to the development of Scotland’s voluntary additional assistance towards travel costs and re-location sector” and drew attention to the “values of service to to the mainland at the end of the period. others, probity, financial donations in life and legacy, a commitment to education and personal development 7.8.4 The Commission was advised that Caithness and service to those in need in their parishes”. The paper Presbytery has the highest percentage of vacancies of acknowledged both the changing context in which the SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/13

Church now operated and the changes in the structure Linked with Connel, on mainland, 5 miles North of Oban, of the Church itself with its diminishing membership where minister lives. and rationalisation of its agencies. Despite that the paper noted that “there are many communities in which it is Population of Island: 164: Membership of congregation: the churches which provide the social centre point for 15 the whole community. Church halls in many cases serve also as village halls, and can transcend denominational Presbytery Plan calls for minister to spend 4 weeks a year boundaries, a process helped, paradoxically, by wider on Coll. secularisation. The church hall provides facilities through all age groups and income bands for those who wish to Weekly worship during the summer, taken by ministers take part in the wide gamut of social activity that adds who can use the manse for a holiday. value and real life to our communities.” Monthly worship during the winter.

7.10.2 The paper concluded: “While the nature, size and The Minister, the Rev George Cringles writes: governance of the parishes themselves may continue to evolve, and the nature of the social and human capital The Basis of Linking with Connel requires that I visit the 25 afforded by the Church to Scottish society is continually island and conduct worship there at least four times in the changing, it still has the capacity, the spiritual and moral year. Depending on circumstances the nature of the services commitment to serve that society, and in the process will vary. I try to include communion on two occasions uphold the core values of Scottish civil society and the (sometimes three) and also have a family service that will charitable and voluntary sector, that it has done so much include the island Choir - the Coll Singers, and the children to embed at the heart of our national life. It would be a of the local primary school on special Sundays - eg harvest matter of serious concern if there were to be any major or thanksgiving. I have made it my policy to try and visit the sudden retreat from the Church’s ongoing ability to deliver island for one of the main festivals every second year. So highly valued physical and human capital in the service of far this has included Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and the people of Scotland.” Pentecost. I have yet to pluck up the courage to go over at Christmas! At other times I will visit for funerals and 7.10.3 Finally, in this section the Commission shares two weddings or other pastoral needs as required. Funerals “stories” which it heard from ministers working in areas tend to be held on days when the ferry calls twice and which rely heavily on the commitment to maintain a take place in the two hours between the ferries so there is territorial ministry throughout Scotland. These are included no need for an overnight stay. I also try to get over for the with the permission of the ministers. school end of term summer service. This is normally on a Thursday when the ferry goes on to Barra and I have six Island of Coll: Argyll hours on the island between the boats. There is a manse on the island and I usually try to stay for a week at a time Situated West of Mull, 2 hours 40 minutes sailing from during which I will do as much visiting as I can fi t in and Oban (varies slightly depending on weather and ferry also spend some time in the primary school. used), 3 sailings per week in winter; 1 sailing per day in summer, though on certain days there is a return visit to During the winter there is provision in the basis of linking Coll on the way back from Tiree. for one service a month. This has not always been possible 25/14 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

due to various factors - sometimes there are insuffi cient are very few Free Kirk folk left. I am delighted to say that church folk on the island to have a service - I have been one of them has even been joining with us for worship. The over in January and had a congregation of 3. Sometimes it Parish Church is therefore the only remaining source of is just diffi cult to fi nd anyone to go over, and at other times Christian work, witness and worship on the island. I feel it is the ferry gets disrupted by the weather. Two of the elders vital to do all we can to maintain that work and encourage have undergone basic training in leading worship and the Lord’s people in what is a far from easy situation. they will readily conduct worship if no one else is available. Indeed they sometimes have more than one service in the Glasgow: Gorbals winter months if there is suffi cient demand. Inner city, Priority Area parish to the immediate south of Provision is made in the basis for weekly worship between Glasgow city centre. Bounded by industrial estates to the Easter and the end of September. This is normally provided east and west, by the M74 extension to the south and the by visiting preachers - ministers (quite a few who have River Clyde to the north. retired), readers and lay people, who enjoy a holiday in the Population of parish: 9,000 (rising to 15,000 when manse in exchange for the Sunday service (they are asked regeneration master plan is complete). to make a small contribution towards the cost of heat and light etc). This system seems to work quite well. There are Membership of Congregation: 97 the regulars who like to return every year, and others who fi nd that once is enough! It is usually easy enough to fi ll up Presbytery plan shows Parish Minister and one other post, the summer Sundays. It is Sundays at the beginning and currently fi lled by Associate Minister. the end of the season that always prove more diffi cult. It is a system which seems to be advantageous to all parties - Worship on Sundays at 11 am. Midweek service suspended the visitors enjoy a cheap holiday while the congregation during transition to new building. doesn’t have to worry about paying pulpit supply and The Minister, the Rev Ian Galloway writes: travelling expenses, which they simply could not aff ord. I understand the fi nancial pressures being experienced by Attendance at worship varies a great deal. They depend those congregations who are the net fi nancial givers – and very much on visitors and holidaymakers in the summer to appreciate that to give beyond the bounds of the parish boost the congregation (which only consists of 15 members substantially is costly in terms of what local mission can and a small number of adherents). Apart from my contact be pursued. However I also consider that supporting local with the primary school there is no other children’s work mission in other, poorer, places is a high calling worthy of associated with the Church. The Kirk Session consists of our fi nancially strongest congregations. The return on such three elders and there are two other Board Members. investment will sometimes be hard to determine, though I Average attendance is between 6-10 in the winter and know that within Priority Areas a range of examples can 12 - 24 in the summer, although there are exceptions be given that enable measurement in both fi nancial and such as Easter when numbers can reach as high as 65. We human terms. celebrated the centenary of the church building last year when we enjoyed two very well attended services on the Of course Gorbals is the place I know best, and here we can Centenary Week-end. There is no other active church on point to Bridging the Gap – 11 years on with a budget of the island. The Free Church is eff ectively closed and there £200k and making a measured and evaluated diff erence SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/15 to hundreds of lives each year (and now not only in Gorbals That has to be about much more than money, and until but also in Govanhill, the neighbouring and also extremely we hear the debate move in that direction I have some poor community – where our most recent initiative is diffi culty in recognising God’s hand on the tiller of this working with Roma children). Meanwhile the Church’s particular change. most recent proposal is to raise £40k a year to bring music to Gorbals in work we hope will develop to bring people 8. The Commission’s Deliberations together across the developing social mix. None of this 8.1 The Special Commission on Structure and would happen without the support of the wider church for Change ministry here. 8.1.1 As noted above the remit to review the Church’s We also have a few people who have chosen to belong commitment to the third Article Declaratory arose from here though they live in more affl uent places. In a way they the deliberations of the Special Commission on Structure embody the same issue but this is not possible or indeed and Change which reported to the General Assembly of appropriate for many people. 2008. When I look round our congregation I am, as always, aware 8.1.2 As the members of the new Commission began 25 of vulnerability and suff ering as well as resilience and their task they expressed some surprise at the language strong character. Lone parents and their children, kinship, used by the previous Commission when referring to the caring granny, unemployed men, recovering alcoholic, Article. The text of the Article speaks of a “distinctive call gambler deep in debt, people with chronic diseases and and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people cancers to manage, elders still faithfully taking decisions in in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry”. their late eighties not through choice but necessity. This was seen by those who framed the articles as a natural response to the missionary challenges facing Scotland at The odd thing is that, even in transition without a building the time and was embraced as something fundamental to (though one is getting nearer) the congregation may even the role of a national Church. Both uniting churches were be growing……… committed to this approach and the union of 1929 brought together their significant resources. Thus provided for, the I am deeply grateful to the Church of Scotland’s united Church was well placed, indeed uniquely placed, to redistributive model which is, I think, a real and lasting take on this challenge and opportunity. witness to the God we serve and is so deeply counter- cultural as to be more radical now than ever. 8.1.3 Having regard to this background members of the new Commission were somewhat taken aback to find All in all, I think we need to develop clear priorities and fi nd this “distinctive call and duty” described as a “burden”. The better ways of enabling congregations to take pride in the Commission was also disturbed to note that the earlier way their fi nancial giftedness is put at the service of the Commission, having called for a review, then appeared to whole church. go on to suggest a conclusion to that review by questioning If we are to depart from the parish model – and by that whether any valuable principle was dependent upon I mean across Scotland – I think that we have to do so retaining the Article. because there is a strong sense of God’s call – to all of us – 8.2 Church Without Walls to discover how our discipleship will evolve in a new shape. 8.2.1 It is apparent that the previous Commission set 25/16 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE great store on the report of the Special Commission on nation and for the life and mission of the Church beyond Review and Reform, known more familiarly as Church our national boundaries.” The Panel acknowledged Without Walls, which had reported to the General that “there is a need for some serious engagement on Assembly of 2001. This report, and all that has flowed from the practicalities of this vision”. However, it expressed a it, has undeniably breathed new life into many areas of the concern that “in CWW we have hints of a shift towards Church and given birth to a variety of imaginative initiatives a theology merely of the local congregation.” It around the Presbyteries. Our Special Commission studied continued: “Some of the Report’s proposals feature such what Church Without Walls had to say about the third a concentration on the local and a limiting of liabilities Declaratory Article and also studied the report of the Panel in the Church as may diminish its ownership of a truly on Doctrine brought to the General Assembly of 2005, in ‘catholic’, ie whole + universal vision. We should be response to an instruction by the 2001 Assembly, to study prompted to pause over such advocacy of ‘localisation’ the implications of Church Without Walls for the theology as may obscure the responsibilities of each in each place of the Church. The extract from the CWW report quoted by to be linked with all the rest.” Indeed, the Panel went the previous Commission and an excerpt from the Panel as far as to suggest that “in its greater emphasis on the on Doctrine’s report are both set out as appendices to autonomy of the local church the Report (CWW) almost this Report (Appendices 2 and 3) so that commissioners seems to be proposing a congregationalist policy within, can weigh the arguments. The Special Commission on or as a replacement for existing Presbyterian structures”. Structure and Change made no reference to the Panel’s theological critique in its report. 8.2.4 Our Special Commission, while in no way seeking to denigrate the benefits which have come from Church 8.2.2 Essentially the Panel sought to counter-balance Without Walls or to question the importance of local some of CWW’s emphasis on the local congregation as the congregations, found itself expressing sympathy with the “primary expression of the Church” It asked: “What are the Panel’s argument. Certainly, the synopsis of comments implications of the new emphasis on a more autonomous arising out of our Commission’s wide-ranging consultation local congregation as the primary expression of the indicate a clear desire to maintain that balance which Church, linked with others through informal networks affirms the need for local congregations to have both rather than primarily through a Presbytery? Does the room to grow and freedom to develop mission focussed call for structures that emphasise relationship rather initiatives within their communities. At the same time the than regulation suggest that the system of interlocking Commission again and again heard expressed a strong courts and councils is no longer effective? What of the desire to affirm the connectedness of our congregations downgrading in several places of historical precedent within the Church of Scotland and to retain the kind of as an influence as the Church continues to reshape for commitment expressed in the third Article Declaratory. mission in a contemporary context?” 8.2.5 Accordingly the Commission came to a point 8.2.3 In reflecting on questions such as these the Panel where it concluded that the question before it was not offered cautionary words regarding “the relevance of whether to retain or delete the third Article Declaratory balance within the Church of Scotland’s ecclesiology” but rather the question of how the principles it enshrined and reminded the Church that this balance “has fed the might most effectively be implemented in today’s context. strong sense of mutual responsibilities of congregations Before developing such proposals the Commission turned within Scotland and its vision for a coverage of the whole its attention to the nature of this context and in particular SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/17 to the assertion that the society in which we now operate that the people of Scotland are necessarily ‘secular’.6 There is increasingly secular. remains what the sociologist, Grace Davie, has called a ‘lingering attachment to religious (or ‘spiritual’) beliefs 8.3. A Secular Society? among largely un-churched populations.’7 8.3.1 The Commission was well aware that one of the major assumptions behind the drive to re-examine 8.3.3 Davie’s point is that whatever might be happening the third Article Declaratory was an understanding of in terms of formal Church membership and attendance contemporary Scotland as a thoroughly secular society. such figures hardly point to a ‘secularised’ society per se. From such an assumption it followed that one could no She prefers to speak of the ‘un-churching’ of European populations rather than the ‘secularising’ of society. Thus longer presume even a passive acceptance of the Christian the much heralded phrase, ‘believing without belonging’. faith among today’s Scottish people. It is certainly the Davie concludes, ‘While many Europeans have ceased case that, according to most measures of religiosity, there to participate in religious institutions, they have not has been a decline in religious observance and Church yet abandoned many of their deep seated religious attendance in Britain and continental Europe in the inclinations’8 20th and 21st centuries. Whether that makes Scotland a 25 ‘secular society’ however, is a moot point. There are various 8.3.4 This is not a naively optimistic view, however, as explanations available as to the character and nature of Davie goes on to argue that ‘so far enough of the religiously the multi-valent phenomenon variously described as inactive in Europe have retained a nominal attachment to secularism.5 Assessing and analysing the reasons for the their churches that the churches representative role is still decline in formal Church membership is a somewhat possible… whether this will remain true for much longer fraught process and it would be rash to assume that a is an extremely pertinent question.’ 9 ‘post-Christian’ society simply presents the same challenge to the mission of the Church as ‘pre-Christian’ society. 8.3.5 One can take issue with Davie’s interpretation of the evidence and certainly, from the Church’s point of view, 8.3.2 Whilst it is undoubtedly true that all the usual the notions of ‘believing without belonging’ and ‘vicarious indicators for measuring religious adherence in Britain religion’ are hardly sufficient substitutes for committed - formal Church membership, participation in Sunday Christian discipleship. To that end we are in a new missional schools, the number of paid religious professionals, the situation. However, the lingering attachment to the marking of rites of passage through baptisms, marriages Christian faith that persists in these studies, the very fact and funerals - all show a persistent tendency towards that the discourse for articulating and verbalizing spiritual decline, nevertheless one cannot simply assume from this and religious needs (or the rejection thereof) is still largely couched in terms and concepts that are derived from the 5 See for example, Peter L Berger, (Ed), The Desecularisation of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics, Eerdmanns, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 6 See S Bruce, ‘The Demise of Christianity in Britain’ in Predicting Religion, 1999, Callum G Brown, The Death of Christian Britian – Understanding op cit., p55 Bruce of course is a trenchant advocate of the secularisation Secularisation, Routledge Press, London: 2001, Steve Bruce, God is Dead: thesis and gives the indicators for such a view here, explanations for what Secularisation in the West, Blackwell; Oxford: 2002. Grace Davie, Religion is happening to Church membership and Christian belief generally. in Britain since 1945: Believing without Belonging, Blackwell, Oxford: 1994. 7 Grace Davie, Europe: ‘The Exception that Proves the rule’ in Predicting G David, Paul Heelas & Linda Woodhead, Predicting Religion, Ashgate, Religion op cit p65-84. Aldershot, 2003. Charles Taylor, A Secular Age, Belknap Press, London: 8 G Davie, Predicting Religion, p82 2007. 9 G Davie op cit p83 25/18 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

Christian message, the persistent expectation that the 8.4 The People in Every Parish of Scotland Church is somehow there for them, means that we are 8.4.1 The Commission has found much to commend in not simply in a post-Christian or completely secularized the traditional territorial system based on the geographical situation and any account of the Church’s mission would parish. It is also well aware that such a system is not have to take note of that fact. the only way of organizing and structuring the life and worship of the Christian church. The parish based system 8.3.6 Davie’s findings are reinforced in our context by is integrally bound up with the historical development the 2001 Census returns which addressed the question of of ‘Christendom’ and the ways in which church and state religious affiliation for the first time. Just over two-thirds mutually supported one another as both developed (67%) of the Scottish population declared themselves within the context of emerging European society. As as currently having a religion. (It should be noted that such the Church is surely free to organize its life in the positively stating that you had no religion was an option ways which are most appropriate to the challenges of the exercised by 28%). 65% of the population declared day. Moreover, the parish based system, albeit perhaps themselves to be Christian with 42% per cent identifying perceived as more administrative than mission oriented, is themselves as belonging to the Church of Scotland, 16% our specific context and forms part of the rich hinterland Roman Catholic and 7% other Christian.10 Whatever these of religious life in this country. One minister who met figures might purport to show, and however unsatisfactory with the Commission spoke movingly of ‘being proud of they might be with regard to numbers regularly attending the fact that wherever he set foot in Scotland he was in a public worship and practising the Christian faith, it parish and that the people there had someone appointed nevertheless suggests that Scotland is not by any means a to care for them.’ society that regards itself as ‘secular’ in any simplistic sense 8.4.2 It is also worth pointing out that although the of that term. concept of a ‘mixed economy’ church of the future is much in vogue, it is perhaps not always emphasized enough that 8.3.7 To all this might be added the recent resurgence of such a ‘mixed economy church’ will include the traditional the notion of ‘spirituality’ in many areas of Scottish society parish system. Thus the Archbishop of Canterbury - - most notably health-care and education.11 The notion usually credited with the coining of that phrase- does of ‘spirituality’ is admittedly quite far removed from that not envisage that the Church of England will abandon of active Christian discipleship, but the fact that there is a territorial and parish based system of ministry anytime recognition that ‘spirituality’ is a vital and important part soon. For example, he writes, ‘parochial presence speaks of what it means to be a human being is surely something of a relation of loyalty between church and society….The to be welcomed by the Church as an opportunity parochial system and the world of ‘emerging church’ both for meaningful mission. Whatever else this important assume that the Church must show itself to be credible by development portends it surely lays to rest the idea that being where people are, literally and culturally.’12 contemporary Scottish society is ‘secular’ in any simple and narrowly construed definition of that term. 8.4.3 As already noted members of the Special Commission found echoes of these insights as they 10 (Analysis of Religion in the 2001 Census, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ Publications/2005/02/20757/53570) 12 Rowan Williams, ‘Theological Resources for re-examining church’ in 11 See http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/documents/publications/classa/030 Stephen Croft (Ed.) The Future of the Parish System, Church House Publish- 309SpiritualCareMatters.pdf ing: London, 2006 p54. SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/19 visited various areas of the country and heard about a of God there in ways that are both local and catholic. In sense of ‘place’ that continues to have meaning for many the complex, porous and ambiguous spaces of our future, communities around Scotland, be they urban deprived, the Church will need to find its places in society once remote and rural, discrete village or city suburb. Time again, if it is to continue to offer a religion that is public, and again the point was made that the Church has to be performative and pastoral.’ 14 sufficiently ‘local’ to be accessible, present and recognisable to the particular community it seeks to serve. Members of 8.5 Through a Territorial Ministry the Commission had no particular investment in the term 8.5.1 It appeared self-evident to the Commission that ‘parish’ as such and, again as previously noted, observed on the framers of the Articles Declaratory did not intend by the visit to Ruchazie a preference for the term ‘community the phrase “a territorial ministry” to mean an enduring commitment to maintain a set of church buildings and church”. Whatever term is used the point is that it should a full-time ordained minister in every parish as at 1929. reflect the sense of being close enough to belong. A former Any suggestion that that might have been the case is Moderator, writing on this very theme, refers to the ‘high- readily scotched by the equal commitment of the newly calling and privilege’ of serving the nation in this way. He united Church to the work of unions and readjustments. uses the language of ‘vocation’ and sees the concept of a From the start it was understood that the union involved parish based ministry as a faithful response to our calling 25 a rationalisation of resources and an ultimate return and vocation to serve the people of Scotland in the name to something approaching the parish pattern which of Christ.13 existed before post disruption rivalry erected the plethora 8.4.4 It is the Commission’s considered view that in future of buildings which still dominate townscapes across years this calling will be expressed in a variety of ways and Scotland. will ask much from the Church in terms of creativity, insight 8.5.2 As reported earlier the Commission has been made and engagement. At the same time the Commission aware of the terms in which the Ministries Council will be believes that it is likely that local and identifiable reporting to the General Assembly on the affordability of communities of faith incarnated in particular places will the current numbers of ministries serving the Church and be a rich part of the fabric of the ‘mixed economy’ church the need to address this matter. This is the business of the for the foreseeable future. Thus Martyn Percy writes, ‘The Ministries Council and will come before the Assembly on shift from the parochial to the local might not be entirely the report of that Council. However, it is certainly relevant deleterious. In the future, patterns of ministry will no to the interpretation and application of the third Article longer be configured solely through geographical space Declaratory. and its constraints. For the Church to find its place in the modern world, it will have to create new spaces for new 8.5.3 As noted, the Commission has also been made communities and different opportunities for differentiated aware of the concerns of the General Trustees over the niche groups. Such a vision might appear to threaten lack of an overall buildings strategy for the Church and the very concept of a parish church; but it might also be the large sums of money spent year by year on buildings its saviour. To be a parish church, a church must find a which are arguably no longer fit for purpose in terms of community and locate itself within it, incarnating the life modern needs and expectations. Again these matters do

13 Andrew McLellan, Prospects for the Parish Ministry and the National 14 Martyn Percy, Many Rooms in my Father’s House, the Future of the Parish Church, Theology In Scotland: St Mary’s College, St Andrews, p56 System, 2006, p14 25/20 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE not lie within the remit of the Special Commission but they Article Declaratory, also persuaded the General Assembly are certainly relevant to the distribution and deployment to remit to the Panel on Review and Reform the task of of the Church’s resources and that, in turn, relates to bringing forward a new Presbytery structure for the Church. the issue of how the Church ensures a distribution and Commenting on the frequently heard complaint that deployment which enable it to fulfil the “distinctive call there is too much power located in 121 George Street the and duty” expressed in the third Article Declaratory. In this Special Commission on Structure and Change observed connection it might be noted that the concerns over the that that was the case because there was no other suitable Article expressed by the Special Commission on Structure repository for it. The answer, it suggested, was to overhaul and Change were set out in a section of its report headed the present Presbytery structure with a view to creating “Resource Allocation”. Presbyteries which were resourced to manage substantial resources and equipped to make significant decisions 8.5.4 Our Commission has also noted the point made affecting the life and witness of the Church within their by the representatives of the Stewardship and Finance own bounds. The Panel will report to the Assembly but the Committee, namely that some two-thirds of charges do Commission again sees the connectedness of the work not meet the costs of their own minister. Many of these in which the Panel is engaged with the other elements charges will not meet the priority criteria identified and agreed by Presbytery stewardship representatives for already referred to and believes that all of this together support in funding ministry, namely urban priority and has the capacity to enable the contemporary Church of remote rural charges. Taking this together with the Scotland to live out the aspirations of those who framed concerns of the Ministries Council and General Trustees it the Articles Declaratory a century ago. is not difficult to see why the previous Special Commission 8.5.6 In connection with the understanding of the specific drew attention to the resource implications of Article III. phrase “territorial ministry” the Commission considers However, in the considered view of our Commission the that this should be understood in the widest sense of Church should not abandon the commitment expressed ministry, namely the ministry of the whole people of God. in the Article but, rather, address the problems which In the immediate future the living out the commitment lie in the way of its implementation. Part of the solution of Article III may well involve an increasing number of lies, as already suggested, through more ecumenical communities where the ministry is exercised largely by the co-operation. However, much of the answer lies with eldership and membership of the Church, albeit under the the Church itself and its willingness to grasp the issues. oversight of an ordained minister. One proposal which the Accordingly, the Commission exhorts the General Commission therefore makes is that consideration be given Assembly to give heed and respond with a sense of real to permitting identified and suitably trained individuals to urgency to the challenges coming from the Ministries celebrate the sacraments in the absence of a minister. This Council, the General Trustees and those charged with the ties in with thinking of the Ministries Council on ordained Church’s stewardship and distribution of resources. local ministry and the Commission commends the idea 8.5.5 These admonitions are also addressed to to the General Assembly. The Commission also notes the Presbyteries which have a crucial role to play in strategic potential for increasing reliance on non-stipendiary forms forward planning and the distribution of resources. The of ministry and the opportunities afforded by modern Special Commission on Structure and Change, which gave technology in areas such as video conferencing and web rise to our Commission with its remit to review the third casting. SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/21

8.5.7 The Commission is also aware that the Ministries 8.6.2 However, going beyond this specific amendment Council is considering the question of ministerial tenure. the Commission had a more general concern over This has been on the agenda for a number of years and “tinkering” with a statement of its time in an attempt to one tangible fruit of a previous consideration of the bring it up to date. The process of amending the Articles matter can be found in Act VI, 1984 anent Congregations Declaratory is cumbersome. It requires any amendment in Changed Circumstances. This allows for the Presbytery to be adopted by three successive General Assemblies to dissolve a congregation which has been subject with the approval of two-thirds of “the whole of the to changed circumstances beyond the control of the Presbyteries of the Church” in the intervening years. To Church, even though the minister had been inducted on date the only amendment which has been made was full tenure. The classic example of the kind of situation the deletion of the words “Provincial Synods” from Article which the Act sought to address was the congregation II following the abolition of synods in 1992. An earlier to which a minister had been inducted, say, twenty years attempt to make amendments relating to the status of previously, but over the years the whole fabric of the parish the Westminster Confession of Faith between 1972 and had changed significantly, many members had moved 1974 cleared the various hurdles but eventually failed away from the area and there was no longer any viable when it came before the 1974 General Assembly for final membership base for future recruitment; yet the minister approval. Given the potential for drafting by committee 25 could remain in post, preaching to largely empty pews, for on such a vast scale the Commission came to the view another twenty years. The Commission understands that that the text of the Articles should be left unchanged the Ministries Council is looking at this legislation which, but that the General Assembly should declare anew incidentally, has never been used, and would encourage the sense in which it understands the Article and how it that Council in its review. applies the principles it expresses.

8.6 A Church Representative of Christian Faith of the 8.6.3 Certainly in interpreting the phrase today we need Scottish People to stress (see above) that a ‘post- Christian’ Scotland is not 8.6.1 As noted this phrase has been challenged the same as a ‘pre-Christian’ Scotland. (In some ways it is a very strongly by CWW and others and the challenge more difficult mission context.) Using Rowan Williams’ idea is a reasonable one in a context where many Scottish that a ‘parochial presence speaks of a relationship of loyalty Christians belong to other denominations and many Scots between church and society’ (which he acknowledges is belong to a variety of faith communities or none. The at times a deeply awkward and dangerous thing!) Williams suggestion has been made that the Article be amended to develops the idea of the churches’ availability (mediated speak, not of the Church as “representative of the Christian through a local parish presence), as a sign of ‘God’s faith of the Scottish people”, but as “representative of the accessibility’. He also speaks of the ways in which a proper Christian faith to the Scottish people.” However, such an sense of Christian ‘solidarity’ with wider society picks the amendment is not without its difficulties, conveying as diverse sets of human historical relationships in which it does a sense that the Church of Scotland is somehow we live and makes of them a symphony of difference to more authentically representative of the Faith than other be enjoyed and celebrated. According to Williams, parish Christian denominations. It is interesting to note that this church and emerging church are faced with precisely the debate is not new. In fact it took place back in 1918 when same set of problems in terms of how we witness to the the Articles were being framed but, at the end of the day, distinctiveness of the Christian community in its obedience the text as we have it was the one agreed. to God’s call while at the same time recognising all the 25/22 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE chance factors of history and culture that will make it 8.6.6 In forming this view the Commission was easier or harder to be committed to Jesus’ company.15 encouraged by a leading article in the Herald newspaper of 18 July 2009. Addressing the implications of the economic 8.6.4 Following this understanding of the parish recession for the Church of Scotland the article noted based system, as sign of God’s presence to the people the remit of the Special Commission and commented as and exhibiting in God’s name the divine initiative and follows: invitation to them to respond, the Commission believes The eff ort of keeping a presence in every corner that we should not withdraw from that visible sign of of Scotland is becoming an increasingly uneven God’s commitment to the people without considerable struggle, despite a long-running tradition of cross- thought and reflection of the ways in which that might be subsidy. Currently 408 charges (35%) help support interpreted. If the parish based system has indeed been a the remaining 745. Without this help many relation of ‘loyalty’ (to which we might also add faithfulness) churches in sparsely populated rural areas and to the people in God’s name the Church should not be the those in poor multiply deprived urban communities first to draw back from that loyalty. would have been forced to close long ago. These 8.6.5 Indeed, such a move might very well have congregations, though often small in numbers, unintended and retrograde consequences. More often provide vital support and stability for their positively, as Professor David Fergusson has argued, the hard-pressed communities. This response to the Reformed tradition has traditionally advocated ‘not the poorest and most marginalised is formalised in the abandonment of secular society but a critical support identifi cation by the Church of Urban Priority Areas for its institutions and practices.’16 To this we might add as targets for concern. Many see this in terms of a –‘and a desire for their transformation according to the gospel imperative and central to what they do. values of the Kingdom of God.’ It would be regrettable if However, one option now under consideration is to an abandonment of the idea that the Church of Scotland abandon the territorial ministry in favour of going somehow represented the ‘people of Scotland’ led to a only “where there is suffi cient demand”, eff ectively diminution in the wider political and social witness of the turning the Church of Scotland into the Church of Church. Therefore, it is still perhaps appropriate to speak the Suburbs. of the Church of Scotland as the Church ‘of’ the people of Scotland in terms of our belonging to them through This is too big an issue for the Church to tackle on its the historic pattern of service that we inherited post 1560 own. Certainly kirk members should be encouraged and 1690. This is not an inalienable or fixed way of being to give a fi tting proportion of their wealth as many the church today, but it has been our particular privilege, already do. But there is an onus on those who, while calling and vocation and we would be well advised to not active, still consider themselves part of the kirk think carefully about all the implications before departing and who would miss it if it disappeared. And in from it. As such the ‘of/to’ distinction might be regarded as the case of historic or socially important buildings a distinction without a difference if we interpret this as a churches also deserve support from society as a responsibility to engage the people of Scotland wherever whole. they might be with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 8.7 The Ordinances Of Religion 15 Rowan Williams, The Future of the Parish System, p54 8.7.1 The Commission is quite clear that the task of 16 David Fergusson, The Future of the Kirk, p14 bringing the “ordinances of religion” to the people of SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/23

Scotland cannot simply be understood as the passive that we have received and it has given a certain character supplying of the religious needs of the population on and tone to the life of the Church of Scotland. As already request in terms of ‘matching, hatching and dispatching.’ remarked it is important to note that the third Article The phrase must be interpreted dynamically in missional Declaratory speaks of “a” rather than “the” national Church. terms, not statically in reactive terms. Our calling is nothing We need not claim ‘unique’ possession of that title, but other than the challenging of the people of Scotland with suffice to say it has long been our specific calling, privilege a vision of God’s kingdom and asking them to respond and duty in the context of the development of the to it in faith and love. That involves worship and the religious life of Scotland. In the view of the Commission celebration of the sacraments to be sure. The Shorter we abandon it at our peril. Equally, the Commission readily Catechism reminds us that the chief end of human beings acknowledges that reaching the people of Scotland is an is the glory and praise of God; but ‘diaconal’ service to the ecumenical task and one to which the Church of Scotland nation is also involved. Worship and service to the world contributes along with other denominations as partners are often falsely opposed and we should resist such a in the Gospel. facile understanding of what are in truth complementary responses to the Gospel. The Commission was reminded 8.8.2 It has to be acknowledged, however, that this of Jürgen Moltmann’s work on the two states of Christ affirmation is not based on any great evidence that there 25 – exalted and humiliated- which the Church is called to is at present scope for a ‘top-down’ ecumenical strategy make manifest in the world. For Moltmann Christ is present which would assist the Church of Scotland in living up to its in his exalted state in the proclamation of his word, the historic calling to serve the people of Scotland. If changes celebration of the sacraments and the worshipping life in the temper of the nation, combined with our own of the Church. He is present in his humiliated state in his institutional decline, mean that we are severely challenged oneness with the poor and the destitute and the broken in living out the sentiments of the third Article Declaratory of the world. The Church makes Christ present in all his the answer is not to abandon the commitment because it fullness when it brings these two dimensions together is burdensome, but to find new ways of fulfilling it. In the and worship and faith are offered in diaconal service to Commission’s opinion an honest desire and serious call the poor and needy.17 for a sharing with our sister churches in ministering to the whole of Scotland and in all aspects of Scottish life must 8.8 A ‘National’ or ‘Established’ Church be part of any new strategy. While there are matters of 8.8.1 The Commission rejects the idea that the Church’s doctrine, worship, liturgy and church polity on which we status is based on narrowly legal grounds. That we are ‘a differ, we all share a common call to mission and service national’ church is part of the historic calling and vocation in Christ’s name. The Commission would remind the General Assembly of the “Lund principle”18 which holds 17 See Jürgen Moltmann, The Church in the Power of the Spirit, London: that churches should only do separately that which they SCM Press, 1977, p129. If the Church appeals to the crucifi ed and risen cannot do together and surely, there is much that can be Christ, must it not represent this double brotherhood of Christ in itself, and be present with the word and sacrament, fellowship and all creative powers among the poor, the hungry and the captives? Then the Church 18 The Lund Principle is an important principle in ecumenical relations would not simply be a ‘divinely human mystery’ but the mystery of this between Christian churches. It affi rms that churches should act together double presence of Christ. Then the Church with its mission would be in all matters except those in which deep diff erences of conviction present where Christ awaits it, amid the downtrodden, the sick and the compel them to act separately.It was agreed by the 1952 Faith and Order captives. The apostolate says what the Church is. The least of Christ’s Conference of the World Council of Churches held at Lund, Sweden. brethren say where the Church belongs. 25/24 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE achieved by greater co-operation amongst the Scottish and is thereby more accessible. Given the importance churches. The Commission understands that our partner of the Church’s understanding of the third Article being churches also face similar challenges of reducing numbers, widely known the Commission judges that it should be both of ministers and active members. They face the same readily accessible to all who seek it. difficulties in resourcing and serving congregations on the geographical fringes of Scotland and also in some 9.3 The proposed Declaratory Act is in the following terms: of its most challenging areas of poverty and deprivation. The time may not yet be right for structural and organic The General Assembly declare as follows: union but that does not prevent our encouraging local, pragmatic on the ground forms of co-operation which (1) The Church of Scotland reaffirms the principles enable the churches more effectively to reach the people enshrined in the third Article Declaratory and of Scotland today. The work of the Priority Areas Committee declares anew its commitment to be a national is an excellent example of what can be achieved. church with a distinctive evangelical and pastoral concern for the people and nation of Scotland; 8.8.3 By happy coincidence the Commission is (2) The Church of Scotland asserts that, while this reporting to the Assembly of 2010 - the year in which commitment is recognised by Act of Parliament, we acknowledge the birth of the modern ecumenical namely the Church of Scotland Act 1921 and movement in the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of Articles Declaratory appended thereto, its true 1910. What more opportune moment could there be for origin and entire basis lie not in civil law but in the Assembly to issue a call that the churches in Scotland the Church’s own calling by Jesus Christ, its King work more closely together in mission and service to the and Head; people of Scotland? (3) The Church of Scotland remains committed to the ecumenical vision set out in the seventh 9. Conclusions and Recommendations Article Declaratory and, in pursuit of that vision, 9.1 Following the consultations and deliberations stands eager to share with other churches in narrated above the Commission has reached the following Christian mission and service to the people of conclusions and brings these now as recommendations Scotland; to the General Assembly. (4) The Church of Scotland understands the words “a national church representative of the Christian 9.2 The Commission recommends that the Church faith of the Scottish people” as a recognition of both of Scotland adhere to the principles set forth in the the Church’s distinctive place in Scottish history third Article Declaratory and that the General Assembly and culture and its continuing responsibility to pass a Declaratory Act setting out the sense in which it engage the people of Scotland wherever they understands the sentiments expressed in the text of might be with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. the Article. Declaratory Acts do not make new law but (5) The Church of Scotland understands the phrase clarify existing legislation or doctrine. The same ends “bring the ordinances of religion to the people might equally be achieved by simple deliverance but the in every parish of Scotland through a territorial advantage of a Declaratory Act is that, unlike a deliverance, ministry” to mean a commitment to maintain it becomes part of the standing law of the Church, worshipping, witnessing and serving Christian published along with the other legislation of the Church, congregations throughout Scotland. SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/25

9.4 As well as commending the foregoing Declaratory 5. Instruct the Ministries Council, as it takes forward Act the Commission asks the General Assembly to call the Presbytery planning process, to engage with upon the whole Church to give heed and respond with the General Trustees and Presbyteries on the a sense of real urgency to the challenges coming from development of a strategic plan for church buildings the Ministries Council, the General Trustees and those and to report to the General Assembly of 2012. charged with the Church’s stewardship and distribution of 6. Instruct the Ministries Council in consultation with the resources. In addition the Commission asks the Assembly Worship and Doctrine Task Group of the Mission and to issue the following instructions to the relevant agencies Discipleship Council to consider authorising identified of the Church: and appropriately trained individuals to celebrate the sacraments in the absence of an ordained minister 1. Affirm the key role of Presbyteries in the delivery and to report to the General Assembly of 2011. of the commitment expressed in the third Article 7. Instruct the Ministries Council, in consultation with Declaratory as understood by the Church and instruct the Legal Questions Committee, to review the Presbyteries anew to engage with the process helpfulness of Act VI, 1984 anent Congregations in instructed by the General Assembly of 2008 to create Changed Circumstances with regard to ministerial a Presbytery structure which can more effectively flexibility and to report with proposals to the General 25 manage the deployment of the Church’s ministerial Assembly of 2011. and other resources. 2. Instruct the Ecumenical Relations Committee, in 9.5 Let the final word come from a Kirk Session19 which consultation with the Ministries Council and relevant responded to the Commission’s invitation in Life and Work Presbyteries of the bounds, to seek discussions with to submit comments: sister churches with a view to identifying areas where a sharing of ministries and buildings would enable There are no disposable parts of Scotland and no a more effective ministering to communities around disposable people in Scotland. The Kirk has an obligation Scotland and to report to the General Assembly of to the whole country and all its people. It does not have 2012. an obligation, however, to do things as we always did 3. Instruct the Ministries Council to give consideration them, and in particular to stick to one model of paid, to the establishing of arrangements similar to the full-time ordained ministry. The third Declaratory Article Shetland arrangements for other remote areas and should remain, but radical rethinking of how we fulfi l it is to report to the General Assembly of 2011. essential. 4. Urge ministers of word and sacrament to give prayerful consideration to serving urban priority area In the name of the Commission and remote rural parishes. ALAN D McDONALD, Convener

19 Kirk Session of Kennoway, Windygates and Balgonie: St Kenneth’s 25/26 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

APPENDIX 1 Spiritual. These were duly adopted by the Assembly by THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ACT, 1921 Barrier Act procedure. The Church of Scotland Order in Council, 1926, fixed 28th June, 1926, as the date on which An Act to declare the lawfulness of certain Articles the 1921 Act would come into operation.] Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland in matters spiritual prepared with the SCHEDULE Authority of the General Assembly of the Church. ARTICLES DECLARATORY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH OF [28th July 1921.] SCOTLAND IN MATTERS SPIRITUAL 1. The Declaratory Articles are lawful articles, and the I. The Church of Scotland is part of the Holy Catholic constitution of the Church of Scotland in matters spiritual or Universal Church; worshipping one God, Almighty, is as therein set forth, and no limitation of the liberty, rights, all-wise, and all-loving, in the Trinity of the Father, the and powers in matters spiritual therein set forth shall be Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in derived from any statute or law affecting the Church of power and glory; adoring the Father, infinite in Majesty, of Scotland in matters spiritual at present in force, it being whom are all things; confessing our Lord Jesus Christ, the hereby declared that in all questions of construction the Eternal Son, made very man for our salvation; glorying Declaratory Articles shall prevail, and that all such statutes in His Cross and Resurrection, and owning obedience to and laws shall be construed in conformity therewith and Him as the Head over all things to His Church; trusting in in subordination thereto, and all such statutes and laws in the promised renewal and guidance of the Holy Spirit; so far as they are inconsistent with the Declaratory Articles proclaiming the forgiveness of sins and acceptance with are hereby repealed and declared to be of no effect. God through faith in Christ, and the gift of Eternal Life; and labouring for the advancement of the Kingdom 2. Nothing contained in this Act or in any other Act affecting of God throughout the world. The Church of Scotland the Church of Scotland shall prejudice the recognition of any adheres to the Scottish Reformation; receives the Word other Church in Scotland as a Christian Church protected by of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old law in the exercise of its spiritual functions. and New Testaments as its supreme rule of faith and life; and avows the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic 3. Subject to the recognition of the matters dealt with in the Declaratory Articles as matters spiritual, nothing in this faith founded thereupon. Act contained shall affect or prejudice the jurisdiction of II. The principal subordinate standard of the Church of the civil courts in relation to any matter of a civil nature. Scotland is the Westminster Confession of Faith approved 4. This Act may be cited as the Church of Scotland Act, by the General Assembly of 1647, containing the sum 1921, and shall come into operation on such date as His and substance of the Faith of the Reformed Church. Its Majesty may fix by Order in Council after the Declaratory government is Presbyterian, and is exercised through Kirk Articles shall have been adopted by an Act of the General Sessions, Presbyteries, [Provincial Synods deleted by Act V, Assembly of the Church of Scotland with the consent of a 1992], and General Assemblies. Its system and principles majority of the Presbyteries of the Church. of worship, orders, and discipline are in accordance with “The Directory for the Public Worship of God,” “The Form [The Schedule to the Act contains the Articles Declaratory of Presbyterial Church Government “ and “The Form of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland in Matters of Process,” as these have been or may hereafter be In future – web-only publication SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/27 interpreted or modified by Acts of the General Assembly formulate other doctrinal statements, and to define or by consuetude. the relation thereto of its office-bearers and members, but always in agreement with the Word of God and the III. This Church is in historical continuity with the Church fundamental doctrines of the Christian Faith contained in of Scotland which was reformed in 1560, whose liberties the said Confession, of which agreement the Church shall were ratified in 1592, and for whose security provision be sole judge, and with due regard to liberty of opinion in was made in the Treaty of Union of 1707. The continuity points which do not enter into the substance of the Faith. and identity of the Church of Scotland are not prejudiced by the adoption of these Articles. As a national Church VI. This Church acknowledges the divine appointment representative of the Christian Faith of the Scottish people and authority of the civil magistrate within his own it acknowledges its distinctive call and duty to bring the sphere, and maintains its historic testimony to the duty ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of of the nation acting in its corporate capacity to render Scotland through a territorial ministry. homage to God, to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ to be King over the nations, to obey His laws, to reverence IV. This Church as part of the Universal Church wherein His ordinances, to honour His Church, and to promote the Lord Jesus Christ has appointed a government in in all appropriate ways the Kingdom of God. The Church 25 the hands of Church office-bearers, receives from Him, and the State owe mutual duties to each other, and acting its Divine King and Head, and From Him alone, the right within their respective spheres may signally promote each and power subject to no civil authority to legislate, and other’s welfare. The Church and the State have the right to adjudicate finally, in all matters of doctrine, worship, to determine each for itself all questions concerning the government, and discipline in the Church, including the extent and the continuance of their mutual relations in right to determine all questions concerning membership the discharge of these duties and the obligations arising and office in the Church, the constitution and membership therefrom. of its Courts, and the mode of election of its office-bearers, and to define the boundaries of the spheres of labour of VII. The Church of Scotland, believing it to be the will its ministers and other office-bearers. Recognition by civil of Christ that His disciples should be all one in the Father authority of the separate and independent government and in Him, that the world may believe that the Father has and jurisdiction of this Church in matters spiritual, in sent Him, recognises the obligation to seek and promote whatever manner such recognition be expressed, does union with other Churches in which it finds the Word to be not in any way affect the character of this government and purely preached, the sacraments administered according jurisdiction as derived from the Divine Head of the Church to Christ’s ordinance, and discipline rightly exercised; and alone or give to the civil authority any right of interference it has the right to unite with any such Church without with the proceedings or judgments of the Church within loss of its identity on terms which this Church finds to be the sphere of its spiritual government and jurisdiction. consistent with these Articles.

V. This Church has the inherent right, free from VIII. The Church has the right to interpret these Articles, interference by civil authority, but under the safeguards and, subject to the safeguards for deliberate action and for deliberate action and legislation provided by the legislation provided by the Church itself, to modify or add to Church itself, to frame or adopt its subordinate standards, them; but always consistently with the provisions of the first to declare the sense in which it understands its Confession Article hereof, adherence to which, as interpreted by the of Faith, to modify the forms of expression therein, or to Church, is essential to its continuity and corporate life. Any In future – web-only publication 25/28 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE proposal for a modification of or addition to these Articles in any Church of Scotland church, the assumption no which may be approved of by the General Assembly shall, longer holds. This is one measure of the secularisation of before it can be enacted by the Assembly, be transmitted by Scotland throughout the 20th century. way of overture to Presbyteries in at least two immediately successive years. If the overture shall receive the approval, While there is more goodwill towards the Kirk than these with or without suggested amendment, of two-thirds of statistics would suggest, Robin Gill’s recent research shows the whole of the Presbyteries of the Church, the Assembly that loss of Church attendance does lead to the erosion of Christian belief in society. There is no solace in attributing may revise the overture in the light of any suggestions by Christian belief to a nation that worships at other altars. the Presbyteries, and may transmit the overture when so revised to Presbyteries for their consent. If the overture as Being Christian in today’s Scotland is different from transmitted in its final form shall receive the consent of not being Christian in 1921. Scotland is multicultural and has less than two-thirds of the whole of the Presbyteries of the welcomed new Scots of other faiths. The statement is Church, the General Assembly may, if it deems it expedient, heard in a new political context that is conscious of the modify or add to these Articles in terms of the said overture. dynamics of majority/minority interests. But if the overture as transmitted in its final form shall not receive the requisite consent, the same or a similar Assumption 2. The Church was held to be “representative proposal shall not be again transmitted for the consent of of” that majority faith. It was claiming to be the voice of Presbyteries until an interval of five years after the failure the people rather than a voice to the people. to obtain the requisite consent has been reported to the The Church of Scotland must take her place alongside General Assembly. other churches in being a “representative of the Christian IX. Subject to the provisions of the foregoing Articles faith among the Scottish people.” The context is now and the powers of amendment therein contained, the overtly missionary with the collapse of the Christendom Constitution of the Church of Scotland in matters spiritual canopy. Pastoral presence, creative communication, and is hereby anew ratified and confirmed by the Church. patient persuasion require a more proactive role for the Church of Scotland in the 21st century. APPENDIX 2 Assumption 3. The “ordinances of religion” were to be EXTRACT FROM 2001 CHURCH WITHOUT offered on a supply and demand basis. WALLS REPORT RELATING TO THE THIRD The opportunities for pastoral presence are still our ARTICLE DECLARATORY REFERRED TO IN privilege at the crucial points of life relating to birth, marriage REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMISSION ON and death – as well as other points of intervention such as STRUCTURE AND CHANGE divorce and remarriage. The congregation that is able to “Assumption 1. The Christian Faith is the “Christian Faith be alongside people and accompany them on the journey of the Scottish people”, assuming that the majority of the of life, will not lack opportunity to share the Good News of population hold to that allegiance. Jesus Christ in appropriate and life-changing ways.

When the Scottish Census of Church Attendance in 1994 While demand for baptisms and marriages decreases, the revealed that only 14% of the population were in church demand for funerals remains high, requiring a massive on that Sunday, and only 5% of the adult population were time commitment from ministers. This commitment alone In future – web-only publication SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/29 highlights the need to be part of a team ministering in service on demand. The result is a deep frustration and the area, if pastoral leadership is to remain fresh, and cynicism among office-bearers who will still speak of bereavement care is to be appropriately offered. Teams people not being “Kirk hungry”. They lost their appetite a will be different in different places. long time ago for church, but there are many signs of a spiritual quest that is passing our doors. Assumption 4. The “territorial ministry” is taken as a norm assuming social stability and cohesion. Today we recognise The changed situation is an opportunity, not a threat. Often the many sector ministries that have emerged in the past people feel ill-equipped to meet that challenge, which 50 years in industry, hospitals, universities, technology and requires a capacity for deep listening, a new spirituality the arts. and a focus on Christian discipleship rather than church membership. Society is such that everybody lives in a parish, but nobody lives in a parish. People belong to networks of friendship, In times past, faith has been passed from one generation work and leisure pursuits, or associate with the “flow cultures” to another. Today that “chain of memory” has been broken. of transient groups of people. Apart from rural communities, People are mobile, families are fragmented and society the virtual community of the docu-soaps or the Internet is less stable. All these factors erode long-term memory 25 may be more real than the neighbour next door. in our culture. How does the Church nurture long-term The future lies in sharing partnerships with neighbouring disciples in a short-term culture? congregations of various traditions, and tapping into the Assumption 6. The final observation lies in the issue sector specialisms designed to connect with people in of identity. If the Church of Scotland defines itself as a their work, leisure, or crisis moments. Trust and openness National Church only by statute, it will have at its heart will create grassroots “matrix ministry”. a legalistic flaw. The only rationale for the Church of The parish structure may become a problem when it Scotland is to declare its identity, purpose and calling is used as a base for power or possessiveness. When to be by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. To live in the put at the service of the Gospel and the whole church, grace of God means to live out the grace of God. The it can still be a catalyst to mission. As we learn how to parish system is a sign that the grace of God is offered to work together as one Church in Scotland, the Church every person in the land, in all its parts and sectors. Grace of Scotland parish church is still perceived as the strong means travelling with God across inherited boundaries partner with a unique power base in the community. to be part of the networks of society and understand the Christ-formed relationships will reflect the mind of Christ many sub-cultures around us. who laid aside the place of power to take the way of the If the Church of Scotland assumes that it exists by legal servant. right and by claims of social influence and power, it will Partner churches have spoken of the generosity of the lose its life. If it lives by grace and gives away power by Church of Scotland in many ecumenical ventures, and the grace in order to make known the Gospel of grace, then, “charism of the big heart”. Where that spirit is shown locally, in partnership with the whole Body of Christ, we will share the potential for partnership in mission is immense. in making Christ known in our land.

Assumption 5. The basic assumption is that the people If we were to restate the purpose of the Church of Scotland are Christians and we offer a national spiritual health in our context, it might include: In future – web-only publication 25/30 SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE

As part of the world Church, we are committed to the this identity has two dimensions. One dimension consists spiritual welfare of the whole Scottish nation and to share in the historical continuity of the Church of Scotland with in God’s mission across the world. the Scottish Reformation and the presbyterian tradition ratified and recognised by law; the other dimension Along with other branches of Christ’s Church, we seek humbly to represent the Christian Faith among the consists in what might be called the social continuity of 76 Scottish people. the Church of Scotland with people and nation. Thus, according to the terms of Article III, these two continuities, Together, we acknowledge our distinctive call and duty to the historical and the social, inform the distinctive bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in every contextual identity of the Church of Scotland. part of Scotland. With the rise of ‘post-modern’, ‘post-Christendom’ culture, We recognise the call, through a shared ministry of pastoral deeply affecting the society in which the church operates, and prophetic evangelism, to serve people in all the this contextual identity of the Church has come under communities and sectors of their lives. increasing pressure and the CWW Report forms part of the As part of the world church we celebrate the privilege of Church of Scotland’s response to this situation. However, partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. with its emphasis on the future of the Church of Scotland, As the Church of the Way, we sit loose to every pattern of the CWW Report has largely neglected the historical organisation, ready to respond to the call of the Spirit in continuities of the Reformed tradition, its theology and our times. polity. With both dimensions of the contextual identity of the Church of Scotland, the historical and the social, put As part of the whole church we are called to share the into question like this, matters of profound import for the whole Gospel with the whole nation – and the whole identity of the Church of Scotland have been raised. These world.” are complex issues indeed, and ‘to seek to understand APPENDIX 3 one’s own heritage and distinctiveness and to confront the exclusive demands of the gospel is not easy. But the EXTRACT FROM PANEL ON DOCTRINE 2005 church confronts a serious crisis - namely the pervasive REPORT ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF CHURCH confusion about its own identity, a crisis that can be solved WITHOUT WALLS FOR THE THEOLOGY OF THE only by further serious theological reflection.’77 CHURCH The future of the Church of Scotland Should we tread as lightly as CWW implies with the The Declaratory Articles have provided the Church of Reformed inheritance? The orientation towards change Scotland with its constitutional basis since 1921. Within and renewal is commendable, but the severing of formal these articles the classic, if brief, definition of the identity bonds of connection both across time and place leads of the Church is to be found. Article I grounds the origin, to a mixture of messages being given, and all too little existence and identity of the Church in the purpose and clarity, sometimes, on what is of greatest importance. We plan of God through Jesus Christ, in the life-giving, life need to affirm the significant debts we owe to those who sustaining power of the Holy Spirit. And then Article III, have gone before as well as the energies of those who given attention in CWW, is of some significance in that it dream for the future. The beauty of the historic tradition is a concise expression of the contextual identity of the lies in its appreciation of the catholicity or universality of Church of Scotland. According to the terms of the Article, the church, its unity as the Body of Christ, and the life- In future – web-only publication SPECIAL COMMISSION ANENT THE THIRD ARTICLE 25/31 creating, community-shaping (Spirit) power of word APPENDIX 4 and sacrament. This is an idea that could be fruitfully MEMBERS OF THE SPECIAL COMMISSION developed in various ways. One needful way would be to note how the principle of the unity of the Body of Christ is The Very Rev Dr Alan D McDonald, Minister at Cameron such that the experience of the Church includes not only linked with St Andrews: St Leonard’s; previous ministries growth (cf. 2 Corinthians 4.15) but suffering and weakness at Aberdeen: Holburn Central and as Community Minister (cf. 2 Corinthians 4. 11,12), as a participation in the cross of at Edinburgh:Drylaw, Muirhouse and the Old Kirk (Pilton) Jesus Christ. If one part suffers then all suffer. In this light (Convener). we are bound to take into consideration the whole Church The Rev James S Dewar, Minister at Edinburgh: Juniper Green; in Scotland, in ecumenical perspective and whether it previous ministry at Reay, Strathy and Halladale, Caithness. is growing and flourishing or experiencing the brunt of decline along with the church elsewhere in God’s world. Mr Robin Forrest, Elder at London: St Columba’s, former For the sixteenth-century Reformers, the Church was member of the Board of Practice and Procedure. understood to exist in two dimensions - the visible and the Mr Alexander F Gemmill, Elder at Edinburgh: Gorgie; formerly invisible. Our faith is securely rooted in the invisible church a Deputy General Treasurer of the Church. 25 as well as in the visible, ie the communion of saints as it is, and as it shall be, in the Father’s purposes, shaped by Christ Rev Elizabeth Henderson, Minister at Edinburgh: Richmond through his Holy Spirit. It is worthwhile reflecting that the Craigmillar; previous ministry at Edinburgh: Granton. circumstances of the visible church in Europe in centuries past were in some respects far more chaotic than our own, Miss Ann Lyall, DCS, Deacon at Ardgour, Morvern and yet here was a constant source of hope and confidence, Strontian; previous appointments as Chaplain to the which enabled our forebears to work with a vital sense of Homeless Community in Glasgow and as Deacon at Glasgow: relativity concerning the historical changes in the outward Castlemilk East. forms and social circumstances of the Church. The Rev Malcolm M Macdougall, Minister at Eddleston linked There will be a secure place for the local within this with Peebles: Old; previous ministry at Edinburgh: Portobello: honouring of the classic Reformed doctrine of the Church. St James’. The Reformers’ marks of the Church referred to above, to do with Word and Sacraments and discipline, vitally take The Rev Dr Peter McEnhill, Minister at Kilmacolm: Old, root in the Church within its locality, albeit shaped by previous ministry at Glasgow: Anderston; formerly Lecturer in the catholic or universal truth of the Gospel. The origins Theology at Westminster College, Cambridge. of community lie in the encounter between the people and the Word of God; Word with Sacraments promise life Dr Judith Taylor, Elder at Cruden, Moderator of the Youth in its fullness, and where these are found, there will be a Assembly, 2006-2007. dynamic, living, worshipping community of faith. There Clerk to the Special Commission may be a gathering of thousands or only a few, two or three in number, but our confidence is placed in the power The Very Rev Dr Finlay A J Macdonald, Principal Clerk. of God to bless the communion of saints past, present and future. In future – web-only publication JOINT REPORT OF THE MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP AND MINISTRIES COUNCILS ON THE EMERGING CHURCH May 2010

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly 1. Receive the report.

REPORT

1. Contextual Theology Project: Research 1.1 The Joint Working Party, in light of further deliberation, into new forms and patterns of Church has now commissioned a research project, with the The General Assembly in 2008 approved the Ministries aim of framing a theological response to the practical Council report Building for the Future – From the Grassroots, and pragmatic questions arising at the ‘grassroots’. The 26 which affi rmed the concept of ‘a mixed economy where starting point for the research is to select an appropriate both existing and fresh expressions of church co-exist, not number of new models of church that are currently at the expense of each other, but for the benefi t of the being funded through the Emerging Ministries Fund whole’. At the same General Assembly, permission was (EMF) of the Ministries Council, and to consider what are given to form the Emerging Church Joint Working Party the most important common features in the launch and as a collaboration between the Ministries and Mission and development of these new models. It is expected that the Discipleship Councils. It operates with the following remit: results of the research will be incorporated into a further (a) to refl ect on what constitutes emerging church and report to the General Assembly of 2011. to take into account its theological emphases; and (b) to consider in faithfulness to God its implications for the local 1.2 By way of background, the Emerging Ministries Fund church in responding to contemporary challenges and seeks to promote and encourage new forms or patterns adjusting to changes in culture, society and spirituality. of church that are recognisably (a) missional; (b) ecclesial; Its interim report was presented to the General Assembly and (c) experimental. in 2009, which instructed both Councils “to continue to off er support, encouragement and critique to those involved 1.3 The research project, therefore, shall have as its in the emerging church conversation” and “to identify the principal aim addressing the following questions (and theological, practical and legal issues raised for a Presbyterian others arising as the research unfolds): polity…and report to a future General Assembly”. It also • What makes this new form or pattern of church encouraged the Church to understand the emerging ‘missional’ and outward looking? church as “an intentional, ecumenical conversation about the • What makes this new form or pattern of church future of the church” rather than a programme to develop a an approach that is manifestly ‘new’ and evidently new brand of church. ‘experimental’? 26/2 JOINT REPORT

• What makes this new form or pattern of church 1.6 In the meantime, the Joint Working Party commends authentically ‘church’? the work on emerging church and emerging ministries • What makes this new form or pattern of church that has been undertaken by the Development Offi cer recognisably ‘reformed’ in theology, practice, (New and Emerging Ministries), which is reported upon relationships, ethos or values? elsewhere in reports to this General Assembly. • How does this new form or pattern of church measure or evaluate its ‘progress’ in these early stages of On behalf of the Mission and development? Discipleship and Ministries Councils • What have been the critical ‘partnerships’ or ‘relationships’ in encouraging progress and development; and what other things are needed? MARK E JOHNSTONE, Convener (Mission and Discipleship) STEVEN MALLON, Council Secretary (Mission and 1.4 In pursuing this approach, the Joint Working Party Discipleship) has been infl uenced by the 2002 Panel on Doctrine report GRAHAM FINCH, Convener (Ministries) on the Nature and Purpose of the Church, which was a MARTIN SCOTT, Council Secretary (Ministries) piece of contextual theology. The Panel had been asked to respond to a document produced by the World Council of Churches on the Nature and the Purpose of the Church. APPENDIX They chose to do so by using the real experience of fi ve MEMBERS OF THE EMERGING projects supported by the Priority Areas Fund. Rather CHURCH JOINT WORKING PARTY than ‘the academy’ determining ‘a correct response’, the Rev Neil Dougall, Convener grassroots theology of the church supplied it. A similar Mrs Linda Dunnett approach will apply in this instance too, relying upon Rev Dr Doug Gay the experience and self-understanding of those involved Rev Dr David Graham in new models and fresh expressions of church to guide Rev Dr Jared Hay refl ection on what is, essentially, an exercise in practical Rev Bryan Kerr theology. Mr Bill Greenock 1.5 The Joint Working Party, after careful deliberation Rev Hilary McDougall and lengthy discussion, has appointed John and Olive Ruth Harvey Drane as the most suitable persons to undertake the Rev David Currie (Development Offi cer, research, both of whom are well equipped and able to New and Emerging Ministries) complete this exercise. Its results are expected to be made Rev Alex Millar (Mission and Discipleship Council) available to the Joint Working Party in the autumn of 2010, Rev John Jackson (Ministries Council) supported by at least a couple of occasions in the interim when researchers and Joint Working Party together will review the progress that has been made and agree any necessary adjustments to improve the quality of the research fi ndings. COMMISSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOVEMBER 2009 May 2010

At Edinburgh, and within St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, the clerking of the Commission for this piece of business. thirteenth day of November 2009 years at 10.30 am, which Parties were invited to comment. Questions were asked. day the Commission of Assembly appointed by the last General Assembly in terms of Act VI 1997, being met, was It was moved and seconded: constituted with prayer. That the Clerks should step down for the duration of this It was moved, seconded and agreed that, in the absence of case. the Convener and Vice-Convener of the General Assembly’s It was moved and seconded as a counter-motion: Business Committee, Rev David Dutton and Rev Dr Mary Cranfi eld, members of the Commission, should act as That the Clerks should remain for the duration of the Convener and Vice-Convener respectively for this meeting. case.

Dissent and Complaint of Rev Iain Murdoch and Mr On a vote being taken between the motion and counter-motion, Alexander Napier against a decision of the Presbytery there voted for the motion 10 and for the counter-motion 56, of Hamilton. and the Commission of Assembly resolved accordingly. The Commission of Assembly took up consideration of The Principal Clerk read the relevant part of Standing the Dissent and Complaint of Rev Iain Murdoch and Mr 27 Order 72. Alexander Napier, elder, against a decision of the Presbytery of Hamilton, dated 1 September 2009, to nominate Mr Parties were heard. Dmitri Ross as a Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Questions were invited. None were asked.

Parties were called. It was moved and seconded:

There appeared for the Complainers Rev Iain Murdoch. The Commission of Assembly refuse the Dissent and There appeared for the Presbytery of Hamilton Rev Arthur Complaint and uphold the decision of the Presbytery of Barrie, Rev Robert Hamilton, Rev Shaw Paterson and Mr Hamilton of 1 September 2009. David Alexander. It was moved and seconded as a counter-motion: Rev Dr Martin Scott and Rev John Chalmers were present, representing the Ministries Council. The Commission of Assembly grant the Dissent and Complaint and recall the decision of the Presbytery of The Commission received the Report of the Investigating Hamilton of 1 September 2009. Committee appointed by the Legal Questions Committee in terms of Section 5(d)(iii) of Act VI 1997 which was The Principal Clerk read the relevant part of Standing convened by Rev Andrew MacLean. Order 72.

The Principal Clerk made a statement relating to the On a vote being taken between the motion and counter- 27/2 COMMISSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOVEMBER 2009 motion there voted for the motion 38 and for the counter- Complaint and uphold the decision of the Presbytery of motion 43, and the Commission of Assembly resolved Edinburgh of 30 June 2009. accordingly. It was moved and seconded as a counter-motion: Parties were recalled and judgement intimated. The Commission of Assembly grant the Dissent and The Commission of Assembly suspended its meeting from Complaint and recall the decision of the Presbytery 12.50 pm to 1.45 pm. Edinburgh of 30 June 2009.

Dissent and Complaint of Rev John Munro against a The Principal Clerk read the relevant part of Standing decision of the Presbytery of Edinburgh. Order 72.

The Commission of Assembly took up consideration of On a vote being taken between the motion and counter- the Dissent and Complaint of Rev John Munro against a motion there voted for the motion 65 and for the counter- decision of the Presbytery of Edinburgh dated 30 June motion 7, and the Commission of Assembly resolved 2009 to instruct him to live in the manse of Edinburgh: accordingly. Fairmilehead. Parties were recalled and judgement intimated. The Principal Clerk read the relevant part of Standing Order 72. Appeal of Messrs J H Gemmill, David Sharp and John Smith and Others, against a decision of the Presbytery Parties were called. of Ardrossan.

Mr Munro appeared for himself. There appeared for the The Commission of Assembly took up consideration of the Presbytery of Edinburgh Rev Tom Gordon, Rev Dr George Appeal of J H Gemmill, David Sharp and John Smith and Whyte, Sheriff Andrew Bell and Mr Charles Godon. Others against a decision of the Presbytery of Ardrossan dated 1 September 2009 to unite the parishes of West The Commission received the Report of the Investigating Kilbride: St Andrew’s and West Kilbride: Overton. Committee appointed by the Legal Questions Committee in terms of Section 5(d)(iii) of Act VI 1997 which was The Principal Clerk read the relevant part of Standing convened by Rev Alan Dunnett. Order 72.

Rev Dr Martin Scott and Rev John Chalmers were present, Parties were called. representing the Ministries Council. Mr Sharp and Mr Smith appeared for themselves. There Parties were heard. appeared for the Presbytery of Ardrossan Rev Johnston McKay, Rev James McNay, Rev Brian Oxburgh, Rev Stephen Questions were asked. Smith and Mr Alan Saunderson. Parties were removed. The Commission received the Report of the Investigating It was moved and seconded: Committee appointed by the Legal Questions Committee in terms of Section 5(d)(iii) of Act VI 1997 which was The Commission of Assembly refuse the Dissent and convened by Mr Steuart Dey. COMMISSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOVEMBER 2009 27/3

Mr John Jackson was present, representing the Ministries Protestation: Presbytery of West Lothian Council. The Commission took up consideration of a Protestation Parties were heard. by the Presbytery of West Lothian in respect of the Appeal of Mrs Jophia Livingstone against a decision of the Questions were asked. Presbytery dated 28 October 2008.

Parties were removed. Rev Duncan Shaw appeared, representing the Presbytery.

It was moved and seconded: It was moved and seconded:

The Commission of Assembly refuse the Appeal and The Commission of Assembly grant the Protestation and uphold the decision of the Presbytery of Ardrossan of 1 declare the decision of the Presbytery of West Lothian of September 2009. 28 October 2008 to be fi nal.

The Principal Clerk read the relevant part of Standing On a vote being taken for or against the motion there voted Order 72. For 80 and Against 0, and the Commission of Assembly resolved accordingly. On a vote being taken for or against the motion there voted For 71 and Against 2, and the Commission of Assembly This being all the business, the Sederunt was closed with resolved accordingly. prayer at 5.41 pm.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated. St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, 13 November 2009 27 REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL COMMISSION May 2010

At Edinburgh, and within the Church Offi ces, 121 George Questions were asked. Street, the Ninth Day of October 2009 at 10.30 am, the Judicial Commission met and was duly constituted with prayer. Parties were removed.

Sederunt: Mrs Aileen A Nimmo, Chairman, and 36 The Judicial Commission moved into private session. members as recorded in the Sederunt Rev Dr Ian McLean moved the following motion, which was Book. seconded by Rev John Ferguson:

Apologies: Apologies for absence were noted. The Judicial Commission allow the Appeal, recall the The Judicial Commission took up consideration of the censure imposed by the Presbyterial Commission on 1 Appeal of Mr Keith Hall against the Presbytery of Dundee April 2009, and impose the censure of reprimand in terms in respect of a judgement of the Presbyterial Commission of sub-paragraph 1(1)(h)(i) of Act III 2001. of 1 April 2009. Mr Robert Hynd moved the following counter-motion, which Parties were called. was seconded by Rev Dr Christine Goldie:

Members of the Commission introduced themselves by The Judicial Commission allow the Appeal to the extent of recalling the censure imposed by the Presbyterial name and Presbytery. Parties raised no objection to any 28 member of the Commission. Commission on 1 April 2009, and impose the censure of a fi xed term suspension from 1 April to 9 October 2009. Mr Hall appeared, represented by Mr Peter Anderson, Solicitor Advocate, Messrs Simpson and Marwick, Solicitors. Mr Robert Carr moved the following addendum to the motion and counter-motion, which was seconded by Sheriff There appeared for the Presbytery of Dundee Rev David Richard Scott: Sutherland, Rev Catherine Collins, Miss Catherine Coull, who were represented by Donald Cameron, Advocate, Add, at the beginning, ‘The Judicial Commission, recognising instructed by Blackadders LLP. Mr Simon Allison, Solicitor, that Mr Hall has agreed to undergo (a) training on the Blackadders LLP, was in attendance. Ministerial Code of Conduct and issues relating to pastoral care, and (b) professional counselling, all under the The Judicial Commission moved into open session. direction of the Ministries Council, allow the Appeal…’

Mr Anderson confi rmed that his client did not intend The addendum was agreed. to insist on the fi rst four grounds of his Appeal, and accordingly no longer sought permission to withdraw his On a vote being taken between the motion as amended and admission of the grounds of complaint. the counter-motion as amended, there voted for the motion as amended 19 and the counter-motion as amended 15, and Parties were heard. the Judicial Commission resolved accordingly. 28/2 REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL COMMISSION

In accordance with Act II 1988 Rules of Procedure section Parties were recalled, and the Judicial Commission moved 11, the fi ndings and fi nal judgement of the Judicial into open session. Commission were committed to writing, read over to the Commission and signed by the Chairman. Judgement was intimated, and the Chairman expressed good wishes to the Respondent and his family as well as The Chairman intimated that in terms of Act II 1988 Rules of the Kirk Session and Congregation of Dundee St Mary’s. Procedure section 12, she would produce written reasons for the fi ndings of the Judicial Commission, consulting The meeting was closed with prayer. with the members within fourteen days and sending a AILEEN A NIMMO, Chairman copy of the fi nal reasons to the parties within twenty-one FINLAY A J MACDONALD, Clerk days. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ASSEMBLY REPORTS May 2010

INDEX

Aberdeen, Blue Horizon (Grant awarded) 20/10 Beechwood House, Inverness (CrossReach) 5/2, 5/8 Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) Benarty, TIBAL Community Projects 2/51-52 Church and Society Council 2/67-68 Bequests see Legacies, Donations and Bequests Ecumenical Relations Committee 6.3/5, 6.3/9, 6.3/12, 6.3/19-20 Bible see Scriptures Network of Ecumenical Women in Scotland 14/8 Boys Brigade (Legal Questions Committee) 6.4/5 Trafficking Task Group 14/1, 14/5, 14/14-15 British and Irish Amity Teachers’ Group, World Mission Council 7/39 Afghanistan Buildings see Central Services Committee; Church Art and Architecture; armed forces in 8/1, 8/2-3, 8/10-11 General Trustees Church and Society Council 2/4, 2/7, 2/68-72 Alcohol and drugs abuse Caithness and Sutherland, Special Commission anent the Third Article Church and Society Council 2/14-15, 2/59 Declaratory: visit 25/12 CrossReach 5/2, 5/8 Cambodia, International Justice Mission 14/3 Allarton House (CrossReach) 5/12 Campaigning see Church and Society Council (Christian campaigning) Angus, Havilah Arbroath (Grant awarded) 20/10 Caribbean Ardrossan, Arran Youth Foundation (Grant awarded) 20/6 World Mission Council 7/24 Armed services see also Bahamas and Military Covenant 2/13 Central Services Committee 6.2/1-5 see also Chaplains to HM Forces 117-119 George Street, Edinburgh 6.2/4 Arnott, Rev A David K (Assembly Business Committee) 6.1/5 addendum: Convener and Vice-Conveners 6.2/5 Art and Architecture Committee see Church Art and Architecture, Central Properties Department Committee on accidents 6.2/4 Asia arbitrations 6.2/3 World Mission Council 7/17 Health and Safety 6.2/3-4 see also individual countries property 6.2/3 Assembly Arrangements Committee energy consumption 6.2/1, 6.2/2-3 450th Anniversary of Scottish Reformation 6.1/2 Facilities Management Assembly Hall 6.1/4 catering 6.2/4 Assembly Services 6.1/2 Design Services 6.2/4 Blue Book 6.1/1, 6.1/3 Health and Safety 6.2/4 Business Committee 6.1/2 Maintenance Works 6.2/4 Commissioners’ Subsistence and Travelling Expenses 6.1/4 Security 6.2/4 Duration of the General Assembly 6.1/1, 6.1/3 Work in Progress 6.2/4 Nomination Committee 18/2 Human Resources (HR) Notices of Motion and Assembly Papers 6.1/2-3 learning and development 6.2/2 Presbytery Representation 6.1/2 pay 6.2/1 Rev A David K Arnott 6.1/5 pay and grading 6.2/1 Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean 6.1/4-5 policy 6.2/1 Scottish Bible Society Report 6.1/6-7 recruitment of senior staff 6.2/1 The Very Rev Dr Finlay A J Macdonald, Principal Clerk 6.1/5-6 staffing levels 6.2/2 The Very Rev William C Hewitt 6.1/1-2 Information Technology 6.2/2 Asylum seekers, Church and Society Council 2/10 media relations 6.2/4-5 Nomination Committee 18/2 Bahamas 7/36 Chaplaincies, Ministries Council 3/2, 3/70-72, 3/76, 3/78 and St Andrew’s Nassau and Lucaya Kirk 7/1, 7/28-29 Chaplains to HM Forces, Christian campaigning and peacemaking 2/3, Bangladesh, World Mission Council 7/18-19, 7/36 2/6, 2/61 Baptism, Joint Commission on Doctrine (Roman Catholic Church) 6.3/1, Chaplains to HM Forces, Committee on 6.3/6 introduction 8/1 INDEX

addendum: Rev James M Gibson TD 8/3 Joint Study Group 6.3/14-19 Army Cadet Force 150th Anniversary 8/1, 8/3 Church Hymnary Trustees Report Army Cadet Force Chaplaincy 8/9 CD Rom 10/1 Army Chaplaincy 8/6-10 Church Hymnary 4th Edition 10/1 Scots units 8/10 Future of the Trust 10/1-2 Territorial Army 8/8-9 Church organists, Safeguarding Committee 6.5/3 Nomination Committee 18/2 Church of Scotland Trust 9/1-2 operational duty: Iraq and Afghanistan 8/1, 8/2-3, 8/10-11 Accounts for 2009 9/2 Presbyterian Church in Ireland Chaplains 8/8 Israel 9/1 recruitment 8/1-2 membership 9/2 Royal Air Force Chaplaincy 8/10-12 Pakistan 9/1 Air Training Corps 8/12 Third Party Trusts 9/1 Church of Scotland 8/11-12 Church and Society Council Royal Navy Chaplaincy 8/4-6 addendum: Sandy Horsburgh 2/75 Sending Churches/IAG Discussions 8/2 Afghanistan 2/4, 2/7, 2/68-72 SSAFA Welfare Fund 8/1, 8/3 alcohol and drugs abuse 2/14-15, 2/59 visits and events 8/2 asylum seekers 2/10 Charity Governance, Nomination Committee 18/1-2 Caring for the Earth 2/2, 2/6, 2/43-46 Charity Governance, Special Committee on Review of 24/1-8 Climate Change Project 2/2, 2/6, 2/12 alternatives? 24/5-6 Eco-Congregations 2/2, 2/6, 2/11-12, 2/45-46 background 24/2-3 China 2/7, 2/72-73 consultations 24/3 Chinook helicopter crash 2/13 Council of Assembly and Councils and Committees 24/4-5 Christian campaigning and peacemaking 2/2, 2/3, 2/6, 2/12-13, 2/61-64 culture of regulation 24/7 Convener’s Report 2/22 General Assembly and Presbyterian principles 24/6-7 Economics Commission 2/1, 2/5, 2/23-25 other considerations of Good Governance 24/7-8 Ecumenical and Interfaith issues 2/3, 2/6-7, 2/67-68 present position 24/4 Education what is a charity trustee? 24/3-4 Chaplains in 2/11, 2/66 why change? 24/4 Religious and Moral Education (RME) 2/3, 2/10-11, 2/64-66, 2/67 Children, see also Church and Society Council; Education; Education and Religious Observance 2/3, 2/6, 2/10, 2/64-66 Nurture; Safeguarding Religious Representatives on LEAs 2/66 Children and Families, Services to (CrossReach) 5/4, 5/6-7 End of Life issues 2/15-16 China organ donation 2/16 Church and Society Council 2/7, 2/72-73 suicide amongst young men 2/1, 2/26 World Mission Council 7/10-11, 7/19-20 suicide, assisted 2/5, 2/25-26 Christian campaigning and peacemaking see Church and Society family issues 2/9, 2/52 Council financial system and credit crisis 2/4, 2/17 Christie, Rev John (Safeguarding Committee) 6.5/6 grid review - previous deliverances 2/5, 2/8-19 Church Art and Architecture, Committee on 4/2, 4/19-23 Human Rights 2/3, 2/10, 2/12, 2/60 Buildings as ‘Tool for Mission’ 4/20 human trafficking 2/10 Church Hall accommodation 4/22 International Development and finance 2/4, 2/7, 2/16, 2/73-74 Co-opted members 4/59 Israel and Palestine 2/14 Committee and General Trustees and Presbytery Planning 4/2, 4/21 living wage 2/3, 2/60 Committee’s Role 4/2, 4/21 media and communications 2/5, 2/19-21 and Congregational experience 4/2, 4/22 blogs 2/20-21 Environmental issues 4/22 Facebook 2/21 Meetings for 2010 4/58 YouTube 2/21 members’ gifts and expertise 4/22 Mental health issues 2/1, 2/26 and National Youth Assembly consultation 4/2, 4/21-22 Military Covenant 2/13 Nomination Committee 18/3 and Mission and Discipleship Council 2/8 radio microphones 4/2, 4/22-23 Nomination Committee 18/2 Theology of Buildings 4/20 Nuclear weapons 2/12-13, 2/59 Visualisation of Impact of Alteration 4/20 Parish Action 2/1, 2/5, 2/19 Church of England 6.3/1, 6.3/7 annual conference 2/19 INDEX

resources 2/19 Attestation of Presbytery Accounts 1/9 visiting Presbyteries 2/19 Budgets 1/6-7 and Parish Development Fund 20/4 Legacies 1/7-8 poverty and debt 2/2, 2/6, 2/46-58, 20/4 Ministries and Mission Contributions 1/8-9 Cranhill Community Project 2/50 Presbytery Attestation of Congregational Accounts 1/9 Dundee, St Andrew’s Family Support Project 2/52 Stewardship 1/7 Gross inequality and the Church 2/56-57 HIV/AIDS Project 1/1, 1/4 Gross inequality in Society 2/57-58 Media and Communication individual stories 2/47-49 Annual Review - Reformation 450th anniversary 1/6 microcredits 2/1, 2/17, 2/26-27 Head of 1/5 Project Case Studies 2/50-56 Presbytery training 1/6 Ruchazie Community Café 2/50-51 website 1/6 TIBAL Community Projects - Benarty and Lochgelly 2/51-52 monitoring, co-ordinating and evaluating role 1/1-2 Priority Areas 2/2, 2/57-58 Nomination Committee 18/3 prison overcrowding 2/18 Panel on Review and Reform 1/1, 1/10 Sri Lanka 2/13-14 Parish Development Fund 1/1, 1/2-3 staffing 2/74 Principal Clerk - retirement 1/11 Synthetic biology 2/1-2, 2/5-6, 2/27-43 Principal Clerk and Secretary to the Council - appointments 1/1, 1/4-5 Travellers 2/3, 2/6, 2/18, 2/58 staffing 1/6 and Youth Assembly 2/9 Support and Services Council 1/1, 1/3 and youth issues 2/8 see also Charity Governance, Special Committee see also Politics and Government; Society, Religion and Technology Counselling and Support (CrossReach) 5/2, 5/4, 5/7-8 Project (SRTP) Cranhill Community Project (Church and Society Council) 2/50 Church Without Walls Criminal Justice Mission and Discipleship Council 4/18 CrossReach services 5/8 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 25/15-17, Joint Faiths Advisory Board on 2/68 25/28-31 Young Offenders (Iona Community) 17/1, 17/3 Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill (Guild) 14/6 Church and Society Council 2/68 Ecumenical Relations Committee 6.3/2-3, 6.3/19 Deacons see Ministries Council Climate change see Environmental issues Deaf Ministry 3/67 Commission of the General Assembly 27/1-3 Delegation of the General Assembly 12/1 Commissioners’ Subsistence and Travelling Expenses 6.1/4 Disabilities see Deaf Ministry; Education; Education and Nurture Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE), Ecumenical Donations and Bequests see Legacies, Donations and Bequests Relations Committee 6.3/3, 6.3/19 Drugs see Alcohol and drugs abuse Conference of European Churches (CEC), Ecumenical Relations Dundee Committee 6.3/3, 6.3/19 Hot Chocolate (Grant awarded) 20/10 Congregations St Andrew’s Family Support Project 2/52 and Church Art and Architecture Committee 4/2, 4/22 Dunfermline, Bridge 2 Youth in Kincardine (Grant awarded) 20/9 Eco-Congregations 2/2, 2/6, 2/11-12, 2/45-46 Dunn, Elizabeth M (Guild Convener) - retirement 14/10 Parish Action (Church and Society Council) 2/1, 2/5 poverty and debt issues 2/2, 2/6 Eco-Congregations see Environmental issues Presbytery Attestation of Accounts 1/9 Economics Commission (Church and Society Council) 2/1, 2/5, 2/23-25 see also Ministries Council Economics, International Development and finance (Church and Society Constitution of the Church see Special Commission anent the Third Council) 2/4, 2/7, 2/16 Article Declaratory Ecumenical Relations Committee Council of Assembly Bible and ecumenism 6.3/10-12, 6.3/17-18 appointments to Trustee Bodies 1/10 Church of England 6.3/1, 6.3/7 Audit Committee 1/9-10 Joint Study Group 6.3/14-19 Co-opted members 1/10 Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) 6.3/2-3, 6.3/19 Declarations of Interest 1/4 Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) 6.3/3, 6.3/19 Ecumenical Relations Committee 1/1, 1/3-4 Conference of European Churches (CEC) 6.3/3, 6.3/19 Finance Constitutional basis for ecumenism 6.3/12 Accounting matters 1/9 Contributions to Ecumenical Bodies 6.3/20 INDEX

and Council of Assembly 1/1, 1/3-4 National Youth Assembly see Youth Assembly Delegates to other Churches 6.3/19 National Youth Work Strategy 4/2, 4/8 Free Church of Scotland 6.3/6-7 NiteKirk 4/9 future work 6.3/12-13 Threads - weaving faith and life in local church 4/8-9 Joint Commission on Doctrine (Roman Catholic Church) 6.3/1, 6.3/6 Egypt on baptism 6.3/1, 6.3/6 Synod of the Nile 7/6 Joint Liturgical Group 6.3/20 World Mission Council 7/5-6 local ecumenism 6.3/7-8, 6.3/9-10, 6.3/13 Elders Methodist Church 6.3/5 Overture anent Discipline of Elders, Readers and Office-bearers 22/1, National Sponsoring Body for LEPs 6.3/8, 6.3/13 22/4-8 Review of Policy 6.3/1-2 training as Interim Moderators 3/73 Scottish Episcopal Church 6.3/5, 6.3/6, 6.3/7 Eldership Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 25/1, 25/9-10 and women 3/64 and structures of the Church 6.3/8, 6.3/10, 6.3/13 see also Ministries Council (Women in Ministry Report) supporting and resourcing UK and International ecumenism 6.3/8-9 End of Life issues see Church and Society Council United Free Church of Scotland 6.3/1, 6.3/6 Energy consumption United Reformed Church 6.3/5-6 Central Services Committee 6.2/1, 6.2/2-3 World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) 6.3/4, 6.3/19 General Trustees 13/5 World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) 6.3/4 Environmental issues World Council of Churches (WCC) 6.3/3-4, 6.3/19 Caring for the Earth (Church and Society Council) 2/2, 2/6, 2/43-46 see also Action of Churches Together in Scotland Church Art and Architecture Committee 4/22 Ecumenism Climate Change Project 2/2, 2/6, 2/12 Interdenominational Advisory Group (IAG): armed forces 8/2 Climate Change and World Mission Council 7/22 Interdenominational Apologetics Group 4/28-29, 4/59 Eco-Congregations 2/2, 2/6, 2/11-12, 2/45-46 Partnership with Fresh Expressions (Mission and Evangelism) 4/14-15 Green Travel (Ministries Council) 3/1, 3/10-11, 3/37-40 see also Inter-Faith matters Europe, Presbytery of, World Mission Council 7/17 Edinburgh Evangelism see Mission and Evangelism 117-119 George Street (Central Services Committee) 6.2/4 2010 - 1910 World Missionary Conference 7/1, 7/32-34 Fabric matters see General Trustees Arts Worker Project, Gilmerton (Grant awarded) 20/6 Fair, Rev W Martin (Parish Development Fund Convener) 20/11 Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk (Grant awarded) 20/6 Falkirk, Larbert Churches Youth Trust (Grant awarded) 20/8-9 Education Family issues and learning disabilities (CrossReach) 5/4, 5/7 Church and Society Council 2/9 see also Education and Nurture below CrossReach 5/4, 5/6-7 schools (CrossReach) 5/6-7, 5/10-11 see also Parish Development Fund (Grants awarded) see also Church and Society Council Finance see individual Councils and Committees Education and Nurture (Mission and Discipleship Council) 4/1, 4/6-12 Financial system and credit crisis, Church and Society Council 2/4, 2/17 adult training Free Church of Scotland 6.3/6-7 national leadership and pastoral care 4/11-12 national leadership and pastoral care Questionnaire 4/11, 4/36-40 General Assembly children and younger teens Commission of 27/1-3 Child Friendly Church and Rite! 4/7 Delegation of 12/1 Godly Play 4/8 see also Assembly Arrangements Committee; Council of Assembly Happy Hallowe’en 4/8 General Trustees Malawi visit 4/7 introduction and composition of Trust 13/1-2 Music and Worship Foundation 4/7 Care of Ecclesiastical Properties 13/4 National Children’s Assembly 4/7-8 Church Art and Architecture and Presbytery Planning 4/2, 4/21 Co-opted members 4/59 Determinations made under Regulations V 1996 13/10 ICAN - Child Adult Network 4/9 Determinations under Act VII 1995 13/6, 13/9 Learning Disabilities energy A Spiritual Home? 4/9 conservation 13/5 and Holy Communion (All who can in faith) 4/2, 4/9-11 Heating Oil and LPG 13/5 Presbytery Disability Advisors 4/9 procurement 13/5 Training 4/9 Fabric Funds 13/2, 13/8 INDEX

Fabric projects 13/1, 13/2-3 Project Partnership Scheme 14/1, 14/2-4 Finance 13/6 Regional annual meeting 14/1, 14/6 Glebes 13/6, 13/9 Scottish Women’s Convention 14/8 insurance matters 13/1, 13/5-6 staff 14/9-10 Investments 13/6-7 Stewardship and Governance 14/8-10 Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme 13/1, 13/4 training and encouragement 14/7 Priority Areas Action Plan 13/1, 13/3 Women’s National Commission 14/8 Project Development Support 13/3-4 Women’s Suffrage commemoration 14/6 Reallocation of Endowments 13/6 World Mission Council 14/3-4 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 25/2, 25/10 Stipend matters 13/6, 13/9 Hamilton Surplus and Redundant Buildings 13/4 Hyzone (Grant awarded) 20/8 Valuation of Heritable Assets 13/7 North Motherwell (Grant awarded) 20/8 Gibson, Rev James M, TD (Chaplains to HM Forces Convener) 8/3 Health issues Glasgow Dementia (CrossReach) 5/4, 5/6, 5/12 Bridging the Gap (Grant awarded) 20/7 Mental health (Church and Society Council) 2/1, 2/26 Cathcart Youth Ministry (Grant awarded) 20/7 Mental health services (CrossReach) 5/4, 5/6, 5/8-9, 5/12 “Givin’ It Laldie” Gorbals Parish Church (Grant awarded) 20/7 Ministry of Health and Healing (Ministries Council) 3/75 Gorbals: Special Commission story 25/14-15 Occupational Health (Ministries Council) 3/75 Iona Jacob Project (Grant awarded) 20/7-8 organ donation 2/16 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory: visit 25/10-12 Spiritual Care in the NHS (Ministries Council) 3/2, 3/71, 3/78 The Meeting Place, South Carntyne Parish Church (Grant awarded) 20/8 see also HIV/AIDS Project The Wheel Trust (Grant awarded) 20/8 Health and Safety Whiteinch (Ministries Council) 3/2, 3/81, 3/85-87 Central Services Committee 6.2/3-4 Glebes, General Trustees 13/6, 13/9 Green Travel (Ministries Council) 3/40 Greenock and Paisley Hewitt, The Very Rev William C (Assembly Arrangements Committee) St Martin’s Parish Church (Grant awarded) 20/6 6.1/1-2 Supporting Parents, New Charge Development (Grant awarded) 20/7 Hill, Rev Dr Robin (Convener HIV/AIDS Project) 7.1/9 Guild, The HIV/AIDS Project 7.1/1-10 ACTS Network of Ecumenical Women in Scotland 14/8 addendum: Rev Dr Robin Hill (Convener) 7.1/9 ACTS Trafficking Task Group 14/1, 14/5, 14/14-15 and Council of Assembly 1/1, 1/4 addendum: Elizabeth M Dunn (Convener) 14/10 Critical Point 7.1/2 annual Guild Theme and Topic Days 14/6-7 Faith-based Organisations 7.1/3-4 Constitution, proposed 14/1, 14/4-5, 14/12-14 the future 7.1/8-9 Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill 14/6 Guild Project: “A New Hunger” 7.1/8, 14/3 CrossReach 14/2, 14/3 HIV in Scotland 7.1/5-6 Decade to Overcome Violence 14/1, 14/5 Keeping the Promise? 7.1/3 ecumenical links 14/8 Malawi: a journey of hope 7.1/5 finance “Moderator’s Challenge” 7.1/1, 7.1/7 amounts given to Church 14/11 Prevention, care and support 7.1/4 income and expenditure 14/11 Sharing the message 7.1/6-7 project donations 14/11 Souper Sunday 7.1/7-8 Gender Equality study 14/8 webography 7.1/10 Guild Presbyterial Council 14/7 World Mission Council 7/32 Guild Week opportunities 14/1, 14/4 Holy Communion, and People with Learning Disabilities 4/2, 4/9-11 HIV/AIDS Project 7.1/8, 14/3 Horsburgh, Rev Alexander (Church and Society Council) 2/75 International Justice Mission 14/3 Housing Just Guild 14/1-2, 14/10 Homelessness services (CrossReach) 5/9, 5/12 Leadership Team 14/9 Housing Support Model (CrossReach) 5/4, 5/6 membership statistics 14/11 Housing and Loan Fund for Retired Ministers/Widows/Widowers Ministries Council 3/68, 14/3 Aim of Fund 15/1 Mission Aviation Fellowship 14/3 assistance provided 15/4 Mission and Discipleship Council, partnership with 14/7 Budget allocation 15/3 Priority Areas Action Plan (Ministries Council) 14/1, 14/7-8 diligence 15/3 INDEX

Donations & Bequests 15/2 Wild Goose Publications 17/3 Funds 15/2 Wild Goose Resource Group 17/4 the future 15/2-3 Young Offenders 17/1, 17/3 HM Revenue & Customs 15/2 Youth development 17/3 housing loans 15/6 Iona Jacob Project, Glasgow (Grant awarded) 20/7-8 housing transactions (2009) 15/1 Iraq loan transactions (2009) 15/1-2 armed forces in 8/2-3 outstanding commitments 15/7 World Mission Council 7/6-7 preliminary applications 15/7 Irvine and Kilmarnock, The Sky Project (Grant awarded) 20/6 rental housing 15/5 Islands work staff 15/3 Iona Community 17/2-3 Human Rights, Church and Society Council 2/3, 2/10, 2/12, 2/60 Special Commission anent Third Article: story 25/13-14 Human trafficking Israel, property in (Church of Scotland Trust) 9/1 ACTS Trafficking Task Group 14/1, 14/5, 14/14-15 Israel and Palestine Church and Society Council 2/10 Bridge-building 7/5 Christian initiatives 7/4 India Church and Society Council 2/14 2008 violence towards Christians in Orissa 7/9 International Partnerships 7/26 World Mission Council 7/9, 7/20 Local Christian Presence 7/25-26 Industry and the Workplace Chaplaincy 3/72 Local Partnerships 7/25 Information Technology Messianic Jews 7/4-5 and the Blue Book 6.1/1, 6.1/3 Parish ministry 7/25 Central Services Committee 6.2/2 St Andrew’s Scots Guesthouse, Jerusalem 7/26-27 Child Exploitation and Online Protection 6.5/5 Scots Hotel, Tiberias 7/27 Church and Society Council 2/19-21 Social Enterprise 7/27 Church website 1/6 Tabeetha School in Jaffa 7/26 eCoracle (Iona Community) 17/3-4 World Mission Council 7/3-5, 7/24-27, 7/36-37 webography (HIV/AIDS Project) 7.1/10 Insurance matters, General Trustees 13/1, 13/5-6 Judicial Commission Inter-Faith matters Nomination Committee 18/3 Christian Muslim Relations in Africa 7/22-23 Report 28/1-2 Church and Society Council 2/3, 2/6-7, 2/67-68 Mission and Evangelism 4/15-16 Kirk Sessions, World Mission Council 7/15 World Mission Council 7/1, 7/15-16, 7/22-23 Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes Area Christian Youth Trust (Grant awarded) 20/9 Youth Assembly Debate 23/3 International Development and finance, Church and Society Council Learning disabilities see Education; Education and Nurture 2/4, 2/7, 2/16, 2/73-74 Legacies, Donations and Bequests International Justice Mission, Guild, The 14/3 Council of Assembly 1/7-8 Inverness, Beechwood House (CrossReach) 5/2, 5/8 Housing and Loan Fund 15/2 Investments, General Trustees 13/6-7 Legal Questions Committee Investors Trust, Church of Scotland addendum: Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean 6.4/5-6 Annual Report and Financial Statements (2009) 16/2 Church Law income distributions 16/2 Act amending Consolidating Act III 2000 anent Church Courts 6.4/1, investment performance (2009) 16/1-2 6.4/6 membership 16/2 Former Moderators - Commission to the General Assembly 6.4/2 Iona Community Board McGillivray: Introduction to Practice and Procedure 6.4/1-2 Coracle and eCoracle 17/3-4 Objections to life and doctrine - amendment to Act VIII 2003 6.4/1, Islands work 6.4/3, 6.4/8 Camas (Mull) 17/2-3, 17/4 Reform of Act III 2001 6.4/1, 6.4/2-3, 6.4/6-8 Community’s shop 17/2 Standing Order (SO) 72 - Conflict of Interest 6.4/1, 6.4/4-5 Growing Hope Appeal 17/1, 17/2, 17/4 Standing Order (SO) 89 - Declaration of Interest 6.4/1, 6.4/3-4 Mainland work 17/3 Church-State questions: Business Innovation and Skills 6.4/1 membership 17/4-5 Civil Law, Boys Brigade 6.4/5 Nomination Committee 18/3 Examination of Records 6.4/5 INDEX

Nomination Committee 18/3 Territorial Ministry 3/24 Overture anent Discipline of Elders, Readers and Office-bearers 22/1-3 Training 3/24 Life & Work (Publishing Committee) 4/19 Accompanied Review 3/2, 3/69 Review Group Act anent Ordination of Professors and Lecturers of Theology 3/1, brief history 4/30 3/12, 3/40 Communications of the Church 4/32-33 Chaplaincies 3/2, 3/70-72, 3/76, 3/78 current Editor 4/2, 4/3, 4/31-32 Conflict resolution 3/1, 3/9, 3/13 development of Life & Work 4/34 Deacons Editorial Advisory Committee 4/3, 4/33 Consolidating and Amending Act 3/2, 3/14, 3/40 Formation of Review 4/29 Diaconate Council 3/15, 3/44-46 former editors 4/31 Function of 3/43 journalists 4/31 Local Association of Diaconate Constitution 3/46-47 membership 4/29-30, 4/35 Repeals and Amendments 3/44 and Mission and Discipleship Council 4/33-34 Selection, Training and Ordination 3/41-43 other consultations 4/32 Superintendence of 3/43-44 processes 4/30-31 and Emerging Ministries Fund 20/3-4 readership perceptions 4/31 Finance 3/2, 3/94-98 recommendations 4/34-35 allowances and expenses 3/94, 3/96-98 Local Authorities, Special Commission anent the Third Article budget deficit 3/94, 3/95-96 Declaratory 25/7-8, 25/12 pensions 3/94, 3/96 Lochgelly, TIBAL Community Projects 2/51-52 stipends 3/95, 3/96-97 Future Models of Training 3/1, 3/5-6, 3/18 Macdonald, The Very Rev Finlay A J (Principal Clerk) - retirement 1/11, Green Travel 3/1, 3/10-11, 3/37-40 6.1/5-6 Guild, The 3/68, 14/1, 14/3, 14/7-8 MacLean, Rev Dr Marjory A Interim Ministry 3/74 Assembly Arrangements Committee 6.1/4-5 Manses, future of 3/14 Legal Questions Committee 6.4/5-6 Ministry of Health and Healing 3/75 Malawi Mission and Discipleship Council: Joint Report on Emerging Church HIV/AIDS Project 7.1/5 26/1-2 Mission and Discipleship Council children’s visit 4/7 Monitoring support to recently ordained 3/77 World Mission Council 7/21-22, 7/37 New Models of Church Life 3/49-51 Media and Communication New Models of Community Life 3/51-52 Central Services Committee 6.2/4-5 Nomination Committee 18/3 Church and Society Council 2/5 Occupational Health 3/75 Council of Assembly 1/5-6 and Parish Development Fund 20/1, 20/3-4 see also Publications; Publishing Committee Planning and Deployment 3/2, 3/79-93 Methodist Church 6.3/5 Act anent Glasgow: Whiteinch 3/2, 3/81, 3/85-87 Military Covenant see Church and Society Council Act XIII 2000 anent New Charge Development 3/2, 3/81, 3/87-93 Ministers’ Forum (Publishing Committee) 4/19 Presbytery pastoral advisers and chaplains 3/76 Ministries Council and Priority Areas 3/1, 3/2, 3/6, 3/18-23, 3/48-49, 14/1, 14/7-8, 20/1, 20/3 2020 Vision - Building for Sustainable Future 3/2-3, 3/7-8, 3/23-28 Rural Ministry see Mission and Discipleship Council (Rural Strategy Team) 11% reduction 3/25-26 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 25/2, 25/9 1000 Ministries 3/25 Spiritual Care in the NHS 3/2, 3/71, 3/78 Congregational Resourcing 3/24 Study Leave 3/73 Continued Vacancy 3/28 Support and Development, Deaf Ministry 3/67 “It can’t be done!” 3/28 Tenure, consultations with Presbyteries 3/1, 3/4, 3/16-18 Levers for Change 3/23-24 Training for elders as Interim Moderators 3/73 Ministries Budget 3/25 Vocation and Training Planning and Training 3/27-28 Candidates’ Training and Support 3/54-58 Planning for Variety of Ministries 3/26 Enquiry & Assessment 3/53, 3/59 Presbyteries 3/24 Statistics 3/59-60 Presbytery Planning 3/24, 3/35-36 Women in Ministry Report 3/2, 3/58, 3/61-66 Strands for Future Ministries 3/1, 3/27, 3/29-34 Ministries and Mission Contributions, Council of Assembly 1/8-9 Sustainable units 3/26-27 Ministries, New and Emerging see Mission and Evangelism INDEX

Ministry, Rural see Mission and Discipleship Council (Rural Strategy Team) National Youth Assembly see Youth Assembly Mission, see also Panel on Review and Reform; World Mission Council Nepal, World Mission Council 7/8, 7/19 Mission Aviation Fellowship 14/3 Nomination Committee Mission and Discipleship Council Assembly Arrangements Committee 18/2 introduction 4/3-6 Central Services Committee 18/2 resourcing Christ’s Mission 4/5 Charity Governance 18/1-2 and Church and Society Council 2/8 Church and Society Council 18/2 Church Without Walls 4/18 Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces 18/2 Emerging Church, Joint Report with Ministries Council 26/1-2 Committee on Church Art and Architecture 18/3 Guild, The 14/7 Committee to Nominate the Moderator 18/4 Nomination Committee 18/4 Council of Assembly 18/3 Publishing see Life & Work; Publishing Committee Iona Community Board 18/3 Rural Strategy Team 4/2, 4/23-27 Judicial Commission 18/3 Church presence at local agricultural shows 4/25 Legal Questions Committee 18/3 Co-opted members 4/59 Ministries Council 18/3 How Rural is that Parish? Presbytery analysis 4/42-58 Mission and Discipleship Council 18/4 Research Project 4/26-27 Nomination Committee 18/4 Royal Highland Show 4/24-25 Panel on Review and Reform 18/5 Rural Church Conference 4/2, 4/27 Parish Development Fund 18/4 Study Leave Course 4/23-24 Personnel Appeal Panel 18/4 Support Network 4/27 Publishing Committee 18/4 Training for Ministry 4/24 Safeguarding Committee 18/5 Scottish Storytelling Centre 4/27-28, 4/59 Social Care Council (CrossReach) 18/5 ‘Why Believe?’ Inter-denominational Apologetics Group 4/28-29, 4/59 Statistical information 18/1 Worship and Doctrine World Mission Council 18/5 Co-opted members 4/59 North Korea, World Mission Council 7/11 human sexuality 4/6 Nuclear weapons (Church and Society Council) 2/12-13, 2/59 Scots Language 4/6 see also Church Art and Architecture; Education and Nurture; Mission Older People, Services to see Social Care Council (CrossReach) and Evangelism Online resources see Information Technology Mission and Evangelism Overtures, Returns to Co-opted members 4/59 amendments 22/1 developing the local church 4/13 and Legal Questions Committee 22/1-3 Development Officer (New and Emerging Ministries) 4/13-15 Overture anent Discipline of Elders, Readers and Office-bearers 22/1, Mission 21 4/14, 4/40-41 22/4-8 New Models in Scotland and DVD 4/14 Partnership with Fresh Expressions 4/14-15, 4.2 Pakistan Faith-sharing and Evangelism 4/17 property in (Church of Scotland Trust) 9/1 caféchurch 4/18 World Mission Council 7/7-8, 7/17-18 Outreach in Dormitory Communities 4/17 Palestine see Israel and Palestine Reaching Out 4/17 Panel on Review and Reform future focus: congregational development 4/12-13 advantages of the Pilot 19/6-7 IMPACT 4/16-17 Aims of the Pilot scheme 19/6 Inter-Faith dialogue 4/15-16 Church under reconstruction and unafraid of change 19/15-16 Visit of Alan Roxburgh 4/13 Communication 19/15 Well, The 4/15 Council of Assembly 1/1, 1/10 Moderator Development and implementation Challenge and HIV/AIDS Project 7.1/1, 7.1/7 Advisory Group 19/14-15 Committee to Nominate 18/4 Panel 19/14 Moderators, former, Commission to the General Assembly (Legal Pilot Management Group (PMG) 19/14 Questions) 6.4/2 project management approach 19/14 Moray, Step by Step in Moray (Grant awarded) 20/10 Regional Implementation Teams (RIT) 19/14 Mull, Camas (Iona Community) 17/2-3, 17/4 Development issues 19/15 Muslims see Inter-Faith matters; World Mission Council Finance 19/10-11 INDEX

Governance 19/13-14 Hyzone 20/8 Local Church Review 19/1, 19/2, 19/16-18 North Motherwell 20/8 and Future Focus 19/18-19 Irvine and Kilmarnock, The Sky Project 20/6 Guidelines 19/1, 19/26-27 Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes Area Christian Youth Trust 20/9 Information required in advance 19/1, 19/28 Moray, Step by Step in Moray 20/10 Overture anent 19/1, 19/24-25 Perth and plan 19/9-10 Auchterarder Community Church Centre 20/9-10 Ministers and Ministries 19/10 Comrie and Western Strathearn 20/9 Mission Project 19/7 Pilot Grants awarded 20/10 Mission and structure of the Presbytery Pilot Region 19/5 St Andrews, Holy Trinity 20/9 Nomination Committee 18/5 Training and Research Grants awarded 20/10-11 Overseas Mission Partnership Project 19/1-2, 19/19-23 Ministries Council Pilot funding for presbyteries 19/11-12 and Emerging Ministries Fund 20/3-4 Planning 19/9-10 and Priority Areas 20/1, 20/3 preparing for reform 19/1, 19/2-3 and Priority Areas Staffing Fund 20/4-5 Presbytery operating costs 19/12-13 Nomination Committee 18/4 the Proposal 19/4-5 Promoting the Fund 20/2-3 a Reformed Tradition 19/3-4 support to Churches and Projects 20/2 Representation and accountability in pilot region 19/13 Parliament see Politics and Government Role of Presbytery 19/5-6 Peacemaking see Church and Society Council Role of presbytery and Councils of the Church 19/13 Pension Trustees, Church of Scotland Role of presbytery as support to local church 19/9 Scheme statistics 21/1 Some proposed Pilot Regions 19/8 Schemes’ Overview 21/1-2 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 19/1, 25/10 Pensions, Ministries Council 3/94, 3/96 staff development 19/12 Personnel Appeal Panel, Nomination Committee 18/4 Structure unspecified 19/7-8 Perth the Vision 19/5 Auchterarder Community Church Centre (Grant awarded) 20/9-10 Parish Action, Church and Society Council 2/1, 2/5, 2/19 Comrie and Western Strathearn (Grant awarded) 20/9 Parish Development Fund Perth Prison, Visitors’ Centre 5/8, 14/3 introduction 20/1-2 Politics and Government addendum: Rev W Martin Fair (Convener) 20/11 Church and Society Council 2/3, 2/6, 2/8, 2/9-10, 2/58-61, 2/67 and Church and Society Council 20/4 General Election 2/59 and Council of Assembly 1/1, 1/2-3 Scotland’s Constitutional future 2/3, 2/59 Grants awarded 20/5-11 Trident campaign 2/59 Aberdeen, Blue Horizon 20/10 Poverty and debt Angus, Havilah Arbroath 20/10 Church and Society Council 2/2, 2/6, 2/46-58, 20/4 Ardrossan, Arran Youth Foundation 20/6 Eurodiaconia Conference (CrossReach) 5/12 Dundee, Hot Chocolate 20/10 individual stories see Church and Society Council Dunfermline, Bridge 2 Youth in Kincardine 20/9 and the living wage 2/3, 2/60 Edinburgh microcredits 2/1, 2/17, 2/26-27 Arts Worker Project, Gilmerton 20/6 Project Case Studies see Church and Society Council Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk 20/6 see also Priority Areas Falkirk, Larbert Churches Youth Trust 20/8-9 Presbyterian Church in Ireland, HM Forces Chaplaincy 8/8 Glasgow Presbyteries Bridging the Gap 20/7 Attestation of Congregational Accounts 1/9 Cathcart Youth Ministry 20/7 Attestation of Presbytery Accounts 1/9 “Givin’ It Laldie” Gorbals Parish Church 20/7 Caring for the Earth (Church and Society Council) 2/44-45 Iona Jacob Project 20/7-8 and Church Art and Architecture Committee 4/2, 4/21 The Meeting Place, South Carntyne Parish Church 20/8 Church and Society Council visits 2/19 The Wheel Trust 20/8 media and communication training 1/6 Greenock and Paisley Presbytery Disability Advisors 4/9 St Martin’s Parish Church 20/6 Representation (Assembly Arrangements Committee) 6.1/2 Supporting Parents, New Charge Development 20/7 Rural analysis by Presbyteries/parishes 4/42-58 Hamilton and Special Commission on Third Article Declaratory 25/1, 25/2, 25/6-7 INDEX

see also Ministries Council; Panel on Review and Reform; Parish Forgiveness and Proportionality 6.5/1, 6.5/3 Development Fund leadership roles and youth organisations 6.5/1, 6.5/4 Principal Clerk and Secretary to the Council - appointments 1/1, 1/4-5 Nomination Committee 18/5 Principal Clerk (The Very Rev Finlay A J Macdonald) - retirement 1/11, Policy Statement of the Church of Scotland 6.5/2 6.5/1-6 priority areas for development 6.5/5 Priority Areas Protection of Vulnerable Groups legislation 6.5/1, 6.5/4 Church and Society Council 2/2, 2/57-58 Referral Service 6.5/6-7 CrossReach 5/12 safeguarding outcomes 6.5/9 General Trustees 13/1, 13/3 safeguarding structure 6.5/8 Guild, The 14/1, 14/7-8 safeguarding training 6.5/4, 6.5/7 Ministries Council 3/1, 3/2, 3/6, 3/18-23, 3/48-49 what do we mean by harm and abuse? 6.5/7-8 Parish Development Fund 20/1, 20/3, 20/4-5 Whole Church Safeguarding Service 6.5/4 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 25/8 St Andrews, Holy Trinity (Grant awarded) 20/9 Prison overcrowding, Church and Society Council 2/18 St Colm’s College, World Mission Council 7/32 Prison visiting, Perth 5/8, 14/3 Salaries Properties and Buildings see Central Services Committee; General Central Services Committee 6.2/1 Trustees and the living wage (Church and Society Council) 2/3, 2/60 Publications see also Stipend matters Blue Book 6.1/1, 6.1/3 Scientific issues see Society, Religion and Technology Project (SRTP); Coracle and eCoracle (Iona Community) 17/3-4 Synthetic biology see also Wild Goose Publications Scots Language, Worship and Doctrine 4/6 Publishing Committee Scottish Bible Society Report 6.1/6-7 Co-opted members 4/59 Scottish Churches World Exchange, World Mission Council 7/1, 7/27-28, Ministers’ Forum 4/19 7/39 Nomination Committee 18/4 Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations 25/12-13 Saint Andrew Press 4/2, 4/18-19 Scottish Episcopal Church 6.3/5, 6.3/6, 6.3/7 see also Life & Work Scottish Storytelling Centre (Mission and Discipleship Council) 4/27-28, 4/59 Racial justice see Travellers Scriptures Readers, Overture anent Discipline of Elders, Readers and Office-bearers Bible and ecumenism 6.3/10-12, 6.3/17-18 22/1, 22/4-8 Scottish Bible Society Report 6.1/6-7 Reformation 450th anniversary 1/6, 6.1/2 Sexuality, Working Group on Issues in (Mission and Discipleship) 4/6 Religious and Moral Education (RME) see Church and Society Council Social Care Council (CrossReach) 5/1-13 Renwick, Rev Colin C (World Mission Council Convener) 7/34 introduction to Report: Fit for Purpose 5/2-3, 5/11-12 Retired Ministers see Housing and Loan Fund Carers’ Conference 5/11 Returns to Overtures see Overtures, Returns to Central Services and finance 5/3, 5/9, 5/12 Review and Reform see Panel on Review and Reform Children and Families 5/4, 5/6-7 Roman Catholic Church, Joint Commission on Doctrine 6.3/1, 6.3/6 schools 5/6-7, 5/10-11 Ronachan House (CrossReach) 5/8 Counselling and Support 5/2, 5/4, 5/7-8 Ross, Rev Dr Kenneth (World Mission Council Secretary) 7/34-35 Criminal Justice services, prison visiting 5/8 Royal Highland Show (Rural Strategy Team) 4/24-25 Eurodiaconia Conference 5/12 Rubislaw Park (CrossReach) 5/6 Governance 5/9 Ruchazie Community Café (Church and Society Council) 2/50-51 and Guild, The 14/2, 14/3 Rural issues see Mission and Discipleship Council Homelessness services 5/9, 5/12 income 5/3 Sacraments see Holy Communion; Ministries Council (2020 Vision - Learning disabilities 5/4, 5/7 Strands for Future Ministries) Mental health services 5/4, 5/6, 5/8-9 Safeguarding Committee 6.5/1-9 Allarton House 5/12 addendum: Rev John Christie - retiral 6.5/6 Nomination Committee 18/5 Advisory Panel 6.5/4-5 Our Support 5/13 Child Exploitation and Online Protection 6.5/5 Priority Areas Action Plan 5/12 Church organists 6.5/3 Qualifications of staff 5/10 Disclosure Scotland and Administrative Service 6.5/6 Remit 5/3 Enquiries Service 6.5/6 Services Anniversaries (2009) 5/11 INDEX

Services to Older People 5/4, 5/6 Housing and Loan Fund 15/3 Day Opportunities 5/4, 5/6 Panel on Review and Reform 19/12 Dementia and mental health services 5/4, 5/6, 5/12 Priority Areas Staffing Fund 20/4-5 Flexible Models of Care 5/4, 5/6 Social Care Council (CrossReach) 5/5, 5/10 Housing Support Model 5/4, 5/6 World Mission Council 7/36-38 Quality and Care Awards 5/10 Stewardship and Finance, see also Council of Assembly; Guild, The Rubislaw Park 5/6 Stewardship and Finance Committee, Special Commission anent the Wellhall Home 5/12 Third Article Declaratory 25/8-9 Shared Services 5/12-13 Stipend matters staff 5/5 General Trustees 13/6, 13/9 Substance misuse 5/2, 5/8 Ministries Council 3/95, 3/96-97 Beechwood House, Inverness 5/2, 5/8 Study Leave Ronachan House 5/8 Ministries Council 3/73 Society, Religion and Technology Project (SRTP), Project 40 2/1, 2/22-23 Rural Ministry Course 4/23-24 Special Commission anent the Third Article Declaratory 25/1-31 Suicide issues see Church and Society Council (End of Life issues) introduction 25/2 Support and Services Council, and Council of Assembly 1/1, 1/3 introduction to Third Article Declaratory 25/4-5 Sutherland see Caithness and Sutherland background 25/2-4 Synthetic biology (Church and Society Council) 2/1-2, 2/5-6, 2/27-43 Caithness and Sutherland visit 25/12 Church Representative of Christian Faith 25/21-22 Third Article Declaratory see Special Commission anent the Third Article Church of Scotland Act 1921 25/1, 25/26 Declaratory Church Without Walls 25/15-17, 25/28-31 TIBAL Community Projects - Benarty and Lochgelly 2/51-52 Coll, Argyll: story 25/13-14 Training Commission members 25/31 Central Services Committee 6.2/2 conclusions and recommendations 25/24-25 for elders as Interim Moderators 3/73 Ecumenical Relations Committee 25/1, 25/9-10 Guild, The 14/7 General Trustees 25/2, 25/10 for the Ministry see Ministries Council Glasgow, Gorbals 25/14-15 Mission and Discipleship Council 4/9, 4/11-12, 4/36-40 Glasgow visit 25/10-12 Panel on Review and Reform 19/12 Local Authorities: COSLA 25/12 Parish Development Fund Grants 20/10-11 Local Authority comments 25/7-8 and People with Learning Disabilities 4/9 meetings and consultations 25/5-6 Presbyteries, in media and communication 1/6 Ministries Council 25/2, 25/9 and qualifications (CrossReach) 5/10 ‘National’ or ‘Established’ Church 25/23-24 Safeguarding Committee 6.5/4, 6.5/7 Ordinances of Religion 25/22-23 see also Vocation and Training (Ministries Council) Panel on Review and Reform 19/1, 25/10 Travellers (Church and Society Council) 2/3, 2/6, 2/18, 2/58 the people in every parish 25/18-19 Travelling expenses Presbytery comments 25/1, 25/2, 25/6-7 Commissioners 6.1/4 Priority Areas 25/8 Ministries Council 3/97 Schedule: Articles Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church see also Environmental issues (Green Travel); Ministries Council 25/26-28 (Finance) Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations 25/12-13 Trident see Nuclear weapons a secular society? 25/17-18 Trinidad 7/36 Special Commission on Structure and Change 25/15, 25/28-30 Greyfriars St Ann’s and Arouca and Sangre Grande 7/1, 7/29 Stewardship and Finance Committee 25/8-9 a territorial ministry 25/19-21 United Free Church of Scotland 6.3/1, 6.3/6 Spiritual Care in the NHS, Ministries Council 3/2, 3/71, 3/78 United Reformed Church 6.3/5-6 Spirituality, Youth Assembly Debate 23/2-3 Sri Lanka, Church and Society Council 2/13-14 Well, The (Mission and Evangelism) 4/15 Staff Wellhall Home (CrossReach) 5/12 Central Services Committee 6.2/1-2 Widows/Widowers of Ministers see Housing and Loan Fund Church and Society Council 2/74 Wild Goose Publications 17/3 Council of Assembly 1/6 Women in Ministry Report see Ministries Council Guild, The 14/9-10 World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), Ecumenical Relations INDEX

Committee 6.3/4, 6.3/19 Bangladesh 7/18-19, 7/36 World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), Ecumenical Caribbean 7/24 Relations Committee 6.3/4 see also Bahamas; Trinidad World Council of Churches (WCC) China 7/10-11, 7/19-20 Decade to Overcome Violence 14/1, 14/5 complexities of 7/10-11 Ecumenical Relations Committee 6.3/3-4, 6.3/19 Egypt 7/5-6 World Mission Council 7/1-42 Synod of the Nile 7/6 addenda Europe, Presbytery of 7/17 Rev Colin C Renwick (Convener) 7/34 India 7/9, 7/20 Rev Dr Kenneth Ross (Council Secretary) 7/34-35 2008 violence towards Christians in Orissa 7/9 British and Irish Amity Teachers’ Group 7/39 Iraq 7/6-7 Christian Communities in Minority Situations 7/1, 7/2-3 Malawi 7/21-22, 7/37 climate change 7/22 Nepal 7/8, 7/19 deaths 7/39 North Korea 7/11 Edinburgh 2010 - 1910 World Missionary Conference 7/1, 7/32-34 Pakistan 7/7-8, 7/17-18 Faithshare Visitors 7/39-42 Trinidad 7/36 financial assistance 7/13-14 Greyfriars St Ann’s and Arouca and Sangre Grande 7/1, 7/29 greater awareness 7/1, 7/14 Zambia 7/20-21, 7/38 Guild, The 14/3-4 Zimbabwe 7/23-24 HIV/AIDS Project 7/32 see also Israel and Palestine inter-religious dialogue 7/1, 7/15-16 Worship and Doctrine see Mission and Discipleship Council Christian Muslim Relations in Africa 7/22-23 Kirk Sessions 7/15 Youth lobbying/advocacy 7/15 Boys Brigade (Legal Questions Committee) 6.4/5 local development 7/29-32 and Church and Society Council 2/8 media, uses of 7/13, 7/14 Iona Community Board 17/3 Mission associates 7/39 Young Offenders 17/1, 17/3 Nomination Committee 18/5 see also Education; Education and Nurture; Parish Development Fund Panel on Review and Reform - Overseas Mission Partnership 19/1-2, (Grants awarded); Safeguarding 19/19-23 Youth Assembly pastoral and practical support 7/14 and Church Art and Architecture Committee 4/2, 4/21-22 prayer 7/15 and Church and Society Council 2/9 Response - what does the Lord require? 7/1, 7/11-14 Mission and Discipleship Council 4/8 St Colm’s College 7/32 Youth Assembly Debates Scottish Churches World Exchange 7/1, 7/27-28, 7/39 Identity 23/1 staff and family members 7/36-38 Inter-Faith matters 23/3 support for partner churches 7/15 Spirituality 23/2-3 useful resources 7/16 Wealth 23/1-2 writing letters 7/15 Asia 7/17 Zambia, World Mission Council 7/20-21, 7/38 Bahamas 7/36 Zimbabwe, World Mission Council 7/23-24 and St Andrew’s Nassau and Lucaya Kirk 7/1, 7/28-29