BREAKING AWAY FROM THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Following the 2011 meeting of the General Assembly, the Presbytery of Aberdeen became aware that two of our Kirk Sessions are now considering their future relationships with the Church of Scotland. The Presbytery has recognised the hurt that has been experienced by some ministers and members, following decisions taken by the General Assembly. Presbytery has also expressed sadness that some may be thinking of leaving the Church of Scotland.
Presbytery has now set up a Special Committee, to work with the congregations involved. The Church of Scotland Solicitor has advised the Committee that a congregation is classed, in law, as an ‘unincorporated association’. In practice this means that a congregation cannot leave the Church of Scotland as a corporate entity, even by a majority vote of its members. Instead, when secession occurs, it involves people leaving, on an individual basis, possibly to start-up a new congregation. Any members who do not wish to leave are entitled to remain as part of their existing Church of Scotland congregation.
The Committee will therefore be advising the two Kirk Sessions of the need to consult with every member, in order to ascertain his or her personal wishes. It is important to note that it is not competent for a Congregational Meeting to vote for an entire congregation to leave the Church of Scotland. The Church of Scotland will continue to exercise its responsibilities towards those individuals who wish to remain as members.
This web page has been created to provide clarification, following concerns that have been expressed by people who are currently affected by this issue. In particular, some individuals have wished to place on record their desire to remain as members of the Church of Scotland. If you belong to one of the congregations affected and if you have similar concerns, then please feel free to contact the Presbytery Office (see below). Please ensure that you provide your contact details and also a note of the congregation to which you belong.
Presbytery Office
Mastrick Parish Church,
Greenfern Road,
Aberdeen,
AB16 6TR
Email: aberdeen@cofscotland.org.uk
Telephone: 01224 698119