Panel on Review and Reform

Our remit

The Panel on Review and Reform has responsibility for listening to and consulting locally with congregations, presbyteries, councils and committees of the Church, and outside agencies about leadership within the changing Church. This vision is reported back to subsequent General Assemblies through its report to the Council of Assembly.

The Panel on Review and Reform also strives to engage with the issues of emerging church patterns and, in consultation with the Mission and Discipleship Council and the Ministries Council, investigates how these may be adapted for Scotland, particularly with regards to the Gospel's teachings about priority for the poor, needy and marginalised in society. In association with other councils of the Church, it also encourages improved support of congregations during periods of vacancy of a minister.

The Panel on Review and Reform is committed to moving towards developing a single overall statement for God's vision for the Church of Scotland in the 21st century as it continues to collate imaginative thinking about the shape of the regional Church.

Our work

The Panel listens to change in the local church, especially developments inspired by the Church without Walls report which was accepted by the General Assembly in 2001. The report aimed to provide a 'big vision' for the Church, relevant to every part of the Church and over many years. The 2001 report restated the primary purpose of the Church is to follow Jesus Christ. We are his people, travelling where he leads us. We are invited to risk this way and break our addiction to security.

Consultations on an alternative presbytery structure

In 2008, the General Assembly instructed the Panel on Review and Reform to produce proposals for an alternative presbytery structure looking at the size, devolved powers, staffing, budgets, as well as the resources which would be necessary to do this. You can find out more about this work here.

Study and research

In the course of its work, the Panel on Review and Reform produces various papers and summaries of books. A selection of these, as well as papers produced by the former Assembly Council, are available to download in our resources section. It is hoped these will be of use to anyone considering the future of the Church, perhaps as part of the Church without Walls initiative.

Our membership

The Panel on Review and Reform is made up of 10 members appointed by the General Assembly. The ecumenical officer attends panel meetings on behalf of the Committee on Ecumenical Relations, but does not have the right to vote or make a motion to the panel. The convener is the Rev David S Cameron. The vice convener is the Rev Donald Campbell.

Contact for more information

For more information please email Valerie Cox at vcox@cofscotland.org.uk or contact us at the Church's offices in Edinburgh.

Meetings

The Panel usually meets on the first Wednesday of June, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May. Unless otherwise stated, all meetings will take place at the Church offices at 121 George Street, Edinburgh.