Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Amalthea · 04-19-2002, 02:08 PM

I couldn't help but feel a glow of something good as I was reading <a href="http://www.thescotsman.co.uk/index.cfm?id=417122002" target="_blank">this.</a>

Quote:

<strong>THE Church of Scotland could cease to exist within 50 years unless urgent action is taken to curb falling membership, an influential Kirk board says today.

The Kirk�s Board of National Mission describes the current situation - including a lack of ministers and buildings in such disrepair they need to be destroyed - as critical.

It states: "Many people are so far removed from the Church that several generations have passed without any family member having seen the inside of a church building far less having taken part in Christian worship."

According to the board, if the Church�s congregation continues to fall at the current annual rate of 17,000 members, nobody will be attending services in 50 years time.

In 1930, nearly 3 million Scots, 26 per cent of the population, belonged to a congregation. But by 2000, this had dropped to fewer than 610,000, 10 per cent of the population.

The Kirk also says that its drop in capital is "alarming". It believes if its current funding levels for work continues, funds could run out in 10 years.</strong>

I don't really have much to add. I can't see how this could be a bad thing and I just thought that it was nice to see some good news for a change

Doug · 04-19-2002, 05:17 PM

I thought you were talking about Captain Kirk, LOL.

Seriously, I do hope that historic church buildings (like the national kirk on the Royal Mile) are maintained as architectural pieces, but as long as the people in question aren't running off to join fundamentalist denominations, this is not a bad thing. Fortunately I see from my daily dealings with Scots and Edinburgh residents in particular that we have nothing to worry about in that regard.

BTW, I love your city. It's a wonderful place. I look forward to my next visit (hopefully later this year!).

Amalthea · 04-20-2002, 12:28 AM

I don't think that you have to worry about the church buildings - if nothing else they can be sold off and mad into pubs, a far more appropriate usage, I am sure that you will agree

Panta Pei · 04-21-2002, 02:24 AM

I completely agree!

The snack wafers need salt, but the stout is to die and live again for

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04-19-2002, 05:17 PM	#2
Doug Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: New York, NY Posts: 629	I thought you were talking about Captain Kirk, LOL. Seriously, I do hope that historic church buildings (like the national kirk on the Royal Mile) are maintained as architectural pieces, but as long as the people in question aren't running off to join fundamentalist denominations, this is not a bad thing. Fortunately I see from my daily dealings with Scots and Edinburgh residents in particular that we have nothing to worry about in that regard. BTW, I love your city. It's a wonderful place. I look forward to my next visit (hopefully later this year!).

04-20-2002, 12:28 AM	#3
Amalthea Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 98	I don't think that you have to worry about the church buildings - if nothing else they can be sold off and mad into pubs, a far more appropriate usage, I am sure that you will agree

04-21-2002, 02:24 AM	#4
Panta Pei Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: in the middle of things Posts: 722	I completely agree! The snack wafers need salt, but the stout is to die and live again for

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