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17 October 06
Caithness Minister On Short List For Moderator 2007
The names of nominees for the Office of Moderator of the 2007 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, announced today, are -
The Reverend Sheilagh M Kesting, Secretary, Committee on Ecumenical Relations
The Reverend Dr. Norman Shanks, Minister, Govan Old Parish Church, Glasgow
The Reverend William F Wallace, Minister, Pultneytown and Thrumster, Church, Wick

When they meet on October 31, members of the Committee to Nominate the Moderator will hear proposers and seconders speak to their nominations before voting to nominate the person who will be presented as Moderator Designate to the General Assembly on 19 May 2007.

Meetings of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland are chaired by the Moderator who leads daily worship, keeps order, rules on points of order and signs documents on behalf of the Assembly. The role is an honorary one, held for 12 months. After the Assembly, the Moderator generally travels as a Church representative in
Scotland, other parts of the UK, Ireland and overseas in an
'ambassadorial' capacity. Every Moderator carries out a series of visits to several Church of Scotland Presbyteries as well as undertaking a number of international tours.  The Committee to Nominate the Moderator consists of a representative from each Presbytery, the 3 immediate past Moderators of the General Assembly and 3 members nominated by the General Assembly, giving a total of 54.

"Life & Work" - September 2006 issue
PRAYING FOR PEACE
The Church of Scotland's new minister in Jerusalem, the Rev Jane Barron, formerly minister of Stobswell Church, Dundee) offers her first impressions from a land beset by a new war in the Middle East. Jane, who took up her post only days before the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah - the incident which sparked the latest conflict - writes: "We have Palestinian staff hurting for brothers and sisters in Nazareth, devastated by sirenless rocket attacks. We have Israeli staff worried sick about children serving in the IDF in the north. It is a complicated tapestry of human life and its inter-wovenness. It is complicated. It is life in all its fullness and emptiness."

9/11 - FIVE YEARS ON
The Rev Dr Jon M Walton, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, New York, reflects on life in the world's most cosmopolitan city on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 atrocity. The church lies only yards from the former twin towers of the World Trade Centre and lost seven of its flock
on the day of the fatal terrorist strike. Dr Walton writes: "Life in New York has returned to a semblance of normalcy even though one occasionally sees SWAT teams in black combat uniforms with automatic weapons standing watch in Subway stations and public gatherings.

"For what it's worth, there is a baby boom underway in New York with young families having children in record numbers. We are doing upwards of fifty baptisms a year, a measurable sign of trust in God if there ever was one! At the same time, we still hear the warning that the question is not whether there will be another terrorist attack in New York, but when. It is a sobering thought."

'A PLOT AGAINST THE PUBLIC....'
The Liberal-Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie, who is stepping down at the next parliamentary election, is the subject of this month's profile. He is openly critical of the 'yah-boo' style of politics at Holyrood, which he describes as "very depressing'. He also describes Holyrood as "a legislative sausage machine" and claims there is insufficient time for proper scrutiny. "We need a system of revisiting bills reasonably soon after they take effect to see if they are working." he says.

18 July 06
Moderator to contact PM over Middle East crisis
The Right Reverend Alan McDonald, Moderator of the General Assembly, has written to the Church of Scotland's partner churches in the Middle East. On behalf of the Kirk, Mr McDonald wrote to local Christian communities in order to assure them that they were in the thoughts and prayers of members of the Church at this most difficult time.

The Moderator will also be contacting the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in order to encourage him to redouble his efforts to "negotiate a cease fire and implement a serious strategy towards a permanent and peaceful solution" to the Israel and Palestine question.

Mr McDonald reiterated the Church of Scotland's support for the adherence of all parties to relevant UN resolutions. In addition, the Kirk encourages HAMAS to issue a statement accepting Israel's right to exist, and encourages Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza.

The full text of Alan McDonald's letter is appended below:
"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, "I write to assure you of the prayers of the Church of Scotland at this time of deepening conflict in the Middle East. We set a high value on our relationships with partner churches in the region and are appalled at the recent turn of events which has brought devastation and death to so many. Three years ago the then Moderator visited Lebanon, Syria and Egypt and he has spoken to me warmly of the welcome he received in all three countries. In Lebanon he met with different groups in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, areas which have suffered so much destruction in recent days. Last year my immediate predecessor as Moderator was in Israel where we continue to maintain a Christian witness in Jerusalem, Jaffa and Tiberias. Tiberias has now come under rocket attack and the hotel is temporarily closed until it is considered safe to re-open. Our new minister at St Andrew's Jerusalem was introduced only a few weeks ago.

"At our recent General Assembly, attended by Rev Dr Mitri Raheb Director of the Bethlehem Evangelical Church, we called for adherence to all relevant UN resolutions, encouraged HAMAS to issue a statement accepting Israel's right to exist, encouraged Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza and the West Bank and urged the two democratically elected governments to enter into discussions on the issue of more secure boundaries and viable sustainable states for both Israel and Palestine. It remains our position that peace will come only when there is justice for all parties. The ongoing cycle of violence will simply blight the lives of generations to come.

"I am writing to the British Prime Minister urging him to use all the powers at his disposal to negotiate a cease fire and implement a serious strategy towards a permanent and peaceful solution.

"Meantime, we continue to pray for all whose lives have been destroyed by military action and for you, our fellow Christians in the region, as you minister to your people and witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

18 May 06
"Life & Work" - June 2006 issue
Moderator condemns dawn raids
Life And Work Magazine - Magazine of Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland's outgoing Moderator, the Rt Rev David Lacy, strongly condemns the practice of dawn raids on asylum seekers, in this month's Life & Work. The magazine's major feature reports that the threat of a dawn raid is a constant fear for many asylum seekers living in Scotland.

The Moderator says: "I think they (dawn raids) are entirely unnecessary and assume criminality in each case. We live in a country where everyone is believed to be genuine and innocent until proven guilty so I don't see the need for dawn raids: they are unnecessarily intimidating especially when there are children involved. I have never met anyone in Scotland who feels proud of them."

'Lies and hypocrisy' of drug companies
Film-maker Norman Stone hits out at the 'lies and hypocrisy' of pharmaceutical companies and drug services in Scotland's fight against heroin. Stone, who is profiled in this month's Life & Work, the magazine of the Church of Scotland, has made a documentary about a young Scottish heroin addict's withdrawal using NeuroElectric Therapy which its supporters insist is an alternative to methadone. Stone says methadone is not working and condemns the pharmaceutical companies who continue to make money from it. "Methadone isn't working, yet a lot of people are making money out of it like support agencies and pharmaceutical companies. The drug companies are in charge of all the research so won't research anything that won't make money. What annoys me terribly are lies and hypocrisy and there's a lot of that going on in the so-called drug services which are meant to help." He adds: "This treatment is sitting there which will help people come off drugs, but because it's a drug-free treatment it is ignored." Stone, a committed Christian, says his faith is at the centre of all he does.

Closing kirks -'not the answer'
Closing church buildings, in a bid to save resources, is not always the answer according to Professor John Hume, convener of the Kirk's Art and Architecture Committee. Writing in the June issue of Life & Work he argues that fear of closure is demoralising congregations. He writes: "What I am advocating is a positive departure from the notion that there is a positive virtue in closure, and a transfer of the concept of positive virtue to keeping buildings open, and hence congregations in being, not just as a 'drip-feed' exercise."

15 May 06
Methodist Conference heads to Scotland for first time
Debates include human sexuality, ethical investment and peacemaking

The Methodist Conference will take place at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, from 24-29 June. This will be the first time that the Conference has been held in Scotland.

The annual Conference is the ruling body of The Methodist Church, setting the rules, policy and key matters for the Church. 384 voting members of the Conference will be joined by thousands of visitors at the Edinburgh Conference Centre at Heriot-Watt University.

Highlights of the week include:
The induction of the new President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Graham Carter, and the new Vice President, Mr. Dudley Coates. (Saturday 24 June.) Graham will deliver his inaugural address at this point. Dudley will deliver his during the Conference Sunday service, which will take place at the Kings Theatre, Edinburgh (Sunday 25 June).

Conference Sunday will also see about 60 new Methodist presbyters and deacons received into full connexion and ordained at services around Edinburgh and Lothian. Simultaneous services in Lerwick, Inverness, Aberdeen, Berwick, Carlisle and Durham on Sunday evening will allow Methodists across Scotland and the north of England to also share in the celebrations.

Visit to the Scottish Parliament by the President of the Conference the Revd Graham Carter and the General Secretary of The Methodist Church the Revd David Deeks. They will have lunch with the Presiding Officer of the Parliament and conduct the Time for Reflection. (Wednesday, 28 June.) The Vice President will visit the Parliament on the afternoon of Thursday 29.

A major report on the Ethics of War, produced jointly with the United Reform Church, will be launched. Peacemaking, a Christian Vocation, is a major investigation of the ethics of war, the need to work actively for peace, the role of peacekeeping troops, and the response to terrorism. (Monday 25 June, 11:15-12:45).

Conference will also debate the use of funds in relation to conflict in Israel and Palestine, as well as the wider issue of ethical investment. The Church's Central Finance Board has investments of about £1 billion, and always seeks to invest these in an actively ethical way. (Monday 25 June, 11:15-12:45).

The 2005 Conference heard a major report into the Pilgrimage of Faith, the Church's ongoing discussion about human sexuality. This year the Conference will discuss a further report on related topics, including what advice should be given to ministers who have been asked to bless a same sex civil partnership in Church (Tuesday 27 June afternoon).

The Conference will also look at the theological implications on how to live and grow as a Church when there is not universal agreement (Monday 26 10:15-10:45).

Other major debates include the terms and conditions on which ministers and deacons serve (Tuesday 27 June 10:15-10:45); the future structure of the Methodist Church in Wales (Wednesday 28, 5:15); and a proposal for a major review of stationing - the Church's policy on deploying ministers and deacons ((Wednesday 28, 5:30).

In addition there will be the usual wide range of lively fringe events, as well as a Ceilidh (Saturday 24 June) and a Big Sing lead by John Bell of the Iona Community (Sunday 25 June, Methodist Central Hall, Nicholson Square).
The Methodist Media Service will, as usual, be running an office from the venue for the duration of the Conference. We will have desk space for journalists, two ISDN-equipped radio studios and a near endless supply of tea, coffee and biscuits. Journalists planning to attend should contact Toby Scott or Anna Drew as early as possible, as there are only a limited number of press seats available within the Conference hall. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have about the Conference agenda, organisation or practical arrangements.

10 May 06
KIRK PROMOTES BALANCE OF OLD AND NEW IN ITS BUILDINGS
The General Assembly is to hear how the Kirk constantly has to balance the need to preserve its architectural heritage with the demand to ensure its buildings are fit for modern congregations.

The Church of Scotland's Committee on Art and Church Architecture, in its report to the General Assembly this year, will take as its theme "go forward remembering". This reflects the fact that congregations have a responsibility to maintain buildings as "sacred spaces" while ensuring, as far as practicable, that modern demands such as disabled access and new forms of worship are accommodated.

Disabled access in particular has required major consideration since legislation on disability discrimination was introduced in 1995. The Kirk is determined, says the report, to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights to worship as everyone else, though this has often required negotiating listed building consent and other issues. The Mission and Discipleship Council will submit a supplementary report dedicated to this single issue.

Meanwhile the Committee has approved the reordering of a number of churches, including the removal of pews in some cases, to accommodate more flexible forms of seating. At times, however, the Committee has to turn down applications for alterations, if it felt that the atmosphere of the church as a place of worship would have been damaged.

The Committee also gives advice on stained glass and has a continuing involvement with the Scottish Stained Glass Symposium, as well as offering advice on a whole range of matters including the restoration or replacement of church organs.

7 May 06
KIRK TO FREEZE AMOUNT PAID BY CONGREGATIONS
TO CHURCH BUDGET
The Council of Assembly will ask this month’s General Assembly to freeze the total amount paid by congregations to the Church of Scotland’s overall budget next year. This is a report to next month’s General Assembly shows that Church of Scotland members increased their offerings to the Church last year by just under £2 million – a rise of 2.4% over the previous year in line with the General Assembly’s policy of maximising resources available for local parish work. All of this increase will remain available to congregations. The Council of Assembly reports that the total amount to be levied on congregations next year to support centrally funded work will be frozen at this year’s level. The Council believes that this significant move will be of great assistance to congregations as they develop local initiatives.

The Council will also report that it has completed the re-structuring of the church’s central administration. This has resulted in a reduced staff complement which enables a greater percentage of the budget to be directed towards supporting ministers and parishes.

In the introduction to its report to the General Assembly, the Council of Assembly says that it has continued to implement the strategy of Church without Walls which emphasises the priority of the local church, the challenge to be more focused for mission and the need for the centre to resource the local. While the Council’s thinking continues to be guided by the twin budget priorities of parish staffing and congregational resourcing, it readily acknowledges the facilitating role of the central administration in enabling the church to speak, care and act nationally. The Council reminds the Assembly that much of its work is taken forward through its three committees which deal with communication, budget matters and staffing. With the major restructuring of the central organisation   behind it, the Council anticipates a development of the monitoring, evaluating and co-ordinating aspects of its remit in the coming year.

The Council will seek encouragement from the General Assembly for the continuing development of a co-ordinated communication strategy. The Assembly will hear that the Council has given a high priority to communication, reflecting its conviction that communication is a critical issue for the church and that this ‘work in progress has already delivered some successes, including a new, more user friendly website with a single access domain name and a new website for Crossreach; an on line shop, primarily offering  acclaimed St Andrew Press publications,  which is soon  to ‘go live’; a series of commendation awards for Life & Work, the Church of Scotland magazine and the appointment of a short term working group of some of Scotland’s leading Gaelic Christian scholars to prepare a cohesive strategy for the use of the Gaelic language within the religious life of Scotland.

Within its funding remit, the Council asks the Assembly to encourage the continuing commitment to Christian stewardship embodied by the work of the Funding Forum, set up in 2005 and to welcome new income generation initiatives. The Council will tell the General Assembly that it is mindful that biblically based teaching on Christian stewardship and the response to that teaching through the offerings of church members must be at the heart of any income generation strategy. At the same time there must be a recognition that, like all charities, the Church will always want to do more than can be afforded and that all avenues of increasing financial resources must be explored.

The Council has met its objectives of resourcing congregations and staffing parishes The Council has also completed the re-structuring of the church’s ‘central administration’.. The review of the central organisation resulted in a reduced staff complement which enabled a greater percentage of the budget to be directed towards supporting ministers and parishes.

The Council proposes that there will be no increase in congregational levies in 2007and believes that this will be a significant move of great assistance to congregations.

 The General Assembly will hear that, as part of its remit in relation to staffing matters, the Council has undertaken a review of the Church’s pension schemes and the Assembly will learn that these remain viable, though the situation will continue to be monitored.  The Council has also completed the re-structuring of the church’s ‘central administration’. The main business of the Council has been to ensure that staff and budget resources have been adequate to deliver the work. The Council will also tell the Assembly that, in answer to a remit from an earlier General Assembly, it has also looked at ways of rationalising and managing properties owned by the church’s committees and councils and that preliminary steps are being taken to create a small property unit.

The Council is also recommending the continuation for a further period of dialogue with three time limited bodies established by previous General Assemblies. These are t and now seeking a continuation of their work beyond the periods originally set – The HIV/AIDS Project, set up by the General Assembly of 2002 with funding until November 2007; the Parish Development Fund, set up by the General Assembly of 2002 with funding assured until General Assembly of 2007 and the Church Without Walls Celebration Group set up in 2001 with a final report due to this year’s General Assembly. The Council will recommend to the General Assembly that the HIV/Aids Project and the Parish Development Fund continue. It will also recommend that the Church Without Walls Group continues as part of the Church’s Mission and Discipleship Council.

22 April 06
"Life & Work" - May 2006 issue
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Moderator-Designate of the 2006 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rev Alan McDonald, minister of St Leonard's Church, St Andrews and Cameron, is profiled this month and reveals his Moderatorial outfit will have a symbolic link with the past. He has chosen not to wear the traditional lace but will instead wear a robe worn by the late Very Rev James Whyte, Moderator in 1988/89 and a Professor of St Andrews University.

"I'm going to wear his preaching gown, which is the black Moderator's gown, which I think will be a good link with this town and which will mean a lot to me and the people from the town," he says.  The Moderator-Designate speaks of his passion for social justice, but reveals a hidden passion for music - he is a Beatles fan and will be attending the Rolling Stones concert in Glasgow late this summer - although not in an official capacity.

AN ONLINE HISTORY
Visitors to this year's General Assembly, which takes place in May, will have a sneak preview of a million pound project by the National Archives of Scotland to digitalise and offer online internet access to all parish records, including Kirk session, presbytery and synod records, spanning more than 400 years. The four year project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2007. Highlighting the importance of the project, spokesman Robin Urquhart said it was hoped "the resulting website will also attract many people to church records who did not use them before."

BEYOND THE WALLS - FIVE YEARS ON
The Rev Peter Neilson, one of the architects of Church Without Walls - the campaign to re-energise the local church - reflects on progress on the fifth anniversary of its launch.  He believes many people are still hungry for the Christian message but that church life will have to change. "By the middle of this century 'congregation' may not be the normative way of being church in our culture. Some congregations will transition to connect with our culture, but for the people who are three generations removed from church life, the assumed patterns of congregational life are alien. We need 'fresh expression of church' to begin again as 'church beyond the walls'."

22 April 06
ASSEMBLY TO DECIDE ON COVENANT WITH UNITED FREE CHURCH
In its report to this year's General Assembly, the Kirk's Committee on Ecumenical Relations will say that the Ecumenical Policy Document, accepted by last year's Assembly, clearly set the basis for this year's work, thus ensuring that ecumenical relations were knitted into the new structure of the Church in a very positive way.

The General Assembly will hear that a variety of discussions are continuing with some churches on a bilateral basis and that all of these discussions are exploratory, with none having union as their immediate goal. The proposed covenant between the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland attracted responses from 13 Presbyteries and 9 Kirk Sessions, with only one of the responses suggesting that the proposal should not be implemented. Others warmly endorsed the terms of the covenant and, in areas where a United Free Church of Scotland congregation exists, attempts were made to have joint discussions.

The Committee will tell the General Assembly that it recognises that correcting misinformation in each denomination about the other will form a major part of the covenant's initial phase. Issues raised relate to elders celebrating the sacraments, differences in the practice of ordination and perceived differences in doctrine. The General Assembly will be asked to approve the covenant and to welcome the proposed signing in Dunblane Cathedral on Saturday 16 September. Because the proposal before the Assembly relates to a Covenant and not a proposal for union, the Committee believes that it is possible to have more flexibility in relation to each other's practice.

In its report, the Committee updates the Assembly on works in progress in relation to ecumenical organisations including Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, (CTBI) and World Council of Churches.

25 March 06
Kirk's Moderator appeals to Government over Afghan Christian
The Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Reverend David Lacy, has written to the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, urging him to keep
pressure on the Afghan authorities over the case of Abdul Rahman.

Mr Rahman, aged 41, is currently being held in custody in Afghanistan. He is charged with having converted to Christianity from Islam and, unless he reconverts, he could face the death penalty under a conservative interpretation of Shari'a law.

The governments of a number of countries, and a variety of church organisations, have also appealed to the Afghan authorities on Mr Rahman's behalf.

The full text of David Lacy's letter is as follows:
"I am very distressed to read press reports regarding Abdul Rahman, an Afghan citizen living in Kabul, who is to be executed under Muslim Shari'a law for converting to Christianity. I urge you to continue to make vigorous protest to the Afghan authorities.

"Members of our Armed Forces are in Afghanistan having assisted the Afghan people there to free themselves from a barbaric, repressive regime. Are they now to defend, at risk of their lives, a system which may execute people for becoming Christians?

"I have the honour of speaking for the Church of Scotland: we wish to defend and protect our brothers and sisters all over the world. I know what my British Muslim friends think: they believe, like us, that all should be free to practise their chosen faith, or none. This is not about "Christian versus Muslim". It is about freedom versus repression."

16 December 05
"And this shall be your sign"
A Christmas Message from the Right Reverend David Lacy, Moderator of the General Assembly

"And this is your sign", said the angel to the shepherds, "you will find a baby lying wrapped in his swaddling clothes, in a manger." It was the sign of God's love to the shepherds, and it can be ours too. Think about that wee baby - Jesus the Christ, the Son of God - a baby, a brand-new, red, wrinkled, blind, wee baby. The Messiah of God, lying there emptied of competence, intelligence, ability of faith and any kind of awareness, swaddled up tightly and lying in a hay-trough in a filthy stable. How vulnerable is a brand-new baby!

But God knew what He was doing. His dearly beloved son was a helpless, vulnerable infant - but safe, swaddled up in God's love. And more than that: that baby became the source, cause, and reason of our salvation - so all of that lay helpless too - but quite, quite safe.

This is our sign of God's way. The sign of God's presence, nearness and caring for us when we are utterly helpless, like vulnerable, brand-new babies; and we all experience that sometime in our lives - total dependence and vulnerability, and we can learn from it; every Christian can discover, has discovered, in these very times of utter helplessness, that we are held in being, sustained and swaddled by God, carried by Him helpless and infant-like.

We can know ourselves carried through by God, at a deeper level than intellect, or will, or grip can achieve. Sometimes, it is only afterwards that we can know it - how safe we were, helpless in His keeping. One of the Psalms puts it this way: "He took me from the fearful pit and from the miry clay. And on a rock He put my feet, establishing my way".

This is God's way with us. And He gave an overwhelming sign of it to real people in real time and space, when Jesus the Christ, God's own Son, lay in a stinking stable - a brand-new, red, wrinkled, blind, wee baby - wholly vulnerable, but swaddled up in the love of God, and, eternally, quite, quite safe.
"And this is your sign" - this Christmas, and eternally.

25 November 05
Could you be "in the frame" for Kirk Photographer of the Year?
Church of Scotland in world-wide call to amateur photographers Could you be "in the frame" for Kirk Photographer of the Year? The Church of Scotland is looking for a winner in its Photographer of the Year competition. Could it be you? Capitalising on the success of the first-ever Photographer of the Year award, which was held last year, the Kirk is now looking for entries for the 2005 competition.  Also check out the children's poster colouring competition.  Children up to 12 can download one of four posters to colour in and enter by post or submit online.   The competitions are open to anyone to enter.

16 November 05
"Life & Work" - December 2005 issue
NEW WAYS IN THE KIRK
In his monthly message to readers, the Moderator, the Rt Rev David Lacy argues against extending the term of the ambassadorial role beyond the currently 12 months. Explaining why he believes Moderators should serve only for a year, he writes: "Firstly, the job, as it is at present, is a sprint and not a long-distance run. Secondly, what elder's employer or minister's charge or deacon's post would allow anyone off for more than a year? Thirdly, there are so many people in the Kirk who would be so good in the job, why limit the number even further? But lastly and most refreshingly: would we Presbyerians really be happy with one person in the post for much longer?"

DESERT PADRE
The Rev Louis Kinsey, a Territorial Army chaplain and minister in Aberdeen, this month outlines the difficulties and dilemmas facing soldiers and chaplains serving in Iraq. Mr Kinsey, who served in Iraq earlier this year, described one situation he had faced: "Why are they trying to kill us, Padre, when we're only trying to do them good?' The words of a young infantry soldier as he lay recovering from wounds in the Multi-National Division Hospital at Shaibah, near Basra. Whatever your thoughts concerning the presence of coalition forces in Iraq, it is impossible not to be moved by that soldier's question. He was a member of a patrol that had set off into the Iraqi night. In the early hours of the morning, a carefully concealed improvised explosive device (IED) had gone off with massive force as the patrol passed by, wounding him and killing or wounding other soldiers of his regiment. What answer do you give to a soldier like that? How do you begin to comfort and encourage him to reassure him that his life is precious to God?"

MUSIC OF THE SEASON
The Herald music critic, Michael Tumelty offers his thoughts on the enduring appeal of Christmas music, while the Rev Douglas Galbraith offers an insight into the latest seasonal hymns and carols in the new Church of Scotland hymnary, CH4. Mr Galbraith, who is responsible for the Kirk's hymn book resources, gives an insight into the old and new in the book. "What the newest hymns and carols bring to a 21st century Christmas is a reminder that we should not get lost in storyland; we live in a real world which desperately needs to be challenged by the Incarnation."

14 November 05
Second Hand Book Sale To Aid Church Repairs In Wick
This Saturday (19th November 2005) sees another sale of second-hand, good condition books, in St. John's church hall, Moray Street, Pulteneytown , Wick, from 10 am till 3 pm. The sale is of general books of all kinds at bargain prices; 30p. for adult paperback fiction; 50p. for hardback fiction; 80p. for factual works, and 20p. for all varieties of children's books. All proceeds go to St. John's Scottish Episcopal church, which is facing high costs for major repairs.

20 October 05
"Life & Work" - November 2005 issue
FAITH LEADERS 'CLOSER' IN BRITAIN
Britain leads the way in inter-faith relations according to the Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, the subject of the Life & Work (November) profile. Referring to statements issued by the faith leaders after the London bombings, he said: "I do not know any country in the world where relations between the faiths, or to be more specific, among the leaders,
is closer than in Britain."  The response to terrorism, he says, is to take a stand against the fundamentalism of hate with a counter-attack from the fundamentalism of love. The conflict, he says, is not between civilisations or religions but a clash within each group "between moderates and extremists, those who care for freedom and those who care only for victory at whatever cost."
His hopes for the future rest with the young. "Too many people pursue too many causes to avenge their dead ancestors. The single greatest thing that any of us can do is to fix firmly in our minds the sight of a young child and to say. How will my next act affect him or her?" Rabbi Sacks who recently addressed the Scottish Parliament also described Jewish Christian relations in Britain as "one of the great chapters of hope in our history of faith. We've turned strangers into friends."

LIVINGSTONE ANNIVERSARY
The 150th anniversary of Dr David Livingstone's first sighting of the Victoria Falls is marked by the cover feature for this month's Life&Work. The famous Scot's missionary doctor and explorer's great grandson, also a medical missionary, speaks of his days at the Lubwa Mission in Zambia which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dr David Livingstone Wilson who now lives in Helensburgh, will travel with his wife Ada to Zambia later this month to join the celebration surrounding the Victoria Falls and the Livingstone town centenary, home to the falls and also named after the explorer.  Today Church of Scotland missionaries work in partnership with the United Church of Zambia, sharing their expertise in health, education and development.

7 July 04
Statement on events in London
In response to today’s events in London, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend David Lacy, and the Convener of the Kirk’s Church & Society Council, Mrs Morag Mylne, have issued the following statement:
There are no words sufficient ever to speak of the kind of horror visited on London this morning.  The immediate reaction of shock and distress turns quickly to sympathy and grief for the bereaved and injured.
This is a time to know that God suffers with the attacked and the oppressed.  That is where our concentration, our presence and our prayers must be.
Our prayer today is for comfort for those who are hurt, strength for those whose duties are to rescue and to treat, and peace for the city and all its people.
As we as a nation seek to come to terms with an attack on our freedoms and our democracy, it is to those principles that we must hold.  Our reaction must be to strengthen and uphold what terrorism seeks to destroy.
The Rt Rev David Lacy
Moderator of the General Assembly 
Mrs Morag Mylne
Convener, Church & Society Council

"Life & Work" - July 2005 issue
A NEW CHAPTER
The outgoing leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and MSP for
Orkney, Jim Wallace describes how his strong Christian faith has shaped
his political life.

A committed Kirk elder, he admits there have been times of conflict
between his faith and political life - for example, the first Gulf War,
which was opposed by many in the church and was a time when he had to 'wrestle with it'.

One area where he admits that he has more conservative views, which may be interpreted as illiberal, is on the topic of abortion. He says: "I've accepted that some statutory framework for abortion is better than the back street abortions which were undoubtedly prevalent before David Steel's legislation in 1967. But I have always favoured a tight legislative regime. It shouldn't be at will, there has to be a cause be it potential injury to the mother. I'd probably favour a more restrictive time limit since medical science has advanced, probably 20 weeks. I find it difficult to accept the notion of abortion at will.  There should be some extreme medical or extreme hardship reason." But he concedes: "The Scottish Parliament doesn't have a say on this matter so my views won't be called for."

EIGHT MINDS AND 800 MILLION LIVES
In a direct plea to world leaders meeting at the G8 summit at Gleneagles in July, the convener of the Church and Society Council, Morag Mylne calls on the richest nations to fulfil promises on health care, education and poverty to improve the lives of the world's poorest people.

"The time for these promises to be fulfilled is not next century. It is now. It is for our generation to use the wonderful resources at our disposal to ensure that the dignity of every human being is respected and that everyone is given the opportunity to be educated and to fulfil their potential," she writes.

A MINISTRY OF THE SEA
Describing the challenges of his first mission as a Royal Naval chaplain aboard HMS Liverpool, the Rev Stevie Thomson emphasises the importance of the prayers and support of the Church of Scotland for the naval service.

"Whether they are working to redecorate a deprived school in San Juan, Puerto Rico, or a medical aid centre in St Vincent, they ably represent the United Kingdom, our core values and selfless commitment to others. We are committed to defend our country, to support democracy and to help those in need. HMS Liverpool and indeed the Royal Navy need the thoughts, the prayers and support of those at home whom they so professionally represent."

12 May 05
Kirk set to take 'rational approach' on future of buildings
The General Assembly is to be asked to approve a long-term strategic approach to the Church of Scotland's property resources.

The Assembly of 2004 agreed that the issue of expenditure on church property should be examined, given that the amount spent by the church as a whole on church buildings, halls and manses represents a considerable sum of money. It was also felt that the existing system takes insufficient account of which buildings will be required in order for the Kirk to fulfil its future mission.

The General Trustees and the Committee on Parish Appraisal were jointly charged with scrutinising the Church's activities in this area, and they are set to report back to the General Assembly in May.

By seeking to strengthen the Presbytery Planning process to include for the first time an assessment of the future of each building in each charge, it is hoped to develop a proper buildings strategy for the national Church.

The joint report notes that, for the new proposals to be effective, Presbyteries must realistically appraise not only present properties and resources, but also likely income, resources and needs of anticipated future membership.

The Committee of Parish Appraisal and the General Trustees acknowledge that closure and disposal of church buildings is not straightforward given the spiritual and emotional ties that can develop between congregation and kirk. However, "the potential benefit of releasing funds for the ministries of the church and the need for concerted action is crucial."

12 May 05
FLEXIBILITY NEEDED FOR KIRK'S MINISTRY, SAYS REPORT
The Church needs to make use of the talents of those outside its full-time ministry, the Kirk's General Assembly will hear.

A report into the work of the Church's Auxiliary Ministers and Readers affirms the importance of both groups.

Auxiliary ministers undertake some of the same theological training as full-time ministers. They are ordained, can conduct marriage ceremonies,
have a role on Kirk sessions, and receive an honorarium for their work.

Readers, however, are not ordained, do not have the right to conduct wedding services, and do not receive any regular salary, beyond the minimal payment provided for "pulpit supply." Readers have now extended their work beyond preaching to pastoral work, and conducting funerals. Some have indicated they would like to take on further roles by being given the right to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion in particular circumstances.

The report recognises that "both need and opportunity" drove the development of the readership and auxiliary Ministry, with a recognition both of the need for more people to lead services, and also a recognition of the talents possessed by many outside the existing full-time ministry.

The Kirk's Boards of Ministry and Parish Education, together with its Panel on Doctrine, were charged by the General Assembly to clarify where the two different roles began and ended, and their relationship with the wider work of the Church.

This is something which the report sets out in some detail, covering areas such as training, selection, payment of course fees, transfer between different types of ministry, and in its recommendations specific amendments required to the Church's 1992 Act Anent the Readership.

The report, however, supports a call for further study by the Panel on Doctrine as to whether these nationally-recognised ministries authorised to act in any parish might be supplemented by some form of locally ordained ministers who would be found and trained locally and act only in their own parish.

11 May 05
Assembly to consider 'commercial potential' of Kirk website
The Church of Scotland's Board of Communication is to ask the General Assembly to approve in principle their proposal to seek "appropriate sponsorship" for the Kirk's website. In addition the Board will recommend the development of an online shop, as well as a classified advertising section within the Church of Scotland website www.churchofscotland.org.uk. "The Board has identified considerable commercial potential in developing e-commerce and a modest level of advertising on the website." The Board will put a special report on website advertising before this year's Assembly.

"The Board reports that usage figures for the website continue to rise and it is expected that these will be heading on for two million individual page impressions over the course of 2005. In January of 2005 the hit rate was up by an extraordinary 39% in comparison with the same time last year." New features are frequently being added to the site, including 'On this Day', 'Latest Updates' and 'Starters for Sunday' online worship resources. Last year the Web Team updated over 4,000 pages for the site, ensuring that it is kept constantly refreshed - an important aspect of any website.
Note from Caithness.org - for comparison Caithness.org is likely to exceed 60 million page impressions in 2005.  Visitors to Caithness.org in 2004 were 1,345,310 and the numbers continue to rise almost every month.

3 May 05
Kirk to hear of reform to central structures
The General Assembly of 2004 established the Council of Assembly and invested two kinds of authority in it. The first relates to taking forward business throughout the year when the Assembly is not sitting.  The second involves monitoring and co-ordinating the central agencies of the Church and asking questions that the Assembly has neither the time nor the detailed background to ask.

During this first year of operation, the Council has concentrated on implementing the restructuring of the Church's 'central' organisation, with a view to achieving a greater degree of co-ordination, a more efficient use of resources and the elimination of duplication. The 2005 General Assembly will hear that the Council of Assembly, in carrying out its task was mindful of the principles underlying the restructuring set out in earlier reports

* To be more focused on mission
* To simplify the central structures of the boards and committees
* To emphasise that the centre resources the local and not vice
    versa
* To evolve a better decision making process and avoid duplication
* To achieve a better stewardship of time and money.

The Council undertook a critical analysis of current work with an assessment of which work should be continued and which let go and which new work might be begun. The Council will tell the General Assembly that it sought to minimise staff redundancies wherever possible and ensured that staff members who are leaving are treated fairly and given as much support as possible. The Assembly will learn that the Council's decisions on structural change were solely determined on the basis of the key operational needs of the Church.

Last year's General Assembly gave the Council of Assembly the task of drawing up the remits of the new councils which will replace the Kirk's existing Boards and Committees on 1 June.

The Councils, together with their broad remits are:-

CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL which will facilitate the Church of Scotland's engagement with national, political and social issues;

MINISTRIES COUNCIL which will have responsibility for recruitment, training, support and deployment of recognised ministries for the mission of the church.

MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP COUNCIL which will take a lead role in developing, maintaining and nurturing mission related work in Scotland;

SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL which will offer services and resources in Christ's name to people in need;

WORLD MISSION COUNCIL which will advance and guide the Church's mission and work throughout the world;

SUPPORT AND SERVICES COUNCIL which will provide a network for the
central service departments such as law, finance, personnel and IT.

27 April 05
CHURCHES CALL FOR ELECTION HONESTY ON ASYLUM ISSUE
Faith communities, voluntary groups and key agencies have given their support to the holding of vigils throughout the United Kingdom during the last days of the General Election campaign. Vigil 2005 has its roots in the work of Churches' Commission for Racial Justice. It has been formed to encourage the use of candlelight vigils, to openly:

• encourage a high turnout on May 5, 2005

• affirm and celebrate the contribution of black and ethnic minorities to the United Kingdom as a modern, humane and diverse society

• uphold the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention on Refugees.

Vigils will take place in several parts of the UK to express concern in the churches at the nature of election campaigning on the issues of immigration and asylum.

In Scotland, there will be Vigils in Edinburgh: (St Patrick's RC Church, Cowgate) on Wednesday 27 April at 1800hrs, and Glasgow: (St Luke's and St Andrew's Church of Scotland, Well St) on Thursday 28 April at 1800hrs.

These have been organised by the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office with support from the Church and Nation Committee (Church of Scotland), the Justice and Peace Commission (Roman Catholic Church) and the Iona Community. Each of the vigils precedes an event organised by Church Action on Poverty: "Making Poverty History Everywhere", (starting at 1900hrs).

No current politicians or election candidates are being invited to
participate in leading these, and they are not intended to express
support for any political party.

Speaking in support of Vigil 2005, Dr Alison Elliot, Moderator of the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland commented:  "Scots have been welcomed throughout the world for centuries. We know that welcoming the stranger is a vital characteristic of a decent society and affirm our right and commitment to doing so."

Rev Arlington Trotman, Secretary of The Churches' Commission for Racial Justice said:  "We wholeheartedly support the vigils, which are signals of solidarity with migrants and people seeking asylum who have demonised in many respects by sections of our society. These acts of Christian responsibility should remind everyone inclined to treat immigrants with disrespect, whether settled or seeking asylum, that Britain has and continues to benefit economically, politically, spiritually and culturally from their presence."

18 April 05
Church Without Walls Planning Group
Kirk moves into arts to share the faith
'Day of Celebration' set to draw crowds
The General Assembly will hear that 2005 is to be a year of Celebration and Reflection for the Church of Scotland, rooted in the "Church Without Walls Report" of 2001. This report has been received with enthusiasm and has influenced much of the reform that is currently happening locally and centrally within the Church. Church Without Walls (CWW) is an invitation to encounter the Grace of God and celebrate it, not using a formula, but in the practical daily lives of our local congregations, who are living out the gospel while striving to effect change in their communities.

In 2001 the General Assembly agreed it would be important to mark these milestones of faith and struggle with a year of accountability, reflection and celebration. The year 2005 was designated as an appropriate time scale to allow the report to be reviewed and its influence on the Church appraised.

All kinds of celebrations of Church Without Walls are being planned for 2005 by the Presbyteries. The Clyde Presbyteries are planning a spectacular event in the SECC in Glasgow in September 2005 and the seven Presbyteries which surround the River Forth are all working closely together to bring about a series of exciting worship events during the year. Events and gatherings are also being planned in the Borders, Argyll, Dumbarton and many other areas.

At a national level, the Kirk will see its first one day conference since 1931. This National Day of Celebration will be held in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Saturday 28 May 2005. Every congregation is invited to send three representatives to this event.  The day of the Celebration will certainly be a busy one and the EICC will never have hosted a day quite like it.

The CWW National Celebration will see workshops in which the best in worship and the use of sacred space will be explored. There will be internationally acclaimed speakers, Dr Leonard Sweet, E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School and creative writer on the Church in the post-modern world, along with Dr Elaine Storkey, broadcaster, UK President of Tear Fund and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, will address the gathering, as will Dr Alison Elliot, the Moderator of the General Assembly, and former moderator John Miller.

One of the key themes of the Celebration will be the use of the arts in taking the Christian message into Scotland's communities. A number of unique works of art have been commissioned for the occasion, including massive tapestries created from the pages of old bibles. There will also be workshops presenting best practice in music, drama, outreach, and working with children. In addition, over 50 congregations have been involved in preparing short films for entry into the ground-breaking Church Film Festival.

The National Day of Celebration will feature exhibitions of projects set up with funding from the Kirk's Parish Development Fund, as well as presenting congregational representatives with the opportunity to meet people from organisations who want to fund new and original Church projects.

The Church Without Walls Planning Group will take its report on these landmark national celebrations to the General Assembly of 2006.

7 March 05
BEIRUT CONGREGATION LOOKS TO SCOTLAND FOR HELP
Does anyone in Scotland have a spare font?
A church in Lebanon has made an unusual appeal to the Church of Scotland - they are looking for a new baptismal font.  The National Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Rabiya, Lebanon began as a house-church in 1976, when its members were unable to get to church in war-torn Beirut. Its congregation now includes many people displaced by the violence which then afflicted the country.  The congregation's minister, Rev Georges Mourad, who posted the request on the Kirk's website, commented: "Our church has 250 members officially, but many others attend services and activities. Our church depends on its members financially, but due to the civil war and to the bad economic situation, our income has not been steady."  
Rev Ian Alexander of the Church of Scotland's Board of World Mission added: "The Christian Community in Beirut is healthy and active and co-exists, as it has for centuries, alongside the Muslim and Druze communities. It would be a fine gesture of hope for the future if a congregation or individual with a spare wooden font were willing to present this to Mr Mourad's congregation."
Anyone who thinks they may be able to help should contact Mr Alexander
or email ialexander@cofscotland.org.uk

18 February 05
Episcopal first for Caithness
Graham Tyler, ordained as a deacon in Thurso in 1995, is to be ordained
priest at St. Peter's and the Holy Rood church, by the Rt. Revd. John Crook, Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness on Saturday 19th February at 11.30 a.m.. Graham will serve in both local episcopal churches - St Peter & the Holy Rood, Thurso and St John the Evangelist, Wick. This is reckoned to be the first episcopal ordination of a priest in Caithness since the Reformation.

18 February 05
150 years celebrated at Wick church.
Right Revd. John Crook, Episcopal Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness will
preside at the celebration on Sunday morning of the 150th anniversary of
the foundation of the episcopal congregation in Wick, which happened in February 1855 after local worshippers asked the bishop of the time for a congregation to be formed.. At this special service in St. John's. Moray Street, additionally the Sunday School will be commissioned, and Andrew Wilson and Richard Stanley will be admitted to the Scottish Guild of Servers, a body representing lay members who help officiate in services. After the service, there will be a celebratory lunch in Mackay's Hotel for the congregation and their guests.  Local church member Gordon Johnson has been researching and writing a history of people involved with the church over the last century and a half, and it is anticipated that the results will be published later this year.

17 February 05
"Life & Work" - March 2005 issue
A SAFE HAVEN
The chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sally Daghlian, is profiled in this month's issue. She reveals her father was himself an Armenian refugee who fled from persecution in Turkey and expresses the hope that more local authorities will provide support to refugees.

She also makes an appeal for Scots to show similar generosity to refugees as they have done to victims of the Boxing Day tsunami.  "We would ask people in Scotland to extend the generosity they have shown to the victims of the tsunami disaster to other victims, refugees, when they are in Scotland.

"There is often a great deal more sympathy for refugees when they are overseas, rather than here in Scotland. That is one of the paradoxes. People are happier to contribute to supporting people through things like Band Aid but sometimes don't feel the same way when they are actually here."

A CONFIDENT FAITH
In an Easter message to readers, the Moderator Dr Alison Elliot urges readers to have confidence in their faith.

"We do tend to want to wrap up what we believe into a tight bundle, not just as if God has settled what he wants to say, but as if we've closed the door on hearing any more from him that might change our understanding.

"And some would see that unflinching certainty as a Christian virtue. I wonder. Isn't there a difference between confidence in our faith and certainty about our understanding of it? A confident faith is one that is prepared to risk being changed in our encounters with other people and ideas, confident that the change will actually deepen our faith, rather than destroy it."

A DIGITAL HISTORY
Some of the Church of Scotland's oldest records are being brought to life for a new generation thanks to a modernisation project at the National Archives of Scotland. Hazel Anderson and Ian Hill highlight some of the fascinating facts the project has already unearthed from this treasure trove of the past and explain some of the difficulties involved in bringing many local chapters of Kirk history to a wider audience.

27 January 05
Faith groups launch new guide booklet
A new booklet has been launched with the aim of helping people become involved in volunteering in the Scottish criminal justice system.  Many people in faith communities and wider society are very concerned about how to best respond to crime today. They want to know how they can contribute to preventing crime, reducing re-offending, supporting and caring for victims, and promoting safer communities. Significant numbers of people already offer help by giving their time and talent as volunteers in helping people affected by crime, through Victim Support or the Children's Hearing System, for example.

In order to reach out to potential volunteers, the Joint Faiths Advisory Board on Criminal Justice, in co-operation with the Scottish Quaker Community Justice Network, has produced material for a booklet entitled "What Can I Do?". This has now been published by the Scottish Executive.

Copies of "What Can I Do? - Getting involved in the criminal justice system" are now ready for distribution to churches, community organisations, voluntary groups and individuals.
Please send enquiries and orders to: "What Can I Do?" Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL or e-mail jthomson@cofscotland.org.uk 

21 January 05
MODERATOR LAUNCHES MAJOR APPEAL FOR GIRLS' BRIGADE
The Moderator of the General Assembly is to help launch a major appeal to support the Girls' Brigade Scotland. As Appeal Patron, the Moderator, Dr Alison Elliot, commented:
"The Girls' Brigade, is a worldwide Christian organisation for girls and women. I am pleased to be supporting the Girls' Brigade's appeal, which aims to fund activities in many areas, including:
* Creation of a New Initiatives Fund to allow the development of adult leadership materials, recruitment and the provision of access to funds for those working in particularly deprived communities
* Construction of a new high quality addition to the Brigade's centre at Guay, near Dunkeld to use for "camp"
* Development of the original building at Guay as an activities centre, and also as a village hall for the local community
* Creation of facilities for small groups to enjoy short breaks
* A major upgrade for the Brigade's national office in Glasgow, to allow it to better service the organisation's front line activities.
"With this ambitious programme, I hope all in the Church and beyond will help the Girls' Brigade set their lamp to burn more brightly than ever."
Ms Susan MacKenzie, National President of the Girls' Brigade added:
"We have set ourselves the target of £500,000 in this appeal, and I am confident that, with the public support of the Moderator and others, the Girls' Brigade will continue to offer young people a wide range of activities, a sense of fellowship and a secure and balanced foundation for life."

14 December 04
Christmas Message from Dr Alison Elliot, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland:-
'Christmas is sold to us as a time for escapism. A time for tinsel and wish lists and a partying that pretends that all is well and everyone is happy. A time to shut out the cold and the dark and console ourselves with food and stories. And more food.
But that's not what it's about at all. It's really about coming down to earth. About God coming down to earth and showing that the world with all its hurts and imperfections and messiness is the world that God made and loves. Loves enough to identify with the baby son of a homeless couple in an occupied country. Identifies with enough to put up with the displeasure and opposition of those in power to the point where he is put to death. For the sake of a world that is more just, that cares for its weakest and poorest, that is better and that tries to do God's will.  And that's worth celebrating. So bring on the streamers and the presents and see them as a chance to heal the wounds in our world, to bring in to the feasting those we've been pushing out of the picture the rest of the year, those we've been stigmatising and rejecting and trying to avoid. And that kind of Christmas can last the whole year round.'

21 October 04
Board of Social Responsibility
Gambling Bill causes 'great concern' for Kirk
Speaking this afternoon, Mr Ian Manson, Director of the Church of Scotland's Board of Social Responsibility, said: "Like many individuals and organisations throughout the country, the Church of Scotland has significant concerns relating to the Gambling Bill. One of the consequences of this Bill will be to widen the availability of gambling and therefore increase the number of people involved in this activity. This in turn will inevitably lead to an increased number of people developing an
addiction to gambling.  "From its pastoral and caring work the Church is well aware of the grief that such an addiction causes individuals and families, a grief that can often end both in financial ruin and relationship ruin. Therefore, any plans to widen the availability and the inducement offered through larger prizes, causes the Church great concern."
Click Here For The Government Info On The Gambling Bill

28 August 03
GUILD’S CHALLENGE FOR THE FUTURE
Some 2000 representatives from across Scotland come together on Saturday (August 30) for the Church of Scotland Guild’s biggest day of the year - its annual meeting, “Challenge 2003” - in the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow .

Chaired by national convener, Moira Alexander, from Falkirk, the day will focus on the new Guild strategy, “Dare to Care,” and the issues concerning Guild membership today.

The Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev Professor Iain Torrance, is expected to reflect his view of the challenges facing the Guild and the wider Church today in his address.

Keynote speaker, the Rev Kathy Galloway, Leader of the Iona Community, will encourage the Guild to continue “showing real concern for the people who so often don’t have a voice” through its current concerns and project work.

The afternoon will bring an update of the Church’s HIV/AIDS project from its co-ordinator, Rev. Nigel Pounde. Nigel will outline his own experiences and bring a renewed awareness of the scale of the pandemic, not just in the third world but also close to home. Nigel will urge Guild representatives to break down barriers and “find words to speak about HIV/AIDS”

Details of the Guild‘s six new projects supported over the next three years, will bring to people’s attention the work the Guild does with those on the margins of society. Members will provide financial and prayer support, and look deeper into the issues affecting organisations working with folk with learning disabilities; those in prison; families of drug users; and poverty at home and abroad.

26 August 03
KIRK'S   YOUTH  ASSEMBLY   A  SELL-OUT
This year's Church of  Scotland Youth Assembly, which starts  at the weekend in Dundee,  has "sold out" with  organisers confirming today that  all official delegates'  places had been filled for the past three weeks.

MSPs from   the  SNP;   SSP and the Conservatives, will take part in a "Question Time" panel  and official delegates are being sent by Churches in:-
Canada,  England, France, Holland, Malawi, Middle East (Syria and Palestine), Sweden

It runs from  Friday (August 29 2003)  to September 1 at the Apex Hotel, Dundee, where some 200 young people will join in three major debates.    Mike Yaconelli, internationally renowned  speaker and author from Youth  Specialties, USA, will give keynote addresses and host seminars throughout the weekend.

Other denominations, including the Roman Catholic and Methodist Churches are sending delegates and the unique event is being supported by the Scottish Bible Society.    The Rt Rev Professor Iain Torrance, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of  Scotland, will visit the Youth Assembly on Monday  ( 1 September 2003).

20 August 03
“Life and Work” –  September Issue
CHRISTIANITY AND SEX
The Moderator, the Rt Rev Professor Iain Torrance offers a personal view on the morality of contemporary relationships and says he believes the possibility of civil partnerships between homosexuals, which may be recognised in law, is likely over time to challenge Christians to develop different ways of thinking.    He explains while the Kirk has always avoided endorsing sexual activity outside marriage, for fear of encouraging promiscuity, it has long recognised civil ceremonies as conferring a context for faithfulness.    He explains:-    “Historic Christianity does not have a vocabulary or imagination for evaluating faithful and stable sexual practice outside of an exchange of vows.   The advent of civil partnerships – if they come – will challenge us compassionately to evaluate covenanted faithfulness in next contexts.”

TRADE CASUALTIES
Kwame Kwei-Armah, better known as Fin in the BBC1 drama, ‘Casualty’, describes his work as a goodwill ambassador for Christian Aid.   The father of three, who is a member of a London Pentecostal church, also describes how he turned his back on his faith between the ages of 16 and 21 partly because of racism. “I never stopped believing but some of the experiences that I had in terms of racism I found within churches, I found it difficult to deal with as a young man.”

A  RURAL  REVELATION
Kenneth Steven argues that the countryside has been hijacked in political battles which have drawn attention away from the real issues affecting rural Scotland.  Arguing his case, he says:- “The truth is that ordinary people on estates have more to fear by far from  landowners than from central government. These people have no rights; they live in tied property, their posts can be axed without any warning and their pay and conditions are governed by no union. Maintenance of property is often minimal and repairs may take long enough to be completed” 

16 October 03
Church Of Scotland Magazine
“LIFE & WORK” – NOVEMBER EDITION
PLACE YOUR BETS
As the National Lottery has become a part of everyday life, the Church of Scotland is to consider a review of its stance on gambling and the dilemma faced by congregations. The Kirk’s Board of Social Responsibility has established a study group to consider the issue and its findings will be the subject of a report to the next General Assembly. Expressing concern particularly at the impact of the lottery on society, the Rev Jim Cowie, Convener of the Board of Social Responsibility says:- “Gambling is now encouraged, in shops and clubs, through digital TV and soon with easier to gain casino licences, we’ll see Las Vegas-type towns springing up. We must be gravely concerned that legislation to help protect the vulnerable has been swept away and individual lives and families are increasingly being devastated and destroyed by gambling debt.”

A CHURCH WITHOUT POWER
The former Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Richard Holloway, is to front a major new BBC2 series about the role of Christianity in Scotland’s history which begins in November. Reflecting on the current debate about sexuality he says churches are “tearing themselves apart” over sex ethics developed for a different culture thousands of years ago which “may not be the most appropriate way to be living your life at the beginning of the third millennium.”

LIKE A MIGHTY ARMY
The findings of a major review and consultation with Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions over the future role of the Church of Scotland’s 40,000 elders comes under the spotlight. The study calls for elders to play a greater role in worship and for training for elders both before and after ordination. The survey also unearthed numerous local examples of congregations deploying elders in innovative new ways.

THE LORD’S DAY OR ANY DAY?
As the first Sunday flights to Stornoway threaten to end the sanctity of the Lord’s Day in Lewis, the last bastion of Sabbatarianism in Scotland, Lorna Hill investigates whether Scottish society has become wholly secular and compares it with the observance of the Sabbath in Europe.

A FUTILE WAR?
George Galloway, MP for Glasgow Kelvin and a long-term observer of
the Middle East, describes why a further war on Iraq would be pointless. In an interview with Life & Work, he welcomes the concern of the churches over the possibility of a war against Iraq but describes Prime Minister, Tony Blair, as someone “who likes to wear his religious beliefs on his sleeve and who tells us all the time he is a Christian.” He accuses the Prime Minister of not paying attention to the views of Christian leaders over the threat of war on Iraq.

THE “REAL” VICAR OF DIBLEY
Joy Carroll, inspiration for the hit BBC comedy, The Vicar of Dibley, describes the long battle for equality in the Church of England and warns of the need for constant change and vigilance in all Christian churches, warning the Church will die, regardless of denomination unless it begins to think in new ways and reinvents itself.

THE LAST WORD
Muriel Armstrong debates the role of the Moderator and asks if it should be simplified to become a less demanding one and last only for the duration of the General Assembly. She writes that the Church of Scotland has been “well served and continues to be by the particular gifts that each Moderator brings to the role. But as time goes by it will continue to miss out on many leaders who wouldn’t wish to be part of a public election, nor able, for very practical reasons, to commit themselves and their families to a year out. We are losing out on the gifts of the humble, the mother, the young, and possibly a prophet or two.”
Church of Scotland Web Site

25 September 03
New Page For Caithness Quakers

19 September 03
The government's ambition to enlist faith groups in the fight against social exclusion could be unrealistic, says a report by The Institute for Volunteering Research. There is a thriving tradition of mutual aid within such groups, but little indication that they have either the capacity or the inclination to provide services to the wider community. http://www.volunteering.org.uk/centre/media16sept2003.htm
Summary Of "Faith And Voluntary Action: Community, Values And Resources":

18 September 03
October Issue Of Life & Work
Magazine of Church of Scotland
THE KIRK AND SEXUALITY - WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Interpreting the Kirk's stance on matters sexual can be a tricky business, but Lorna Hill investigates exactly where the Church of  Scotland stands on sex and sexuality in the October issue of  'Life & Work'  and finds a wide range of views and opinion. While the winner of Channel 4's Big Brother 4, Cameron Stout, is commended for his strong views on sex before marriage by traditionalists, others believe the Church should pay less attention to matters sexual and focus more on ethical and other behaviour.

SHADOW OF EVIL
The Anglican vicar who is the author of a publishing runaway success, which has been dubbed "Christianity's answer to Harry Potter" attacks  publishing houses which manipulate children by launching children's books in expensive hardback before releasing them in cheaper paperbacks.    The Rev Graham Taylor, author of  'Shadowmancer,' also describes  Voldemort, the villain of
the Harry Potter series as  "a bit  wet."

DEVOTED TO CHAOS
George Winter, who grew up in Northern Ireland, believes the solution to sectarianism lies within. Reflecting on the issue, he writes:-  "Here in Scotland, Donald Gorrie's consultation document for a Protection from Sectarianism and Religious Hatred Bill seems a bit like blowing on  joke sectarian candles - it always re-ignites.    Neither this nor some Old Firm press conference on bigotry will have a lasting effect.   We must look to ourselves."

10 September 03
Church Of Scotland

MODERATOR SPEAKS ABOUT SAME SEX ‘MARRIAGE’
Speaking today, The Right Reverend Professor Iain Torrance, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said’ The Church of Scotland affirms marriage as a covenanted relationship between a man and a woman and, therefore, has difficulty with the concept of same sex 'marriage'.

The Church recognises the distress caused when next of kin rights are denied to a loved one at a time of crisis and I do not see why the granting of such rights should undermine marriage.

Traditionally, Christianity strengthens human frailty by encouraging people to undertake vows as a demonstration of their committment. In a pluralist society, we would expect other forms of covenanted relationships to arise. If these prove successful in providing stability and fostering faithfulness, it would be mean minded to deny their benefit’.
Next Steps On Civil Partnerships - Scottish Parliament