ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 1 I. REPORT OF THE ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE (A) GENERAL The Committee met in January 2011 to consider items in its remit from the 2010 Assembly and also matters relating to the forthcoming General Assembly, in particular the following: 1. Clerks for General Assembly The Committee noted that the Principal Clerk as retiring Moderator would need to take the Chair at certain points during the Assembly but would otherwise be acting as Principal Clerk. The Committee is recommending that whenever such periods are of short duration alternative clerking arrangements are not required, but that for extended periods Rev. Angus J. Howat be appointed Principal Clerk, pro tem, and Rev. Malcolm Macleod, Shawbost, be appointed Assistant Clerk pro tem,. 2. Protocol for Reporting The Committee has given approval to a set of proposals for the reporting of Assembly proceedings drawn up by the Communications Committee. These are contained in the Communications Committee s Report, Section A, and will be presented by that Committee to the Assembly in the first sederunt for approval and implementation. 3. Representation of Presbyteries in the General Assembly The Committee decided that Presbytery representation at the Assembly, based on one third representation, be as follows, and Presbyteries were notified accordingly. Presbytery No. of Qualifying Charges No. of Ministers Entitled No. of Elders Entitled Edinburgh and Perth Glasgow and Argyll Inverness, Loch. and Ross Northern Skye and Wester Ross Western Isles Prince Edward Island Great Lakes and W. Canada The Committee also gave consideration to the following as matters which may require an alteration in the calculation of the number of commissioners from Presbyteries: Team Ministries; congregations unable to pass a schedule for qualification as a viable charge; professorial chairs in the Free Church College when vacancies occur. It was agreed that the Committee include this as an item in its Assembly Report asking the Assembly for permission to examine these and any other factors which might be relevant to this calculation and to report with recommendations in due course. 4. Moderator s Reception The Committee has made arrangements to hold the Moderator s Reception at the Edinburgh City Chambers following last year s Reception there. The Committee is grateful to Councillor Jeremy Balfour for his assistance with this. Assembly lunches for Assembly officials, delegates and other invited guests have been arranged in Hotel Missoni s restaurant on George IV Bridge. 5. Assembly Café The Assembly café is again available in the downstairs hall of the Assembly Hall and the Committee is grateful to all those who make arrangements and help in the running of the café. The Committee also wishes to inform commissioners that lunches are also available at the new café at 16 North Bank Street (adjacent to the Free Church Offices and across the landing from the new Free Church Bookshop).

2 2 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [ Assembly Programme Following their introduction at last year s Assembly, discussion sessions have again been included in the Assembly programme following indications from various Board and Committees as to which topics in their Reports were recommended for these sessions. 7. Assembly Reports Committee and Board reports were made available in electronic format this year to commissioners who indicated this preference, with printed copies also made available as required. The Committee will assess the effectiveness of this after the Assembly and would appreciate any feedback from commissioners. 8. Visit of Lord High Commissioner The Principal Clerk has been involved in the usual correspondence with the Purse Bearer s Office to make arrangements for the visit of the Lord High Commissioner, the Right Honourable Lord Selkirk of Douglas, to the Assembly. This has been scheduled to take place on Thursday 24th May at 12 noon. 9. Booklet on Assembly Procedure The booklet on Assembly procedure which was issued last year will be distributed to commissioners along with Assembly papers. 10. Late Rev. Kenneth A. Macleod The Committee noted with great sadness the passing of Rev. Kenneth A. Macleod, one of the ministers in the North Team Ministry, who had been a valued member of the Committee. The Committee has passed on its sincere condolences to Mrs. Macleod and the family. 11. Other The Committee continues to be grateful to Rev. William M. Mackay for acting as Hospitality Co-ordinator, to Mr John Scoales for his work as Assembly Officer, to Mrs Sharon Fraser for her contribution to producing the Assembly Reports and for making arrangements for Assembly delegates, to the Offices staff for the processing of items relating to the Assembly, to all involved in the supervision of the sound system and related technology, and to the students and others who share duties at the doors. (B) ASSEMBLY PAPERS The Committee met on Monday 30th April 2012, as the Business Committee of the Assembly and the following is an account of items considered and conclusions arrived at by the Committee. All items being recommended by the Committee for passing into the Assembly are appended. 1. Petitions The Committee was in receipt of four Petitions, as listed below: (a) Glasgow and Argyll: Assessors; (b) Glasgow and Argyll: Argyll (Commission of Assembly); (c) Glasgow and Argyll: North East Glasgow (Commission of Assembly); (d) Rev. David Parker: transfer to Register of Ministers without Charge Eligible for Call. The Committee is recommending that they be passed into the Assembly having found them correct in form and substance and accompanied by the relevant extracts which were found competent. 2. Presbytery Commissions The Committee noted that all Presbyteries had forwarded their forms of commission to the Assembly Clerk and that all these were in order. Not all Elders Certificates had been received and the Clerk informed the Committee that it was normal for some certificates to come in shortly before the Assembly opened. 3. Applications The Committee was in receipt of information from the Board of Ministry relating to three applications for admission to the Free Church Ministry. The Committee noted that these applications would be dealt with as separate items on the Assembly Programme and that papers relating to them would not be issued by the Clerk until the time at which the Assembly decided to consider the applications. It was also decided to recommend that these items be taken in camera and that the applicants be not present whilst the Assembly are giving consideration to their applications. 4. Assembly Programme The Committee considered a draft programme for the Assembly and approved the draft for distribution with Assembly Reports. ANGUS J. HOWAT, Convener

3 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 3 1. Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll: Assessors APPENDIX Petitions Unto the Venerable General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland indicted to meet in Edinburgh on Monday 21st May 2012, the Petition of the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll humbly shows that: 1. Whereas the General Assembly or its Commission appointed Rev. William MacKay as General Assessor to the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll every year since 2005; 2. Whereas, Rev. Norman Mackay, Falkirk and Rev. Nigel Anderson, Livingston were appointed as General Assessors to the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll in 2010; 3. Whereas the manpower situation in the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll has deteriorated considerably; 4. Whereas eleven ministers already act as Interim Moderators of vacant congregations; Wherefore may it please the General Assembly to appoint Rev. William M. Mackay, Retired, Edinburgh, Rev. Norman MacKay, Falkirk, and Rev. Nigel Anderson, Livingston, to be General Assessors to the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll, the terms of the appointment to be until next General Assembly. Or do as your Venerable Court in your wisdom deems best. And your Petitioners will ever pray. 2. Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll: Argyll - Commission of Assembly Extracted by Norman Smith, Clerk Unto the Venerable General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland indicted to meet in Edinburgh on Monday 21st May 2012, the Petition of the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll shows that: 1. Whereas matters concerning the future of Argyll congregations have been the subject of significant deliberation and subsequent provisional planning in the Presbytery and its Strategy Committee; 2. Whereas a considerable timescale for presentation, discussion and implementation of measures is required in following due processes, particularly 3 and 4 below; 3. Whereas such processes may involve the joining and disjoining of congregations; 4. Whereas a proportion of funding for workers may be realised by the granting of petitions by the General Assembly for the release of monies held by the Board of Trustees and within the share pool in the name of congregations within the Presbytery; 5. Whereas it is proposed that the Argyll plan will be implemented in the terms stated in A Vision for Argyll, dated February 2012, as approved by the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll on 21st February 2012 in the following terms: a) Presbytery receive the report of the Special Committee on Argyll; b) Presbytery instruct the Strategy Committee of the Presbytery to enter into discussions with the congregations of Tarbert, Campbeltown and Islay and Lochgilphead and Lochfyneside with a view to union of the congregations on the equal dividend platform; c) Presbytery instruct the Strategy Committee of the Presbytery to enter into discussions with the congregation of Tarbert, Campbeltown and Islay with a view to disjoining Campbeltown, and rendering the latter a preaching station of Glasgow City Free Church; d) Presbytery instruct the Strategy Committee of the Presbytery to draw up plans for the employment of a Presbytery worker for Mid and South Argyll;

4 4 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [2012 e) Presbytery instruct the Strategy Committee to enter into negotiations with congregations who would benefit from the Presbytery worker with a view to drawing down centrally held assets to facilitate the employment of the Presbytery worker; f) In the event of successful conclusion of negotiations with congregations Presbytery instruct the Strategy Committee of the Presbytery to draw up individual Petitions for sub-points 3 and 4; g) Presbytery encourage the Strategy Committee of the Presbytery to co-opt on to its membership anyone with the requisite skills for facilitating its work in Argyll; h) Presbytery discharge the Special Committee for Argyll. 6. Whereas the said deliverance of Presbytery has been subsequently approved in principle by the Home Missions Board; 7. Whereas the measures in Argyll are envisaged as a precursor to an application of the Team Ministries Act; Wherefore the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll humbly requests that in the light of the aforementioned premises the General Assembly grant powers to the Commission of Assembly meeting on 3rd October 2012 to dispose of petitions and other matters related to implementation of the Presbytery s strategy on Argyll in accordance with the Deliverance of the said Presbytery. Or do otherwise as in their wisdom they deem best. And your petitioners will ever pray. 3. Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll: North East Glasgow - Commission of Assembly Extracted by Norman Smith, Clerk Unto the Venerable General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland indicted to meet in Edinburgh on Monday 21st May 2012, the petition of the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll shows that: 1. Whereas matters concerning the future of North East Glasgow congregations have been the subject of significant deliberation and subsequent provisional planning in the Presbytery and its Strategy Committee; 2. Whereas a considerable timescale for presentation, discussion and implementation of measures is required in following due processes; 3. Whereas due processes for a Team Ministry plan for North East Glasgow will only be completed in time for possible adoption by Presbytery meeting 8th May 2012; Wherefore the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll humbly requests that in the light of the aforementioned premises the General Assembly grant powers to the Commission of Assembly meeting on 3rd October 2012, to take up and dispose of a Report from the Home Missions Board with respect to the formation of a Team Ministry arrangement for North East Glasgow. Or do otherwise as in their wisdom they deem best. And your petitioners will ever pray. 4. Rev. David Parker: Transfer to Register of Ministers Without Charge Eligible for Call Extracted by Norman Smith, Clerk Unto the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland indicted to meet in Edinburgh on 21st May 2012, the Petition of the undersigned humbly shows that: 1. Whereas your Petitioner was inducted to the charge of Assynt Free Church in December 1995, and to Kilwinning and Saltcoats Free Church in January 2002, and ministered there until resigning his charge in March 2008 in order to take up appointments as Hospital and Hospice Chaplain in Yorkhill Children`s Hospital, Glasgow and Robin House Children`s Hospice, Balloch;

5 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 5 2. Whereas your Petitioner s resignation became effective on 7th March 2008; 3. Whereas your Petitioner, on the instruction of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll, was placed on the Roll of Resigned & Retired Ministers in terms of Act XIII, 1990, on 7th March 2008; 4. Whereas your Petitioner left his charge as a minister of the Church in good standing; 5. Whereas your Petitioner now wishes to make himself available for a Call by a congregation of the Free Church of Scotland; 6. Whereas in accordance with Act XIII, 1990, par. 9, your Petitioner has addressed his Petition to the General Assembly through the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll; 7. Whereas the Presbytery are supportive of your Petitioner s application; Wherefore it is humbly requested that the General Assembly take these premises into their consideration and grant that your Petitioner be transferred from the Roll of Resigned and Retired Ministers to the Register of Ministers without Charge Available for Call. Or do otherwise as in their wisdom they may deem best. And your Petitioner will ever pray. PROPOSED DELIVERANCE (A) GENERAL Rev. David Parker 1. The General Assembly receive and adopt the Report of the Committee on Assembly Arrangements, and thank the Committee, especially the Convener. 2. The General Assembly thank the Committee for its diligence in attending to the various arrangements required for the running of the Assembly, in particular the arrangements for delegates, hospitality, lunches and transport. 3. The General Assembly approve the recommendation of the Committee anent the clerking of the Assembly. They appoint Rev. Angus J. Howat as Principal Clerk pro tem and Rev. Malcolm Macleod, Shawbost, as Assistant Clerk, pro tem when Rev. James Maciver is required to take the Moderator s chair for extended periods. 4. The General Assembly welcome the visit to the Assembly of the Lord High Commissioner the Right Honourable Lord Selkirk of Douglas. 5. The General Assembly authorise the Committee to examine all matters which may require an alteration in the calculation of the number of commissioners from Presbyteries, such as Team Ministries, congregations unable to pass a schedule for qualification as a viable charge and professorial chairs in the Free Church College when vacancies occur. They direct the Committee to report with recommendations to the next General Assembly. 6. The General Assembly remind Boards and Committees of the need to highlight items for discussion at the General Assembly by marking with an asterisk the relevant paragraphs in their Reports. 7. The General Assembly thank Rev. William M. Mackay for his diligence as Hospitality Co-ordinator for the Assembly. 8. The General Assembly thank Mr John Scoales for his work as Assembly Officer. They also thank the Free Church College and Church Offices respectively for releasing Mr Scoales from his duties during the Assembly week. 9. The General Assembly thank all those involved in arranging and running the Assembly café. 10. The General Assembly thank Mrs Sharon Fraser for her contribution to producing the Assembly Reports and for making arrangements for Assembly delegates, to the Offices staff for the processing of items relating to the Assembly, all involved in the supervision of the sound system and related technology, and all the students and others who have agreed to take on duties at the doors of the Assembly.

6 6 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [2012 (B) ASSEMBLY PAPERS The General Assembly approve the Committee s recommendations anent papers to be passed into the Assembly and direct that the following papers be passed in: a) Petitions from: Glasgow and Argyll: Assessors; Glasgow and Argyll: Argyll, Commission of Assembly; Glasgow and Argyll: NE Glasgow, Commission of Assembly; Rev. David Parker b) Draft programme for the Assembly c) Applications to the Ministry (to be distributed separately) d) Booklet on Assembly Procedure

7 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 7 II. REPORT OF THE ECUMENICAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE In a time of numerous Protestant denominations and the establishment of new Presbyterian congregations in Scotland, the Ecumenical Relations Committee has sought to balance the promotion of the interests of the Free Church of Scotland with a commitment to the expression of biblical unity and a concern to build further areas of cooperation in gospel ministry. Among the many threats to positive gospel influence lies the frequently overlooked tendency to maintain existing division and disunity between Reformed denominations holding an identical confessional basis and practising similar forms of ministry. The Committee has sought over the past year to maintain that balance between promoting biblical unity on the one hand and protecting the interests and ethos of the Free Church on the other. There were developments over the course of the year which the Committee noted with disappointment, among which, were the establishing of new Reformed, evangelical congregations in close proximity to already existing congregations of the Free Church. This Committee believes that the model for church planting should adhere closely to the apostolic pattern laid down in Scripture. An important element of this is surely that of Romans 15 verse 20, which, while stating Paul s own individual ambition to preach the gospel (in the sense of founding Churches as may be understood from the surrounding verses), would seem to be a principle applicable to all church planting, namely that planting a Church ought not to be where Christ has already been named lest we build upon someone else s foundation. Where a foundation is already laid, where Christ is already confessed, the Church is already conceived of as existing, so that missionary labours in church planting should not be directed to that location. The Committee s Report contains references to meetings with other Churches and groups, in all of which the Committee has sought to support and encourage evangelical unity rather than the contrary. Despite the disappointments mentioned above the Committee is encouraged by some positive developments from some of these meetings as is mentioned below. 1. ICRC The Free Church continues to relate at home and abroad to other Reformed Churches through the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC). There are currently 30 Churches in membership of the ICRC and the next main conference is due to take place in Cardiff, Wales, in The Committee of Review, which is tasked with reviewing the structure and operation of the ICRC, will report back to the 2013 Conference. It is expected that a number of substantial changes will be recommended to the next Conference in the hope that these, if implemented, will improve the workings of the ICRC particularly in communication and cooperation between Churches. 2. EuCRC Conference, Kiev Under the auspices of the International Conference of Reformed Churches a fifth European regional conference is due to be held in Kiev, in April 2012, with Rev. James Maciver, Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean, Rev. David Miller and Rev. Professor John R. McIntosh attending as Free Church delegates. Attendance at the Conference is arranged by the member Churches inviting other Churches and groups with which they have a working contact to attend. The programme will concentrate largely on mission and theological education. The Conference has deliberately majored on both these subjects since its inception six years ago and while little practical co-operation in mission has been achieved to date this is, nonetheless, an aspiration. Progress has been made with co-operation in theological education, and representatives of a number of theological institutions in Europe are due to attend the Conference in Kiev. This will hopefully build on the last Conference on theological education which was held in Kampen in April The Committee believes that the Free Church must continue to contribute to the advancement of co-operation in mission and theological education in Europe, along with Churches and theological institutions within the Reformed tradition. The Committee wish to commend the EuCRC Conference and its objectives to the interest and prayers of the Church. 3. International Missions The Committee was contacted by the International Missions Board (IMB) in the course of the year. As the Board now had no direct involvement in the national churches that were established through Free Church mission work in the three traditional mission fields in Peru, South Africa and India, the Board had concluded that the Free Church of Scotland should not now have links with these Churches through the IMB but Church to Church through the Ecumenical Relations Committee. The Committee concurred with the proposal and resolved to establish formal links with these churches through the Ecumenical Relations Committee in

8 8 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [2012 consultation with the IMB and also concluded that along with this process it be recommended to these Churches that they join the ICRC. 4. Other Church Relations 4.1 United Free Church The Committee continues to maintain a very informal level of contact with representatives of the United Free Church. The Committee is again asking the Assembly to agree that these meetings be continued between the two groups of representatives under their direction. Rev. Alasdair Macdonald has been appointed to attend the opening session of the United Free Church Assembly in June Affinity The Committee was most gratified to learn that Rev. David Meredith had been appointed as Chairman of Affinity. In his reports throughout the year Mr Meredith has kept the Committee informed about the work of Affinity. Affinity has continued to build steadily over the past year but its financial position is far from strong. The Committee commends the work of Affinity to the wider Church for their prayerful and practical support. 4.3 Associated Presbyterian Churches Rev. David Meredith, Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean, Rev. Jeremy Ross and Dr Allan MacPherson continued to represent the Committee in discussions with representatives of the Associated Presbyterian Churches (APC). In October, 2011, the group held a profitable meeting in which a number of matters were discussed including the following: various church planting situations; the work of ministry among internationals in Glasgow; Road to Recovery, Camps, and the Youth Conference; the Free Church s position on congregational worship as set by the Plenary Assembly of November 2010 and relations with the Free Church of Scotland Continuing. In addition, the talks explored the development and implications of the establishing of Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland congregations in Stornoway, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It was also noted that the arrangements of sharing joint services in Assynt, Fort William, Lochcarron and Poolewe were proving satisfactory to both denominations at that level. The issue of union between the Free Church and APC, as indeed between other similar Reformed denominations, in an age of many denominations, was floated. The discussion also noted that the Free Church were members of Affinity, that Mr William Mackenzie of the APC was on the Council, and that the APC may wish to consider joining Affinity. The Committee is grateful to Mr Meredith and the other members of Group, including the representatives of the APC, and is sure that these talks have meant progress in mutual understanding and aspirations on the past of both denominations. Further talks are anticipated in the year ahead. 4.4 Church of Scotland The Committee was concerned to be available for consultation should any within the ministry of the Church of Scotland wish to meet with them. At the same time the Committee did not wish to appear opportunistic as if the Free Church sought to capitalise on the situation facing a number of Church of Scotland evangelicals since their Assembly s decision relating to same-sex relationships in the ministry. Consequently the Committee appointed a Group which would facilitate any requests for discussion and meet with individuals or groups. Over the course of the year the group responded to several invitations and some discussion has taken place with Church of Scotland personnel. At the time of compiling this report, no substantive developments have emerged. 4.5 Japanese Reformed Churches The Committee was contacted asking if it might be possible for the Free Church to send greetings to the Assembly of the Reformed Churches in Japan. The Clerk sent a letter of greeting. The Committee has also invited Rev. Hiroshi Ogawa to the 2012 General Assembly as an observer and at the time of compiling the report a response is awaited. Rev. Hiroshi pastors the Japanese group in South East England and London. 4.6 Presbyterian Church of America As in the past few years the Committee appointed Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean to attend the 2011 PCA Assembly in Virginia. Dr Maclean was warmly received. In addition to representing the Ecumenical Relations Committee he also represented the Psalmody Committee, as is mentioned in their Report. He was not invited to address the General Assembly but was able to meet with many of the 1,183 commissioners, mainly through the Sing Psalms booth but also at various events held within the Assembly week. The major issue discussed at the Assembly had been what is called Insider Movement and Bible Translation. The Insider Movement concerns persons living in societies where public confession of Christianity leads to social difficulties and persecution the Insider Movement suggests that a valid response in such situations is for Christians to keep quiet about their faith and to remain within their non-christian religions. The PCA is opposed to the Insider Movement. This was restated by the Assembly which set up a Study Committee to give further information on the matter. Dr Maclean thought this movement may have a bearing on Free Church mission activities where converts come from other religions and, therefore, that it may be helpful for the Free Church to take note of whatever conclusions are reached by the PCA Study Committee. Dr Maclean thought it would be useful to continue sending a representative as long as this combined the visit with a Sing Psalms booth. He had been assured that many in the PCA do pray for the

9 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 9 Free Church and that this continued link would help them maintain a prayerful interest in us. Dr Maclean also suggested that it would be useful to have an information sheet to hand out explaining who the Free Church are as a denomination and what its current strategic activities are, and in what ways the PCA, as congregations and individuals, could continue to help. The Committee are again grateful to Dr Maclean for his attendance and report and has appointed Dr Maclean to attend the next PCA Assembly in It is also hoped to produce an information leaflet as suggested by Dr Maclean. 4.7 Kyoungi Presbytery The Western Isles Presbytery contacted the Committee proposing that the present link between the Presbytery and the Kyoungi Presbytery of the Hapdong Presbyterian Church, South Korea, be changed to a link between the Kyoungi Presbytery and the Free Church, due to the disparate size between the two Presbyteries. The Kyoungi Presbytery has as many congregations as the entire Free Church. The Committee noted that the initial contact from the Kyoungi Presbytery in 2005 had been for a relationship between the Presbytery and the Free Church but that the Committee had thought it best that the relationship ought to be Presbytery to Presbytery, as was eventually established. The Committee agreed with the Presbytery s proposal and has contacted the Kyoungi Presbytery to this effect, in consultation with the Western Isles Presbytery. The General Assembly of the Hapdong Presbyterian Church has subsequently contacted the Clerk inviting the appointment of delegates to attend their General Assembly in September 2012 which will be a celebration of their centenary as a denomination. This request is in the process of being dealt with at the time of compiling this Report. 5. Other Matters 5.1 Reformed Churches in South Africa The Clerk issued a letter of greeting to the RCSA on the occasion of their General Synod in January Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia The Clerk issued a letter of greeting to the PCEA on the occasion of their General Assembly in May Baptist Union The Committee is grateful to Rev. John Johnstone who attended the opening session of the Baptist Union Assembly, at their invitation, in October United Free Church The Committee is grateful to Rev. Alasdair Macdonald who attended the opening session of the United Free Church Assembly, at their invitation, in June Orthodox Presbyterian Church The Committee is grateful to Rev. James Maciver who attended the 75th Anniversary General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in June KENNETH M. FERGUSON, Convener PROPOSED DELIVERANCE 1. The General Assembly receive and adopt the Report of the Committee on Ecumenical Relations. 2. The General Assembly thank the Committee for its work in promoting the interests of the Free Church of Scotland and in seeking to maintain good relations with Churches and Christian organisations in the UK and abroad. 3. The General Assembly note with thankfulness the arrangements for the fifth meeting of European Conference of Reformed Churches as a regional conference of the International Conference of Reformed Churches. They note with approval the aspirations relating to co-operation in mission and in theological education as expressed in the Committee s Report. 4. The General Assembly note with approval the Committee s intention to establish formal ecumenical relations with the national churches that were established through Free Church mission work in the three traditional mission fields in Peru, South Africa and India. They encourage the Committee to maintain as far as possible the traditionally close links which exist between the Free Church and these Churches. 5. The General Assembly note the ongoing meetings between representatives of the Committee and representatives of the United Free Church of Scotland and encourage further meetings between the two groups under the oversight of the Committee. 6. The General Assembly thank Rev. David Meredith for representing the Free Church on the Council of Affinity and congratulate him on being appointed their Chairman. They also note with thankfulness the progress that

10 10 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [2012 Affinity continue to make. They call upon all Presbyteries to take cognisance of Affinity and its work with a view to supporting Affinity prayerfully and practically. 7. The General Assembly thank Rev. David Meredith, Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean, Rev. Jeremy Ross and Dr Allan MacPherson for their contribution to discussions with representatives of the Associated Presbyterian Churches (APC). The General Assembly direct the Committee through the Group to further explore the matters mentioned in the Report as discussed in their meetings, in particular the issues pertinent to inter-church relations and possible closer cooperation in the interests of the gospel. 8. The General Assembly thank the Committee for dealing sensitively with the situation prevailing in the Church of Scotland. They direct the Committee to facilitate requests for discussion and meetings with individuals or groups should these be called for. 9. The General Assembly note with approval the Committee s contact with the Assembly of the Reformed Churches in Japan and express the hope that this may lead to the establishing of closer relations through Rev. Hiroshi Ogawa. 10. The General Assembly thank Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean for his attendance at the 2011 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of America. They note with interest that Assembly s finding in regard to the Insider Movement and Bible Translation and they await with interest the Report of their Study Committee on this Movement. The General Assembly encourage the Committee to arrange the production of an information sheet as mentioned in the Committee s Report. 11. The General Assembly note with approval the the linking of the Kyoungi Presbytery of the Hapdong Presbyterian Church with the Free Church rather than with the Presbytery of the Western Isles. They encourage the Committee to develop this link in ways appropriate to the advance of the gospel within the resources available to the Church. 12. The General Assembly thank Rev. John Johnstone who attended the opening session of the Baptist Union Assembly in October The General Assembly thank Rev. Alasdair Macdonald for his attendance at the opening session of the United Free Church Assembly in June The General Assembly thank Rev. James Maciver who attended the 75th Anniversary General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in June 2011.

11 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 11 III. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Over the past year, the Board of Trustees dealt with a variety of issues covering finance, policy, strategy, compliance and risk management. The Board continued to monitor the legal activities of the Free Church (Continuing). The Board is greatly assisted in its work by its Sub-Committees, namely the Finance Sub-Committee, the Compliance, Audit and Risk Management Sub-Committee, the Strategy Sub-Committee and the Legal Group. (A) FINANCE REVIEW 1. Financial Overview At the time of writing, the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2011 were still in preparation. The commentary below is based on draft figures although no substantive changes are anticipated. It is expected that final, audited accounts will be available for commissioners at the General Assembly. The difficult economic conditions experienced in recent years persisted in 2011 with unemployment, inflation and real reductions in wages continuing to affect individuals and families. Income from congregations, together with other private donations, reduced by around 85,000 in 2011 compared with Although analysis of individual congregations finances reveals other factors at play, it is clear that the economic downturn continues to have an impact on local finances which in turn affects remittances to central funds. Further commentary on congregational remittances and the impact of the congregational remittance system is provided in section (B) of this Report. An additional income factor in 2011 was the removal of transitional relief on gift aid donations which reduced gift aid recovery by around 3% from April Legacy income was around 3,000 compared with 19,000 in the previous year while bookshop and magazine sales as well as rental income also fell. Overall income in 2011 showed an increase of around 140,000 compared with 2010 as the reduction in congregational remittances and other income was offset by a modest increase in investment income, increased income from the gains on sales of properties and an increase in income from the Colegio San Andres. However, by definition, the income from sale of property is non-recurring and the income from the Colegio San Andres is not available for the work of the Church outside the school. Therefore, if these items are removed from the income analysis, the underlying picture is a reduction of around 185,000. On the expenditure side, the position is broadly similar to 2010 once additional expenditure in the Colegio San Andres is removed. On a cash basis, before taking into account profit from the Colegio San Andres, the Church recorded a shortfall of around 310,000 in If certain non-recurring items are excluded, such as the gain on sale of properties, the underlying shortfall would have been closer to 560,000. The Board recognises that this financial performance is not sustainable and, in response to a remit from the 2010 General Assembly, has begun a review of the Church s spending priorities in order that structural shortfalls might be addressed. Further information on this exercise is given in section (B) of this Report. Non-cash items have a significant impact on the bottom line figure in the accounts which show a loss of around 900,000 for the year. The two main influencing factors are the impact of an actuarial loss on the Free Church of Scotland Pension Scheme and an unrealised loss on the Church s investment portfolio. This represents a reversal of the position in 2010 when positive investment performance led to a gain of over 1m being recorded. The Board does not consider the short term volatility in reported gains and losses to be a helpful indicator of the Church s true financial position and while it is disappointing that investment markets did not perform better over the year, the Board is more exercised by the underlying income and expenditure experience Budgets As in previous years, the Board will work with other committees and boards to produce budget schedules designed to match expenditure plans with anticipated income. Given the outturn in 2011, income expectations for the 2013 budget period will be based on actual income in 2011 and committees and boards will be expected to identify savings of around 10% in expenditure compared to 2012 budgets. The Board recognises that to achieve such savings will involve difficult choices but it considers that it would be irresponsible not to take serious steps to bring budgets back into balance.

12 12 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [ Stipend In January 2012, the level of stipend was increased to 21,000. This was lower than the target level of 22,000 proposed by the Personnel Committee in its Report to the 2011 General Assembly. Although the Board agreed in principle with the Committee s desire to apply a larger increase, in consultation with the Home Missions Board, it concluded that this was not affordable and that an increase of 500 on the previous level struck an appropriate balance between aspiration and affordability. The stipend level of 21,000 was included in the budgets for 2012 and was approved by the Commission of Assembly in October Pension Contributions The Board, in conjunction with the Personnel Committee, keeps the level of employer contribution to the Church s Pension Scheme under review. The Board is grateful for the work of its Finance Sub-Committee and the Personnel Committee in this area. The Board considers that the current level of contribution of 10% of pensionable salaries remains appropriate. 5. Legacies The Board acknowledges with grateful thanks the following legacies received during 2011: Legator Fund Credited William Sawers Trust Home Mission; International Mission 504 Miss Isabella Montgomery Sustentation 2,000 Other Residual Balances General Fund 366 2, Investments The performance of the General Trust and Pension Fund investment portfolios was monitored throughout the year by a Joint Investment Committee comprising the Finance Sub-Committee and the Pension Scheme Trustees. The funds themselves were managed by Brewin Dolphin. Both funds had a disappointing year in line with difficult trading conditions in stock markets in general. The performance of each fund is noted below. General Trust After a positive start to the year, the General Trust fell sharply in the third quarter as equity markets responded negatively to adverse economic data from all of the major economies. The fund recovered somewhat in the final quarter and at 31st December 2011 was valued at 3,847,721. This represented an annual reduction of around 2.8%. The fund continued to generate income which is used to help fund the activities of the Church and, in some cases, produces income for congregations that have funds invested with the Board. The value of each unit in the share pool reduced in keeping with the fall in the value of the portfolio. Each unit was worth 4.11 in Interest on the capital sums held for the major funds and committees of the Church was distributed at 14.0p per unit. Pension Fund The Pension Fund also suffered as a result of market performance and stood at 5,819,545 at 31st December 2011, a fall of around 2.4%. For accounting purposes, the Church is obliged, under the Financial Reporting Standards (FRS 17) to provide an updated valuation of the Free Church of Scotland Pension Scheme assets and liabilities. Towers Watson, the Scheme Actuary, has carried out this valuation for the year ended 31st December This shows that the total assets of the Scheme (including bank cash deposits) were 5.857m, a reduction of 0.452m on the previous year. The Scheme liabilities increased during the year to 9.320m ( 9.289m in 2010). The combined effect has been to increase the deficit in the Scheme on an FRS 17 basis to 3,463m, an increase of 0.483m in the year. 7. Colegio San Andres The strong financial performance recorded by the Colegio San Andres in 2010 was maintained through 2011 with the school posting a surplus of around 57,000 for the year before the impact of foreign exchange gains is taken into account. This again bears testament to the excellent work of the headmaster, Mr Clive Bailey, and his staff. During the year, the Board finalised the various legal documents designed to allow personnel in Peru to transfer the school to the local control of a new management association. The Board understands that all necessary documents have now been lodged with the Peruvian authorities and a transfer date is awaited. (B) FINANCIAL POLICY The Board s Finance Sub-Committee, aided by Mrs Catriona Cazaly, the Church s Finance Manager, continued to monitor the congregational remittance system closely throughout the year and a review is provided below. The Sub-

13 2012] THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 13 Committee also dealt with a number of financial policy matters referred to it by the Board. In response to the Church s financial performance in 2010 and 2011, the Board began a review of the Church s strategic spending priorities and it is hoped to develop this further during a discussion session at the General Assembly. 1. Congregational Remittances As noted in section (A) above, congregational remittances and other donations fell by around 85,000 in This has prompted some suggestions that the downturn in remittances might be as a result of the new system of congregational remittances introduced in When introduced, the new system was designed to strike a balance between allowing investment in local ministry and mission on the one hand and support for central projects on the other. The Board, together with its Finance Sub-Committee has attempted to assess the impact of the new remittance system by undertaking an analysis of congregational remittances since its introduction and discussing remittance levels with certain congregations. Analysis of the figures shows that a significant number of congregations in the middle ranges of income have increased their remittances as they seek to take responsibility for the costs of local ministry. However, while this is encouraging, the increases have been offset by reductions from others, particularly the largest and smallest congregations. In the case of some larger congregations the reduction results from a change in the required project levy from 70% in 2010 to 60% in It had been hoped that reductions in required remittances would be outweighed by increases in voluntary additional contributions to the projects undertaken by the Home and International Missions Boards. This has not materialised. In other cases, congregations have failed to, or have been unable to, comply with the project levy requirements. The project levy was due to reduce further to 50% in 2012 but the Board took the view that it would be unwise to implement this reduction in the face of existing shortfalls. On that basis, it was decided that the levy should continue at 60%. Although it appears on first view of the empirical data, particularly in relation to the project levy, that the new remittance system might have had some impact on remittances, further analysis and discussion with congregations reveals a more complex set of factors. In some cases, congregational income has fallen as a result of a reduction in attendance or the loss of significant contributors. In others, congregations have been faced with substantial building projects that have had a major impact on finances. In addition, the trend of declining remittances appears to have been fairly well established prior to the introduction of the new remittance system. Overall, the Board is doubtful that income levels would have been higher under the previous system and is of the view that while a remittance system is important from the point of view of financial administration, the underlying problem is spiritual rather than financial. Nonetheless, the Board recognise that more needs to be done in relation to the additional contributions element of the remittance system and is committed to exploring ways of promoting this aspect of the system as well as ensuring that there is confidence throughout the Church that funds raised are used in an optimal way for the furtherance of the gospel. In support of these fund-raising objectives, the Board is delighted that an appointment has been made to the vacant post of Communications Officer and is confident that this will lead to a significant improvement in the way that the central Church communicates with congregations and individuals about its work. Congregational remittances for 2011 are shown in the Appendix to this Report. 2. Review of Spending Priorities * Generating additional income is one side of the financial issue facing the Church. The other is managing expenditure. As highlighted in section (A) of this Report, the Church recorded a shortfall, on a cash basis, of around 310,000 in 2011, rising to closer to 560,000 if certain non-recurring items are excluded. This follows on from a substantial shortfall in 2010 which prompted the General Assembly to instruct the Board to explore options for reducing costs. In its preparation of budgets for 2012, the Board sought to work with other committees and boards to encourage reductions in spending levels. However, this failed to generate meaningful savings. In response to this, and in recognition of the gravity of the situation, the Board has embarked on a far more wide-ranging review of the spending priorities of the Church. A workshop was held in February 2012 which set the scene by suggesting that under a do nothing scenario, the potential cumulative deficit over a five-year period could be as much as 5m. Groups were asked to consider creative options for pursuing the Church s objectives in the major spending areas of home and international missions and training at significantly lower cost. This exercise proved useful and it is intended that the next stage in the process will be in the form of a detailed discussion session at the General Assembly. The Board is conscious that these are major issues facing the Church and is of the view that the General Assembly should play a key role in agreeing how the Church should prioritise the allocation of its resources. In recognition of the immediacy of the financial challenge facing the Church, in addition to the longer term review of spending priorities, the Board has written to all spending committees and boards requesting that they assess carefully their spending plans in 2012 with a view to making savings of 5% against budgeted levels. Committees and boards have also been made aware that savings of 10% will be sought in expenditure budgets for The Board recognises that to achieve these savings will involve some difficult and perhaps unpalatable decisions. Therefore, it is committed to ensuring that an understanding of the compelling need to reduce expenditure is made as wide as

14 14 REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF [2012 possible. To that end, correspondence has been sent to all Deacons Courts and Finance Committees and a presentation will be given to each Presbytery outlining the scale of the issue. 3. Trustee Loans For some time, the Board has sought to use funds held on deposit to provide loans to congregations engaged in major building projects. This policy has been so popular, with a growing number of congregations seeking assistance, that the Board is now reaching the point where it will be unable to accommodate applications until existing loans are repaid. In recognition of this, the Board is writing to all Deacons Courts in order to alert them to the limited nature of the available resources and to invite those who might have wished to avail themselves of such financial assistance in the near future to advise the Board of their plans. The Board will then seek to prioritise the applications in light of available funds. The Board will also consider whether or not it can, or should, itself borrow from external sources in order to enable additional support to be provided to congregations where they themselves are unable to borrow externally. 4. Retirement Accommodation In its report to the 2010 General Assembly, the Board indicated that it had not had sufficient time to consider a proposal from the Personnel Committee to make provision for a manse family in the event of the death in service or ill health retirement of a minister. During the year, the Board and the Personnel Committee had the opportunity to revise the proposal with the outcome that a policy has now been agreed which would involve the Board seeking to make provision in exceptional circumstances. This would be at the discretion of the Board and would be subject to a set of detailed conditions including the availability of finance. The Board has appointed a small sub-committee to consider any applications under the scheme. The Board recognises that financial constraints mean that its ability to assist in this area is strictly limited. Therefore, the Finance Sub-Committee has written to Deacons Courts and Finance Committees encouraging them to consider purchasing additional life assurance and critical illness cover for their ministers. The Church already provides death in service cover for ministers but has been unable to purchase group cover for critical illness. However, both types of cover can typically be purchased on an individual basis at relatively low cost and could go some way towards alleviating concerns that ministers might have with regard to how their families would be provided for in the event of their death or serious illness. 5. Widows Benevolent Fund Each year, widows of ministers and missionaries are invited to apply for a grant from the Widows Fund to alleviate financial hardship. Concerns were raised through the Finance Sub- Committee with regard to the limited number of applications for grants and the level of available funds. Following consultation with the Personnel Committee, a letter was sent to all Deacons Courts and Finance Committees to raise awareness of the fund and to request contributions aimed at increasing the balance within the fund. In addition, the Sub-Committee agreed that the title of the fund should be changed to the Widows Benevolent Fund. (C) STRATEGY During the year, the Strategy Sub-Committee continued to consider issues of strategic significance for the Church. The Sub-Committee is charged with ensuring that the strategies of other committees and boards are developed in a co-ordinated manner and that organisational structures are aligned with the objectives of these strategies. In seeking to pursue this remit, the Sub-Committee continued to work on developing small scale pilot projects that could become models of best practice for the Church. 1. Project Developments During the year, the Strategy Sub-Committee took forward small-scale projects in the areas of education and training, preaching development, youth development and hub congregations. A brief update on each is given below: Education and Training Rev. David Macpherson is leading a sub-group to examine the feasibility of using multimedia and internet for the delivery of theological training to international institutions. Preaching Development Rev. Dr Colin Dow is initiating a mentoring scheme for preachers. It is hoped that this can be extended on a Presbytery basis, with a mentor in each area. Youth Development Progress in this project area stalled as a result of personnel issues. However, the Sub-Committee remains convinced that this is an area of great importance to the Church and has actively sought to identify others to lead the project and liaise with the Youth Committee. Hub Congregations The Home Mission Board has undertaken a review of the Development Officer s role and the Sub-Committee