World church

The Church of Scotland works in partnership with local churches and institutions across the world, and always with a view to involving church members in Scotland in the development of the work. Connecting congregations overseas and congregations in Scotland is not only a matter of creating friendships but expanding horizons.

There are many ways to develop and sustain relationships with others in the world church.

Twinnings

Choosing to develop a twinning with a congregation or presbytery overseas is a big commitment. It is one that needs careful thought and preparation at local level. "What do we want to gain from a partnership?" and "What can we give to a partnership?" are probably the two most fundamental questions to answer.

However, nothing can prepare you for the welcome your partners to your church, your home and your community. Nothing can prepare you for the 'buzz' of being welcomed overseas by your partners. Knowing real people in real situations brings real understanding to issues that they face such as poverty, HIV or inter-faith issues. Having a world perspective in a congregation can enrich worship and challenge belief.

If you would like to find out more about developing a twinning, email world@cofscotland.org.uk, or our Twinning Development Officer, Rebecca Greenwood.

Invest in Peace

Action for a just peace in Israel and Palestine

Peace is of central importance to the work of the church all over the world, and especially in the Middle East. Peace is a necessary condition in allowing all peoples to flourish and develop. Please act for peace by using our Invest in Peace resources. One person cannot do everything, but together we can make a difference.

The Together Project

Together is an exciting project developed by World Mission and Christian Aid. It aims to help congregations in Scotland understand more about the issues that affect our partner churches in India, Malawi, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It is an invitation to bring poverty and injustice centre stage, learn about the causes and fight their eradication.

Find out more in our leaflet 'Let's get Together', which considers some frequently asked questions or download a powerpoint presentation. If you would like to be involved, please email world@cofscotland.org.uk  to be put on our mailing list.

Partner Plan Scheme

The Partner Plan Scheme is an opportunity to personalise a relationship with the world church. Individual congregations are linked to mission partners and communicate by emails, letters, tapes and even visits. This provides a positive opportunity to:

• learn about each other from each other
• share thinking, and
• pray for and with each other.

Get in touch if you or your church would like be involved in the Partner Plan Scheme by emailing world@cofscotland.org.uk.

World without Walls project

World Without Walls is a project developed from the Church of Scotland's Church without Walls programme. Its aim is to work with established twinnings in the Church of Scotland and their partners and share life's journey together by producing a short five minute video diary of some aspect of their life and sending it to one another.

For more information about how to get involved and about the training and resources available through the project, visit the World Without Walls website at www.worldwithoutwalls.net

Find out more about how the Church works with mission partners overseas.