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Category - general assembly

  • 19 May 2014
    Kirk prepares for debate on Scottish independence

    The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will tomorrow debate the question of Scottish independence.

  • 19 May 2014
    The Kirk should not opt for a 'unity' that enshrines injustice

    As the Church of Scotland once again considers its differences over LGBT ministers, Alexander O'Hare says that we need to ask ourselves what the purpose of inclusivity is about. Is it about keeping everyone in the one Church, or is about living the Kingdom? If the latter, and some within the Church are unwilling or unable to do so with us, then we need to bid farewell. There is no point in unity at all costs, and certainly not at the cost of seeking to live justly in a biblical sense.

  • 3 Apr 2014
    New Church of Scotland moderator designate announced

    The Church of Scotland has named the Rev John Chalmers as Moderator Designate to take office at the 2014 General Assembly of Scotland's largest Presbyterian Christian denomination.

  • 31 May 2013
    Kirk refuseniks are looking backwards rather than forwards

    Two rural congreagtions say they will vote to leave the Church of Scotland over possible further ordinations of lesbian and gay ministers. In truth, the landscape is changing, says Simon Barrow. Larger numbers may well stay or join the Kirk if it ends its rejection of same-sex relationships, than will leave for the same reason. The refuseniks are looking back, not forward.

  • 25 May 2013
    Kirk hears reaffirmed opposition to 'immoral' Trident

    The Kirk Church and Society Council convenor has renewed her opposition to the 'immoral' Trident nuclear weapons system, currently based in Scotland.

  • 25 May 2013
    The Kirk: ecclesiastical coalition politics?

    The Church of Scotland has agreed to maintain a status quo precluding further ordinations of gay and lesbian clergy, while permitting local congregations to do exactly the opposite – if a suitably crafted church law can be agreed next year. That’s a big ‘if’, says Simon Barrow. As a statement of theological principle, this settlement risks looking a mess. In worldly terms it is classic coalition government. But it raises the key question as to whether the coalition can hold.

  • 24 May 2013
    Iona Community tackles stigma and injustice of poverty

    The Iona Community is continuing its work in tackling poverty as it enters its 75th anniversary and the 1450th anniversary of Columba’s landing on the island.

  • 24 May 2013
    Church to investigate the rising cost of dying in Scotland

    The Church of Scotland has agreed to investigate the increasing costs of holding funerals, following an intervention at its annual gathering.

  • 24 May 2013
    Appeal to Kirk for urgent climate change action

    The convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland has emphasised the urgent need to tackle climate change.

  • 24 May 2013
    Assessing the Kirk's report on theologies of land in the context of Israel/Palestine

    At a meeting of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly, on 23 May 2013, a report from the Church and Society Council on theology of land in the context of Israel/Palestine was discussed. Called The inheritance of Abraham? A report on the ‘promised land’, it has the potential to raise considerable awareness of these issues in congregations and groups, says regional analyst Dr Michael Marten. He examines the background, context, issues and controversies surrounding the report, adopted by the Kirk on 23 May 2013.