THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

General Assembly 2024

ASSEMBLY PAPER

SATURDAY 18 MAY – THURSDAY 23 MAY

WORSHIP AND ORDER OF BUSINESS

minutes

after election of commissioners, youth representatives and delegates

other CORRECTIONS

report on the printing of acts and regulations

intimations

Note: This Paper will be amended/expanded on each of Tuesday 21 May, Wednesday 22 May and Thursday 23 May so please check back on the mornings of those days for the latest version.

Scottish Charity Number: SC011353

WORSHIP AND ORDER OF BUSINESS

Day 1 - Saturday 18 May 2024 – Opening Day

Session 1: 10.00 am

1.      Constitution of Assembly

Prayer       

Hymn CH 198:      Let us build a house where love can dwell

1. Let us build a house where love can dwell

and all can safely live,

a place where saints and children tell

how hearts learn to forgive;

built of hopes and dreams and visions,

rock of faith and vault of grace;

here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

All are welcome,

all are welcome,

all are welcome in this place.

2. Let us build a house where prophets speak,

and words are strong and true,

where all God’s children dare to seek

to dream God’s reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness

and as symbol of God’s grace;

here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:

3. Let us build a house where love is found

in water, wine and wheat:

a banquet hall on holy ground,

where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus,

is revealed in time and space,

as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:

4. Let us build a house where hands will reach

beyond the wood and stone

to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,

and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast and the stranger

bear the image of God’s face;

let us bring an end to fear and danger:

5. Let us build a house where all are named,

their songs and visions heard

and loved and treasured, taught and claimed

as words within the Word.

Built of tears and cries and laughter,

prayers of faith and songs of grace,

let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:

Words and Music: Marty Haugen (b.1950, USA) © 1994 GIA Publications Inc., 747 S. Mason Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638, USA. Used by permission.

Readings:      Micah 6:8 and Matthew 13:31-32

      Reader: Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk

Reflection      

Prayer       

2.      Submission of Roll of Commissioners.

3.      Election of Moderator and Prayer of Consecration.

4.      Commission to the Lord High Commissioner to be read and order given for recording it.

5.      His Majesty’s Most Gracious Letter to be read and order given for recording it.

6.      Address by the Lord High Commissioner and reply by the Moderator.

7      Address by Retiring Moderator.

8.      Appointment of the Committee to Prepare Answer to His Majesty’s Most Gracious Letter.

9.      Report of the Standing Committee on Commissions.

10.      Submission of the Standing Orders.

11.      Appointment of the Procedure Committee.

12.      Appointment of Panel of Tellers.

13.      Appointment of Committee to prepare a minute on Deceased Ministers, Missionaries and Deacons.

14.      Intimation of arrangements for a celebration of Holy Communion on Monday 20 May, at 9.15 am in the Assembly Hall and online.

Circulation Break

Session 2

1.      Presentation of Delegates and Visitors.

2.      Section 2 of the Report of the Legal Questions Committee regarding proposed changes to Standing Orders.

3.      Report of the Assembly Business Committee (Reports 1/1).

4.      Report of the Scottish Bible Society and Presentation of Bible to Moderator (Reports 1/5).

Lunch

Session 3: 2.00 pm

1.      Report of the Legal Questions Committee (Reports 2/1).

2.      Minute of the Commission of Assembly (Reports 3/1).

3.      Minute of the Appeal Hearing before the Ministries Appeal Panel (Reports 4/1).

4.      Report of the Delegation of the General Assembly (Reports 5/1).

Circulation Break

Session 4

1.      Report of the Ecumenical Relations Committee (Reports 6/1).

2.      Report of the Chalmers Lectureship Trust (Reports 7/1).

Day 2 - Monday 20 May 2024

Sacrament of Holy Communion: 9.15 am

Theme:       We are known by name

Let us worship God

Hymn CH685:      For everyone born a place at the table

1. For everyone born, a place at the table,

for everyone born, clean water and bread,

a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,

for everyone born, a star overhead.

And God will delight

when we are creators of justice and joy,

yes, God will delight

when we are creators of justice,

justice and joy!

2. For woman and man, a place at the table,

revising the roles, deciding the share,

with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,

for woman and man, a system that’s fair.

3. For young and for old, a place at the table,

a voice to be heard, a part in the song,

the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,

for young and for old, the right to belong.

4. For just and unjust, a place at the table,

abuser, abused, with need to forgive,

in anger, in hurt, a mind-set of mercy,

for just and unjust, a new way to live.

5. For everyone born, a place at the table,

to live without fear, and simply to be,

to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,

for everyone born, the right to be free.

Words: Shirley Erena Murray (1931-2020, New Zealand) © 1998 Hope Publishing Company <www.hopepublishing.com>. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Music: Lori True (b.1961, USA) © 2001 GIA Publications Inc., 747 S. Mason Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638, USA. Used by permission.

Call to Prayer:       Psalm 139: 1

Prayer            

Reading:      Matthew 25:31-46      

      Reader: Ms Christine Paterson, Depute Clerk

Reflection

Hymn CH 19:       Ye gates, lift up your heads on high (Psalm 24) (unaccompanied)

1. Ye gates, lift up your heads on high;

ye doors that last for aye,

be lifted up, that so the King

of glory enter may.

But who of glory is the King?

The mighty Lord is this;

even that same Lord that great in might

and strong in battle is.

Even that same Lord that great in might

and strong in battle is.

2. Ye gates, lift up your heads; ye doors,

doors that do last for aye,

be lifted up, that so the King

of glory enter may.

But who is he that is the King,

the King of glory? who is this?

The Lord of hosts, and none but he,

the King of glory is.

The Lord of hosts, and none but he,

the King of glory is.

Alleluia! alleluia!

alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

Amen, amen, amen.

Words: Psalm 24, verses 7-10, The Scottish Psalter, 1929

Music (ST GEORGE’S EDINBURGH): Andrew Mitchell Thomson (1778-1831, Scotland)

Celebration of Holy Communion

Hymn CH 251: I, the Lord of Sea and Sky

1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin

my hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night,

I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.

Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord,

if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them.

They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,

give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my Word to them.

Whom shall I send?

3. I, the Lord of wind and flame,

I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them.

My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide

till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them.

Whom shall I send?

Words and Music: Daniel L. Schutte (b.1947, USA) © 1981 OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213, USA. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Circulation Break

Session 5: 10.30 am

Hymn GWA 42:      God welcomes all

God welcomes all, strangers and friends;

God’s love is strong and it never ends.

Words: John L. Bell (b.1949, Scotland) © 2008 WGRG, The Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland

Music (THEMBA AMEN): South African traditional transcribed by John L. Bell (b.1949, Scotland) at the Sunrise Hospice, Themba

Prayer

1.      Report of the Procedure Committee.

2.      Report of the Assembly Trustees (Reports 8/1).

Lunch

Session 6: 2.00 pm

1.      Order of the Day – Strathaven Learning Community Choir: 'I Believe' from the Album ‘A Choral Setting of the Diary of Anne Frank’ and 'On my Way' from Disney’s Brother Bear by Phil Collins.

2.      Report of the Assembly Trustees contd. (Reports 8/1).

3.      Report of the Committee on Overtures and Cases – Returns to Overtures (Reports 9/1).

4.      Report of the Theological Forum (Reports 10/1).

Circulation Break

Session 7:

1.      Report of the Theological Forum contd. (Reports 10/1.

2.      Interim Report of the Joint working group from the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team and the Theological Forum on Assisted Dying (Reports 11/1).

3.      Report of the Registration of Ministries Committee (Reports 12/1).

4.      Report of the Church Hymnary Trustees (Reports 13/1).

Day 3 - Tuesday 21 May 2024

Session 8: 9.15 am

Theme:       We are part of the body

1.      Constitution of Assembly

Let us worship God

Hymn CH 425:      The Saviour died, but rose again (Paraphrase 48 vv.5-9) (unaccompanied)

1. The Saviour died, but rose again

triumphant from the grave;

and pleads our cause at God’s right hand,

omnipotent to save.

2. Who then can e’er divide us more

from Jesus and his love,

or break the sacred chain that binds

the earth to heaven above?

3. Let troubles rise, and terrors frown,

and days of darkness fall;

through him all dangers we’ll defy,

and more than conquer all.

4. Nor death nor life, nor earth nor hell,

nor time’s destroying sway,

can e’er efface us from his heart,

or make his love decay.

5. Each future period that will bless,

as it has blessed the past:

he loved us from the first of time,

he loves us to the last.

Words: Scottish Paraphrases, 1781, Romans 8:34

end

Music: (ST ANDREW TANS’UR): Melody in Tans’ur’s

New Harmony of Zion, 1764

Call to Prayer:       Hebrews 10:24

Prayer

Readings:      Ephesians 4:11-16 and John 2:18-22      

            Reader: Rev Julie Rennick, Presbytery Clerk of Forth Valley and Clydesdale

Reflection

Hymn GWA 128: As the wind song through the trees

1. As the wind song through the trees,

as the stirring of the breeze,

so it is with the Spirit of God,

as the heart made strangely warm,

as the voice within the storm,

so it is with the Spirit of God.

Never seen, ever known

where this wind has blown

bringing life, bringing power to the world,

as the dancing tongues of fire,

as the soul’s most deep desire,

so it is with the Spirit of God.

2. As the rainbow after rain,

as the hope that’s born again,

so it is with the Spirit of God,

as the green in the spring,

as a kite on a string,

so it is with the Spirit of God,

making worlds that are new,

making peace come true,

bringing gifts, bringing love to the world,

as the rising of the yeast,

as the wine at the feast,

so it is with the Spirit of God.

Words: Shirley Erena Murray (1931-2020, New Zealand) © 2005 Hope Publishing Company <www.hopepublishing.com>. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Music (WAIRUA TAPU): 林瑞峰 Lim Swee Hong (b.1963, Singapore) © 2005 Hope Publishing Company <www.hopepublishing.com>. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

2.      Minutes.

3.      Report of the Procedure Committee.

4.      Report of the Social Care Council (Reports 14/1).

Circulation Break

Session 9

1.      Report of the Church of Scotland Guild (Reports 15/1).

2.      Report and Supplementary Report of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (“FAPLT”) (including the Overtures from the Presbytery of Glasgow and the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders) (Reports 16/1 and Order of Proceedings pp. 19, 20 and 23).

Lunch

Session 10: 2.00 pm

1.      Order of the Day – CrossReach Makaton Choir.

Hymn CH 189:      Be still, for the presence of the Lord

1. Be still, for the presence of the Lord,

the Holy One, is here;

come bow before him now

with reverence and fear:

in him no sin is found —

we stand on holy ground.

Be still, for the presence of the Lord,

the Holy One, is here.

2. Be still, for the glory of the Lord

is shining all around;

he burns with holy fire,

with splendour he is crowned:

how awesome is the sight —

our radiant king of light!

Be still, for the glory of the Lord

is shining all around.

3. Be still, for the power of the Lord

is moving in this place;

he comes to cleanse and heal,

to minister his grace:

no work too hard for him —

in faith receive from him.

Be still, for the power of the Lord

is moving in this place.

Words and Music: David J. Evans (b.1957, England) © 1986 Administered by worshiptogether.com songs excl. UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook & Curious? Music/Administered by Kingswaysongs tym@kingsway.co.uk. Used by permission.

2.      Report of FAPLT contd. (including the Overtures from the Presbytery of Glasgow and the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders) (Reports 16/1 and Order of Proceedings pp. 19 & 20).

Circulation Break

Session 11

1.      Supplementary Report of FAPLT (Order of Proceedings p. 23).

Day 4 - Wednesday 22 May 2024

Session 12: 9.15 am

Theme: We are called to build together

1.      Constitution of Assembly

Let us worship God

Hymn GWA 129: Come set your rule and reign (Build your kingdom here)

1. Come set your rule and reign

in our hearts again.

Increase in us, we pray.

Unveil why we’re made.

Come set our hearts ablaze with hope,

like wildfire in our very souls.

Holy Spirit, come invade us now.

We are your Church;

we need your power in us.

2. We seek your kingdom first,

we hunger and we thirst,

refuse to waste our lives,

for you’re our joy and prize.

To see the captive hearts released;

the hurt, the sick, the poor at peace,

we lay down our lives for heaven’s cause.

We are your Church;

we pray: revive this earth.

Build your kingdom here,

let the darkness fear.

Show your mighty hand,

heal our streets and land.

Set your Church on fire,

win this nation back.

Change the atmosphere,

build your kingdom here, we pray!

3. Unleash your kingdom’s power,

reaching the near and far.

No force of hell can stop

your beauty changing hearts.

You made us for much more than this;

awake the kingdom seed in us.

Fill us with the strength and love of Christ.

We are your Church;

we are the hope on earth.

Build your kingdom here ...

Words and Music: Chris Llewellyn (b.1984, Northern Ireland), Gareth Gilkeson (b.1980, Northern Ireland) and William Herron (b.1983, Northern Ireland) © 2011 Thankyou Music. Admin. by Integrity Music Ltd.

Call to Prayer:       1 Thessalonians 5:11

Prayer

Readings:      Psalm 127:1-2

      Philippians 2:1-11 (to be read in Gaelic)

      Reader: Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison, Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian

1 If the Lord does not build the house,
    the work of the builders is useless;
if the Lord does not protect the city,
    it does no good for the sentries to stand guard.
2 It is useless to work so hard for a living,
    getting up early and going to bed late.
For the Lord provides for those he loves,
    while they are asleep.

Philippians 2:1-11

2 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit,[a] and you have kindness and compassion for one another. 2 I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 3 Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. 4 And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own. 5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:

6 He always had the nature of God,
    but he did not think that by force he should try to remain[b] equal with God.
7 Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had,
    and took the nature of a servant.
He became like a human being
    and appeared in human likeness.
8 He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—
    his death on the cross.
9 For this reason God raised him to the highest place above
    and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
10 And so, in honour of the name of Jesus
    all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below[c]
    will fall on their knees,
11 and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection

Hymn CH 81:      I to the hills will lift mine eyes (Psalm 121) (unaccompanied)

1. I to the hills will lift mine eyes.

From whence doth come mine aid?

My safety cometh from the Lord,

who heaven and earth hath made.

2. Thy foot he’ll not let slide, nor will

he slumber that thee keeps.

Behold, he that keeps Israel,

he slumbers not, nor sleeps.

3. The Lord thee keeps, the Lord thy shade

on thy right hand doth stay:

the moon by night thee shall not smite,

nor yet the sun by day.

4. The Lord shall keep thy soul; he shall

preserve thee from all ill.

Henceforth thy going out and in

God keep for ever will.

Words: Psalm 121, The Scottish Psalter, 1929

Music (FRENCH / DUNDEE): Melody from Scottish

Psalter, 1615

2.      Minutes.

3.      Report of the Procedure Committee.

4.      Report of the Committee to draft a reply to His Majesty’s Most Gracious Letter.

5.      Report of the Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces (Reports 17/1).

Circulation Break

Session 13

1.      Report of the Safeguarding Committee (Reports 18/1).

2.      Report of the Iona Community Board (Reports 19/1).

3.      Report of the Church of Scotland Pension Trustees (Reports 20/1).

4.      Report of the Church of Scotland Investors Trust (Reports 21/1).

5.      Report of the Ethical Oversight Committee (Reports 22/1).

Lunch

Session 14: 2.00 pm

Hymn GWA 47:      Come, all you wounded and weary (You are welcome here)

1. Come, all you wounded and weary.

Come, all you heavy of heart.

Come with your fear and your burden.

Come with your pain and your scars.

2. Come to the ocean of mercy.

Be revived, renewed and refreshed.

Wherever you are, no matter how far,

come, find your peace and your rest.

You are welcome here; come as you are.

You are welcome here, with open arms.

Bring your burdens, bring your pain,

bring your sorrow and shame.

You are welcome here; come as you are.

3. Come, all you tired and lonely,

all you anxious who long for your place.

Bring your addictions and battles;

find your forgiveness and strength.

You are welcome here …

Open your heart; discover your place and your

purpose.

Open your eyes; see the new life that awaits

you here.

You are welcome here …

You are welcome here; come as you are.

You are welcome here; come as you are.

Words and Music: Chris Muglia (b.1971, USA) © 2017 Chris Muglia. Published by Spirit & Song®, a division of OCP. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Hymn GWA 222: El mensaje que hoy proclamamos / Hear the message we now are proclaiming

1. Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing justice and peace for creation.

Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing justice and peace for creation.

With faith and with love

and with hope we will build a new world.

With faith and with love

and with hope we will build a new world.

2. Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing new life to those who are poorest.

Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing new life to those who are poorest.

3. Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing freedom to all who are captives.

Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing freedom to all who are captives.

4. Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing comfort to all those who suffer.

Hear the message we now are proclaiming;

bringing comfort to all those who suffer.

1. El mensaje que hoy proclamamos,

es justicia, es paz para‿el mundo.

El mensaje que hoy proclamamos,

es justicia, es paz para‿el mundo.

La fe, el amor,

la‿esperanza de‿un mundo mejor.

La fe, el amor,

la‿esperanza de‿un mundo mejor.

2. El mensaje que hoy proclamamos

es dar nuevas de vida‿a los pobres.

El mensaje que hoy proclamamos

es dar nuevas de vida‿a los pobres.

3. El mensaje que hoy proclamamos:

anunciar libertad a los cautivos.

El mensaje que hoy proclamamos:

anunciar libertad a los cautivos.

4. El mensaje que hoy proclamamos:

aliviar del quebranto‿al que sufre.

El mensaje que hoy proclamamos:

aliviar del quebranto‿al que sufre.

Words (Spanish) and Music: Eleazar Torreglosa (Colombia) © 2007 Eleazar Torreglosa, Colombia

Translation: Betty Gregers Arendt (Denmark) adapted by Compilers of God Welcomes All, 2024 © Betty Gregers Arendt, Denmark

1.      Report and Supplementary Report of the General Trustees (Reports 23/1 and Order of Proceedings p. 28).

Circulation Break

Session 15:

1.      Report of the Trustees of the Housing and Loan Fund (Reports 24/1).

2.      Report of the Church of Scotland Trust (Reports 25/1).

Day 5 - Thursday 23 May 2024

Session 16: 9.15 am

Theme: We are to build on Christ's foundation

1.      Constitution of Assembly.

Let us worship God

Hymn CH 478:      Behold the amazing gift of love (Paraphrase 63) (unaccompanied)

1. Behold the amazing gift of love

the Father hath bestowed

on us, in calling us his own,

the children of our God!

2. Concealed as yet this honour lies,

by this dark world unknown,

a world that knew not when he came,

even God’s eternal Son.

3. High is the rank we now possess;

but higher we shall rise,

though what we shall hereafter be

is hid from mortal eyes.

4. Our souls, we know, when he appears,

shall bear his image bright;

for all his glory, full disclosed,

shall open to our sight.

5. A hope so great and so divine

may trials well endure;

and purge the soul from sense and sin,

as Christ himself is pure.

Words: Scottish Paraphrases, 1781 (altered by Compilers of Church Hymnary Fourth Edition, 2005), 1 John 3:1-3

Music: William Jones (1726-1800, England) from Ten Church Pieces for the Organ, Nayland, 1789

Call to Prayer:      Ephesians 2:20-22

Prayer

Readings:      1 Corinthians 3:5-11 and Matthew 7: 24-27      

      Reader: Catherine McIntosh, PA to the Moderator

Reflection

Hymn GWA 82: Here and now we're bound together

1. Here and now we’re bound together:

held in one divine embrace.

Help us see, in one another,

difference as a gift of grace.

As each passing generation

worships you in fresh new ways,

join our songs with all creation,

lift our voice to sing your praise.

2. Lord, affirm our shared vocation:

may we bring your plans to birth,

build your Church on sure foundations,

fit to serve a troubled earth.

Growing, praying, sharing, learning,

deep in wisdom, broad in scope,

love-revealing, truth-discerning,

living out the gospel hope.

3. In your work of transformation

you are making all things new.

Stir our hearts’ imagination,

call us now to work with you.

Send us out to share your mission;

show us each our part to play

as we live the Great Commission

joyful in the world today.

Words: Ally Barrett (b.1975, England) © Ally Barrett

/ Jubilate. Admin. by Jubilate Hymns Ltd.

<copyrightmanager@jubilatehymns.co.uk>. Used by

permission.

Music (HYFRYDOL): Melody by Rowland Hugh

Pritchard (1811-1887, Wales)

2.      Minutes.

3.      Report of the Procedure Committee.

4.      Report of the Nomination Committee (Reports 26/1).

5.      Report of the Selection Committee if required.

6.      Remaindered business if required.

Lunch

Session 17: 2.00 pm

Theme: Grow together in Christ

1.      Constitution of Assembly.

Let us worship God

Hymn CH 132:      Immortal, invisible, God only wise

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,

most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of

Days,

almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;

thy justice like mountains, high soaring above

thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness

and love.

3. To all, life thou givest, to both great and

small;

in all life thou livest, the true life of all;

we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,

and wither and perish, but naught changeth

thee.

4. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,

thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.

All praise we would render: O help us to see

’tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.

Words: Walter Chalmers Smith (1824–1908,

Scotland)

Music (ST DENIO / JOANNA): Welsh hymn melody,

1839, founded on a folk melody, slightly adapted

Call to Prayer:       Ephesians 6:10

Prayer

Reflection

Hymn CH 680:      You are called to tell the story

1. You are called to tell the story,

passing words of life along,

then to blend your voice with others,

as you sing the sacred song.

Christ be known in all our singing,

filling all with songs of love.

2. You are called to teach the rhythm

of the dance that never ends,

then to move within the circle,

hand in hand with strangers, friends.

Christ be known in all our dancing,

touching all with hands of love.

3. You are called to set the table,

blessing bread as Jesus blessed,

then to come with thirst and hunger,

needing care like all the rest,

Christ be known in all our sharing,

feeding all with signs of love.

4. May the One whose love is broader

than the measure of all space

give us words to sing the story,

move among us in this place.

Christ be known in all our living,

filling all with gifts of love.

Words: Ruth Duck (b.1947, USA) © 1992 GIA Publications Inc., 747 S. Mason Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638, USA. Used by permission.

Music (REGENT SQUARE): Henry Thomas Smart (1813-1879, England)

Reading:      Matthew 28:16-20      

      Reader: Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk

2.      Report anent Deceased Ministers, Missionaries and Deacons.

3.      Draft Minutes of Sederunts not yet submitted to be read if required.

4.      Report on the Printing of Acts.

5.      Protestations called for.

6.      Appointment of Committee to Prepare Minutes.

7.      Act appointing the Commission of Assembly.

8.      Act appointing the next General Assembly to meet in Edinburgh and online on Saturday 17 May 2025.

9.      Presentations to the Moderator.

10.      Moderator addresses the General Assembly.

11.      The Lord High Commissioner addresses the General Assembly.

12.      National Anthem.
God save our gracious King,
long live our noble King,
God save The King!
Send him victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us,
God save The King!

13.      Dissolution.

THE BENEDICTION

Note

It is hoped that this timetable will be adhered to but items could arise earlier or later than the times specified.

minutes

MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF

THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

CONVENED AT EDINBURGH, 18 MAY 2024

At Edinburgh, within the Assembly Hall, and also via video-conference using Zoom Meetings, on the 18th day of May 2024 at 10.00 am.

SESSION 1

After worship conducted by the Right Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, BA, BD, Moderator of the General Assembly, the Commissioners elected as members of the General Assembly appointed to be held this day convened within the Assembly Hall and via video-conference, and the General Assembly was duly constituted with prayer.

The Roll of Commissioners was laid on the table and had been circulated to Commissioners.

The General Assembly proceeded to the election of a Moderator, when it was unanimously agreed that the Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson BSc BD MSc DPT be appointed Moderator.

The appointment was intimated to Mr Paterson who was welcomed by the Moderator, and, after the Prayer of Consecration, took the Chair.

His Majesty’s Commission to His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, appointing him to represent His Royal Person in this Assembly, was then read with all due honour and respect and ordered to be recorded.

His Majesty’s Most Gracious Letter to the General Assembly was also read with all due honour and respect and ordered to be recorded.

His Royal Highness, The Lord High Commissioner, addressed the General Assembly in a speech and the Moderator made suitable reply.

The Moderator thanked the Retiring Moderator, the Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, for her distinguished and valued service during her year of office. The Retiring Moderator then addressed the General Assembly.

A Committee was appointed to prepare an answer to His Majesty’s Most Gracious Letter, viz:

Very Rev Prof David Fergusson            (4)

Mr Derek Peters                  (292)

Mrs Lynn Podger                   (339)

The Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Convener

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Standing Committee on Commissions, which was given in by the Principal Clerk who reported that all Commissions had been received and were in order.

The Principal Clerk reported that the Standing Orders of the General Assembly were laid on the table and had been circulated to Commissioners.

The General Assembly appointed a Procedure Committee to arrange the Order of Business, viz:

Rev Michael Mair, Convener

Rev Sheila Kirk, Vice-Convener

Moderator

Principal Clerk

Depute Clerk

Procurator

Law Agent

The General Assembly agreed that the following should serve as the Panel of Tellers.

Rev Dr Ursula Glienecke                  (6)

Dr Gemma King                        (36)

Mr Robert Burgon                  (72)

Rev Hayley Cohen                  (57)

Rev Alexander Currie                  (92)

Mr Ian Murphy                        (124)

Miss Jennifer Boag                  (150)

Mr John Kitson                        (155)

Rev Alasdair MacMillan                  (169)

Rev Jim Teasdale                  (180)

Mrs Lorraine Gilroy DCS                  (263)

Mrs Catherine Ross                  (342)

Rev Fiona Lister                        (362)

Mr Matthew Philip                  (393)

Rev Mary Stobo                        (424)

The General Assembly appointed a Committee to prepare a Minute on Deceased Ministers, Missionaries and Deacons, viz:

The Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Convener

Principal Clerk

Depute Clerk

Intimation was given of the arrangements for the Celebration of Holy Communion in the Assembly Hall and online via video-conference on Monday 20 May 2024 at 9.15 am.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 11.26 am until 12.02 pm.

SESSION 2

The General Assembly received the following Delegates and visitors who were introduced by the Rev I Ross Blackman and the Rev Thomas MacNeil.

United Reformed Church

Rev Fiona Bennett, Immediate Past Moderator

United Reformed Church (National Synod of Scotland)

Rev Lindsey Sanderson, Moderator

Church of England

Rev Canon Andrew Norman, Director of Ministry and Mission, Diocese of Leeds; Rev Tim Norwood, National Officer for Local Ecumenism

Methodist Church in Scotland

Rev Mark Slaney, Chair; Rev James Patron-Bell, Ecumenical Officer

Religious Society of Friends – General Meeting for Scotland

Mary Woodward, Ecumenical Officer

Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh

Scottish Episcopal Church

Rt Rev Andrew Swift, Bishop of Brechin

The Salvation Army

Major David Cavanagh, Assistant Secretary for Scotland

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary (online)

World Communion of Reformed Churches

Rev Tara Curlewis, Liaison Officer

AFRICA

Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Malawi

Rev Dr Mwawi Chilongozi, General Secretary, General Synod; Rev Anderson Juma, General Secretary, Synod of Blantyre, Rev Reuben Msowoya, Synod Moderator, Synod of Livingstonia

ASIA

Presbyterian Church of Korea

Rev Dr Eui Sig Kim, Moderator, Mrs Chaesung Moon and Rev Donghyun Kim, Translator

Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea

Rev Dr Sungkook Park, Executive Secretary, Partnership and Ecumenical Relations

EUROPE

Reformed Church in Hungary

Rev Szabina Sztojka

Waldensian Church, Italy            

Rev Jonathan Terino

Protestant Church in Switzerland

Rev Dr Martin Hirzel, Director External Relations

MIDDLE EAST

Evangelical Church of Egypt, Synod of the Nile

Rev Dr Maged Karam, Moderator, in absentia

Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East

Miss Joanne Billeh

AUSTRALIA

Uniting Church of Australia

Rev Sharon Hollis, President

Mission Partners on Leave

Keith and Ida Waddell with Mubita

Visitors from the Presbyterian Church of Korea

Mr Hyun Mun Cho and Mrs Mi Kyoung Kim

Mr Hye Sin Yu and Mrs Jeng Kung Song

Mr Ok Seob Ahn and Mrs Soon Duck La

Mr Bo Hyun Hong and Mrs Yoon Joo Hong

The reception of the Delegates being completed, the Moderator welcomed them on behalf of the General Assembly.

The Rev Tim Norwood, National Officer for Local Ecumenism, Church of England, addressed the General Assembly in the name of the Ecumenical Delegates and was thanked by the Moderator.

The Rev Sharon Hollis, President, Uniting Church of Australia, addressed the General Assembly in the name of the Overseas Delegates and was thanked by the Moderator.

AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDERS

Section 2 of the proposed Deliverance of the Report of the Legal Questions Committee was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

2.      Approve a new Standing Order 35A on Probationers and Familiarisation Candidates as detailed in Appendix B of the Report of the Assembly Business Committee.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 12.34 pm until 2.00 pm.

SESSION 3

ASSEMBLY BUSINESS COMMITTEE

Miss Christabelle Brown (known as Chris Brown)

The Rev Michael Mair, Convener, advised the General Assembly of the sad news of the death of Miss Christabelle Brown, former PA to the Moderator and on behalf of the Assembly sent thoughts and prayers to Chris Brown’s family and friends.

Mr John Williams

The Moderator presented a Certificate, to mark fifty years of service to the General Assembly, to Mr John Williams. John had provided the audio/visual components of the General Assembly since 1973; he had provided advice to the Assembly Business Committee and his experience and expertise had been valued in particular during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Moderator thanked John on behalf of all Moderators and Commissioners during the last fifty years and also expressed the thanks of the General Assembly to all members of the audio/visual team whose names and years of service were read out to the General Assembly.

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Assembly Business Committee, which was given in by the Rev Michael Mair, Convener.

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      Approve the proposed Order of Business set out in the Order of Proceedings.

3.      Appoint Mr Roy Pinkerton and Mr David Stewart to prepare and index a summary log of the       Assembly.

4.      Invite Commissioners to submit to the Procedure Committee via email:       pcoffice@churchofscotland.org.uk by Monday 20 May at 12pm, nominations for       consideration to serve on the Selection Committee.

5.      Note the expenses levels for those attending at least 13 of the 17 General Assembly sessions       in person.

6.      Instruct all Presbyteries to work with the Office of the General Assembly and the Human       Resources Department to establish consistency of terms and conditions across Presbyteries       and to align as appropriate with the Central Services employment terms and conditions as       well as to develop a competency and capability procedure.

Scottish Bible Society

7.      Commend the Scottish Bible Society’s global outreach to the generosity of congregations       and members, and support the Society in its desire to work in partnership with       congregations to encourage confidence in the gospel and in sharing the Bible.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 6 and renumber:

6. Instruct the Assembly Business Committee, in conjunction with the Assembly Trustees, in the interests of good stewardship of the Church's resources and image, to reduce the budgets (in real terms and excluding the cost of maintaining the Assembly Hall) for the 2025 and 2026 General Assemblies to 75% and 50% respectively of the financial cost to the Church (excluding the cost of maintaining the Assembly Hall) of the General Assembly 2024.

On a vote being taken For or Against the proposed new section 6 of the Deliverance, there voted

For 103 and Against 225 and it carried Against.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 6 of the Deliverance in the print:

Add at the end:

“with regards to Presbytery Clerks’ and deputes’ employment contracts”.

Section 6 as amended was then agreed.

The Moderator welcomed Ms Elaine Duncan, Executive Director, Scottish Bible Society, who addressed the General Assembly. On behalf of the Directors of the Society, Ms Duncan presented a copy of The Good News Bible to the Moderator. The Moderator thanked Ms Duncan for the Bible and for the invaluable work of the Society.

The Deliverance as amended was then agreed.

LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Legal Questions Committee, which was given in by the Rev Dr Marjory Maclean, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      Consideration of section 2 was dealt with in Session 2.

3.      In relation to Presbytery Review:

a. Instruct that the Presbytery Review Committee (“PRC”) be established as a Standing       Committee of the General Assembly, comprising a Convener, Vice-Convener and eleven       members nominated by the Nomination Committee and appointed by the General       Assembly, together with ex officio the Principal Clerk and the Depute Clerk; and otherwise in       terms of section 1b) of the draft Presbytery Review Act attached to this Report and set out in       Appendix A (“the draft Act”);

b. Instruct the PRC to carry out in 2024-2025, as pilots, Reviews in the Presbyteries of (1)       Edinburgh and West Lothian and (2) Perth, working in accordance with the principles and       processes set out in the draft Act, with Summary Reports as referred to in the draft Act       being submitted to the General Assembly of 2025;

c. Instruct Presbyteries to send comments on the draft Act to the Principal Clerk by 31       December 2024, and instruct the Committee to bring a Presbytery Review Act in final form       to the General Assembly of 2025; and

d. Instruct the PRC to submit a Report on inspection of Presbytery Records in accordance       with the draft Act to the General Assembly of 2025.

4.      Pass an Act amending the Discipline Act (Act I 2019), as amended, as set out in Appendix B to       this Report.

5.      Pass Regulations amending the Legal Aid in Disciplinary Proceedings Regulations as set out in       Appendix D to this Report.

6.      Instruct the Committee to develop a process for dealing with complaints made against a       Presbytery committee and a bespoke process for a complaint against a Presbytery Clerk and       to report to the General Assembly of 2025.

7.      Repeal the Presbytery Membership Act (Act I 2006).

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 15.12 pm until 15.34 pm.

SESSION 4

MINUTE OF THE COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY

The General Assembly called for the Minute of the Commission of Assembly, which was laid on the table and had been circulated to Commissioners.

MINUTE OF THE APPEAL HEARING BEFORE THE MINISTRIES APPEAL PANEL

The General Assembly called for the Minute of the Appeal Hearing before the Ministries Appeal Panel, which was laid on the table and had been circulated to Commissioners.

DELEGATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Delegation of the General Assembly which was

given in by the Principal Clerk, Chair.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report of the Delegation of the General Assembly and thank it for its work.

2.      Continue the appointment of the Delegation with the same powers as hitherto - the       Principal Clerk of the General Assembly to be Chair, the Depute Clerk of the General       Assembly to be Vice-Chair and the Solicitor of the Church to act as Secretary.

ECUMENICAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Ecumenical Relations Committee which was given in by the Rev I Ross Blackman, Convener.

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      Reaffirm the ecumenical vision articulated in the Declaratory Act anent the Third Article       Declaratory (2010), and instruct the unincorporated entities of the Church of Scotland to       take account of this in their future work.

3.      Instruct the Ecumenical Relations Committee to report to the General Assembly of 2025 on       its ongoing engagement with the Presbyteries of the Church of Scotland.

4.      Approve the form of the Scottish Christian Forum, and the participation of representatives of       the Church of Scotland within it, and recognise it as the National Ecumenical Body within       Scotland.

5.      Welcome the renewal of the work of the Joint Commission on Doctrine of the Church of       Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland.

6.      Instruct the Ecumenical Relations Committee and the Theological Forum to reflect on the       contemporary significance of the Council of Nicaea, and to report to the General Assembly       of 2025.

7.      Approve the delegates to Assemblies, Synods and Conferences of other Churches, and the       appointment of representatives to Ecumenical Bodies.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 6 and renumber:

6. Commend the Archdiocese of Glasgow, Justice & Peace Scotland, SCIAF, the Secretary of Glasgow Churches Together and the Ecumenical Officer of the Church of Scotland for their work in relation to the visit of Fr Gabriel Romanelli to Glasgow on 26th April 2024.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 6 and renumber:

6. Commend the Ecumenical Relations Committee on its work with the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Church of England, and instruct the Committee to ensure that it is engaging, or offering to engage, with other churches across Scotland, directly and through the Scottish Christian Forum, and to report to the General Assembly of 2025.

The Deliverance as amended was then agreed.

CHALMERS LECTURESHIP TRUST

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Chalmers Lectureship Trust, which was given in by the Principal Clerk, Chair.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

The General Assembly adjourned at 4.34 pm to meet again in this Hall, and online via video-conference, on Monday 20 May at 9.15 am for Holy Communion and thereafter business, whereof public intimation having been made, the Sederunt was closed with prayer.

ASSEMBLY HALL

and online via video-conference

EDINBURGH, 18 May 2024, 4.34 pm

MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF

THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

CONVENED AT EDINBURGH, 20 MAY 2024

At Edinburgh, and within the Assembly Hall, and also via video-conference using Zoom Meetings on the 20th day of May 2024 at 9.15 am.

Holy Communion was celebrated in the Assembly Hall.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 10.15 am until 10.34 am.

SESSION 5

PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Procedure Committee which was given in by the Rev Michael Mair, Convener. The Convener also welcomed Probationers and Familiarisation Candidates who were attending the General Assembly.

REPORT OF THE ASSEMBLY TRUSTEES

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Assembly Trustees which was given in by the Rev David Cameron, Convener.

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      Agree that the Church’s financial situation demands further urgent attention supported by a focus on the agreed priorities.

3.      Note the ongoing work between the Trustees and Presbyteries in terms of driving the mission imperative of the Church.

4.      Agree the total number of planned ministry posts for 2025 remains at the previously approved 600 plus 60 vacancies and for this to be the basis for the next five years, subject to annual reporting and agreement of the General Assembly.

5.      Note the ongoing work in relation to reviewing the suitability of Vacancy Allowance, current Tenure arrangements, Stipend and Benefits Structure, International Presence and work within the Priority Areas.

6.      Receive the 2023 Report and Accounts of the Church of Scotland Unincorporated Entities.

7.      Note the approved budget for 2024 and the indicative rolling budgets for 2025 to 2029.       

8.      Note the expectation that the Trustees will require to bring proposals to adjust the parameters of the components of Giving to Grow to the General Assembly of 2025, if forecasts indicate that sufficient funding is not likely to be available for the expected cost of ministry from 2026 onwards.

9.      Pass Regulations amending the Congregational Contributions “Giving to Grow” Regulations (Regs I 2022), as amended, as set out in Appendix I.

10.      Pass Regulations amending the Seeds for Growth Fund Regulations (Regs IV 2022), as amended, as set out in Appendix II.

11.      Approve the amended structure, remit and membership of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team as set out in Appendix III.

12.      Approve the changes to the administrative arrangements of the Salvesen Fund and substitute the Schedule in Appendix IV for the Schedule in Appendix I to the Report of the Faith Impact Forum to, and as revised by, the Commission of Assembly in November 2019.

13.      Approve the amendments to the Constitution and Remit of the Assembly Trustees as set out in Appendix V.

14.      Note the appointment from 1st April 2024 of Jenny Simpson as Head of Finance and General Treasurer and confer upon the said Jenny Simpson, Head of Finance and General Treasurer of the Church, full power to discharge all legacies, bequests or donations which may have been or may be left, bequeathed or made to the Church of Scotland, or any of the Schemes, Councils, Committees or agencies thereof, or which may have been or may be left, bequeathed or made to the United Free Church of Scotland or to any of the Schemes, Boards or Committees or agencies thereof and which in terms of the Agreement with the continuing United Free Church of Scotland fall to the Church of Scotland or its Schemes, Councils, Committees or agencies, and to sign all Discharges, Agreements, Indemnities, Undertakings, and other Deeds which may be necessary in connection therewith.

15.      Approve the following appointments to the Assembly Trustees; Crawford Gillies, a member and elder at Dunkeld Parish Church for a 3-year period and Michael Yuille a member and elder at St Blane’s, Dunblane for a 3-year period.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of section 8 of the Deliverance:

Add at the end:

; nevertheless urge the Assembly Trustees to bring proposals to the General Assembly of 2025 which will deliver the Church of Scotland (Unincorporated Entities) (SC011353) a balanced budget position by 31 December 2027 at the latest.

On a vote being taken For or Against the amendment of section 8, there voted For 234 and Against

96 and it carried For.

Section 8 as amended was then agreed.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 9 and renumber:

9. Instruct the Assembly Trustees to devise a scheme to enable the defined contribution pension scheme for Ministers to be assessed at reasonable intervals against good practice modelling principles to assure scheme members of an appropriate retirement income and report to the General Assembly of 2025.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 10 of the Deliverance:

Add at the end:

And further amend the Regulations by adding a new paragraph (iii) in the new paragraph 3 as follows: iii. Foster discipleship and revitalisation within established congregations, with the aim of growing an existing congregation or developing a new worshipping community.

Section 10 as amended was then agreed.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 12.26 pm until 2.00 pm.

SESSION 6

ORDER OF THE DAY

Strathaven Learning Community Choir sang 'I Believe' from the Album ‘A Choral Setting of the Diary of Anne Frank’ and 'On my Way' from Disney’s Brother Bear by Phil Collins and were thanked by the Moderator on behalf of the General Assembly.

PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

The General Assembly agreed to appoint the following Commissioners to the Selection Committee:

Very Rev Dr Derek Browning, Convener      (2)

Rev Stella Campbell, Vice Convener      (354)

Rev Sheena Orr                        (18)

Rev Hayley Cohen                  (57)

Mr Robert Burgon                  (72)

Rev John Urquhart                  (106)

Mrs Christine Murray                  (126)

Miss Jennifer Boag                  (150)

Mr John Kitson                        (155)

Rev Bruce Sinclair                  (178)

Mr Graeme Barrie                  (189)

Mrs Karen Hamilton DCS            (218)

Rev Alison Meikle                  (230)

Rev Gillian Paterson                  (275)

Mr Andrew Gilmour                  (286)

Rev Andrew Gardner                  (302)

Rev Anne Stott OLM                  (320)

Mrs Ann Bowie                        (379)

Rev Monika Redman                  (421)

Mrs Donna Malcolm                  (436)

REPORT OF THE ASSEMBLY TRUSTEES (CONTD.)

The General Assembly resumed their consideration of the Report of the Assembly Trustees.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 12 and renumber:

12. Invite the Assembly Trustees to bring proposals to the General Assembly of 2025 for a new Standing Committee of the General Assembly to have oversight of and responsibility for the Church’s work in relation to external affairs (potentially including public life and social justice, ecumenical relations, international work, partnerships and presence, and interfaith matters) and to liaise with the Ecumenical Relations Committee, Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, Nomination Committee, and others as deemed appropriate, to prepare and implement any changes which may be required, including the drafting of a detailed remit.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of the proposed new section 12:

Amend the first sentence:

by deleting "Invite" and substituting "Instruct".

On a vote being taken For or Against the amendment of the proposed new section 12, there voted

For 98 and Against 261 and it carried Against.

On a vote being taken For or Against the proposed new section 12 of the Deliverance, there

voted For 181 and Against 167 and it carried For.

The Deliverance as amended was then agreed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON OVERTURES AND CASES – RETURNS TO OVERTURES

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Committee on Overtures and Cases which was given in by the Principal Clerk.

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      (i) Note that the requisite proportion (two thirds) of the Presbyteries of the Church have approved the text of the proposed amendments to Articles II and V of the Articles Declaratory in Matters Spiritual (1921) enacted by the General Assembly of 1926 and to the Preamble, Questions and Formula authorised by the General Assembly of 1929, all of which are contained in the Confessions of Faith Overture sent down for the consideration of Presbyteries by the General Assembly of 2023; and

(ii) Resolve in this immediately successive year to adopt the Overture a second time, but as amended, as set out in Appendix B; and

(iii) Transmit again the Overture, as amended, to the Presbyteries for their consideration under the provisions of Article VIII of the Articles Declaratory in Matters Spiritual (1921), directing that returns be sent to the Principal Clerk not later than 31 December 2024, and noting for the avoidance of doubt that the Book of Confessions referred to in the Overture will contain the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, The Scots Confession, The Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1992 Statement of Faith.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 2(ii) of the Deliverance:

Add at the end:

and also amended as follows:

At 1.1, in relation to Article II, after:

“II. The subordinate standards of the Church of Scotland are contained in its Book of Confessions.”

Add:

“The Book of Confessions contains the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, The Scots Confession, The

Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1992 Statement of Faith.”

At 4.1, change the last paragraph of the Preamble from that in the print to:

“The subordinate standards of the Church of Scotland are contained in its Book of Confessions. The

Book of Confessions contains the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, The Scots Confession, The

Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1992 Statement of Faith. The Church recognises liberty of

opinion on such points of doctrine as do not enter into the fundamental doctrines of the Faith,

claiming the right, in dependence on the promised guidance of the Holy Spirit, to formulate,

interpret or modify its subordinate standards: always in agreement with the Word of God and the

fundamental doctrines of the Christian Faith expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds - of which

agreement the Church itself shall be sole judge.”

Section 2(ii) as amended was then agreed.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 3 and renumber:

3. Instruct the Theological Forum to produce an online companion volume to the Book of

Confessions, containing the additional documents mentioned in the Second Article Declaratory

(namely: "The Directory for the Public Worship of God," "The Form of Presbyterial Church

Government " and "The Form of Process") and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms.

On a vote being taken For or Against the proposed new section 3 of the Deliverance, there voted

For 220 and Against 123 and it carried For.

The Deliverance as amended was then agreed.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 15.33 pm until 15.52 pm.

SESSION 7

CHURCH HYMNARY TRUSTEES

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Church Hymnary Trustees, which was given in by Lord Philip Brodie, Chair.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

THEOLOGICAL FORUM

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Theological Forum which was given in by the Rev Dr Liam J Fraser, Convener.

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2      Receive the appended report “Transgender Identities in the Church of Scotland” in fulfilment of the instruction of the General Assembly of 2023, and commend it to congregations, Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries for study.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 3 and renumber:

Instruct the Theological Forum to prepare a report on reserved sacrament with recommendations

for implementation, to be presented by the General Assembly of 2025.

On a vote being taken For or Against the proposed new section 3 of the Deliverance, there voted For 65 and Against 271 and it carried Against.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 3 and renumber:

Instruct the Theological Forum to prepare a report on historically held open models of baptism, with

particular consideration given to the requirement for membership and observance only within

Sunday morning worship, to be presented with recommendations by the General Assembly of 2025.

On a vote being taken For or Against the proposed new section 3 of the Deliverance, there voted For 30 and Against 317 and it carried Against.

The Deliverance as moved was then agreed.

INTERIM REPORT OF THE JOINT WORKING GROUP FROM THE FAITH ACTION PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP TEAM AND THE THEOLOGICAL FORUM ON ASSISTED DYING

The General Assembly called for the Interim Report of the Joint Working Group from the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team and the Theological Forum on Assisted Dying which was given in by the Rev Dr John Ferguson, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Interim Joint Report.

2.      Note the work of the Assisted Dying Working Group to date and that further consultations will be undertaken prior to a final report being produced for the General Assembly of 2025.

REGISTRATION OF MINISTRIES COMMITTEE

The General Assembly agreed that the Report of the Registration of Ministries Committee

be remaindered until the morning of Thursday 23 May 2024.

The General Assembly adjourned at 6.10 pm to meet again in this Hall and online via video-conference tomorrow at 9.15 am for business, whereof public intimation having been made, the Sederunt was closed with prayer.

ASSEMBLY HALL

and online via video-conference

EDINBURGH, 20 May 2024, 6.10 pm

MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF

THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

CONVENED AT EDINBURGH, 21 MAY 2024

At Edinburgh, and within the Assembly Hall, and also via video-conference using Zoom Meetings, on the 21st day of May 2024 at 9.15 am.

SESSION 8

The General Assembly did again convene and was constituted with prayer.

The Minutes of Sessions 1-4, being available in the Assembly Paper, were submitted and approved.

PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Procedure Committee which was given in by the Rev Michael Mair, Convener.

SOCIAL CARE COUNCIL

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Social Care Council, which was given in by the Rev Thom Riddell, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      Recognise the continued pressures with recruitment across the sector, commend the workforce for all they are continuing to achieve in the face of that, and encourage the sharing of recruitment resources across wider Church of Scotland networks.

3.      Note the initiative being piloted with Scottish Workforce Chaplaincy and endorse the move to ensure that spiritual wellbeing remains a priority for the CrossReach workforce and those it supports.

4.      Commend the ecumenical and interfaith efforts to bring attention to the issue of Fair Work in social care and endorse further collaboration in this area.

5.      Express alarm about the cuts to vital care services being experienced by CrossReach and other care providers in the social care sector and ask CrossReach, working with the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, to raise awareness about the crisis in social care with Presbyteries and congregations and to make representations to the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government.

6.      Note the extensive consultation exercise undertaken by CrossReach to set a clear way forward which will allow it to continue to play its part in the overall mission of the Church of Scotland, and urge Presbyteries to continue to work with CrossReach in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

The Moderator thanked the retiring Convener, the Rev Thom Riddell, on behalf of the General Assembly, for his dedication and commitment as Convener of the Social Care Council. The Moderator also thanked the CrossReach staff for all that they do. Thom had played an essential role in this work and it was apparent how much he has been appreciated.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 10.28 am until 10.47 am.

SESSION 9

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD

The General Assembly called for the Report of the Church of Scotland Guild, which was given in by Mrs Rae Lind, National Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

2.      Continue to encourage uniting congregations to ensure that the Guild is involved in discussions and enabled to explore ways in which Guilds merge or work in new ways, welcoming those mergers that have taken place.

3.      Encourage Kirk Sessions to consider if establishing a Guild can assist in their mission to their local community.

4.      Welcome the ways in which Guilds are reaching out to local communities and encourage Guilds and congregations to see this as an opportunity for mission together.

5.      Encourage youth workers, ministers, Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries to support the work of the Young Adult Guild.

6.      Commend the Guild for the work of its Project Partnership Scheme 2021-24 and recognise the important issues tackled and vital monies raised.

7.      Congratulate the Guild and the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia on their collaborative working and learning together.

8.      Commend Guilds Together Groups for exploring new ways of working together and welcome the new structure of Guilds at a Regional Level agreed by the Guild conference.

The Moderator thanked, on behalf of the General Assembly, Mrs Rae Lind, who would be retiring as

Guild National Convener in September, for her service to the Church. Rae had offered her time and

energy in different areas of the country and had also been an effective leader. The General

Assembly had heard about the Guild’s fundraising, and feedback from the ground, and the

Moderator asked the Convener to pass on the General Assembly’s appreciation to the Guild for all of

its work.

FAITH ACTION PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP TEAM

The General Assembly called for the Report and Supplementary Report of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (including the Overture from the Presbytery of Glasgow and the Overture from the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders) which was given in by the Rev Thomas MacNeil, Convener.

Main Report

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Report.

PEOPLE

2.      Instruct Presbyteries to appoint Church of Scotland representatives to local authority committees which deal with education, according to the principles set out in the report; and affirm the report on Church of Scotland representatives’ voting powers on education committees.

3.      Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, in consultation with the Assembly Trustees, to review the Income Protection and Ill Health Act (Act VI 2019) in light of its operation in practice over the past five years (such review to include consulting with people who have had direct experience of it) and report to the General Assembly of 2025.

4.      Adopt the ’Terms of Responsibility for Ministers Serving in the Church of Scotland’, as contained in Appendix II, as a standard for the duties of the office of Ministry of Word and Sacrament, instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to make this available to all Ministers of Word & Sacrament as well as including it in the Ministers’ Handbook and encourage ministers to study and adhere to these.

PRAISE

5.      Commend the Church Hymnary Supplement ‘God Welcomes All’ and thank the Hymnary Supplement Committee for their work in producing this resource of contemporary songs supporting the renewal of worship.

6.      Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to conduct research, including consultation with Presbyteries, into the use of local worship leaders and Readers across the church, and to report to the General Assembly in 2025 with recommendations on how these roles should be shaped to best support the emerging shape of the Church of Scotland and its worshipping communities.

POVERTY

7.      Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to encourage Presbyteries to engage with Priority Areas to explore ways in which the Church of Scotland's priority for the poorest and most marginalised in society can continue to be delivered in areas where major adjustments have taken place to Priority Area parishes.

8.      Call for the introduction of a Minimum Income Guarantee and instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, in consultation with the Theological Forum, to explore theological perspectives on this issue.

PRESENCE

9.      Give thanks for the faithful witness and service in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), and the Waldensian movement and Church in Italy, CCAP celebrating their centenary, and the Waldensians reaching 850 years and pray God’s richest blessing on both.

PEACE

10.      Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to share the voices of Palestinian Christians, and to continue to support the Church’s contribution to interfaith dialogue.

11.      Call on the whole Church of Scotland to pray for peace in the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas and in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and restate the 2015 General Assembly call urging the UK Government to recognise without delay the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, as a contribution to securing lasting peace and justice for all.

12.      Urge political leaders and media institutions to avoid the use of dehumanising and hostile language when describing migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; and instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to work with partners in speaking out against this rhetoric.

PARTNERSHIP

13.      Re-appoint Rev Bruce Sinclair as a Trustee of the Housing and Loan Fund for Retired Ministers and Widows and Widowers of Ministers.

14.      Invite congregations and Presbyteries to use and share resources prepared for the upcoming UK Parliament general election by the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, especially the Voter Champion initiative to promote voter registration and awareness, and guidance on how to organise an election hustings.

PRESBYTERY MISSION PLANNING

15.      Approve the allocation of the total number of planned ministry posts among the Presbyteries as contained in Appendix VI for 2025.

16.      Pass an Act amending the Presbytery Mission Plan Act, as set out in Appendix VIII.

REMITS AND THE CREATION OF PRESBYTERY MISSION PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION GROUP (PMPIG) AS AN ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME GROUP

17.      Note the creation of an additional Programme Group, Presbytery Mission Plan Implementation Group, in terms of the remit contained as Appendix IX.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 12.40 pm until 2.00 pm.

SESSION 10

ORDER OF THE DAY

The CrossReach Makaton Choir sang Hymn CH 189: Be still, for the presence of the Lord, and were thanked by the Moderator on behalf of the General Assembly.

PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

Rev Michael Mair, Convener, advised the General Assembly that under Standing Order 17, the Procedure Committee had added an Order of the Day at 3.45 pm to consider sections 15 to 17 of the proposed Deliverance of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, including the Overture from the Presbytery of Glasgow and the Overture from the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders.

The General Assembly agreed that Standing Order 95 be amended to limit the time for speeches to

three minutes except those relating to an Overture.

FAITH ACTION PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP TEAM (CONTD.)

Main Report

The General Assembly resumed their consideration of the Report of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (including the Overture from the Presbytery of Glasgow and the Overture from the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders).

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 4 and renumber:

4. Encourage FAPLT, in relation to the basic level for locum remuneration, to consider moving

towards benchmarking this against the real living wage rather than the national minimum wage.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 5 and renumber:

5. Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to consider introducing, in relation to

ministers in their First Five Years, an annual two-week allocation for study leave and investigate

whether the present financial allocation for the Continuing Ministerial Development Fund can be

increased from £200 to £275 for ministers in their First Five Years; strongly encourage all ministers in

their First Five Years to utilise the resources available, including the Continuing Ministerial

Development Fund, and urge all congregations with ministers in their First Five Years to encourage

their minister to take up what is on offer.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 5 and renumber:

5. Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team and other relevant parties, recognising the

pace of societal change at this time, acknowledging the significance of the recently released Cass

Report, and informed by the work done by the Theological Forum on Transgender Identities, to

consider the implications of the Cass Report to the work of the Church, particularly amongst young

people, and report to a future General Assembly.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 5 and renumber:

5. Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, in consultation with the Assembly

Trustees, to review the support which may be provided to those ministers from overseas who have

completed their familiarisation periods and presently seek a charge, with the administrative and

financial challenges of renewing visas, and report to the General Assembly of 2025, and in the

interim supply any support which may be provided without budgetary implications.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 6 of the Deliverance:

Delete:

"to conduct research, including consultation with Presbyteries, into"

and substitute with:

"to consult with Presbyteries, Readers and local worship leaders about".

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 6 of the Deliverance:

Add at the end:

"and in the interim encourage Presbyteries to promote the use of Readers already Set Apart and

willing to serve."

Section 6 as amended was then agreed.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 8 of the Deliverance:

Delete:

"and instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, in consultation with the Theological

Forum, to explore theological perspectives on this issue."

Section 8 as amended was then agreed.

The General Assembly suspended their sitting at 3.30 pm until 3.48 pm.

SESSION 11

FAITH ACTION PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP TEAM (CONTD.)

Main Report

The General Assembly resumed their consideration of the Report of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (including the Overture from the Presbytery of Glasgow and the Overture from the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders).

ORDER OF THE DAY

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of section 15 of the Deliverance:

Add at the end:

"recognising that some of a Presbytery’s overall allocation of posts may be divided into part-time

roles."

Section 15 as amended was then agreed.

OVERTURE FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF GLASGOW

The General Assembly took up consideration of an Overture from the Presbytery of Glasgow as to the Presbytery Mission Plan Act.

Section 2 of the proposed Deliverance of the Overture was treated as a proposed new section 16 of the Deliverance of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team.

The Rev Dr Ruth Morrison appeared and moved the Deliverance as follows:

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Overture.

2.      Determine that all vacant charges which conform to the final position in the Approved       Presbytery Mission Plan and which in all other respects qualify for permission to call shall       not have such permission withheld by the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team       (working through the Presbytery Mission Plan Implementation Group) for the reason only       that the number of ministry posts allocated to that Presbytery by the General Assembly has,       at that time, been exceeded.

The General Assembly agreed to receive the Overture.

On a vote being taken For or Against section 2 of the Overture, there voted For 147 and Against 197 and it carried Against.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 16 and renumber:

16. Instruct the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, in consultation with the Legal Questions

Committee, to review the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021) and to report to the General

Assembly of 2025 with proposed revisions, particularly in relation to team ministry and the

adjustment process, and meantime note the willingness of the Principal Clerk’s office to assist

Presbyteries with flexible solutions, in particular to issues arising with team ministry.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment of section 16 of the Deliverance:

Add at the end:

And further amend the Act by deleting paragraph 7(10)(e)(E).

On a vote being taken For or Against the second amendment of section 16 of the Deliverance, there

voted For 81 and Against 223 and it carried Against.

OVERTURE FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF LOTHIAN & BORDERS

The General Assembly took up consideration of an Overture from the Presbytery of Lothian and Borders as to the Presbytery Mission Plan Process.

Section 2 of the proposed Deliverance of the Overture was treated as a proposed new section 17 of the Deliverance of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team.

The Rev Norman Smith appeared, and Mrs Abigail Morrison appeared in support, and moved the Deliverance as follows:

It was moved and seconded:

The General Assembly:

1.      Receive the Overture.

2.      Instruct that the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021) (“the Act) shall be amended so       as to require only comments from FAPLT and the GTs on an annual evaluation and       development, with approval from FAPLT and the GTs only being required every five years,       and to that end pass an Act amending the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021) as set       out in the Appendix to this Overture.

APPENDIX (detailed changes required to the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021))

[ ] ACT AMENDING THE PRESBYTERY MISSION PLAN ACT (ACT VIII 2021) (AS AMENDED)

Edinburgh, [ ] May 2024, Session [ ]

The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021), as amended, shall be further amended as follows:

1. Delete the existing definition of “Approved Mission Plan” and substitute:

““Approved Mission Plan” shall mean a Mission Plan that has initially been approved by the Presbytery, FAPLT and the General Trustees and which thereafter has been annually and five-yearly evaluated and developed in accordance with this Act;”

2. Delete the existing section 2.1.2(a) and substitute:

“(a) to be retained beyond the five years from the date of the Approved Mission Plan”.

3. In section 2.2.2, delete “annual” and substitute “five-yearly”.

4. Delete the existing section 2.3.2 and substitute:

“The process of annual evaluation and development of the Mission Plan shall be initiated by the Presbytery, and shall proceed in consultation with FAPLT and the General Trustees but the approval of FAPLT and of the General Trustees to the Mission Plan shall not be required. Once final approval of the Mission Plan following annual evaluation and development is recorded at a meeting of the Presbytery, the Mission Plan shall be re-dated to cover the next five years, becoming the Presbytery’s Approved Mission Plan and an extract minute of the Presbytery’s decision and a copy of the Approved Mission Plan shall be sent to FAPLT and the General Trustees.”

5. Add a new section 2.3.3:

“If a Presbytery fails to carry out an annual evaluation and development of its Mission Plan within a reasonable period of when it was due, a referral may be made by the Principal Clerk to the Presbytery Review Committee.”

6. Add a new section 2.4 headed “FIVE-YEARLY EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MISSION PLAN” and renumber the existing section 2.4 as section 2.5:

“2.4.1 Each Presbytery shall also carry out a process of five-yearly evaluation and development of its Mission Plan so as to maintain in rolling form an accurate, comprehensive and up to date Mission Plan for the shape of church life in the next five years in that Presbytery.

2.4.2 In the year when a five-yearly evaluation and development of a Mission Plan takes place, this process shall replace the annual evaluation and development process set out in section 2.3.

2.4.3 The process of five-yearly evaluation and development of the Mission Plan shall be initiated by the Presbytery, and shall proceed in consultation with FAPLT and the General Trustees. Thereafter approval by the Presbytery, and final approval by FAPLT and General Trustees shall be sought and this process shall follow the procedure set out above at section 2.2, save that the period to achieve final approval of the Plan shall be one month rather than three months. After such five-yearly evaluation and development, final approval and recording of that approval at a meeting of the Presbytery, the Mission Plan shall be re-dated to cover the next five years and that shall become the Presbytery’s Approved Mission Plan.

2.4.4 The first five-yearly evaluation and development of each Mission Plan shall take place five years after a Mission Plan first became an Approved Mission Plan in terms of section 2.2.6, and thereafter a five-yearly evaluation and development shall take place every five years.”

7. In the existing section 2.4.2, to be re-numbered 2.5.2, after “annual” add “or five-yearly”.

8. Delete the existing section 3.1 and substitute:

“Within fourteen days of the date of the Presbytery meeting at which one of the following has been recorded:

(a) the agreement of FAPLT and the General Trustees to the Mission Plan; or

(b) the approval by Presbytery to an annual evaluation and development of the Mission Plan; or

(c) the agreement of FAPLT and the General Trustees to a five-yearly evaluation and development of a Mission Plan;

it shall be open to any twelve or more members of the Presbytery or to any Kirk Session within its bounds to seek a review of the process used by the Presbytery in preparing and approving the Mission Plan (or its annual or five-yearly evaluation or development, as the case may be). This shall be done by sending intimation to the Principal Clerk (who in turn shall inform FAPLT and the General Trustees in the case of a first agreement to a Mission Plan or a five-yearly evaluation and development of a Mission Plan).”

9. Delete the existing section 4.1 and substitute:

“After achieving the final approval of FAPLT and the General Trustees to the Mission Plan (or the approval by Presbytery to an annual evaluation and development of the Mission Plan, or of FAPLT and the General Trustees to a five-yearly evaluation and development of a Mission Plan, as the case may be), and when there are no outstanding requests for review to be heard by the Mission Plan Review Panel, the Presbytery shall proceed to implement the Approved Mission Plan.”

10. In the fifth sentence of section 7(5), after “normal annual” add “and five-yearly”.

11. In section A2.(b) of the Schedule, delete “2.3” and substitute “2.4” and delete “annual” and substitute “five-yearly”.

12. In section A2.(c) of the Schedule, after “annual” add “or five-yearly”.

The General Assembly agreed to receive the Overture.

It was moved and seconded as a counter-motion to section 2 of the Overture:

Instruct that the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021) shall be amended so as to substitute biennial evaluation and development for annual evaluation and development, and to that end pass an Act amending the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021) as set out in the Appendix to this countermotion.

APPENDIX (detailed changes required to the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021))

[ ] ACT AMENDING THE PRESBYTERY MISSION PLAN ACT (ACT VIII 2021) (AS AMENDED)

Edinburgh, [ ] May 2024, Session [ ]

The General Assembly hereby enact and ordain that the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021), as amended, shall be further amended as follows:

1. Delete the existing section 2.1.2(a) and substitute:

“(a) to be retained beyond the five years from the date of the Approved Mission Plan”.

2. In section 2.2.2, delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

3. Retitle section 2.3 as “BIENNIAL EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MISSION PLAN”.

4. In section 2.3.1, delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

5. In section 2.3.2, delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

6. In section 2.4.2, delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

7. In section 3.1 delete “annual” and substitute “biennial” on two occasions.

8. In section 4.1 delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

9. In the fifth sentence of section 7(5), delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

10. In section A2.(b) of the Schedule, delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”.

11. In section A2.(c) of the Schedule, delete “annual” and substitute “biennial”

On a vote being taken, there voted for the motion 196 and for the counter-motion 119, so the motion

carried and the General Assembly resolved accordingly.

On a vote being taken For or Against the motion, there voted For 210 and Against 95 and it carried

For.

It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:

Add a new section 17 and renumber:

17. Invite the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team to record the number of ‘Bases of

Adjustment’ being processed by Presbyteries (in terms of the various forms of Adjustment referred

to in Section 7 of the Presbytery Mission Plan Act (Act VIII 2021)), the time taken to process these

and whether or not these Bases were consistent with the relevant Presbytery Mission Plans; and

report to the General Assembly of 2025.

Sections 10-14 of the Proposed Deliverance of the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team

(these being the only sections of the main Report which had not been considered), along with the

Supplementary Report, were remaindered. The Procedure Committee will report on where they

will be taken.

ASSEMBLY HALL

and online via video-conference

EDINBURGH, 21 May 2024, 6.14 pm

after election of commissioners, youth representatives and delegates

COMMISSIONERS

Presbytery of Perth

Add

Miss Aileen Scott, Montrose: Trinity (325)

Add

Mrs Morag Thomson, Alyth (343)

Add

Mr Alisdair Drummond, Blairgowrie (344)

Add

Mr Bruce Ballantine, Alyth (345)

Add

Mr George Russell, Dollar (346)

Presbytery of The North East and the Northern Isles

Delete

Mr Ian Cowie, Buckie: North (381)

UK ECUMENICAL DELEGATES

Delete

Presbyterian Church of Wales

Rev T Evan Morgan, Immediate Past Moderator (483)

OVERSEAS DELEGATES

Add

Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East

Miss Joanne Billeh (605)

VISITORS

Mr Mubita Waddell       (609)

Presbyterian Church of Korea

Rev Donghyun Kim       (607)

Mrs Chaesung Moon       (608)

Mr Hyun Mun Cho       (610)

Mrs Mi Kyoung Kim       (611)

Mr Hye Sin Yu             (612)

Mrs Jeng Kung Song       (613)

Mr Ok Seob Ahn       (614)

Mrs Soon Duck La       (615)

Mr Bo Hyun Hong      (616)

Mrs Yoon Joo Hong       (617)

AMENDMENTS TO ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

Page 3

Convener, Rev Michael Mair 533
Vice-Convener, Rev Sheila Kirk 532

Page 5

13. Rev Ailsa G Maclean, Chaplain, George Heriot's School

Page 5

18. Rev Dr Sheena Orr, Prison Service Chaplain

23. Rev Erica Wishart, Hospice Chaplain, Edinburgh

Page 6

70. Mr John Adamson, Cockpen and Carrington l/w Lasswade and Rosewell

Page 6

85. Mr William Windram, Bowden and Melrose

91. Rev P Jill Clancy, Chaplain - Barlinnie Prison

Page 7

165. Rev Brian Casey, Glasgow: Springburn

194. Rev James Gemmell, Glasgow: Carnwadric

Page 8

237. Rev Ecilo Selemani, Coatbridge: Townhead

305. Rev Donna M Hays, Sidlaw

Page 9

327. Miss Yvonne M Grant, Monifieth South Angus

357. Rev Duncan C Eddie, Aberdeen: Fountainhall

369. Rev Amy C Pierce, Birse and Feughside

Page 10

420. Rev Carol Anne Porter, (Alloa Ludgate)

Page 11

493. Rev Sharon Hollis, President

602. Rt Rev Robert Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Penrith

Page 17

Panel of Tellers

Rev Dr Ursula Glienecke       6

Dr Gemma King                  36

Mr Robert Burgon            72

Rev Hayley Cohen            57

Rev Alexander Currie            92

Mr Ian Murphy                  124

Miss Jennifer Boag            150

Mr John Kitson                  155

Rev Alasdair MacMillan            169

Rev Jim Teasdale            180

Mrs Lorraine Gilroy DCS            263

Mrs Catherine Ross            342

Rev Fiona Lister                  362

Mr Matthew Philip            393

Rev Mary Stobo                  424

other CORRECTIONS

VOLUME OF REPORTS 2024

REPORT OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Chapter 26, page 3.

Committee to Nominate the Moderator

Ministers and Deacons Appointed John McMahon (West London NHS Trust)

Chapter 26, page 4.

Appointment to Legal Bodies

-Judicial Panel

Elders Appointed Sam Scobie* (Stranraer)

report on the printing of acts and regulations

GA 2024

Interim Report of the Committee on Commissions (Standing Order 26)

The Acts and Regulations of the General Assembly

The Committee recommends that it be empowered to revise the List of the following Acts, and to publish them:-

I      ACT AMENDING THE DISCIPLINE ACT (ACT I 2019)

Edinburgh, 18 May 2024, Session 3

[Here take in Act as set out in the Volume of Reports page 2/7]

II      ACT AMENDING THE REGISTRATION OF MINISTRIES ACT (ACT II 2017)

Edinburgh, 20 May 2024, Session 6

[Here take in Act as set out in the Volume of Reports page 12/2]

III      ACT AMENDING THE PRESBYTERY MISSION PLAN ACT (ACT VIII 2021)

Edinburgh, 21 May 2024, Session 11

[Here take in Act as set out in the Volume of Reports page 16/40]

IV      ACT AMENDING THE PRESBYTERY MISSION PLAN ACT (ACT VIII 2021)

Edinburgh, 21 May 2024, Session 11

             [Here take in Act as set out in the Order of Proceedings p21]

V      THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GENERAL TRUSTEES (PROPERTIES, FUNDS AND ENDOWMENTS) ACT

Edinburgh, 22 May 2024, Session 14

[Here take in Act as set out in the Order of Proceedings pages 29-46]

VI      ACT APPOINTING COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY

Edinburgh, 23 May 2024, Session 17

VII      ACT APPOINTING DIET OF NEXT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Edinburgh, 23 May 2024, Session 17

The Committee also recommends that it be empowered to revise the List of the following Regulations, and to publish them:

I      REGULATIONS AMENDING THE LEGAL AID IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS REGULATIONS (REGS I 2018)

Edinburgh, 18 May 2024, Session 3

[Here take in Regulations as set out in the Volume of Reports pages 2/7-8]

II      REGULATIONS AMENDING THE CONGREGATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS “GIVING TO GROW” REGULATIONS (REGS II 2022)

Edinburgh, 20 May 2024, Session 5/6

[Here take in Regulations as set out in the Volume of Reports page 8/36]

III      REGULATIONS AMENDING THE “SEEDS FOR GROWTH” FUND REGULATIONS (REGS IV 2022)

Edinburgh, 20 May 2024, Session 5/6

[Here take in Regulations as set out in the Volume of Reports pages 8/36-37]

This list is provisional, as the Acts and Regulations mentioned here are considered after this Report is circulated.

intimations

Copyright

Words and music of songs in copyright are used by permission under the following licenses:

Event Church Copyright Licence #520807, Event Music Reproduction Licence #533832, Streaming #2461510, ONE LICENSE Events and streaming #E-804774.