The appointments were made at ACTS’ annual general meeting on June 22, where it was also agreed that the organisations Faith  in  Older People,  Minority Ethnic Christians Together in Scotland and  the  Scottish Churches China Group be recognised as Bodies in Association with ACTS.

The retiring convener, the Right Reverend Monsignor Philip J. Kerr, said that during his two years in office a great amount of energy had been spent on very practical issues, including the future of Scottish Churches House in Dunblane, “which seemed to have diverted us from the more fundamental goals of ecumenism”.

However, the period had also been marked by “a number of very historical occasions”, such as the Edinburgh 2010 World Mission Conference. “It has been a great gift that these events have happened to lift our spirits,” he said.

• Full reports are available on the ACTS website.

Scotland’s senior Christian figures have come together to urge the country to vote in May’s elections.

The Church leaders are encouraging the public and politicians to examine their faith as they prepare to vote in the Scottish elections.

Churches and Christian organisations have produced a shared election resources website, www.churchesvote.org, to inform potential voters about Parliamentary and election processes; to collate information about party policies and inspire Christians of all political persuasions to participate in the debate.

The website is a joint initiative between the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, Catholic Parliamentary Office, CARE for Scotland, Evangelical Alliance and Christians Count.

It is supported by the Baptist Union of Scotland, CARE for Scotland, Christians Count, Church of Scotland, Congregational Federation, Destiny Church Network,

Evangelical Alliance, Free Church of Scotland, Methodist Church in Scotland, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Roman Catholic Church, The Salvation Army, Scottish Episcopal Church, United Free Church of Scotland and United Reformed Church.

A joint statement in support has been issued by all of those organisations.

At a launch in Edinburgh today were:

• Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Right Reverend John Christie.
• Cardinal Keith O’Brien, President, Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.
• The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
• Rev John Humphreys, Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland United Reformed Church of Scotland.
• Rev Fred Drummond, National Director for Scotland, the Evangelical Alliance.
• The Salvation Army: Lt Col Alan Burns, Scotland Secretary
• Rev Alexander MacDonald, Free Church of Scotland
• Methodist Church in Scotland, Rev Lily Twist, Chair of the Methodist Synod in Scotland
• Destiny Church Network, Andrew Owen, Senior Pastor

In a joint statement the church leaders said: “This website is about encouraging people to use their vote and helping them to understand the process involved. It provides information and links to individual churches resources.

“This is an initiative of a wide range churches and Christian organisations that are united in their commitment to encourage informed participation and real debate on the Scottish Election in May.”

The full statement issued on behalf of all the Church Leaders is as follows:

Church Leaders’ Statement ahead of the Scottish Election in May 2011

Elections to the Scottish Parliament take place on 5 May 2011. Church Leaders and representatives of Christian organisations across Scotland have come together ahead of these elections to challenge candidates and voters alike to remember that elections are community events in which “my” vote is not only for me but also an opportunity for each of us to express the needs of the whole community. Let us look beyond the selfish and fearful parts of ourselves and aspire to build a society where everyone has equal access to opportunities and can live with dignity.

A fair and just society must place the value of every human life at the centre of its thinking. This is only possible in a society which respects human life at every stage and supports the family in which life is born and nurtured. Families have a right and a need for sufficient material wellbeing to flourish; the right to sustainable work is an essential part of satisfying this need. Human choices are not value free; when making far reaching choices about the future of our economy we must understand the moral consequences of our decisions before we act. In our roles as consumers, workers, employers, investors and shareholders we must strive to create fair economic mechanisms that, while acknowledging that profit is a valid form of economic activity, place human outcomes above the need for ever greater financial rewards. Our current levels of consumption cannot be sustained. As a society we must aspire to a future in which, as a society, we live within our means and learn from the past.

There is a deep need for those with political authority to be a part of the communities which they serve and to act in the best interests of that community as a whole. Politicians must be accountable for the morality of their decisions and when we hold them accountable we must remember that we serve each other and not our own self interest. While many politicians work tirelessly in their communities there remains considerable scepticism in relation to political institutions and politicians. An awareness of human failings should not tempt us to abandon the political system. Dissatisfaction with politics should prompt Christians to be more involved in shaping political life so that it better serves the whole of society.

For generations Christians have served society and been at the heart of civil and political life, a tradition we are committed to continuing. Motivated by faith, Christians are particularly aware of the need, found at the heart of the Gospel message, for a just social order where the government and economy function properly in contributing to social harmony. Electing a government that is capable of doing this in a way compatible with the dignity of each human person is therefore a task of utmost importance. Churches and Christian organisations have produced a shared election resources website: www.churchesvote.org to inform potential voters about Parliamentary and election processes; to collate information about party policies and inspire Christians of all political persuasions to participate in the debate. It is up to us to respond to the needs of our communities, to be informed about the decisions that will be taken after this election, and fulfil our duty to vote.

Signatories List:

• Baptist Union of Scotland: Rev Alan Donaldson, General Director
• CARE for Scotland: Bill Baird, Manager
• Christians Count: Andrew Witty, Director
• Church of Scotland: Rt Rev John Christie, Moderator of the General Assembly
• Congregational Federation: Rev Malcolm Muir, Chair
• Destiny Church Network: Andrew Owen, Senior Pastor
• Evangelical Alliance: Rev Fred Drummond, National Director in Scotland
• Free Church of Scotland: Rev James Maciver, Clerk to the General Assembly
• Methodist Church in Scotland: Rev Lily Twist, Chair of the Methodist Synod in Scotland
• Religious Society of Friends (Quakers): Leslie Stevenson, Representative Friend
• Roman Catholic Church:  Cardinal Keith O’Brien, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
• The Salvation Army: Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns, Scotland Secretariat
• Scottish Episcopal Church: Most Revd David Chillingworth, Primus
• United Free Church of Scotland: Rev Robert O Owens, Moderator of the General Assembly
• United Reformed Church: Rev John LI Humphreys, Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland

I usually try to take my main holiday in October – I’ve found that it’s a good time to drive with friends on the Continent, especially in Germany and Austria.

In recent years part of the ritual of such trips has been visits to Christmas shops where we’ve been able to buy very beautiful and very traditional Christmas Tree decorations – anyone who has been to Oberammergau will know the kind of shop I’m talking about! This year, with the same friends, October found me not in Germany but in the US, in particular in Boston. Not far from the Cheers! Bar (which we later visited) we found a Christmas shop and, of course, were drawn inside.

At first, I was horrified by what I saw as the vulgarity of the decorations on display, from fried eggs (sunny side up) through the US Capitol to Uncle Sam. What on earth had any of that to do with the real meaning of Christmas? And why would you put such things on your Christmas Tree? Eventually, after pretty persistent searching – and there was floor upon floor to look through – I did find two very beautiful decorations of the Virgin and Child which will have pride of place on my tree this year.

However, by the time I unearthed these, I had begun to change my mind about this experience and I’ve been thinking about that ever since. First of all, everyone in the shop looked delighted: this was a happy experience. And it’s good to see people happy, amazed, full of wonder and delight. (Who, then, was I to think this vulgar?). Second, I began to realize that all of human life was here, aspirations, desires, longings, portrayed in the multitude of apparently secular decorations on offer. Maybe this was profoundly to do with Christmas, with Incarnation: I felt a Christmas sermon coming on. At that point we went over the road to Cheers! The holiday continued, but the seed had been sown.

So, I’ve gone on thinking about all of this. The religious decorations I found in the midst of so much else have come to symbolize for me the message of Christmas – God being in the midst of our human experience, sharing our longings, desires, aspirations, understanding and transforming them from within. This, as it were, is God’s project for our world, and Christians, including the members of our Diocese, celebrate its beginning at Christmas as they gather around the Crib, decorate their Christmas Trees, celebrate Midnight Mass and share their Christmas tables with friends, family and those who would otherwise be alone.

On behalf of the whole Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway may I wish you a very Happy and Blessed Christmas.

+Gregor

Referring to his predecessor’s visit to the same place nearly 30 years ago, he said: “I note with great satisfaction how Pope John Paul’s call to you to walk hand in hand with your fellow Christians has led to greater trust and friendship with the members of the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and others.  Let me encourage you to continue to pray and work with them in building a brighter future for Scotland based upon our common Christian heritage.

“In today’s first reading we heard Saint Paul appeal to the Romans to acknowledge that, as members of Christ’s body, we belong to each other (cf. Romans 12:5) and to live in respect and mutual love. In that spirit I greet the ecumenical representatives who honour us by their presence. This year marks the 450th anniversary of the Reformation Parliament, but also the 100th anniversary of the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, which is widely acknowledged to mark the birth of the modern ecumenical movement.

“Let us give thanks to God for the promise which ecumenical understanding and cooperation represents for a united witness to the saving truth of God’s word in today’s rapidly changing society.”

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Earlier in the day Pope Benedict had been welcomed to Britain by the Queen in Edinburgh. Her Majesty told him: “I know that reconciliation was a central theme in the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman, for whom you will be holding a mass of beatification on Sunday. A man who struggled with doubt and uncertainty, his contribution to the understanding of Christianity continues to influence many.

I’m pleased that your visit will deepen the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the established Church of England and Church of Scotland.”

Pope Benedict’s visit had previously been welcomed by leaders from the member churches of Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), describing it as an opportunity for the whole nation to reflect on questions of faith and as an opportunity to strengthen relationships among the churches.

Rev Lily Twist, Chair of the Methodist Synod in Scotland said it was an occasion of excitement and expectation which brought opportunity not just for the Roman Catholic Church but for all God’s people to be encouraged and challenged.  “The Holy Father’s time here is brief but my prayers are that God will bless and strengthen Christian faith and relationships as we seek to work together for the good of God’s world,” she said.

The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church said: “Pope Benedict is a world-renowned religious figure. His visit will place questions of faith at the forefront of people’s thinking. Our prayer is that the mission of all of our churches will be strengthened by his visit.”

The Rev Roberta Rominger, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, said: “Our congregations enjoy warm relationships with Roman Catholic congregations at local level and we are grateful for the Christian witness we have been able to share regionally and nationally. We pray that the Pope’s visit will energise and inspire the Church for all that lies ahead.”

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Burns, Scotland Secretary for the Salvation Army, said: “His visit, coinciding with the feast of St Ninian, will give Christians throughout the nation opportunity to collectively celebrate the life and work of the Churches throughout the ages.”

Pope Benedict later joined the Archbishop of Canterbury and leaders of other churches in an ecumenical celebration at Westminster Abbey in London.

The Scottish Episcopal Church is set to join talks between the Kirk and the Church of England to develop greater ecumenical links.

A report by the Kirk’s ecumenical relations committee says the move would result in closer three-way working on theological and doctrinal matters, as well as improved co-operation.

As a member of the Anglican Communion, the Scottish Episcopal Church recognises the primacy of the Archbishop of Canterbury, but he does not have any jurisdiction in Scotland. The Kirk is urging its members to celebrate their “common baptism” with Catholics for the first time by using a special joint liturgy for the reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

• Full story at the Aberdeen Press & Journal.

The Rev John Humphreys, the Rev Lily Twist, and the Most Rev David Chillingworth signing the Statement.

A partnership between the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church in Scotland and the United Reformed Church’s National Synod of Scotland has been sealed by church leaders at a special service at St Ninian’s Episcopal Cathedral, Perth.

The partnership agreement was signed for the SEC by the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

He said: “Our General Synod has whole-heartedly welcomed this developing relationship with our partner churches.

“Many relations of this kind are aspirational in character. What makes this relationship so encouraging is that it is rooted in work which we already share in training and mission development. We look forward to a further sharing of resources and ministry as together we address the mission challenges of our times.”

Joining Bishop David in the signing of the Agreement were the Rev Lily Twist, Chair of the Methodist Church in Scotland, and Rev John Humphreys, Moderator of the United Reformed Church, National Synod of Scotland.

• Full story at the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Very Rev Dr Gregor Duncan

The Very Rev Dr Gregor Duncan has been elected the new Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

He succeeds Dr Idris Jones, who had served the diocese as Bishop for 11 years.

Gregor Duncan is currently Rector of St Ninian’s Church, Pollokshields, and Dean of the Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway.

The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, said: “Gregor has faithfully served the Scottish Episcopal Church and the clergy and people of Glasgow and Galloway for many years.

” He is widely respected and admired for his faithful pastoral care and the strength of his spirituality.  I am delighted that he has now been chosen by the Electoral Synod to serve as bishop of this Diocese.”

• Interview with the Bishop elect.

Bishop Idris

In a farewell letter, Bishop Idris told GCT members: “It has always been a real pleasure to come together with friends and colleagues in the Glasgow Churches on any occasion when this has been possible. There is no doubt that the present climate of acceptance and respect is better than it ever has been, and I shall miss the opportunity for the wide fellowship that this gives.”

The Bishop expressed his regret at the slow progress towards unity. “For many of us who have been praying and working for deeper community there is a sense of some disappointment that things have not moved on more than they have,” he said.

“In some respects we are no further forward structurally than the churches were in 1948,” he added, referring to the year in which the World Council of Churches was established.

But Dr Jones was heartened by grassroots activity. “There have been significant points of contact, and if we are not as ‘churches’ getting closer then our congregations are doing so, and it is this local partnership in the gospel that is giving cause for hope in the ecumenical world.

“It must still be the prayer of the church for real and physical unity, since it is this that Our Lord prayed for.”