Dundee-based Oxfam campaigner John McAllion today called on people across Scotland to stand up and be counted in the fight against global poverty and environmental decline. The former MP for Dundee East made the plea at the City Chambers as he gave the International Workers Memorial Day lecture, entitled Natural and Man-made Disasters, organised by the city council and the Scottish Churches Industrial Mission (SCIM).
Source: Dundee Evening Telegraph.
posted at 9:05 PM

Scots artist John Bellany is to be the patron of next month's Christian Aid sale at St Andrew's and St George's Church in Edinburgh. The event is the biggest single British fund-raiser for the charity.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 4:20 PM

The congregation at an A-listed church in Glasgow's west end have been given £50,000 to stop their 115-year-old stained glass windows collapsing. The Cottier-designed windows at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church on Saltoun Street could crumble within months if action is not taken.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 4:15 PM

Later this year same-sex couples wanting to tie the knot will be able to hold a ceremony in any venue with a licence to hold civil marriages. From December 5, gay men and women can register their intention to have a Civil Partnership Registration, with the first ceremony expected just a fortnight later. The registration falls short of the rituals involved in a marriage and has no spoken vows or declarations. The move follows the recent passing at Westminster of the Civil Partnership Act.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 4:10 PM

A new project is showing Glasgow schoolkids the hatred of bigotry by taking them to Belfast. They travelled with the Bridging The Gap organisation to the Corrymeela Peace and Reconciliation Centre in County Antrim and met Northern Irish schoolchildren. Bridging The Gap works out of an office in the Gorbals and is an ecumenical organisation set up in 1998 by the local Catholic chapel and Church of Scotland.
Source: Daily Record.
posted at 2:44 PM

Professor Tom Devine has been appointed to the Sir William Fraser Chair at Edinburgh University, acknowledged as the premier chair of Scottish history. Director of the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies at Aberdeen University since 1998, Prof Devine is the author of more than 100 academic publications. His edited book, Scotland's Shame? Bigotry and Sectarianism (2000) generated controversy and led to his appointment as adviser and consultant on anti-sectarian policy in the Scottish Executive's justice department.
Source: The Herald.
posted at 2:35 PM

The leader of Scotland's Catholics has said that the church must take advantage of interest sparked by the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of a new pontiff. Cardinal Keith O'Brien said churches filled up thanks to the global media coverage of events in the Vatican. "The challenge for the church is to build on this renewed interest in faith and belief and to strive to make the Christian message available to all," he said.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 2:06 PM

Profile of Edinburgh University's School of Divinity, New College, by its head, Professor David Fergusson.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 2:04 PM

The Church of Scotland has drawn up guidelines for its 1100 manses, outlining their basic essentials as well as some "desirable provisions". The move follows a rising number of inquiries from ministers seeking advice on the fitting-out and decoration of the properties. Basic essentials are seen as efficient heating, modern wiring, proper lighting and smoke alarms. The manse, should normally have no fewer than three public rooms, four bedrooms and a garage. "Desirable provisions" include a fridge, washing machine and dishwasher as well as carpets in all rooms and double-glazing. David Robertson, secretary of the trustees, said: "It sounds like spoon-feeding people, but it's amazing how many times people ask the questions."
Source: The Herald.
posted at 2:00 PM

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has issued its reflections on the forthcoming election, an expanded version of the statement to be read at Masses this weekend.
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 10:31 PM

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has issued a statement on the general election to be read at all Masses in Catholic churches on 30 April and 1 May. An article from the Bishops' Justice and Peace Commission offers advice to voters on disentangling substance from spin, based on Catholic social teaching.
Source: Justice and Peace Scotland.
posted at 5:41 PM

Cardinal Keith O'Brien is back in Scotland following the installation of Pope Benedict. "The hope of Benedict XVI that Europe will return to its Christian roots is one I share deeply," he said. "I rededicate myself to the task of reminding Scotland of its long Christian heritage and remind the Catholic community that one week from today we will have the opportunity to be informed and guided by our Christian faith when we cast our votes in the General Election."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 5:33 PM

Homily delivered by the Bishop Of Dunkeld, the Right Reverend Vincent Logan, at the Requiem Mass for the Very Rev Romeo Canon Coia, who died at the age of 92.
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 5:30 PM

The Church of Scotland's General Trustees are to bring best-practice guidelines on the Kirk's manses before this year's General Assembly.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 5:27 PM

Scotland's first purpose-built multi-faith school for children with learning difficulties has officially opened its doors. Keppoch Campus, which houses a Catholic primary, a non-denominational primary, a special needs school and a nursery, caters for 365 children in the north of Glasgow. The project enjoyed the backing of the Catholic church and has avoided the rows which have blighted other shared campus proposals in the west of Scotland. Father Joe Chambers, vice-convener of the city's Catholic education committee, said: "All we asked was that the identities of both schools be protected and that both schools be clearly defined."
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 5:19 PM

Cardinal Keith O'Brien is due to return from Rome following the funeral of Pope John Paul II and the election of his successor, Pope Benedict XVI.
Source: BBC Scotland News.
posted at 8:20 AM

Three candidates have been short-listed for the post of Bishop of Brechin in the Scottish Episcopal Church. They are Rev Canon Robert Fyffe, Rector of St John the Baptist in Perth; Rev Canon Dr Robert Gillies, Rector of St Andrew's Church in St Andrew's; and Rev Dr John Mantle, Archbishops' Adviser for Bishops' Ministry, Church House, London. The successful candidate, to be elected on June 4, will succeed the Rt Revd Neville Chamberlain, who retired in January.
Source: Scottish Episcopal Church news release.
posted at 8:01 PM

Economic liberalism is hitting the world's poor, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury said yesterday during a service to mark the 60th anniversary of the charity Christian Aid. Dr Williams warned that the most scandalous feature of globalisation was the erosion of trust, arising out of the agencies of the developed world's insistence that aid must be implemented in ways they approve.
Source: The Guardian.
posted at 5:11 PM

Hundreds of supporters of Christian Aid are preparing for the annual sponsored Forth Bridge Crossing this Saturday.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 11:38 AM

Stirling University has decided to stop providing its religious studies course as a result of a steady decline in student numbers over the past decade. The religious studies department, which covers a range of faiths including Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, will now be merged with modern languages and culture. The department has been at the forefront of research in its field, winning the highest UK rating for its output in 2001. It was also assessed as having a rating of "excellent" for teaching in the UK. However, whereas 10 years ago the undergraduate course attracted numbers of 40 or more, there are currently just 20 students. Professor Gavin Flood said: "It would be difficult to see other religious education courses being forced to close elsewhere in Scotland because the churches would put up a very strong fight. However, we always wanted to be very independent and, while that has always been a great strength, it does make us more vulnerable."
Source: The Herald.
posted at 11:04 AM

The Evangelical Alliance has created a cartoon figure, Eric the Evangelical, to "take a humorous yet thoughtful look at campaigning in the run up to the general election".
Source: Evangelical Alliance news release.
posted at 4:48 PM

An African choir swapped musical tips with Glasgow primary school pupils during a tour of Scotland. The Watoto Children's Choir, from Kampala in Uganda, met the Alexandra Parade Primary youngsters before a performance at Dennistoun Central Church in Armadale Street.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 4:43 PM

Sectarian violence flared in the aftermath of Sunday's Old Firm game, with several serious incidents reported across the country as fans fought with each other after the match.
Source: The Herald.
posted at 4:16 PM

Paul Riddell reports from his first Old Firm match, Sunday's encounter at Ibrox. "Within two minutes of kick-off, the side of my face was pock-marked with saliva from the rabid Rangers fans behind me, whose suits, shirts and ties lent them a false respectability, as they spat unrelenting abuse at the Celtic players and fans. 'Ya wee Pope-faced b******, ye', 'Yer a f****** red-faced gargoyle' and (seemingly a sine qua non of every Celtic supporter) 'Fenian b*******'. The litany of equally ugly chants from the Celtic end was accompanied by the clumsy symbolism of a German flag ... What they (the clubs) want is to perpetuate the myth of the great spectacle, of pure entertainment, so that they can sell 50,000 or 60,000 tickets every week at great cost to the fans. So, while they are happy to co-operate in trying to squash sectarianism, they are less keen to change the conditions in which it thrives."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 4:10 PM

Action of Churches Together in Scotland has produced a package of briefings, resources and questions for parliamentary candidates specifically tailored for churches in Scotland. Faith in Politics: Preparing Churches for the 2005 General Election can be read online or downloaded. Issues covered are the economy, the environment, Europe, international development, international security, migration and asylum, poverty and racial justice.
Source: Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS).
posted at 4:02 PM

Vigils are to take place to express churches' concern in the churches at the nature of election campaigning on the issues of immigration and asylum. The campaign, Vigil 2005, has its roots in the work of Churches' Commission for Racial Justice.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 3:58 PM

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly has told Labour's Nigel Griffiths to stop using her picture on his election literature. Dr Alison Elliot asked Kirk officials to contact the trade and industry minister after individuals voiced concern about a photograph of the Moderator and Mr Griffiths, which appeared in his election address, sent to every voter in Edinburgh South. They said the picture gave the impression that Dr Elliot - who lives in the constituency - was endorsing Mr Griffiths.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 3:55 PM

Women undergoing IVF treatment could soon have the option of selecting babies that lack breast cancer genes. Last night a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland said it was "a step too far".
Source: The Herald.
posted at 3:52 PM

The Christian charity CARE has produced a dedicated general election website, Make the Cross Count.
posted at 7:17 PM

The United Reformed Church has provided a list of links to general election resources.
Source: United Reformed Church.
posted at 7:10 PM

More than sixty representatives of British and Irish Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant and Pentecostal Churches sent a message of welcome to Pope Benedict XVI on his installation. "In recalling ... his revered predecessor's priorities regarding 'options for the poor' in situations of conflict, deprivation and even exploitation, it is our prayerful expectation that Pope Benedict XVI will pursue such efforts in the true spirit of the Second Vatican Council," they said.
Source: Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
posted at 7:08 PM

Pope Benedict today offered a hand of friendship to other religions in a quest for world peace. He assured leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury and members of the Muslim community that the Catholic Church wanted to continue "building bridges of friendship".
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.

posted at 7:02 PM

Ten football fans were arrested for sectarian offences at Ibrox following yesterday's Old Firm clash. Earlier in the day Rangers fans smashed a bus window during a protest against alleged police mistreatment of Irish Catholics. Around 25 members of group Cairde Na hEirean - Friends of Ireland - had gathered outside Helen Street police station in Govan. Crew members were injured when rival fans fought on board a ferry to Northern Ireland. And Rangers and Celtic fans clashed in the centre of Belfast after the match.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 7:00 PM

The Rev Canon Alexander Gordon, 55, was installed as rector and provost of St Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Inverness on Saturday. (The report is erroneous in stating that the Roman Catholic Bishop of Aberdeen, the Rt Rev Peter Moran, presided over the service.)
Source: Aberdeen Press & Journal.
posted at 6:50 PM

"Nobody listening to (Pope Benedict), or seeing his whole demeanour since his election, could doubt that, just like St Benedict, Benedict XVI believes that rules have to be tempered with humility and prayer," writes Katie Grant. "The whole installation Mass was testament to this, with no sign of the traditional symbols of domination, the sedia gestatoria or the papal tiara, but instead, prominent roles for the laity and even for the often-forgotten parish priest. For the first time in my life I could see the point of the Second Vatican Council."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 2:28 PM

Peter Kearney, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said yesterday's homily from Pope Benedict XVI appeared to counter speculation that he would bring a change of direction within the church. Mr Kearney said: "He highlighted two key themes of fidelity and service. He seemed to be saying it was not his place to come up with a programme of action, if you like. A lot of the coverage has focused on what the new Pope will do, what he will change. That debate gave the impression that everything was up for grabs, like when politicians win elections. It is not. Popes are custodians of a body of belief which is entering its third millennium so I think that it was important that he made that point."
Source: The Herald.
posted at 2:13 PM

Election analysis: The message from the political pulpit over the weekend has seen Britain's parties vying to outdo each other in their international development concerns. That is the subject believed to work best among so-called "faith communities". The Christian vote can go in two directions. One follows the US model, with socially conservative views on touchstone issues such as abortion and blasphemy. Operation Christian Vote (OCV) is a party formed from that wing of Christian belief, with a strong line on the literal word of the Bible as well as defence of their freedom of belief and to evangelise. The movement has 10 candidates in Scotland, three of them in Lanarkshire. At last year's European election, one in eight Western Isles voters backed the party. The other approach is on broader policy issues. This was stepped up by Jubilee 2000, a church-based campaign that deluged MPs during 1999 with lobbying for the cancellation of developing country debt.
Source: The Herald.
posted at 2:10 PM

The Board of World Mission's report to the Church of Scotland's General Assembly next month is now available online.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 1:50 PM

Figures obtained by The Sunday Herald reveal a marked difference in the number of arrests made at Ibrox and Parkhead this season for offences aggravated by religious prejudice, introduced by the Executive in 2003. There have been 58 at Parkhead and just six at Ibrox, despite the fact it is rare to hear overtly sectarian singing at Celtic's ground but not unusual at Rangers'. This is because of a discrepancy in the application of the law. E Division of Strathclyde Police, who cover Parkhead, take a proactive approach, which means officers are more likely to wade into a crowd of supporters to make arrests without having received a complaint. Their approach leaves Scotland's other divisional forces - particularly Strathclyde's G division, covering Ibrox - open to accusations of being more tolerant of bigoted behaviour, accusations dismissed by Chief Superintendent John Malcolm, match commander for yesterday's Old Firm game. "People say 'that's terrible, you should put a stop to that'," he said. "But if 7,000, 10,000 or 30,000 people want to sing a song I am a wee bit restricted in what I can do."
Source: Sunday Herald.
posted at 10:59 AM

"Like Jesus, I will be a shepherd; like Peter, a fisher of men." Full text of the homily delivered by Pope Benedict XVI during the Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate.
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 7:12 PM

A Scots priest is being lined up to succeed the new Pope in his former job. Glasgow-born Monsignor Gerard McKay has worked closely with Pope Benedict XVI - the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - for several years. He is now tipped to take over from him as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. And, according to Vatican experts, it would mean he would almost certainly be made a cardinal.
Source: Sunday Mail.
posted at 7:08 PM

Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh's Lord Provost, has written to the Chief Rabbi telling him she won't go to a synagogue. She says she disapproves of the orthodox Jewish policy of forcing men and women to worship apart. But critics of the Labour Provost say she is happy to go to Muslim events where women are treated similarly. The Edinburgh Interfaith Association is reported to have made private representations to the council.
Source: Sunday Mail.
posted at 7:07 PM

No better answer could be given to the slaverings of the Catholic right-wingers who have hailed Pope Benedict's election as their victory than a 1985 tract, in which he talked of the prophet Jonah, writes Owen Dudley Edwards. He warned the pious against thinking "that the practice of the faith is only for punishing others". When that happens, he said, "we show that our faith does not spring from love of God, but expresses rather a love of self which seeks its own security. So we show that we have not yet understood the significance of Jonah, the sign of the Cross, of dying for others".
Source: Sunday Herald.
posted at 6:55 PM

Rangers defender Marvin Andrews survived today's Old Firm game after refusing surgery for a cruciate ligament injury, preferring to put his faith in God to heal him. Manager Alex McLeish said: "The boys were all fully behind the decision (to play him) and I thought he was tired near the end, that's why I took him off. He had given everything."
Source: Reuters.
posted at 6:39 PM

A report for next month's General Assembly from the Church of Scotland's Church and Nation Committee warns that the case for citizens identity cards "has not yet been adequately made". Another report expresses "anxiety" over continued anti-semitism in Europe, and "outrage" over the continuing unrest in Darfur, which has claimed thousands of lives.
Source: BBC Scotland News.
posted at 6:35 PM

Focus on postnatal depression. Bluebell Day, organised by the Church of Scotland's Postnatal Depression Project and to be held on June 6, aims to increase the profile of the condition and raise funding for research. Viv Dickenson, director of the project, said: "Too many women try to suffer in silence as they don't want to make a fuss."
Source: Scotland on Sunday.
posted at 6:32 PM

A maths teacher who claims he was barred from seeking promotion in a faith school because he was not a Roman Catholic will take a landmark legal action against Glasgow City Council next month. David McNab will argue at a tribunal that he is the victim of religious discrimination after being told not to bother applying for another senior post at St Paul's RC High School in Pollok. The Catholic Church argues that the education laws allow authorities to set criteria for staff wanting to work in certain posts in Catholic schools.
Source: Sunday Herald.
posted at 6:22 PM

Lord Steel, the architect of Britain's abortion laws, is to recommend that powers over the issue should be transferred from Westminster to Holyrood. The former Liberal party leader and presiding officer of the Scottish parliament believes that decisions about when a woman has the legal right to terminate a pregnancy should be devolved. The Catholic church in Scotland said it supported Steel's proposal. "We can see the coherence in allowing Scotland to decide what we put into effect in Scottish hospitals," said John Deighan, the church's Scottish parliamentary officer. "There seems to be a swing in the public mood that late-term abortions should not be happening. If Scotland was to address the issue we would see a reduction in the time limit, which would be a good thing."
Source: Sunday Times.
posted at 6:21 PM

Deacon Blue star Ricky Ross tells how he shared the last moments of dying band-mate Graeme Kelling. A staunch Christian, Ricky won't be drawn on his belief in the afterlife. 'I'm not that sort of religious person,' he said. 'I think you have to live the life that you have. There are people who say they know where they're going, and that's good. I'm glad they do, but for me that's part of the mystery of faith and life.'
Source: Daily Record.
posted at 8:13 PM

Iain Connon, a former Church of Scotland researcher, reports from the Palestinian village of Jayyous where he is visiting with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI).
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 7:45 PM

What contributed to Benedict XVI's rise? Ratzinger's deportment while Dean of the College of Cardinals created a favorable opinion. Several said he impressed them by the way he conducted the daily meetings cardinals attend to discuss church issues. He called on each cardinal by name, they said. He used his mastery of seven languages to give them answers in their own tongue. And Ratzinger regularly suggested pastoral methods, not theological legalities, to resolve problems. Ratzinger "conducted those meetings in a very orderly manner and a manner which pleased everyone," Cardinal Keith O'Brien of Scotland said.
Source: CNN.
posted at 7:37 PM

A unique inside account of the formation of the Special Air Services during the Second World War is told in a new book, The Originals: The Secret History Of The Birth Of The SAS In Their Own Words. The accounts include that of their padre, the Very Reverend Fraser McLuskey, a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 7:37 PM

Tayside NHS bosses are due to meet this week to iron out the details of a consultation process on the proposed refurbishment of the quiet room at Perth Royal Infirmary. Health chiefs sparked outrage last month when they announced that they would be stripping the PRI chapel of Christian symbols in order to create a peaceful area with no clear religious slant. An NHS spokesperson yesterday refuted claims that the public had subsequently been kept in the dark over the issue. "Our consultation process has not begun yet but there will be a meeting this week to discuss how best to take things forward," she said. Councillor Alexander Stewart, whose ward includes the PRI site, said: "We all know what consultation processes usually mean. They are smokescreens designed to give the public a potential say when the decision has already been made."
Source: Perthshire Advertiser.
posted at 6:53 PM

A Black Watch soldier who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage when he kicked over a number of bollards outside St John's Kirk in Perth described his conduct as a "drunken act" in a letter to Perth Sheriff Court. He will be sentenced next month. Kirk minister the Rev David Ogston condemned the vandalism. "I'm terribly disappointed that energy has been put into this sort of destruction. The bollards have become part of the furniture of the exterior of the church and I'm anxious that they should be restored as soon as possible."
Source: Perthshire Advertiser.
posted at 6:52 PM

The Book of Deer Project Pilgrimage 2005 is in the steps of St Murdebar and will take place on Saturday, June 18, beginning with a blessing by Rev Matthew Rodger in Tarves Parish Church.
Source: Buchan Observer.
posted at 6:47 PM

Markinch Parish Church Guild had double cause for celebration last week. The organisation marked its 110th anniversary last week and pride of place went to oldest member, Davina Hopkins, who reached her 100th birthday on April 8.
Source: Fife Now - Glenrothes Gazette.
posted at 6:40 PM

South Lanarkshire Council has given the go-ahead for a woodland burial site at East Kilbride's Philipshill Cemetery. The move follows a growing demand for sites which use renewable and recycleable material. The graves will be consecrated by a local priest or minister.
Source: East Kilbride News.
posted at 6:34 PM

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, has launched an interfaith investment group which hopes to exert its influence by investing in enterprises in areas of concern to people of faith. The founding members of 3iG (International Interfaith Investment Group) are Buddhists, Christians, Druze, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians, supported by banks and investment advisory groups. Portfolios held by the world's religious bodies are estimated at about six per cent of the total world investment capital. The Bishop urged faith communities to use their involvement in the market to be well informed, and "to ask searching questions" at AGMs.
Source: Church Times.
posted at 6:06 PM

The Archbishop of Canterbury has urged voters to think green. Dr Rowan Williams warned of a "steadily darkening" environmental crisis, which could lead to the poor being disproportionately affected. Dr Williams said that he believes the time is right for a new United Nations Charter committing nations to bio-diversity and access to natural non-poisoned foods. The Archbishop attacked the notion that "unrestricted consumer choice" is a "fundamental human right".
Source: Church of England Newspaper.
posted at 6:01 PM

Faith groups and their secular counterparts have called on politicians to refrain from negative campaigning in the run-up to the General Election. Bodies from different faiths including the Churches' Commission for Racial Justice (CCRJ), and their Muslim and Jewish equivalents, made the joint plea aimed at protecting the public from the effects of racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.
Source: Church of England Newspaper.
posted at 6:00 PM

Former Labour government minister Frank Field recalls the full quotation from Margaret Thatcher's Sermon on the Mound: "And, you know, there is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families." It's in the context of an interview which covers Christianity and politics. "'I steer clear of Christian socialism - I don't like the term - it suggests an elite group that somehow understands truth better than other people. I've always felt that there are large numbers of Conservatives who are very decent people, who lead lives that are better than most of ours - it's wrong to call them second-rate Christians because they're not socialists. It's offensive." But there was a 'Christian socialist' moment in the mid-1990s, wasn't there? "When John Smith, who was very clearly a committed Christian, became leader, the party seemed full of Christians. One almost got knocked down in the crush to come forward and say, 'Gosh, I'm a Christian too!' And dare one add, slightly cynically, certain people saw that might be a way to advance."
Source: The Spectator.
posted at 5:57 PM

The Scottish Executive's justice minister has called for sectarian songs to be relegated to history ahead of Sunday's clash between Rangers and Celtic. Cathy Jamieson said traditional football songs should not be "twisted" into provocative anthems.
Source: BBC Scotland News.
posted at 5:16 PM

Churches in Stranraer have organised a candidates evening for those contesting the new Dumfries and Galloway constituency at the forthcoming general election. The meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 27 April in the High Kirk Hall, Stranraer.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 5:12 PM

Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP) has cut ties with Nkhoma, saying it will no longer recognise boundaries between the two synods. Synod moderator Rev Mezuwa Banda said they are fed up with Nkhoma Synod which has continued to encroach into their territory in spite of several protests and protracted negotiations. Rev Dr Felix Chingota of General Synod of the CCAP General Synod that includes Blantyre, Livingstonia and Nkhoma said discussions on the issue will continue in spite of this development. "What you should also know is that the three synods originated from three different churches; Free Church of Scotland (Livingstonia), Dutch Reformed Church (Nkhoma) and Established Church of Scotland (Blantyre)," said Chingota.
Source: Nation Malawi.
posted at 4:41 PM

Passover feature on Scottish Jewry. Population figures show the community of Jews in Scotland is in decline, from an estimated 17,000 in the 1940s to only 6,450 now. David Graham, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Jewish Policy Research, said: "It is part of the secularisation of society; God is less important. For the Jews, that has a greater impact because they form the part of society which is most likely to secularise: they are white, urban and economically successful, which is precisely the group which has less interest in faith." Dr Kenneth Collins is President of the Jewish Representative Council in Glasgow but feels that, while the population is dropping, there isn't a great need for concern. And Rabbi Mendel Jacobs has established the Shul in the Park - a synagogue in Giffnock aimed at those who have returned to the faith. An explanatory service, it attracts between 35 and 60 people every Saturday (which Jacobs quotes as an average synagogue attendance) who, for whatever reason, feel uncomfortable with a more traditional place of worship.
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 10:27 AM

In congratulating the newly-elected pope, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev Dr Samuel Kobia prayed for "renewed commitment" to "ecumenical openess" and "a dialogue of conversion". Describing Benedict XVI as a man "known for his theological integrity and ecclesial loyalty, his evangelical simplicity and pastoral sensitivity", Kobia expressed his hope that his pontificate will "constitute a time for the Roman Catholic Church to apply, in a renewed commitment, the teachings and the spirit of ecumenical openness exemplified in the Second Vatican Council to the life of her faithful and of the whole Church".
Source: Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) news.
posted at 10:19 AM

Rangers and Celtic today turned to the latest fashion accessory in their fight against bigotry. Green and blue wristbands will be handed out to 25,000 Glasgow schoolchildren by the Old Firm and police to tackle sectarianism.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 5:40 PM

A school teacher was today convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of child abuse charges going back 35 years. James Boyle, 49, had earlier been suspended from All Saints RC Secondary in Barmulloch.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 5:29 PM

Angolan refugee Anastasia Ndaya has been moved from the Dungavel Detention Centre in Lanarkshire to Yarl's Wood Detention Centre, near Bedford, pending the decision of a judicial review being held today of the rejection of her application for asylum. Her four children have been removed from the care of members of the Pentecostal Church of Redemption in Royston, Glasgow, and are now detained along with their mother. Friends from the Glasgow Campaign To Welcome Refugees and 20 church members, including Pastor Makielokele Daly, who is facing his own deportation threat, held a demonstration yesterday to highlight their campaign to free the family and allow them to return to Glasgow.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 5:24 PM

The Church of Scotland's Postnatal Depression Project, launched today and backed by comedian Elaine C Smith, hopes to raise £250,000 to aid those affected by the disorder, which affects more than 10,000 women in Scotland every year. The bluebell has been chosen as the symbol for the campaign and a national awareness day, called Bluebell Day, will take place on June 6.
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 5:17 PM

A call by Stirling University Students' Association to ban the Bible has been axed. Up to 6000 Gideon Bibles were to be removed from Stirling University's halls of residence amid fears they may offend non-Christians. Student union president Al Wilson said: 'Many people sent letters saying it's disgusting and students said it's a step too far."
Source: Daily Record.
posted at 1:20 PM

As Catholic churches throughout the world prepared to celebrate Pope Benedict's election, the Glasgow Archdiocese announced that a solemn mass would be held tomorrow at St Andrew's Cathedral. Archbishop Mario Conti will preside at the 1pm mass and preach the sermon, and the lord provost will attend with representatives of other denominations and faiths. After the mass, Archbishop Conti will leave for Rome to join Cardinal Keith O'Brien at Pope Benedict's inauguration mass on Sunday.
Source: The Herald.
posted at 1:10 PM

"Try as he might, Pope Benedict XVI could not keep the triumphal smile from his face," writes Ron Ferguson. "This sophisticated and powerful man is not to be messed with - ask two of the Roman Catholic Church's brightest stars, Father Leonardo Boff and Professor Hans Kung, who were bloodied and bruised after being theologically mugged by the Vatican's doctrinal attack dog ... At a time when visionary leadership representing a generous orthodoxy is badly needed at all levels, the cardinals have made a timid choice. Instead of boldly electing a third-world Pope who could lead the Catholic church into uncharted territory with wisdom and imagination, they have gone along with the current religious 'spirit of the age' and plumped for a safe pontiff who will sit firmly on the lid of the bubbling kettle with a triumphant smile. Pity his successor."
Source: The Herald.
posted at 1:08 PM

Pope Benedict XVI's fundamental thinking is organised around two core ideas, writes John Haldane, professor of philosophy at the University of St Andrews, in an extensive analysis. "First, that it is the revealed truths of Christianity that set us free on earth and save us in eternity. Second, that for this revelation to be correctly understood, preserved and made available to successive generations, there must be a Church secured from serious error and moral corruption."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 12:57 PM

The Catholic Truth organisation, which believes that the Church is in crisis because "dissent and disobedience reach to the highest places", has urged fervent prayer for Pope Benedict XVI "that he will avail himself of the graces assured to him to lead the Church in fidelity to Christ in these testing times." It says: "We pray that the new Pope Benedict will act quickly, in the spirit of these words of his predecessor, to discipline dissenters and restore order in the Church. We have high hopes of this given that it was our newly elected Pope, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger, who insisted that Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien of the Archdiocese of St Andrew's and Edinburgh, pronounce in public an extended profession of faith - retracting his dissent on a number of issues including contraception and homosexuality - as a condition of being made Cardinal ... We pray that the new Pontiff exercises similar faithful vigilance worldwide in order to do the only thing required of a Pope - that is, guard and defend our holy Catholic and apostolic faith."
Source: Catholic Truth.
posted at 12:41 PM

The Church of Scotland has welcomed Pope Benedict XVI's statement about open dialogue with other faiths. Rev Erik Cramb, convener of the committee for ecumenical relations, said that they were aware of the cardinal's reputation as a "hardman" and that this made the content of his first public statement all the more welcome. "That he is saying he wants greater dialogue with other churches is certainly very welcome. I think that by greater dialogue we can shape each others' views."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 12:28 PM

The Church of Scotland will hold its first one-day conference in 74 years on Saturday 28 May. More than a thousand Christians from Scotland and abroad are expected to gather in Edinburgh's International Conference Centre "to see and hear what God is doing in their churches".
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 12:27 PM

A former Moderator of the General Assembly, Dr Iain Torrance, is to represent the Church of Scotland at the installation of Pope Benedict XVI. He will also represent the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, an international communion of some 200 member churches and 75 million Christians.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 12:23 PM

Bishop Vincent Logan of Dunkeld, said Pope Benedict XVI was an outstanding theologian and a man of great intellect. "Like Pope John Paul II, he is a first-class communicator, speaking several languages fluently. The Holy Father will, I'm sure, take forward the great achievements of his predecessor, but he is very much his own man and will inevitably put his stamp on the Church and the world."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 12:22 PM

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Galloway said he was surprised by the choice of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope and the speed with which the Conclave reached a decision. "I had thought that at 78 years of age, he was too old," said the Rt Rev John Cunningham. "Then my mind went back to 1958, when I was 20 years of age and a student for the priesthood. I remember how disappointed I was by the election of Pope John XXIII. He was already in his 78th year, and appeared to have been chosen as a stop-gap Pope. He indeed had a short Pontificate - just five years, but it was a very significant five years. He was after all the instigator of the Second Vatican Council."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 12:19 PM

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, is to attend the inauguration of the new pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday 24 April in St Peter's Square in Rome. Archbishop Rowan will become the first serving Archbishop of Canterbury to attend such an occasion, at least since the Reformation. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has indicated its 'great delight' that he will be attending.
Source: Anglican Communion News Service.
posted at 12:15 PM

A Sheriff has attacked Rangers for not banning a season-ticket holder who hurled sectarian abuse at an Old Firm clash. Sheriff James Taylor reacted angrily after hearing the Ibrox club had not booted out Kenneth Rodgers. Sheriff Taylor said: "I find it surprising and disappointing that Rangers Football Club, being so public recently decrying sectarianism, should only administer a warning."
Source: Evening Times, Glasgow.
posted at 9:15 PM

Pope Benedict XVI today pledged to work to unify all Christians as he outlined his goals during the first mass of his pontificate. Benedict said his "primary task" would be to work without fail to reunify all Christians and that sentiment alone was not enough. In a message read in Latin to cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church said: "Concrete acts that enter souls and move consciences are needed." The 78-year-old said he wanted to continue "an open and sincere dialogue" with other religions and would do everything in his power to improve the ecumenical cause. Benedict referred to John Paul several times in his message, including a reference to the late Pope's final will, where John Paul said he hoped new generations would draw on the work of the Second Vatican Council, the 1962-65 meeting that modernised the church. "I too ... want to affirm with decisive willingness to follow in the commitment of carrying out the Second Vatican Council, in the wake of my predecessors and in faithful continuity with the 2000-year-old tradition of the church," he said.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 9:10 PM

The last surviving Scottish soldiers from the Second World War will parade together for the final time in Edinburgh on July 10. Representatives from all the Scottish regiments who took part in the fight against the Nazis will march to St Giles' Cathedral for a service of remembrance.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 9:06 PM

The Scottish Episcopal Church has welcomed the election of the new Pope. The Rt Rev Idris Jones, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway and senior bishop, said: "We send the assurance of our prayers for him as he leads his Church forward. Our hope will be that under his leadership the church will continue to work for the poor and underprivileged in the world, and that the cause of unity among all Christians will be encouraged, as well as co-operation with those of other faiths."
Source: Scottish Episcopal Church news release.
posted at 12:40 PM

The Old Firm united yesterday in a bid to tackle sectarianism in Glasgow's schools. Celtic captain Jackie McNamara and Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson were at the launch, along with Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain and Parkhead counterpart Peter Lawwell. The Old Firm Alliance got £300,000 from the Scottish Executive and £140,000 from the clubs. Kids in 140 primary schools in Glasgow will be coached by Old Firm staff and 16 Alliance Football Centres will be created.
Source: Daily Record.
posted at 12:38 PM

Kwik-Fit entrepreneur Tom Farmer said of the election of the new Pope: "I think for many people it will come as a surprise, even though he was one of the favourites. I think many people thought the new Pope might mark a change of direction."
Source: Daily Record.
posted at 12:32 PM

Father Patrick Burke, who has parishes in Bannockburn and Cowie in Stirlingshire and is editor of Faith magazine, got to know Pope Benedict XVI in the 1990s when studying at the Teutonic College in Rome. "'He is just a genuinely lovely, generous and caring man," said Fr Burke. "I would not describe him as a conservative figure. I think that in 26 years he chose to speak out on matters of doctrine on only about four occasions, and even then it was as a last resort ... He told people that the Catholic faith cannot tolerate certain things and basically put it to them that they were either in or out."
Source: Daily Record.
posted at 12:31 PM

The Muslim Association of Britain's representatives in Edinburgh has confirmed with soft drinks manufacturer AG Barr that Irn Bru contains alcohol, but in such a small amount as to be virtually negligible. Sohaib Saeed was then able to issue guidance to the Capital's Muslim community reassuring them that they would not go against the teachings of their religion by drinking it. Mr Saeed, who also co-edits a Muslim newspaper, The I-Witness, said: "The controversy arose when Lucozade producers GlaxoSmithKline confirmed that some of their products contain 0.01 per cent of ethyl alcohol as an agent to carry flavouring." The European Council for Fatwah and Research said it was allowed for Muslims to drink the tiny amount of alcohol necessarily present in many soft drinks.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 12:27 PM

Paul Chitnis, chief executive of SCIAF, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland, expressed hope that the new Pope would continue Pope John Paul II's legacy "of promoting social justice, challenging the imbalance between rich Western nations and the developing world, promoting peace, and placing development issues at the centre of his papacy".
Source: The Herald.
posted at 12:16 PM

Universities in Tayside and Fife have no plans to remove Bibles from students' rooms. There has been no demand for such action following a call by the students' union of Stirling University for Gideon Bibles to be taken out of residences.
Source: Dundee Courier.
posted at 12:12 PM

"John Paul II left the Catholic Church with many outstanding problems that the new Pope cannot afford to ignore, especially in Europe, where regular attendance at Mass has declined and the number of new priests is at an all-time low," says a Scotsman editorial. "Perhaps the fact that the Cardinals have chosen a European as Pope, rather than an African or a Latin American, implies that the church is ready to confront these issues in its traditional heartland."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 12:06 PM

The Catholic Church is in safe hands now, writes Hugh Farmer, former editor of the Scottish Catholic Observer. "I would describe Pope Benedict XVI as a man of his time who will be a progressive Pope and I am sure there are exciting times ahead in the Catholic Church. But the reassuring thought is that the Church is in a very safe pair of hands who will continue to be a faithful guardian of the orthodoxy of the Catholic Church ... While he might have refused to do it before, he will listen to requests from bishops in various corners of the world and be prepared to listen to their arguments and debates for changes. I have in mind the law on contraceptives for example in countries like Africa. The request from there for freedom to use contraceptives will not be to prevent contraception but to fight the battle against Aids. For such a genuine plea I hope that we will find the hard-liner 'henchman' will mellow as Pope."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 12:04 PM

Operation Christian Vote will field nine candidates in Scotland in the General Election on May 5.
Source: The Herald.
posted at 11:52 AM

Following the election of the new Pope, Cardinal Keith O'Brien said: "It has been a great joy for me to share with my brother Cardinals in the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI. He is a man of deep spirituality, a renowned theologian and a wonderful choice as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. The election of a Pope is a time of joy and hope for Catholics in Scotland and around the world. I am sure that Scotland's Catholics and all people of goodwill in our country will join with me in asking God's fullest blessings on our new Pope ... May our new Pope work for peace throughout the world following the example of his earlier predecessor Pope Benedict XV who died at the time of the First World War. St Benedict is one of the patron saints of Europe; may he inspire us as we remember Europe's Christian roots and may our new Pope also keep before his own mind and ours the final words in St Benedict's rule: 'Place no one before Christ'. I have been greatly privileged, to have been involved in the election of a successor to St. Peter and to have been present in Rome at the historic moment when a new pontificate began. As I stood on the balcony with the Pope earlier this afternoon looking down on the vast crowds in St. Peter's square, I was delighted to see a Scotland's flag being held aloft by someone in the crowd, reminding me of the day some 18 months ago when I became a Cardinal and flew the same flag in that magnificent Square."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 8:20 PM

Following the election of the new Pope, Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow said: "I know the new Pope personally ... He is a very humble, personable man, quite different from the hardline 'enforcer' image which is often portrayed of him. He is a man of great theological ability, linguistically talented, kindly of manner and of enormous pastoral and administrative experience ... The choice of name is interesting, and I would say, inspiring. The last Pope to bear that name, Benedict XV, was a man of enormous humility who spent himself in the cause of peace. I think we may find a clue to the style of pontificate we are likely to see in that choice of name."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 7:13 PM

Right Reverend Peter Moran, Bishop of Aberdeen, welcomed the new Pope. "On a human level and on a political level the choice is very interesting," he said. "He may be elderly in years, but he is vigorous, clear-headed, widely read, cultured and very very experienced. I look forward to a steady but energetic pontificate."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 7:10 PM

The Archbishop of Glasgow, Mario Conti, said he would consider sending Pope Benedict XVI an early invitation to visit Scotland. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Dr Allison Elliot, urged the new Pope to continue working with other churches. "As the representative of a sister church I am particularly interested in how he is going to relate to other churches. I hope he will continue the work that Pope John Paul II did in trying to open up relations with other churches and other faiths."
Source: BBC Scotland News.
posted at 6:11 PM

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected as the pope - the head of the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics. Taking the name Pope Benedict XVI, the 78-year-old German appeared on the balcony of the Vatican palace. He was chosen on the third round of votes by the 115 cardinals meeting to select Pope John Paul II's successor. Giving a short address in Italian to the crowds gathered below the new pope paid homage to his predecessor Pope John Paul II saying: "Dear brothers and sisters after the great Pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the Lord's vineyard. The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers. In the joy of the resurrected Lord, we go on with his help. He is going to help us and Mary will be on our side. Thank you."
Source: BBC News.
posted at 6:08 PM

Hearts FC are to set up a working party to help stamp out sectarianism at Tynecastle. The move comes after the Gorgie club was forced to apologise to both Celtic and the Scottish Football Association after their fans jeered a minute's silence for Pope John Paul II before the team's recent Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final clash at Hampden Park.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 2:57 PM

The Assembly Hall on The Mound in Edinburgh, which houses the Church of Scotland's annual General Assembly, is to be used as an Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue for the first time this year.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News.
posted at 2:50 PM

Paisley Development Trust has applied for a grant for almost £2500 from Renfrewshire Council to cast a replica of a 17th century horseshoe which which marked the communal grave of six men and women who were hanged and publicly burned for witchcraft in 1697. Piero Pieraccini, treasurer of the Trust, blamed high rates of violent crime, hardship and natural disasters, including flooding in the town, on the disappearance of the horseshoe in the 1970s.
Source: The Herald.
posted at 7:00 AM

Offerings to the Church of Scotland increased by 2.7% last year despite a continuing decline in communicant membership. The board of stewardship and finance said in a report: "The teaching of Christian giving is the top priority in the promotion of Christian stewardship." It added: "The board is conscious of the need for more information about how the Church spends the money that is given-locally, nationally and globally. This information must make the connection between spending money and the sharing and spreading of the gospel."
Source: Dundee Courier.
posted at 6:48 AM

An English historian is claiming that the legend of St Andrew is based on a misunderstanding by our Pictish forefathers. Simon Young claims in AD500: A Journey Through the Dark Isles of Britain and Ireland that the Picts adopted Andrew, Christ's first disciple, as their saint, because they mistranslated the writings of Dark Ages churchmen. Legend has it that four centuries after Andrew's death, some of his bones arrived here, in one version through the monk St Regulus (St Rule) who was shipwrecked on the coast of Fife and settled at Kilrymont, and the church which he founded there became an important place of pilgrimage and the seat of the Bishop of St Andrews. "St Regulus is a complete invention," said. "The whole thing is."
Source: The Herald.
posted at 6:35 AM

The Church of Scotland is to turn to art, music and drama in an attempt to boost its congregations. The Kirk will kick off a series of events with a national arts festival at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre next month. Rev Albert Bogle, convener of the Church Without Walls planning group, said that the aim was to highlight a "renaissance" in the Church's involvement in the arts. "It's about the Church becoming a patron of the arts and encouraging people to come to us through it. I don't think we have to go far to look for it; there is a great deal of work being done within our congregations and we want to bring it out for people to see."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 6:26 AM

A leading expert on Scotland's historic buildings has refused to condemn the wreckers who destroyed ancient churches during the Reformation. The great cathedrals in St Andrews and Elgin, as well as Kelso Abbey, "which must have been an extraordinary church", were among those reduced to rubble. But John Hume, a former chief inspector of historic buildings and the author of a new book, Scotland's Best Churches, said: "They were doing what they felt they ought to do. Every generation has to make its own contribution. Sometimes that involves destruction as well as construction."
Source: The Scotsman.
posted at 6:24 AM

An 11th hour deal has been struck that will bring filming of the blockbuster movie based on the bestselling book The Da Vinci Code to Rosslyn Chapel. The village of Roslin is now preparing for an invasion of A-list celebrities when Tom Hanks, who plays the book's hero Professor Robert Langdon, and Amélie star Audrey Tautou fly in for an eight-day shoot in August. Oscar-winning director Ron Howard last week mingled with tourists and worshippers on a visit to the site, after a deal to secure permission to film there had been thrashed out with the trustees.
Source: Scotland on Sunday.
posted at 9:37 PM

The Scottish Synod of the United Reformed Church has inducted a new Moderator. Rev John Humphreys takes up post for an initial period of seven years in succession to Rev John Arthur.
Source: United Reformed Church Synod of Scotland.
posted at 4:25 PM

Cardinal Keith O'Brien joins his fellow Cardinals tomorrow in the Conclave to elect a successor to Pope John Paul II. "This is the beginning of a great and serious 'retreat' for myself and my fellow cardinals as we prepare in a spirit of deep prayer and recollection for the election of a successor to Pope John Paul II," he said. "I have been intensely moved by the outpourings of love for the late Pope - both in Scotland and here in Rome at the beautiful and dignified funeral. I pray to God that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire all the cardinals as we pray and work to find a suitable successor to John Paul Ii as our Supreme Pastor."
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office news release.
posted at 3:20 PM

Dr Robert Lomas, believed to be the inspiration for the hero of Dan Brown's bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code, and credited with revealing the secrets of Rosslyn Chapel on which the cult book is based, is to publish a no-holds-barred account of the secret initiation ceremony of a freemason, Turning the Hiram Key. However, his bid to go public has provoked outrage from fellow freemasons, who believe Lomas has betrayed the trust of the ancient organisation, first founded in Scotland in the 15th century. Jim Munro, a Scottish freemason who gives tours of Rosslyn Chapel, said the revelations detracted from the ancient and mystic attraction of the clandestine order. "If anybody can buy it and read it on the bus eating a takeaway, then the essence of something ancient and mystical will die," he said.
Source: Sunday Times.
posted at 8:52 AM

The Rev Iain Torrance, former Moderator of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly and now the sixth president of Princeton Theological Seminary, envisions growth and civility for America's largest and oldest Presbyterian institution. "This seminary has an enormous potential to do good, to be at the forefront of changing the agenda in theological education," he said. When asked for his views over the issue of homosexuality, he said: "The posing of that question is itself part of the issue. That Americans are extremely hungry for single answers and solutions, and a search for 'one side or the other' is not going to lead to an improvement here. I am chiefly concerned by the divisiveness that such debates have produced and the way in which either side demonizes the other." He sees an opportunity to learn from nondenominational 'megachurches', which are growing at a phenomenal rate. "The growth of the megachurches is a testimony to the vitality of Christian spirituality in America. ... I am very interested in engaging in dialogue with them. ... I believe that institutions like this one have much to say to the megachurches, but we also have much to learn."
Source: Christian Post.
posted at 6:29 PM

Internationally-known charity Blythswood has been forced to close its shop in the Wester Ross village of Lochcarron for commercial reasons. Blythswood chief executive James Campbell admitted it was "a difficult and regrettable decision" due to the special relationship between Lochcarron and the founder of Blythswood, the late Rev Jackie Ross. Blythswood has grown from a Christian tract society founded by Mr Ross in 1966 to a worldwide relief organisation from which 13 million people benefit every year. It has an annual turnover of about £5 million, dozens of full-time and part-time staff and hundreds of volunteers.
Source: Aberdeen Press & Journal.
posted at 12:08 PM

In the May issue of Life & Work, the Church of Scotland magazine, the Moderator-Designate, the Rev David Lacy, says the Church should stop 'talking itself down' and take pride in itself and its myriad of achievements. Dr Tony Toft, consultant physician at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, makes a plea for politics to be kept out of the nation's health care. And in a piece to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day, retired brigadier Frank Coutts emphasises the necessity of the armed forces - provided they are subject to stringent controls.
Source: Church of Scotland news release.
posted at 12:01 PM

Orphans from Uganda visited Caithness at the weekend, and hundreds of delighted churchgoers responded by raising thousands of pounds for youngsters affected by war, famine and disease in the developing world. A congregation of more than 300 at St Peter's and St Andrew's Church in Thurso and a further 500 at Pulteneytown Parish Church, Wick, listened to the spirited sounds of the Watoto Children's Choir at services on Sunday. Wick minister Bill Wallace said: "Everyone was singing and dancing and I think the folk were thrilled."
Source: Caithness Courier.
posted at 11:57 AM

Headstones have been desecrated at Strathbrock Parish Church in Uphall in West Lothian, with some of the table-style gravestones knocked over and another daubed with graffiti.
Source: West Lothian Courier.
posted at 11:44 AM

Thousands are expected to flock to a north-east port later this month for an extravaganza of Christian songs of praise. Fraserburgh will be the main base for Scotland's seventh annual Gospel Music Convention. The town's 1,500-capacity leisure centre will play host to scores of singers and musicians from as far afield as America, Canada and Norway throughout the three-day event.
Source: Aberdeen Press & Journal.
posted at 11:20 AM

Paddy Power's on-line bookies is offering odds of 20-1 against Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, being elected as successor to Pope John Paul II. Cardinal O'Brien is joint 10th favourite to emerge as the next Pope with Italian Cardinal Ruini and Jose Da Cruz from Portugal.
Source: Belfast Telegraph.
posted at 11:03 AM

Stirling University Students' Association wants Gideons Bibles taken out of all 2,000 student rooms. Citing the Scottish Executive's One Scotland Many Cultures campaign, it said providing the Bible in university accommodation was "presumptuous" and offensive to different religions on the campus. A former chaplain at the university said it was wrong to remove a book from a bedroom in a place of learning. The Reverend John Munro, of Kinross Parish Church, said: "I think there is an agenda here, seemingly politically correct. There is actually a hostility towards faith by those who have none. This is repeating the worst of our errors, where the Christian faith used to have an intolerant attitude towards people of no faith."
Source: BBC Scotland News.
posted at 10:59 AM