Rural church

The Rural Church Group seeks to affirm, support and resource rural churches. This includes highlighting the Church's role in building healthy rural communities in Scotland with the media, government and other groups, in consultation with other denominations and faith groups, as well as developing and supporting rural ministry. The Rural Church Group works within the Congregational Learning Team of the Mission and Discipleship Council. Contact Ron Clarke who is pleased to hear from anyone with an interest in rural ministry.

The Scottish Churches Rural Group

The Rural Church Group works closely with the Scottish Churches Rural Group (SCRG) which was formed in 2005 as an associated ecumenical group of Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) (www.acts-scotland.org/ ) with membership drawn from the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church, the Congregational Federation, the Roman Catholic Church, the United Free Church of Scotland, the Salvation Army and the Religious Society of Friends.

The group works to facilitate pastoral support for churches in rural communities, to exchange and facilitate discussion, to work ecumenically, to comment upon rural policy proposals and to act in partnership with key individuals and organisations addressing the rural issues of Scotland. The group has addressed issues in agriculture, fishing, crofting, migrant workers and rural ministry.

The Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh

The Royal Highland Show (RHS) provides a window on rural Scotland. The inter-denominational church stand serves as a gentle reminder that the Christian churches are an integral part of rural life and regular visitors include the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, key exhibitors of livestock, stands, and many families. Perhaps, most importantly, many come to celebrate, enquire and reflect upon the wonder, joy and beauty of all that God provides to the heart and soul of rural life. This year the stand will have a focus on fair-trade products and the Scottish Pilgrimage Routes. The RHS runs from Thursday June 23rd – Sunday June 26th. Do come and say hello at the stand! If anyone is interested in being part of the Church tent contact Ron Clarke.