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Church entrepreneurs make a difference

In many local communities across Scotland the church plays a crucial role in developing community projects to help and support people.

In the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, on 3-4 May 2008, Church Without Walls 2008: The National Gathering will provide an opportunity for social entrepreneurs from Scotland's churches to come together and share with others what they are doing to inspire and encourage others to make a difference in their own communities and in the lives of people around the world.

Church Without Walls is a phrase that is helping many people who have been estranged from the church reconnect with faith again. Often it has been through a desire to help the poor, either at home or abroad.

Over the last year five years the Vine Trust, which is headed by two church ministers, Rev Willie McPherson and Rev Albert Bogle, has set up a health service for over 100,000 people on the Amazon, opened a medical clinic in the jungle, sent out two hospital ships to work on the Amazon, opened 5 homes for street children and has given the opportunity for over 1000 volunteers from Scotland to help others in the Amazon. This work has been supported in part by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland.

Andrew Muirhead, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, said: "The Church of Scotland is extremely lucky to have a number of fantastic social entrepreneurs working as ministers.

"Some of the most groundbreaking projects we fund are led by Ministers who show great vision in the work they are leading both in Scotland and across the world."

Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland are a grantmaking trust distributing in excess of £7 million each year to recognised charities throughout Scotland.

Their aim is to support and work in partnership with charities which help people, especially those who are disadvantaged or disabled to play a fuller role in communities throughout Scotland.

Full story at the Church of Scotland.