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1 Better Together 1.1 Following the Uniting Assembly in Glasgow on 1st April 2000, it quickly became clear that the work of creating a new synod was far from ended; it had, in fact, only just begun. Not only was a new chapter opened in the story of the United Reformed Church, but a new challenge had to be faced in the concept of the National Synod. Along with our colleagues in Wales, we were called to work out the implications of this for the URC and for national church life. 1.2 Two years on, the synod has in place the structures and procedures which allow it to serve its local churches, participate in the life of the whole URC and relate to the Scottish ecumenical scene. There have been - and still remain - obstacles to be overcome, not least of which is a constant demand on resources of people and time which we often struggle to meet. Nonetheless, we remain convinced of the wisdom of our response to the call to unite. Better together! 2 Development Officer 2.1 At its meeting on 16th March 2002, the Synod of Scotland inducted the Revd John Humphreys to the post of Development Officer. We rejoice that John's breadth of experience in the URC and in the wider church will help the synod in its ongoing journey of discovery. We look forward to working with John as we continue the process of being and becoming the URC in Scotland. 3 A National Synod 3.1 The synod takes seriously its role as a National Synod and, along with the Ecumenical Secretary, represents the URC on ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland). Through its Church and Society Committee the Synod of Scotland has, on the URC's behalf, been involved in consultation with the Scottish Parliament via the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office and has, in particular, taken part in a consultation process on the drafting of a Private Member's Bill on sectarianism. 4 Education 4.1 The synod's Education Committee has been hard at work over the last two years on a programme intended to develop an understanding among the local churches and Area Councils of what it means to be the URC in Scotland. The Education Committee has helped the synod explore the consequences of union and to understand and cope with the changes that have taken place. 5 Local Churches 5.1 Perhaps the most visible, and most encouraging, consequence of union has been the formation of new Joint Pastorates and LEP's in Scotland. This, along with increasing use of URC resources such as Pilots, is clear local evidence that we are better together. 6 Scottish Ecumenical Assembly 6.1 In September of 2001 an assembly of all major churches in Scotland was held in Edinburgh. This unique event had the purpose of formulating a series of statements, agreeable to all churches, on the subjects of Poverty; Enlightenment; Alienation; Work; Spirituality; Science and Technology; and Church. This was, to the surprise of some, successfully achieved, and the churches of Scotland were heard to speak with a single voice on matters of global importance. The URC owes its gratitude to one of its ministers, the Revd Stuart Drummond, for his key r™le in the planning and organisation of this event. |
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