CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL SUMMARY OF SELECTED ISSUES From reports to the General Assembly 1980 to 2008 COMMITTEE ON CHURCH AND NATION 1980-2005 COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION 1980-2005 BOARD OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: SOCIAL INTERESTS 1980-2005 BOARD OF NATIONAL MISSION: SOCIETY, RELIGION AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECT1980-2005 CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL 2006-2008 Church and Society Council, Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN Phone: 0131 225 5722 www.churchofscotland.org.uk Charity Number: SC011353 Table of Contents Culture and Media 5 Broadcasting 5 BBC 5 Gaelic 5 European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages 5 Press and Advertising 5 Advertising Industry 5 Press Complaints Commission 6 BBC World Service 6 Young People 6 Economics and Poverty 7 Begging 7 Benefits, Low Pay and Debt 7 Benefits Trap 7 Minimum Wage 7 Social Justice 7 Living Wage 7 Pension 7 Employment 8 Unemployment 8 “Towards a Radical Understanding of Work” 8 “Churches Enquiry into Unemployment and the Future of Work” 8 Poverty Trap 8 Housing and Homelessness 8 Taxation 9 Taxation 9 National Insurance 9 Education 10 Disruptive Behaviour 10 Chaplaincy in Schools and in Further Education 10 Children’s Commissioner 10 Church Representatives 10 Curriculum 11 Tertiary Education 11 Denominational Schools and Joint Campuses 12 Religious Observance 12 Schools Management 14 Sex Education 14 Multicultural Education 15 Teaching 15 Energy and Environment 16 Climate Change 16 Eco-Congregation Programme 16 Energy and Nuclear Power 17 Sustainable Development 18 Health 19 Alcohol and Drug Abuse 19 Genetic Modification 20 Nanotechnology 21 National Health Service 21 Tobacco and Smoking 22 Human Rights 23 Human Rights Commissioner 23 Refugees and Asylum 23 Human Trafficking 24 Slavery 24 Industry 25 Agriculture 25 Fishing 26 Mining 26 International 27 Armenia 27 Disarmament and Arms Trade 27 Land Mines 27 Ethical Foreign Policy 27 Scott Report 27 Burma (Myanmar) 27 Darfur and Sudan 27 Iran 28 Iraq 28 Israel and Palestine 28 Nuclear Weapons 29 Peacemaking 31 Trade Justice 31 Fair Food 32 United Nations 32 War on Terror and Afghanistan 32 Zimbabwe 32 Moral Issues 33 Abortion 33 Cloning 33 Death Penalty 34 Euthanasia 34 Family Life 35 Gambling and National Lottery 35 Human Fertilisation 36 Human Transplants 37 Marriage and Divorce 38 Sexuality 38 Politics 39 Constitutional Affairs 39 Devolution 39 Europe 39 Reform of the House of Lords 39 Sectarianism 39 St Andrews’ Day 39 Appendix: List of Reports by Date and Committee Type 40 Art and Culture 40 Christian Use of Sunday 40 Community Development 40 Country Studies: Africa 40 Country Studies: Asia 40 Country Studies: Europe 41 Country Studies: Middle East 41 Country Studies: South America 41 Culture and Media 41 Criminal Justice 42 Disarmament and the Arms Trade 42 Economics and Poverty 42 Environment 43 Ethics 43 Housing 43 Human Rights 43 Industry 44 Land Reform 44 National Health Service 44 Nuclear Weapons 45 Peacemaking 45 Politics 45 Refugees and Asylum 45 Social Security 46 Trade 46 Transport 46 United Nations 46 Reports 2007 46 Reports 2008 46 Index 47 Culture and Media Broadcasting 1983 Deliverance 41 notes the Government commitment to cable technology, calls for public discussion on adequate controls and a the creation of a Central Regulating Authority, calls for maximum quotas for foreign broadcast material, and recommends the establishment of a Religious Advisory Committee as an integral part of the Central Regulating Authority (CCN) 1996 BBC Deliverances 19 to 21 welcome the retention of the BBC licence fee, urge an increase in informative, lively and questioning programmes on religious themes, express some concerns about the draft Royal Charter and urge action to restrict the availability of pornography on the internet. (CCN) 2001 BBC Deliverances 56 to 59 welcome the potential of digital broadcasting, call on HM government to require the BBC to consult regularly with the Scottish Parliament and to abolish the restriction on religious bodies owning channels, and welcome the White paper “A New Future for Communications” urging HM government to secure the future of public service broadcasting. (CCN) Gaelic 1999 European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Deliverances 51 to 58 welcome the HM government’s intention to sign on to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of Gaelic in Scotland, urge support for the Gaelic language, welcome the BBC review of news programmes, encourage a clear BBC strategy on nations and regions, affirm the value of cultural life in Scotland, and discuss the role of the Scottish Parliament and Executive. (CCN) 2005 Deliverances 42 to 44 support the renewal of the BBC Charter, support the use of the Gaelic language and Gaelic broadcasting, and support moves to separate Governors from managers in the governance of the BBC (CCN) 2008 Deliverance 2 welcomes the launch of the Gaelic Digital Broadcasting Channel and instructs Council to discuss with Gaelic Media Council the place of religious programming in its output. (CSC) Press and Advertising 1997 Advertising Industry Deliverances 40 to 43 encourage all involved in the advertising industry to be alert to the abuse of the power of advertising, deplore the use of negative political advertising, deplore portrayal of women as sex objects, and encourage Church membership’s diligence in the monitoring of programmes and advertisements. (CCN) 1998 Press Complaints Commission BBC World Service Deliverances 12 to 15 welcome the strengthened Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice, deplore the proliferation of newspaper stories based on unattributed sources, hope for responsible reporting of constitutional change, deplore racism and caricature in the media, and welcome the review of the regulations governing party political advertising. Deliverances 16 to 18 recognise the value of the BBC World Service, urge its long term funding by government, and urge the BBC to maintain it as a quality programme producer. (CCN) Young People 1993 Deliverance 16 notes the report on Young People and the Media and commends it to the whole Church for action. (BSR) Economics and Poverty Begging 2001 The report includes a section on begging, which refers to a recent study on the attitudes of beggars in Edinburgh and Glasgow and considers the story of the Good Samaritan. Deliverance 4 approves the report’s comments and welcomes the Boards commitment to exploring new ways of responding to begging. (BSR) Benefit, Low pay and debt 1995 Deliverances 4 to 11 affirm that people are more than economic units, call for reduced pressure on individuals to accept low levels of pay, call on HM government to introduce legislation on low pay and to recognise that the existing social security system is inadequate, view with concern increases in poorly paid and insecure employment, recognise that education and training are essential, and welcome the strengthening of employment protection rights. (CCN) 1997 Deliverances 9 to 11 note the problem of personal debt in Scotland, encourage congregations to become involved in credit unions, are alarmed at the exploitation of the vulnerable on the credit market, and call for an effective means of providing cheap, accessible credit to those who need it. (CCN) 1999 Benefits Trap Deliverances 22 to 27 urge HM government to build a welfare system based on the cry of the poor, ensure that there will be “work for those who can and security for those who cannot”, ensure that welfare reform aims to minimises poverty and not to reduce public expenditure, ensure a accessible and understandable benefit system, and help those caught in the benefits trap. (CCN) 2000 Minimum Wage Deliverances 10 to 13 urge the government to determine the level of pensions and benefits, taking account of an income level that maintains good health, essential needs and full participation in society, to review the level of the Minimum Wage, and encourage the Committee to continue its work with Debt on Your Doorstep on the problems of debt. (CCN) 2001 Social Justice Deliverances 43 to 47 welcome the Scottish Executive’s commitment to Social Justice, commend the work of Social Inclusion Partnerships, and urge a flexible approach to fixing their boundaries and in dealing with the severe difficulties caused by short term funding. (CCN) 2004 Living Wage Pension Deliverances 9 to 13 encourage the insights of people experiencing poverty to inform decision making, recognise the need for affordable homes, endorse the principle of a “Living Wage”, and call on GM government to increase benefits in line with earnings rather than with the inflation index. Deliverances 14 to 17 call on HM government to develop a simpler and more equitable national pension system, to rely less on means testing, and urge HM government to replace the Basic State Pension with an adequate universal state pension not linked to contributions. (CCN) 2005 Deliverances 36 to 40 recognise the importance of the CABx and other agencies, encourage Church to consider supporting credit unions, call for reform of the Social Fund, and continue to support “Debt on your Doorstep”. (CCN) 2008 Deliverance 3 supports the campaign and instructs Church, at all levels, to look at the implications for its own practice. (CSC) Employment 1981 Unemployment Deliverances 1 to 4 view with grave concern the high levels of unemployment, call on HM Government to ensure that the burdens of anti-inflationary policy are fairly distributed and equitably shared, and reiterate the view that resources allocated for the alleviation of unemployment should be concentrated on the young and the long term unemployed. (CCN) 1982 Deliverances 2 and 3 call on HM Government to give clear priority to the reduction of unemployment through the creation of new employment and more equitable sharing of work available. Deliverances 11 to 16 deal with the inflationary wage pressures urging action by HM Government, employers, trade unions and the Church. (CCN) 1983 “Towards a Radical Understanding of Work” Deliverances 1 to 5 commend “Towards a Radical Understanding of Work” for study and reflection, reiterate the Christian conviction that men and women are of infinite value no matter what work they may or may not do, recognise the importance of job –sharing and wealth-sharing, call on HM Government to consider monitoring the introduction of technology at the expense of jobs, and commend those who are creating new jobs. Deliverances 10 to 13 11 are concerned, amongst other issues, at the high levels of unemployment and the precarious nature of the shipbuilding and marine engineering industry, urge changes in the benefit system, and regret the increasing gap between rich and poor. (CCN) 1997 “Churches Enquiry into Unemployment and the Future of Work” Poverty Trap Deliverances 19 to 25 welcome the “Churches Enquiry into Unemployment and the Future of Work”, call for the introduction of a regularly updated statutory minimum wage based on median male earnings, call for the elimination of the “poverty trap” by a reform of the tax and benefit system, and agree a basis for the annual adjustment of the pay of congregational employees. (CCN) Housing and Homelessness 1998 “Homelessness” Deliverances 41 to 43 urge HM government to recognise that homelessness is a finite problem, commend the work of the Scottish Churches Housing Agency and other organisations, and encourage local authorities to continue to address the problem of homelessness. (CCN) 2005 Deliverances 14 to 19 support the need for additional affordable housing, utilising existing sites and buildings where possible, with a full role for local authorities in housing provision. (CCN) 2008 Deliverance 21 endorses Scottish Churches Housing Action. Deliverance 22 calls on Scottish Government to add at least 10,000 new affordable rented houses per annum. (CSC) Taxation 1995 Taxation National Insurance Deliverances 15 to 18 invite Church members to regard taxation as a responsible means of sharing the cost of essential services, and call on HM government to reform personal taxation and National Insurance to ensure equitable levies and the elimination of the poverty trap. (CCN) 2003 Deliverance 22 recognises that an appropriate system of taxation is an essential element in the sharing and distribution of resources in society. (CCN) Education Disruptive Behaviour 2000 Following Deliverance 1999/4 the Committee produced a report on disruptive behaviour in schools which concluded that most local authorities have appropriate policies to deal with indiscipline and disruption in the classroom, and that efforts are being made to ensure that these are carried out effectively. This was accepted in Deliverance 2. (CE) 2001 Deliverance 2 encourages the Committee to monitor the situation in Primary and Secondary schools, discussing issues of disruptive behaviour with both staff and pupils. (CE) 2004 Following the instruction in Deliverance 2003/3 on the misuse of drugs, guidelines have been produced, in conjunction with the board of Parish Education and the Child Protection Unit, and these will be used in Child Protection Training. (CE) Chaplaincy in Schools and in Further Education 2002 Deliverances 3 to 5 support the work of chaplains in schools and colleges based on comments on the development of chaplain’s work given in the report. (CE) 2005 The report sets the background to chaplaincy in colleges of further education, discusses the changes in the make up of Scottish communities and notes the publication of “Spiritual Care and Support in Scottish Colleges” which gives, informally, stories of those working on the ground in FE colleges. The report comments on the need to take into account the new guidelines for religious observance in training new and existing ministers. (CE) Children’s Commissioner 2004 Deliverance 7 instructs the Committee to take an active interest in the work of the Scottish Children’s Commissioner. (CE) Church Representatives 2005 Deliverance 10 instructs the committee that deals with education to implement the procedures set out in the report for the selection and appointment of statutory Church representatives to education or equivalent local authorities committees and their subsequent training and duties. (CE) Curriculum 1995 The report notes the publication of “Higher Still – Opportunity for All and Deliverance 9 invites the Committee to bring forward comments on the effects of its introduction. The report includes an appendix on the aims and purposes of religious education as seen by Scottish Regional Councils. (CE) 1998 Deliverance 17 notes the Committee’s submission to the Scottish Committee of the National Committee of Enquiry into Higher Education. (CE) 2000 The report comments on the Government White Paper “Targeting Excellence – A Radical Programme for Excellence, the consultation paper “Opportunities and Choices – Post School Provision for 14 – 18 Year Olds and the “Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Bill Deliverance 10 notes the committee’s concern that the pressure to meet targets militates against the values described in “A Christian Vision for Scottish Education”, produced by the ACTS Education Group and contained in appendix ii to the report. (CE) 2005 Deliverances 3 instructs the Council to use a “values based” approach to their analysis and comment on educational change, the relevant section of the report referring to the “Christian Vision of Education”, to proposals in the Report of the Curriculum Review Group and to a participative and democratic approach to developing values undertaken in South Ayrshire education authority. (CE) Tertiary Education 1987 Deliverance 19 commends the report on Church and Scottish Universities for distribution and study. (CE) 1996 Deliverance 22 instructs an early meeting with the Scottish Minister for Education to discuss the implications of funding cuts in Scottish education and its anxieties about student hardship. (CE) 1998 The report comments on the Dearing Report, being unanimously of the view that undergraduate education should be free at the point of delivery and that the state should provide funding, for example by increases personal taxation or by increasing corporation tax (or both). This was accepted in Deliverances 6 and 7. Deliverance 10 applauds the establishment of the University of the Highlands and Islands and commends the work of the Highland Theological Institute. (CE) 2000 Deliverance 15 and 16 welcome the recommendations of the Cubie Report on Student Finance, but deprecate the Executive’s response to it and express a concern about student poverty. (CE) 2005 Following on from Deliverance 2004/4 the report describes the attributes of a distinctively Scottish university tradition and Deliverance 9 commends the report for widespread dissemination and discussion. (CE) Denominational Schools and Joint Campuses 1999 Deliverances 10, 11 and 12 deal with the Committee’s report on denominational schools, noting the importance of education in promoting the all-round growth and development of young people, encouraging the ideal of integrated schooling, and instructing the Committee to continue conversations with the Catholic Education Committee and Interfaith Groups. Appendices to the report deal with the 1972 General Assembly Report, Current Legislation and Religious and Moral Education in Scotland. (CE) 2002 In response to the Public Private Partnership initiative, Deliverance 10 approves the Committee’s welcome of joint campuses and its suggestion that contemplation spaces should be provided in non-denominational schools, as oratories and chaplaincy offices are provided in denominational schools. (see Religious Observance and Education) (CE) Religious Observance 1980 The Deliverances deal with the development of educational and moral educational policy and urge the Secretary of State to introduce “O” and “H” grades in religious education. (CE) 1981 The Deliverances press for the improvements in the teaching of religious education in Scotland and detail the meetings and consultations the Committee took part in, including collaboration with the Catholic Education Commission. (CE) 1982 The Deliverances welcome the introduction of an “O” grade in religious studies; seek the appointment of at least 3 Church appointees to the Boards of Moray House and Jordanhill Colleges. Substantial reports were produced on Aims in Scottish Education and Moral Education in School and these were accepted in Deliverances 23 and 24. (CE) 1983 The Deliverances continue to monitor the development of a religious studies “O” grade and the appointment of an Inspector with responsibility for religious education. (CE) 1984 Deliverances 47 to 49 deal with the appointment of a second Inspector, the intention to introduce an “H” grade in religious studies and the monitoring of the Munn and Dunning development programme. (CE) 1985 Deliverance 41 approves the Committee’s evidence on Proposed Syllabus and Examination in Religious Studies on the Higher Grade. (CE) 1987 In Deliverance 18 the Committee report on Religious Education in Scotland was approved, commended for study and distribution to Regional and Islands Councils. (CE) 1988 Deliverance 19 commends the report “Christian Teaching in Scottish Schools” for study within the Church and for transmission to Colleges of Education and to Regional and Islands Councils. (CE) 1992 Deliverance 20 welcomes the Scottish Office “Curricular Paper 7, Religious and Moral Education 5 -14” and commends its study. (CE) 1993 Deliverance 5 welcomes and commends the documents on Religious Observance. These are in Appendix 1 of the report entitled, “Religious Observance in Scottish Schools”. (CE) 1995 Deliverance 7 welcomes the publication of “Effective Learning and Teaching in Scottish Primary and Secondary Schools – Religious Education (CE) 1998 Deliverance 16 notes the Committee’s submission to the Higher Still Consultation Document on Religious and Moral Education. (CE) 2000 In response to Deliverances 1999/8 and 1999/9 the Committee reported on the place of Religious and Moral Education in the schools curriculum and on Christian faith in the school ethos. Deliverances 3,4 and 5 deal with this, expressing concern that Religious and Moral Education, Health Education and Personal and Social Development might be one curricular area, seek reassurances that the time devoted to Religious and Moral Education be protected, and comment on the role of chaplains as resource persons in Religious and Moral Education. The report noted the publication of “Perceptions of Jesus” for use in the 5 – 14 Religious and Moral Education Programme and its distribution to every school in Scotland. (CE) 2002 Deliverance 7 instructs the Committee to monitor the response to HM Inspectors of Education report on Religious and Moral Education.(CE) 2003 Following from the 2002 report and Deliverance 2002/8 the report sets the background to the provision of religious observance in Scottish schools since the 1872 Education Act. It describes the setting up of a Review Group on Religious Observance in schools, the consultation paper produced by the Group, and the view of the Committee on the work of the Group. It notes the 1997 Church of Scotland publication “Chaplains in Schools”. Deliverance 4 approves the stance of the Committee taken in its report and Deliverance 6 deals with the development of quality religious observance in Scottish schools through training and models of good practice. (CE) 2004 Following from Deliverance 2003/5, Deliverance 3 encourages the Committee to continue to take an interest in the setting up of contemplation areas in non-denominational schools. The report also draws attention to the resources produced during the year including: “Living Communities - an exploration of practice and belief in a Church of Scotland Congregation” , “Finlay’s Amazing Adventure”, a year in the life of a Moderator, and “Quiet Assemblies”, a time for stillness and meditation in school life. Based on a supplementary report, deliverances 8 to 13 form a response to the “Religious Observance Review Group Report” and give the Committee guidance and instruction on its approach to religious education in Scottish schools. (CE) 2005 Following Deliverance 2004/6, Deliverance 4 instructs the Council to continue to protect the position of religious education in the school curriculum and Deliverance 5 instructs the Council to pursue the matter of Principal Teacher of Religious Education in all non-denominational schools. Deliverances 7 and 8 instruct the Council to monitor the implementation of the Circular on Religious Observance and to develop materials for religious education and to comment on the training of new and existing ministers. The report continues to support the inclusion of contemplation areas in schools. Deliverance 2 calls upon the Scottish Executive to honour its previous commitment to produce resources for Religious Observance in schools. (CE) 2008 Deliverance 5 welcomes Stevenson Prize as way of raising profile of RO. (CSC) Schools Management 1999 A report on rural schools reflects Deliverance 1998/5 and gives guidelines both for the consideration of the closure of rural schools and the role of the Church in making representations on proposed closures. Deliverances 13 and 14 accept the reports conclusions and instruct the Committee to seek a meeting with the Minister. (CE) 2000 Deliverance 7 responds to a comment on Community Schools in the report and welcomes the assurance that local authorities are taking steps to make sure that schools are available as community resource. (CE) 2000 The report and Deliverances 8 and 9 deal with the Riddle Committee Report on children with severe low incidence disabilities, seeking assurances that parents will continue to have a choice in selecting the most appropriate setting for their child’s needs and identifying the need for practical support for teachers of children with special needs. (CE) 2004 Following Deliverance 2004/2, a research project “Mainstreaming pupils with Special Educational Needs: a Christian Perspective” and a report on the education of deaf children were produced during the year and are described and commented on in the report. In Deliverance 2 the report “Building a School without Walls” is to be circulated to education policy makers and practitioners. (CE) Sex Education 1990 The report includes a section on Children at Risk through Books, noting a concern that books currently available to Scottish children include sex, violence, racial discrimination, blasphemy, occult, political bias and propaganda. (CE) 2001 Deliverances 6 and 7 cover the Committee’s response to the Scottish Executive’s Consultation Documents on Sex Education. They urge continued conversations on the production of good exemplars of parental partnership with schools and instruct the Committee’s continued monitoring of the Guidance on Sex Education. (CE) 2002 Endorsed by Deliverance 6, the report sets out three underlying principles for Sex Education programmes in Scottish schools as; being prepared in partnership with parents, carers and teachers, appropriate for the age and development of the pupils, and including moral education. (CE) 2005 Following the publication of the Scottish Executive’s Sexual Health Strategy and the section dealing with schools, Deliverance 5 instructs the Council to monitor the development of sex and relationship education and the involvement of parents in consultation processes. (CE) Multicultural Education 1990 The report included a full Report on Multicultural Education. Deliverance 8 commends it for study throughout the Church and for comments received to be incorporated into a report to the next General Assembly. (CE) 1991 Deliverance 18 noted with approval the Report on Multicultural Education and remitted the Committee to follow up its recommendations for action. (CE) Teaching 2000 The report and Deliverance 12 support and comment on “Developing a Framework for Continuing Professional Development for the Teaching Profession in Scotland”. Deliverance 13 welcomes the setting up of the McCrone Inquiry. (CE) 2001 Deliverance 8 instructs the Committee to make representations on the review of Initial Teacher Training and to monitor the funding of teacher education courses by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. (CE) 2002 Following the agreement between the Scottish Executive, the teacher’s unions and COSLA, and based on McCrone, “A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century”, Deliverance 9 instructs the Committee to monitor its implementation. (CE) 2004 Deliverance 5 reaffirms the belief that current qualifications required teaching in primary and secondary schools in Scotland should not be diluted. (CE) 2005 Deliverance 2 instructs the Council to explore its ministry to the education profession based on the section of the report entitled “Theological reflection on the role and profession of teachers”. (CE) Energy and Environment Climate Change 1989 A guide to the background of the Greenhouse Effect, “With Scorching Heat and Drought” was published and commended for study in Deliverance 17. (SRT) 1996 Deliverances 18 and 19 call on the government to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions and by banning the export of CFCs to poorer nations. (SRT) 2001 Deliverance 25 urges the government, as part of an increased effort to combat climate change, to ring fence fuel tax revenues for environmental remediation, promoting energy saving and renewable energy use, public transport and rural infrastructure. (SRT) 2006 Deliverance 20 urges HMG to emphasise incentives for efficient, renewable energy and to go beyond relying on market mechanisms to achieve its target of 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. (CSC) 2007 Deliverance 17 recognises urgency of issue. Deliverance 18 calls for radical targets at all levels for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. (CSC) 2008 Deliverance 7 instructs presbyteries to engage with the Responding to Climate Change Project. (CSC) 2008 Deliverance 9 challenges Church members to exercise environmental responsibility in lifestyle and travel choices. Deliverance 10 calls on HMG to promote measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and link them to necessity for widespread lifestyle changes. Deliverance 12 urges government to approach all planning matters with climate change issues in mind. (CSC) Eco-Congregation Programme 2000 Deliverance 15 urges congregations to join the Eco-Congregation Programme, which is part of the wider Eco-Congregation Programme in Britain and Ireland. It was endorsed by the 1998 Church of Scotland’s General Assembly and all Assemblies since 2000 and was launched in March 2001. It is supported by the SRT Project and there is an Award scheme associated with it. (SRT) Publications: 12 Resource Modules. 2001 to 2005 Deliverances continue to commend and urge congregations to join the programme. (SRT) 2007 Deliverance 22 encourages all congregations to become involved in the Eco-Congregation Programme (CSC) Energy and Nuclear Power Publications: * UK Energy Policy, 1992; A Submission to the Select Committee on the Future of Coal * “What Future for Nuclear Power”, 1996, a submission to the Scottish Office and the Department of Trade and Industry. * “Chernobyl Reminder”, 1996, impressions of a visit. * “What Lessons for Dounreay”, 1998, comments. Scottish Churches Energy Saving Scheme Energy and the Scottish Churches Energy Efficiency Scheme (launched in 1978) 1981 Deliverance 4 notes the production of “Make the Most of It” a practical guide to energy conversation in church buildings. (SRT) 1982 Deliverances 31 and 32 deplore the high cost of fuel and the resultant unnecessary and avoidable misery that it causes the poor and the old, and asks Kirk Sessions to encourage their members to help people improve winter living conditions. (SRT) 1987 “Making Even More of It”, a follow up to the 1981 guide on energy conservation in churches, is published. (SRT) 1998 Deliverance 43 urges Presbyteries to initiate a process of auditing the environmental impact of congregations, encourages congregations to perform pilot audits, and invites the Office Management Committee to initiate a similar audit of 121, George Street. (SRT) 2002 Deliverance 40 urges an environmental audit of 121, George Street and other offices of the Church of Scotland. (SRT) Publications: * “Making the Most of it”, 1980, * “Making Even More of it”, 1986 * “Heat and Light – A Practical Guide to Energy Conservation in Church Buildings”, 1994. Energy Assessment 2007 Deliverance 27 instructs presbyteries to include an environmental energy assessment in 5 yearly property reviews. (CSC) 2007 Deliverances 19 and 20 call for support for renewable energy. (CSC) Sustainable Development 1985 Deliverance 40 welcomes the production of the video, “Not in my Backyard” as an aid to discussion of environmental problems. (SRT) 1991 Deliverance 35 encourages church members to study and act on “This Common Inheritance” published by HM government. (SRT) 1994 Deliverance 24 commends “Seeing Scotland from the Summit” to church members for discussion and study. (SRT) Selected Publications: * “Critique of the UK Draft Sustainable Development Strategy”, 1993, examines aspects of the Department of the Environment's July 1993 draft UK Strategy for Sustainable Development. * “Seeing Scotland from the Summit”, 1994, describes the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, and the implications of "sustainable development" for Scotland. * “The Dominant Economic Model and Sustainable Development: Are They Compatible?”, 1995, a contribution to the EU's "5th Community Programme of Policy and Action in relation to Environment and Sustainable Development." * “Environment and Development - A Challenge to our Lifestyles, 1996”, explores the implications for our life styles and the prophetic role of the church in achieving a sustainable society. * “Report from the Scottish Churches on the World Summit on Sustainable Development”, 2002. * “Sustainability for the Future”, 2003, General; Assembly Report. 2004 Deliverances 50 and 51 adopted the environment policy “Caring for the Earth” and its integration into the ongoing life of the Church. (SRT) Publication; * “Caring for the Earth”, 2004; General Assembly Report, an Environment policy for the Church of Scotland. (SRT) Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse 1980 Deliverances 5, 6 and 7 link alcohol abuse with offences under the Road Traffic Acts and with crimes of violence and child abuse and neglect. They ask the H M Government to strengthen the law on drink driving, to monitor the consequences of increasing alcohol consumption, to examine the part played by proliferation of retail outlets and the relatively low cost of alcoholic beverages, and ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to increase public awareness of the adverse effect of alcohol abuse. Deliverance 10 notes that the Licensing (Scotland) Act did not bring with it more civilised drinking habits and calls on the Government to combat alcohol abuse and eliminate, as far as possible, the mass advertising of alcohol. The Deliverances were based on a report produced by the Working Party on Alcohol and Drugs. (BSR) 1981 Deliverances 16, 17 and 18 note the problems of alcohol and drug abuse, urge Secretary of State to increase awareness of the adverse effect of alcohol abuse and repeat the other 1980 concerns. The Report discusses increased drinking problems among women and the effect of alcohol on unborn children, and discusses the misuse of drugs, particularly cannabis use and glue sniffing. (BSR) 1982 Deliverances 19 to 24 deal with the spread of alcohol abuse and the measures needed to control the availability of alcohol. The need for an employer’s policy amongst the employing organisations of the Church is stated. Concern is expressed on the increased availability of heroin and other opiates. (BSR) 1983 Deliverances 14, 15 and 16 continue the concerns previously expressed, note the conviction that social deprivation, family breakdown and unemployment have increased drug abuse, and comment on the role of local Church members and the role of congregations in the community and in assisting groups involved with these problems. (BSR) 1984 Deliverances 19 to 25 are based on a report that concentrates on illicit drugs, abuse of prescribed drugs and alcohol abuse. Again the ready availability of cheap alcohol is a concern and H M Government and Licensing Authorities are urged to raise prices, reduce the number of outlets, and exercise firm control of licensing hours. The increased use of illicit drugs, particularly in areas of multiple deprivations, is noted. (BSR) 1985 Deliverance 18 continues to recognise the problems associated with the abuse of alcohol and drugs, urging HM Government to provide resources for employment, education and leisure activity for young people. (BSR) 1986 Deliverance 9 endorses the report of the Study Group on Alcohol and Drugs and encourages its discussion. (BSR) 1987 The report of the Study Group on Alcohol and Drugs is endorsed in Deliverance 10, its discussion encouraged, and the grave damage caused by the current level of alcohol consumption noted. (BSR) 1988 Deliverances 12 to 15 note growth in sports sponsorship by the alcohol industry, note the Boards monitoring report, instruct all Courts and Boards of the Church to ensure that all public areas are non-smoking, and recommend that H M Government increases in the price of alcohol and tobacco. (BSR) 1989 The Study Group’s Report covering drinking and driving, alcohol and sports sponsorship and licensing was considered, a blood alcohol level limit of 20mg/100ml was urged, and concern of Sunday sales of alcohol expressed in Deliverance 10. (BSR) 1990 Deliverances 7and 8 deal with the continuing work of the study Group. (BSR) 1991 The Study Group’s report notes the changes in Sunday drinking and other changes allowed by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provision) (Scotland) Act and the effects of increased consumption of alcohol and drinking and driving. These are recognised in Deliverances 7 and 8 which call on H M Government to introduce Random Breath Testing and a driving test for returning disqualified drivers. (BSR) 1992 The final Report of the Study Group was received by Deliverance 13 which urges H M Government action on the levels of taxation on alcohol and welcomes the publication of a leaflet on addiction to prescribed drugs. (BSR) 1997 Deliverance 9 welcomes the Report of the Study on the Decriminalisation of Drugs, and commends it to the Church and, 9.1 Whilst not advocating a change in the present law relating to the use of cannabis, calls upon the Secretary of State for Scotland and the appropriate legal authorities to ensure that resources are in place for greater and more consistent use to be made of diversion schemes in dealing with cannabis users. 9.2 Urges that a Royal Commission be appointed to consider and make recommendations on the issues involved in the legalisation of cannabis. 9.3 Calls for the Department of Health to initiate a review of the medical use of cannabis. 9.4 Urges the Board to continue to monitor, research and challenge the reasons for the misuse of drugs as they relate to the full range of social conditions (for example, family security, physical and sexual abuse, and pre-existing mental health problems) (BSR) 2001 A brief situation update is given in the report. (BSR) Genetic Modification 1990 Deliverance 22 commends the Report “Genetic Engineering” to members of the Church. The report examines the technical background to proposed legislation and to discussions in the European Commission and in Parliament, (SRT) 1994 Deliverance 26 commends the SRT Programme information sheets on genetic engineering. (SRT) 1999 “Engineering Genesis” published by Earthscan Publications. Deliverances 43 to 47 receive the Report on Genetically Modified Food. They include recommendations to H M Government and the EU; on the deployment of genetically modified crops, on the labelling of genetically modified food, on the lack of public accountability in the introduction of genetically modified soya and maize to the UK the EU, on the re-negotiation of WTO import rules to insist on the sovereign right to forbid the importing of sensitive traded goods, and on the need to put much greater emphasis on research into the utilisation of marginal lands and the food needs of poorer people. (SRT) 2001 Following the report, “GM Animals, Humans and the Future of Genetics”, Deliverances 18 to 22 are concerned with a range of genetic engineering issues particularly animal welfare. (SRT) 2002 Deliverance 35 calls on the EU to ensure the effective labelling of genetically modified food (SRT) 2003 Deliverance 40 urges the promotion of policies which would not make the growing of genetically modified and organic crops mutually exclusive. (SRT) 2004 Deliverances 45 and 46 urge the UK government not to allow herbicide tolerant GM crops in the UK, to concentrate research on products with immediate benefits to consumers, and to developing countries, and to ensure labelling foods of GM origin. (SRT) Selected Publications; * “Genetic Engineering”, 1989, a discussion paper reviewing the literature available. * “Introduction to Genetic Engineering”, 1993, an information sheet. * “Gene Therapy - A Discussion Paper”, 1994. * “Review of Issues in Genetic Engineering in Non-Human Life Species”, 1994; a survey of the literature. * “Human Genetics Questions”, 1995, a submission to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into Human Genetics. * “Genetically Modified Food”, 1999; General Assembly Report, balances the potential of genetically modified food against some fundamental ethical objections and risk concerns. * “Engineering Genesis”, 1999, an assessment, expressed in understandable terms, of genetic engineering and some of its uses and dilemmas. * “GM Animals, Humans and the Future of Genetics” 2001, General Assembly Report. * “Should we become a GM Nation?” 2004, General Assembly Report, a second report and recommendations. Nanotechnology 2005 Deliverance 31 welcomes SRT Project’s new work on this subject. (SRT) National Health Service 1996 Deliverances 18 to 32 call on generous funding for the National Health Service, regret the absence of government guidelines on the rationing of services, are critical of the perceived lack of public accountability, and appreciate the advantages and potential of Care in the Community” (CCN) 1997 Deliverances 7 to 9 reaffirm the value of the National Health Service, call on HM government to increase the funding of the service to provide a high quality service, and commend the Health Education Board for Scotland in promoting a healthier life style in Scotland. (CCN) 1998 Deliverances 38 and 39 welcome HM government’s recognition of “Inequalities in Health”, recognise the need, in this context, for a more equitable distribution of wealth, and recognise the impact of social exclusion and isolation on health. (CCN) 1999 Deliverances 28 to 34 welcome the Review of Mental Health legislation, request a cross-party Committee on Community Care, urge congregations to develop partnerships with local Mental Health Agencies and appropriate Healthcare Trusts, urge the Scottish Executive to promote a multi agency approach to service provision and to develop community based services, and recognise the contribution and needs of carers. (CCN) 2005 Deliverances 46 to 52 call for a review of Health Boards, recognition of the particular problems of health service provision in rural and remote areas, and urge the decentralisation of and better use of information technology in NHS24 and the consideration of its integration with the Scottish Ambulance Service. (CCN) Tobacco and Smoking 1980 Deliverances 11 and 12 urge support for a campaign to make non-smoking the norm, with church premises asked to give a lead, and urge HM Government to initiate a more effective health education programme and to use taxation to limit cigarette consumption (BSR) 1981 Deliverance 21 repeats the 1980 concerns. (BSR) 1986 Deliverances 8 and 9 note with concern the setting up of a factory to produce Skoal Bandits (oral tobacco pouches) with Government financial assistance from Regional Development Grants. (BSR) Human Rights Human Rights Commissioner 2006 Deliverance 7 welcomes the intention of appointing a Human Rights Commissioner for Scotland. (CSC) Refugees and Asylum 1994 Deliverances 17 to 21 recognise the sin of racism in immigration legislation, encourage the implementation of the guidelines “Racism and the Church – A Guide to Good Practice”, call on HM government to introduce a single right of entry and citizenship to all who are the responsibility of the United Kingdom, and urge a more generous policy towards asylum seekers. (CCN) 1996 Deliverances 2 to 4 regret the withdrawal of benefit from asylum-seekers and the increased controls on immigration and asylum, urge that asylum seekers not be held in detention without charge and without adequate legal representation, and instruct to Committee to prepare guidelines on sanctuary. (CCN) 1997 Deliverances 16 to 48 deplore the harmful effects of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, believe that asylum seekers should not be left destitute, and commend the guide “Welcoming the Refugee”. (CCN) 2003 Deliverances 18 to 20 express concern on the restricted access to support for asylum seekers, on the development of accommodation centres, and commend communities who have received and supported asylum seekers. (CCN) 2004 Deliverance 2 calls on HM government to close the family unit at Dungavel and to end the detention of children and their families who are seeking asylum. (CCN) 2005 Deliverance 3 welcomes a report and policy on asylum from Glasgow Presbytery and makes representations to HM Government based on the Report’s recommendations, including: the need to take better account of the situation in the countries that the asylum seekers have left, the construction of a fairer appeals structure, a removal programme consonant with ‘safety, dignity and full respect for human rights’, and a recognition that Scotland’s needs in respect of asylum/immigration may not be identical with other areas of the United Kingdom. (CCN) 2006 Deliverances 5 and 6 call upon Home Office to set a protocol of principles and practices which will guarantee that people are treated with dignity and respect, and remind HMG of the moral and legal responsibilities we have to those fleeing persecution. (CSC) Human Trafficking 2007 Deliverance 29 promotes the joint study pack on human trafficking. Deliverance 30 calls on HMG to ratify Council of Europe Convention on human trafficking. Deliverance 31 stresses that this is an issue for men and women. Deliverance 32 calls for churches to provide safe houses for victims of human trafficking. (CSC) Slavery 2007 Deliverance 3 on the marking of the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. (CSC) Industry Agriculture Industry; Farming (See also Agriculture in the SRT Project section) Agriculture (see also Industry: Agriculture in the Church and Nation section) 1982 Deliverance 42 calls for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and greater priority for regional development. (CCN) 1995 Deliverances 19 to 24 call for the continuing support of rural society through the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the creating of additional crofts, flexibility in the use of fertile land, despite “set aside”, and urge care of the environment and continued attempts to outlaw inhuman treatment of farm animals. (CCN) 1996 Deliverances 25 and 26 offer support to those who have suffered as a result of the BSE crisis and are concerned with the perceived health risk. (CCN) 1997 Deliverances 31 to 37 express concern at the long term impact of BSE, call on HM government to give the industry adequate financial support and seek the lifting of the European beef export ban, urge local congregational support for beef farmers and their families, express sympathy to the relatives and friends of CJD and E.coli 0157 sufferers, and express concern about the public trust in food safety information. (CCN) 1999 Deliverances 16 to 18 thank farming communities for the work that they do, assure them of the Church’s support, encourage the Committee to monitor the effect of the revised Common Agricultural Policy, call on Church members to consider where and how they buy their food, and call on the Scottish Executive to press for equal trading conditions for Scottish farmers and help to connect the food producer with the consumer. (CCN) 2000 Deliverances 6 to 9 urge EU harmonisation of high food production standards, welcome the increase in the number of farmers’ markets, are concerned at the apparent anomalies in the operation of EU quota systems, and instruct the Committee to look at adequate access to the food needed for a healthy diet as part of anti-poverty strategies. (CCN) 2002 Deliverances 12 to 17 reaffirm the support of the Church for the communities and individuals adversely affected by the outbreak of BSE, urge HM government to allocate sufficient resources on risk assessment and disease control and assessment, recognise the need to review the Common Agricultural Policy, urge the Scottish Executive to give priority to health promotion in its food policy, and urge church members to be thoughtful about shopping priorities. (CCN) 2002 Deliverances41 and 42 refer to the Report on Sustainable Agriculture, urging H M Government to provide incentives and assistance for sustainable forms of agriculture and to evaluate the health and nutritional benefit of organic products. (SRT) 2003 Deliverance 41 urges the Scottish Executive to put greater stress on environmental support for farmers. (SRT) A Publication; * “Sustainable Agriculture, 2002, General Assembly Report; affirms the importance of moving to more sustainable forms of agriculture.(SRT) 2007 Deliverance 12 calls for a streamlining of documentation required of farmers. Deliverance 13 calls for help for young people to enter / return to farming. (CSC) Fishing 1992 Deliverance 43 urges completion of a Common Fisheries Policy which meets the needs of the Scottish fishing industry. (CCN) 1983 Deliverances 34 and 35 note the agreement on and opportunities arising from the Common Fisheries Policy, and urge understanding, reconciliation and a new agreement between East Coast, West and North interests. (CCN) 1997 Deliverances 26 - 30 call for fishing industry support for sustainable fish stocks and fishing communities, for the lead role in fisheries negotiations to be with Scottish Ministers, for the implementation of the recommendations of the Fisheries Review Group, and for all involved in the industry to be honest. (CCN) 2005 Deliverances 11 and 12 reaffirm support for sustainable fishing and fishing communities and the Common Fisheries Policy, welcome the North Sea Regional Advisory Council as a first step in the application of the principle of subsidiary. Deliverance 13 recognises the growing importance of aquaculture and the need for a good regulatory system and adequate research. (CCN) Mining 1998 Deliverances 9 and 10 acknowledge a need for opencast mining, recognise the impact that it has on the environment and on those living in the vicinity, and call on the government to give priority to protecting the environment and local communities. (CCN) 2004 Deliverance 32 recognises the impact of opencast mining on the environment and communities, and urges all planning authorities to ensure that communities and consulted at an early stage and that planning guidelines are adhered to. (CCN) International Armenia 2008 Deliverance 29 calls on HMG to recognise the Armenian Genocide of 1915. (CSC) Disarmament and Arms Trade 1994 Land Mines Deliverances 23 - 25 support an international ban on land mines, call on HM government to contribute its fair share to land mine clearance, especially in Cambodia. (CCN) 1995 Deliverances 29 to 33 believe that the arms trade can corrupt moral and financial judgment and create anguish, pain and poverty, they call on HM government to support the conversion and transfer of weapons technology, to separate arms contracts from aid, and stop arms transactions with countries in breach of international law. (CCN) 1997 Deliverances 49 to 52 welcome the consultative document on the control of arms exports, urge the availability of accessible information on arms transfers, Parliamentary scrutiny of arms transfers, and urge HM Government transfer licensing to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. (CCN) 1998 Ethical Foreign Policy Deliverances 27 and 28 encourage an ethical foreign policy and urge the government to prohibit arms sales to dictatorial and oppressive regimes. (CCN) 2001 Scott Report Deliverances 6 to 11 urge HM government to implement the recommendations of the Scott Report, to eventually ban the export of weapons from Britain, to establish and publish a register of arms brokers, to recognise the important role of the UK in arms control and in the arms trade, and instruct the Committee to confer with the STUC on the redeployment of technology and skill for peaceful purposes. (CCN) Burma (Myanmar) 2008 Deliverance 30 supports those who seek to rid Burma of military dictatorship and calls on Church members to push for return of democracy and reform of national life in that country. (CSC) Darfur and Sudan 2007 Deliverance 57 calls on HMG to help secure refugee protection and a peaceful resolution. (CSC) Iran 2008 Deliverance 24 commends report for study by Church members. Deliverance 25 recognises historic importance of Iran in Middle East and its potential to be an influence for peace and stability. Deliverance 26 views with concern the continued drive toward the production of enriched uranium by Iran. Deliverance 27 urges HMG to act to prevent military intervention in Iran. Deliverance 28 calls on HMG to remove nuclear weapons from UK to make its opposition to Iranian weapons credible. (CSC) Iraq 1995 Deliverance 28 calls for a clear UN plan for the reduction of sanctions against Iraq. (CCN) 2003 Deliverances 3 to 11 condemn the evil nature of Saddam Hussein, regret the circumstance in which the war was commenced and the use of a pre-emptive strike, deplore the lack of planning in dealing with the aftermath of the war, condemn the use of depleted uranium shells, call on HM government ensure that the UN has a central role in rebuilding Iraq, and recognise the bravery of the British Forces and the support given by their chaplains. (CCN) 2004 Deliverances 54 to 58 call for a full public enquiry into the decision to attack Iraq, condemn acts of terrorism, stand in solidarity with the alternative policy vision of our sister churches in the United States of America, call for an upgrading of the role of the UN in Iraq, and commend HM government in its diplomatic policy in regard to Iran, Syria and Libya. Deliverances 59 to 63 call on HM government to ensure that anti-terrorist legislation complies with the European Convention on Human Rights, condemn the holding of prisoners without trial in Belmarsh, seek the release of UK prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, and call for the observance of the Geneva Convention in respect of prisoners of war. Deliverances 62 and 63 recognise the professionalism and bravery of British service men and women, and acknowledge those who have lost their lives, extend sympathy to their friends and relatives, and express gratitude to their chaplains. (CCN) 2007 Deliverance 5 calls for troop withdrawal as soon as possible. (CSC) Israel and Palestine 1994 Deliverances 28 to 30 welcome the peace process in the Middle East, urge HM government to give assistance particularly to the Occupied Territories, and instruct the Committee to pursue the question of Jerusalem. (CCN) 1996 Deliverances 8 and 9 express support for a settled future for Jerusalem and a hastening of the peace process in the Middle East, particularly Jerusalem. (CCN) 1998 Deliverances 29 to 33, amongst other issues, urge HM government to persuade Israel that its security cannot be obtained at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people and that it must not impose an un-negotiated settlement. (CCN) 2001 Deliverances 12 to18 affirm the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in states of their own and for refugees who wish to do so return, reaffirm the need to end the occupation of territory by Israel, encourage HM government to use its influence to end violence, and to make trade concessions contingent on moves to a just peace. (CCN) 2002 Deliverances 50 to 55 call for an end to occupation of Palestine by Israel, condemn Palestinian suicide bombers, support the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, and reaffirm that justice demands a viable independent Palestinian state. (CCN) 2003 Deliverance 2 commends the Christian Aid report “Losing Ground: Israel, Poverty and the Palestinians”. The Study Group report titled Theology of Land and Covenant studies the Bible’s material on Land and Covenant and reflects on its interpretation and use in the context of the present conflict. The report’s conclusions flag up disagreements within the Study Group on the interpretation of biblical material and these, the report says, reflect what is true in the church at large. The Deliverances associated with the report commend it for study, instruct investigation of a possible conference in Israel/Palestine to discuss it, and authorise its translation into Hebrew and Arabic. (CCN) 2004 Deliverances 33 to 37 condemn violence on both sides, condemn the construction of the “Security” wall by Israel, call on HM government to pressure Israel to dismantle the Wall and to remove checkpoints, and condemn the destruction of Palestinian homes in Gaza and elsewhere by Israel. (CCN) 2006 Deliverance 34 calls upon the Foreign Secretary to encourage HAMAS to issue a statement accepting Israel’s right to exist; encourage Israel to cease attacks on Gaza and the West Bank; encourage the two democratically elected governments to discuss more secure boundaries and sustainable states for both parties and encourage them to adhere to all relevant UN resolutions and the Geneva Convention. Deliverance 36 encourages pilgrims to continue visiting the Holy Land but to ensure they understand the problems experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians. (CSC) 2007 Deliverance 33 calls on HMG to recognise Palestinian Authority. Deliverance 34 calls on HMG to work with Israeli Government for good if its people and for peaceful coexistence with Palestinian Authority and its people. Deliverance 35 rejects use of funding freeze to pressurise Palestinian Authority. Deliverance 36 calls on all not to arm intra-Palestinian struggle. Deliverance 37 calls for search for diplomatic solution based on mutual recognition. Deliverance 38 rejects Christian Zionism. Deliverance 40 repeats call to church members to visit Holy Land. (CSC) Nuclear Weapons 1980 - 1984 Deliverance 2 urges, after considering the arguments, HM government to maintain a British nuclear force with whatever influence this provides on NATO’s strategy and on arms control negotiations. This position is maintained in Deliverance 16/1981 while Deliverance 17/1981 urges HM government not to go ahead with the Trident programme. In 1982 Deliverance 17 calls on the Church of Scotland to oppose the use of nuclear power for war-like purposes and this was reaffirmed in Deliverance 1983/23. The opposition to the Trident programme was repeated in 1984 when the Assembly deplored “HM Government’s commitment to acquisition of the Trident missile system”. (CCN) 1982 Deliverances 33 to 35 urge congregations to inform themselves about nuclear weapons and defence strategies, including the use of the Faslane Report produced by the SRT Project, and instruct the SRT Project to promote the study of the production of weapons systems and the relationship between jobs and growing investment in the arms industry. (SRT) 1986 Deliverance 13 noted the publication of “Ethics and Defence: Power and Responsibility in the Nuclear Age” an appraisal of defence policy from the perspective of Christian theology and ethics. (SRT) 1987 Deliverance 24 deplores HM Government’s commitment to acquisition of the Trident missile system. (CCN) 1987 A book of essays “Ethics and Defence” is published. (SRT) 1989 Deliverance 23 calls on HM Government to reconsider the Trident programme. (CCN) 1992 Deliverance 36 calls on HM Government to cancel the Trident programme forthwith. (CCN) 1995 Deliverance 34 calls on HM Government to take Trident into the START talks and to diversify the resources thus released into alternative, peaceful employment. (CCN) 1997 Deliverance 53 urges the government to abandon the independent nuclear deterrent in the light of the ruling of the ruling of the International Court of Justice. (CCN) 2000 Deliverances 23 welcomes the decision of the five nuclear powers to eliminate their nuclear weapons and urges HM government to get on with it. (CCN) 2001 Deliverance 2 calls upon HM government to abandon the Trident Programme. (CCN) 2002 Deliverances 43 and 44 deplore the proposals for National Missile Defence (NMD) and express concern that the United States intends to withdraw form the 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty, and urge HM government not to allow the use of UK facilities to become part of the NMD system. (CCN) 2002 Deliverance 27 welcomes the consultation programme on the future handling of nuclear waste from submarines. (CCN) 2003 Deliverances 43 to 46 affirm the Church of Scotland’s condemnation of the existence and threat of nuclear weapons, urge the government to abandon Trident, call on the government to seek multi-lateral nuclear disarmament, and encourage congregations to increase their awareness of the issues involved and to take action. (CCN) 2005 Deliverance 4 urges Church members to make representations to their political representatives against the replacement of Trident. (CCN) 2006 Deliverance 10 affirms the Church of Scotland’s condemnation of nuclear weapons and calls HMG not to replace the Trident missile system with a new generation of weapons of mass destruction. (CSC) 2007 Trident Deliverance 4 reaffirms that the Trident weapons system is abhorrent and should be scrapped. (CSC) Peacemaking 1998 Deliverances 24 to 26 commend the establishment of a civil peace service and urge its development. (CCN) Trade Justice 1981 Deliverances 10 to 13 welcome the Brandt Report, affirm the belief in justice for the poor and an equitable distribution of the world’s resources, and urge action by HM Government including announcing a date for reaching the target of 0.7 per cent of GNP in official aid. (CCN) 1982 Deliverances 23 to 28 urge a more positive response from the HM Government on the Brandt Report and press for action on trade and aid issues. (CCN) 1996 Deliverances 5 and 6 recognise that the plight of the worlds poorest people has worsened, urge the radical change of Structural Adjustment Programmes, support the Debt Crisis Network, and call on the International Monetary Fund to cancel debt of the poorest countries. (CCN) 2000 Deliverances 38 to 42 urge more ethical approaches to the ordering and regulation of international trade and the activities of international companies, welcome the actions of Christian Aid and others in their calls for improved standards for multi-national companies, and encourage the Church to support the fair trade movement and continue to support the Jubilee 2000 Campaign. (CCN) 2004 Deliverances 49 to 53 encourage Church members to be involved with and to campaign for Trade Justice, urge HM government to adopt the policies on debt advocated by Jubilee Scotland, and welcome the increased use of fairly produced and traded goods amongst congregations. (CCN) 2005 Deliverances 1 to 6 call on HM government to work to achieve trade justice, to ensure fair, impartial and transparently monitored debt cancellation, and to announce a timetable leading to 0.7% of the UK GNP being dedicated to overseas trade targeted to provide basic health care and education. (CCN) Fair Food 2007 Deliverances 9 - 11, 14 and 15 support Fair Trade at various levels. (CSC) United Nations 1994 Deliverance 15 commends the report on the United Nations to the Church and instructs the Committee to assist Church members to understand and contribute to the debate about the future of the United Nations. (CCN) 1995 Deliverance 43 recalls the faith and vision in which the United Nations was founded and expressed the hope that HM Government will take a lead in urging the nations of the world to give wholehearted support to developing the Organisation in ways that effectively promote the spirit and practice of true peace today and in the future. (CCN) 2004 Deliverances 33 to 45 recognise the fundamental importance of the United Nations, commend current reforms, recognise the need for further reform of the Security Council and the General Assembly, and call on HM government always to act in accordance with the will of the United Nations in issues of peace and security. (CCN) War on Terror and Afghanistan 2002 Deliverances 34 to 41 condemn the terrorist attacks on the United States, express sympathy for those worldwide who have been injured, traumatised or bereaved as a result of the events of September 11th and the consequent military campaign, call in HM government to use international law in any response to international terrorism, affirm the role of the UN in resolving international disputes, regret the disproportionate use of military force, and note with concern the possible extension of military intervention to other states. (CCN) Zimbabwe 2007 Deliverance 58 reaffirms the commitment to the maintenance and development of the democratic process in Zimbabwe. (CSC) Moral Issues Abortion 1984 The Working Party on Family Matters is asked to produce a report on abortion. (BSR) 1985 Deliverances 19 to 21 reflect the report of the Working Party on the effect of the 1967 Abortion Act and seek the review of the Act. In particular Deliverance 19 “Receives the Report on Abortion and, reaffirming that in Biblical and historic Christian conviction the foetus is from the beginning an independent human being, concludes that its inviolability can be threatened only in the case of risk to maternal life, and that after the exhaustion of all alternatives.” (BSR) 1986 The Study Group on Abortion continues its work and Deliverances 10 to 12 modifiy the previous Deliverance; “reaffirm the position held since 1966, that the criteria for abortion should be that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve a serious risk to the life or grave injury to the health, whether physical or mental, of the pregnant woman..”, seek a review of the effects of the 1967 Act and express concern about the position of Senior Registrars and Consultants who oppose abortion. (BSR) 1987 Deliverance 9 notes detailed further work by the Study Group and the publication of the symposium, ”Abortion in Debate” and instructs further diligent consideration and a report back on responses from Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions. (BSR) 1988 Deliverances 8 and 9 deal with the report by the Study Group on responses from Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions, maintain the view on abortion set out in 1986 (above), recommend that the time limit for abortion should be reduced, and that consideration should be given to an appropriate funeral for children who die through spontaneous abortion or stillbirth. (BSR) 1996 Deliverance 12 reaffirms a deep concern about the continuing high level of abortions and encourages ministers to urge that adoption be considered as a viable alternative. (BSR) 1999 Following a position statement on Abortion and on Counselling, Deliverance 12 reaffirms the position on abortion as expressed in 1988 and elsewhere in General Assembly Deliverances, remits to Kirk Sessions to consider ways in which congregations can support families and individuals where abortion is an issue, encourages the Board to co-operate with others to improve educational opportunities for young people and to offer support to health care staff and ministers, and encourages discussion with other Boards and Committees in the Church. (BSR) Cloning and Stem Cells 1997 Based on the report, Deliverance 31 urges the European Commission and Parliament to ensure that living organisms and genetic material of human origin cannot be patented and Deliverances 34 to 36, based on the supplementary report, comment on the genetic modification of animals and express opposition to the cloning of human beings. (SRT) 2001 Deliverances 23 and 24 oppose human reproductive cloning, seek tight restrictions on nuclear transfer cloning, and oppose its use to create human-animal embryos. (SRT) 2002 Deliverances 36 and 37 call on HM Government to investigate aspects of nuclear transfer cloning and to ban animal-human hybrid nuclear cloning. (SRT) 2004 Deliverances 52 and 53 remit the issue of human embryology and stem cells to further study with the Church and Society Network and urge HM Government to encourage research into stem cells derived from adult tissues and placental cord blood in parallel with embryonic stem cell research, and to work to find therapeutic solutions which as far as possible avoid embryo use. (SRT) Selected Publications: “Supplementary Report on Cloned Human Embryos”,1995, General Assembly Report. “Patenting Life?”, 1996, an occasional paper. “Cloning Animals and Humans”, 1997, General Assembly Report. “Ethical Concerns about Patenting in relation to Living Organisms”, 1997, General Assembly Report. “Cloning - a step too far?”, 1997, “Should we Clone Animals?”, 1998; “Should we Clone Humans?”, 1998. “Cloning - how should Society Decide?”, 1998. “Animal Welfare and Pet Cloning Ethics”, 2002. 2006 Deliverance 21 recognises the differences of views which exist within the Church regarding stem cell research. Deliverances 22 and 23 strongly urge HMG not to weaken the legislative framework on embryology and ensure that in future legislation the special status of the human embryo be maintained and protected; also urge HMG to ensure any future legislation only allows embryo research under a specific licence from a regulatory authority. Deliverances 25 and 26 oppose the deliberate creation of human embryos for research except under exceptional circumstances and urges HMG not to include future legislation which would allow the creation and use of human embryos as a source of cells for the treatment of diseases. Deliverances 27 and 28 urge HMG to use stem cells from adult tissue or placental cord blood to avoid embryo use and oppose the creation of parthenogenetic human embryos, animal-human hybrid, chimeric embryos or human embryos that have been made non-viable for research or therapy. Deliverance 29 calls upon the stem cell research community to be honest in their presentation of discoveries and make information more accessible to the public. (CSC) Death Penalty 2008 Deliverance 14 condemns the death penalty in all cases. (CSC) Euthanasia 1981 Deliverance 20, in approving the statement on euthanasia, reaffirms the consistently held view of the General Assembly that “.the Christian recognises no right to dispose of his own life even although he may regard those who commit or may attempt to commit suicide with compassion and understanding rather than condemnation”. The report also refers to the Church and Nation report in 1977 on Euthanasia and the Committee in Moral Welfare report in 1975 on Care of the Dying. (BSR) 1994 Deliverance 16 commends the report to the Church to facilitate informed discussion, opposes the introduction of legislation on Euthanasia, abhors its practice, and rejects the principles on which it is proposed, commends palliative medicine and hospice care, encourages further discussion on the legal and medical issues, and instructs copies of the report to be circulated to enable the Assemblies views to be known. (BSR) 2003 Deliverance 6 reaffirms opposition to euthanasia and urges HM Government to appose any attempts to introduce euthanasia to the UK (BSR) 2008 Deliverance 19 welcomes publishing of new Supplement and reaffirms opposition to artificial ending of human life. Deliverance 20 calls for more funding for palliative care. (CSC) Family Life 2007 Deliverance 8 recognises shared food as central focus in family life. (CSC) Gambling and the National Lottery 1992 The intention to introduce a National Lottery was deplored in Deliverance 18. (BSR) 1994 Deliverance 14 states that participation in the National Lottery would be contrary the Church’s position opposing gambling in all forms. (BSR) 1995 Deliverance 6 repeats the position taken in 1995 and resolves that the Church should not make any applications to the Millennium Fund, it being funded through the National Lottery. (BSR) 1998 Deliverance 12 supports the Board’s long held opposition to gambling in all forms, in particular lotteries and including the National Lottery. (BSR) 1998 Special Commission anent the Lottery The Deliverance1 to 5 receive the report, reaffirm opposition to gambling in all its forms, remind members of the Church of the fundamental importance of direct giving and pass an Act as follows: Whereas the Church has in the past benefited from public funding, and such funding is increasingly financed by National Lottery Revenues, all agencies of the Church are hereby authorised to determine for themselves whether or not to make application for the use of Lottery funding; provided that such agencies are nevertheless hereby a) discouraged from making such application or use, or both, of Lottery funding unless they are satisfied that no suitable alternative funding sources are available; and b) directed that the areas where such application or use, or both, may be made are the following: c) (i) community work and cultural activities, (ii) partnership ventures, and (iii) work in relation to buildings, the General Trustees being hereby authorised, where appropriate, to approve such applications.(BSR) 2001 The report gives an overview of the lottery, noting the renewal of the 7 year licence. (BSR) 2005 Deliverance 8 instructs the Church and Society Council to continue to monitor gambling, in particular the Gambling Bill and new forms of gambling. (BSR) 2007 Deliverance 47 reaffirms 1998 GA position on National Lottery. Deliverance 48 expresses concern over growth of gambling opportunities and effects on most vulnerable in society. Deliverance 49 calls on church members to actively oppose growth of gambling culture and false hope that it promotes. Deliverance 50 calls on church members to support those who suffer from gambling addiction, both directly and indirectly. Deliverance 52 calls for full enforcement of regulation of gambling, and its extension, to protect the most vulnerable. Deliverance 53 calls for HMG research into the effects of the new regulatory framework. Deliverance 54 calls for Scot Exec funding for education in the dangers of gambling. Deliverance 55 calls on HMG to ensure adequate funding for problem gamblers. (CSC) 2008 Deliverance 15 reaffirms that gambling is not a route to economic regeneration. Deliverance 16 call on HMG to halt any increase in gambling opportunities. Deliverance 17 deplores construction of new casinos and urges presbyteries to oppose them. Deliverance 18 calls on HMG to increase regulation of internet and remote gambling. (CSC) Human Fertilisation and Embryology 1985 Deliverances 23 to 28 are triggered by the Warnock Report and set out clearly the Assembly’s attitude to artificial insemination and in vitro (IVF) fertilisation and embryo experimentation and instruct a Report on Natural Family Planning. (BSR) 1995 Deliverance 8 welcomes the report on Human Genetics by the Study Group, encourages the Church to study it and examine the pastoral issues referred to in it, instructs the Board to keep a watching brief over new developments, and identifies genetic stereotyping as a real and actual moral evil similar to racism and apartheid. (BSR) 1996 Deliverance 11 congratulates the Board on the production of the report on Human Fertilisation and Embryology, commended it for study and 11.4 Affirms the sanctity of the embryo from conception, and urges that its special nature be recognised in law, 11.5 Given that the law allows research on human embryos, welcomes the limitation of that research to 14 days, and opposes any extension to that limit; 11.6 Recognises the differences of view which exist on the ethical acceptability of in vetro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo research; 11. 7 Recognises that the IVF treatment may be right for married couples and , while not equating cohabitation with marriage, for unmarried couples in faithful, stable, lasting relationships, where the gametes used are those of the partners; 11.8 Opposes donor insemination and IVF treatment where either the sperm or the egg are donated; 11.9 Opposes the offer of infertility treatment to those in same sex relationships; 11.10 Opposes surrogacy; 11.11 Opposes sex selection, except to prevent sex linked genetic disease; 11.12 Encourages the Church to provide counselling services for childless couples to complement that provided by the infertility clinics. (BSR) 1997 Deliverances 30 and 31 describe a submission to the European Commission and Parliament on the draft Directive on Legal Protection of Biotechnical Inventions. Deliverances 34 to 36 receive Report on Cloning of Animals and Humans detail the conclusions. (BSR) 2001 Deliverance 5 agrees the Board’s approach to Human Genetics. 5(i) Endorse a) stem-cell research in general, and b) medical treatment using stem cells derived from the patient concerned or from a consenting donor. 5(ii) Affirm that IVF treatment may be appropriate treatment for some couples. 5(iii) Recognise that since God intended human embryos as a means to the end of human reproduction, it may, therefore, be right to use a human embryo in IVF research. 5(iv) Given that the law allows research on human embryos, welcome the limitation of research to 14 days, and oppose any extension of that limit. 5(v) Oppose the use of embryos created from human sperm and ova in medical research or treatment, other than that concerned with human reproduction. 5(vi) Recognise that human embryos created by cell nuclear transfer may be used in medical research and therapy, subject to the 14-day limit. 5(vii) Recognise that while it may be acceptable to pursue therapeutic cloning, reaffirm opposition to human reproductive cloning, and urge HM Government to bring forward with urgency primary legislation to ban human reproductive cloning, to press for a such a ban internationally, and to impose tight restrictions on the use of nuclear transfer cloning methods in stem cell research in the UK. 5(viii) Should any babies in future be born from human cell nuclear transfer embryos, affirm they will be fully human, made in the image of God, answerable to God according to their abilities, and our neighbours whom God commands us to love. 5(ix) Welcome research into alternatives to the use of human embryos in medical research or treatment. (BSR) 2002 Deliverance 9 notes the publication of a leaflet on Human Genetics and encourages comments on it. (BSR) 2003 Deliverance 5 urges H M Government to bring sex selection by sperm sorting under the regulatory control of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and be made illegal, except where serious hereditary gender–related disease is to be avoided, in accordance with the European Convention of Human rights and Biomedicine. (BSR) 2007 Deliverance 56 calls for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act not to be extended to permit research which generates non viable human embryos. (CSC) Human Transplants 1990 Deliverance 10 instructs Presbyteries to study the report on Human Transplants and to and report back to the Board any action that they take. (BSR) Marriage and Divorce 1980 Deliverances 8 and 9 deal with the interpretation of Divorce law, seek the introduction of Family Courts to create an informal, personal and human atmosphere between the parties in a divorce, ensuring the welfare of any children, and recommend a law to deal fairly with matrimonial property rights. The report includes an appendix on the working of the Divorce (Scotland) Act 1976. (BSR) 1981 The Report deals with co-habitation, but there is no Deliverance. (BSR) 1982 Deliverance 25 welcomes the emphasis on marriage enrichment and encourages congregations to be aware of the strains on marriage within the Christian community, and to gear their Church programmes towards wider family involvement and support.(BSR) 1983 Deliverance 17 notes the production of a series of leaflets by the Family Matters Working Group on various aspects of marriage, urges their use by the Church and invites the preparation of a study guide for marriage preparation. (BSR) 1984 Deliverance 26 learns with interest the Working Group’s emphasis on family choices outlined in “Choices in Childlessness” and of the need for a new sense of responsibility and purpose in the introduction of children to the family. (BSR) 1992 Deliverance 15 commends the report of the Study Group on Family Matters, subsequently published as “The Future of the Family”, to the whole Church for study and action. (BSR) Sexuality 1983 Deliverance 19 receives, and commends as a guide, the report of the study Group on Sexuality which deals with homosexuality. The first line of the section of the report headed The Church’s Response is, “The message which the Christian Church has for the person who is of homosexual orientation is a positive one.”(BSR) 1994 Deliverance 17 receives, and commends for informed discussion, a report on Human Sexuality. (BSR) 1999 Deliverance 13 welcomes the report on Prostitution, commends it to the church for study, commends the work of the Board with women involved in prostitution, encourages Kirk Sessions to be aware of and act on the report, and supports changes in the law to develop alternatives to fines and imprisonment. (BSR) Politics Constitutional Affairs 2008 Deliverance 4 calls for Church member s to involve themselves in the discussion based on a Christian vision for Scotland.(CSC) Devolution 1997 The report traces the Assembly’s consideration of aspects of Scottish governance since 1946, identifying the series of reports to the Assembly expressing an aspiration for constitutional change. It specifically mentions the report in 1989 which, as part of a thorough exploration of the case for devolution, offered a theological approach to the issue. The Scottish Constitutional Convention was supported in Deliverance 1991/2. Deliverances 4 to 6 call on HM government to honour the conclusions of the Constitutional Convention and instruct the Committee to continue to its active involvement in the establishment of a Scottish Parliament. (CCN) Europe 1996 Deliverances 22 to 24 reaffirm a commitment to even closer links to the peoples of Europe, and urge support for Europe as an instrument of peace, justice, democracy and social cohesion and as a community of generosity. (CCN) Reform of the House of Lords 2000 Deliverance 31 welcomes the report of the Royal Commission on Reform of the House of Lords and strongly encourages HM government to take action on its recommendations. (CCN) Sectarianism 2005 The report recommends the use of the Centre for Education for Racial Equality’s web-site as a useful resource, while expressing a concern at the lack of consultation with the Church by the Scottish Executive. (CE) St Andrews’ Day 2007 Deliverance 2 calls for the marking of St Andrews’ Day to be taken forward by Mission and Discipleship (CSC) Appendix List of Reports by Date and Committee Type COMMITTEE ON CHURCH AND NATION: REPORTS SINCE 1985 Art and Culture 1994 The Church and the Arts in Scotland 1995 The National Lottery 1995 Faith and the Arts 1996 Faith and the Arts 1996 Pornography and the Internet 1998 The Celebration of Saint Andrew’s Day 1999 Arts, Culture and the Scottish Parliament 2000 A Cultural Strategy for Scotland Christian Use of Sunday 1986 The Christian Use of Sunday 1987 The Christian Use of Sunday 1988 The Christian Use of Sunday Community Development 1992 The Importance of Community 1993 The Importance of Community 1996 Poverty and Community Development 1997 Community Development: What Hope for the Poor? 2001 Social Inclusion Partnerships Country Studies: Africa 1985 South Africa; Recent Changes in Investment Attitudes 1986 South Africa 1987 South Africa 1986/87 1988 Southern Africa 1989 Southern Africa 1990 Southern Africa 1991 South Africa 1992 South Africa - Opportunities and Dangers 1993 South Africa 1994 South Africa 1995 Malawi Economic Project 1995 Rwanda: A Green and Fertile Land 1996 The World Bank and the Poor: Malawi - A Case Study 1998 South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Role of the Church 2003 Zimbabwe 2005 The Republic of Sudan Country Studies: Asia 1990 Hong Kong 1990 Cambodia 1993 Hong Kong 1994 Myanmar (Burma) 1994 Cambodia 1995 East Timor: Off the Worlds Map 1996 Hong Kong 2001 Ethnic Conflict in Sri-Lanka 2004 Burma Country Studies: Europe 1989 Northern Ireland 1992 Czechoslovakia - Beyond the Velvet Revolution 1993 The War in Former Jugoslavia 1994 Bosnia 1995 Northern Ireland 2000 The Legacy of the Kosovo War 2003 Northern Ireland Country Studies: Middle East 1987 Afghanistan 1991 The Situation in the Middle East 1992 The Aftermath of the Gulf War 1995 Israel/ Palestine 1995 Iraq 1996 Israel and Palestine 1998 Israel and Palestine 2001 Jerusalem 2002 The Terrorist Attacks on the USA and the War in Afghanistan 2002 Sanctions against Iraq 2002 Israel - Palestine 2003 The War in Iraq 2003 Theology of Land and Covenant (Separate Report) 2004 The “War on Terror” 2004 Israel Palestine: Security Wall or Barrier to Peace Country Studies: South America 1987 Nicaragua 1989 Human Rights in Central America 1991 The Debt Crisis: A Case Study of Jamaica Culture and Media: Broadcasting 1988 Gaelic Broadcasting - the Need for Expansion 1988 The Changing Scene and the Independence of the Media 1989 The White Paper on Broadcasting: “Broadcasting in the ‘90s - Competition, Choice and Quality” 1990 The Broadcasting Bill 1990 Film Production and TV Programme Making 1990 Community Radio 1991 The Broadcasting Act 1992 Broadcasting 1993 The Future of the BBC 1994 The Press and Broadcasting - an Update 1995 Future of the BBC: serving the Nation; competing worldwide 1996 Royal Charter for the BBC 1997 Digital Broadcasting 1998 BBC World Service 1998 Issues Raised by the Merger of Scottish Television and Grampian Television 1999 The BBC in a Devolved Scotland 2001 Public Service Broadcasting and Regional Broadcasting 2005 BBC Charter Review Culture and Media: Press and Advertising 1993 The Press and Privacy 1997 Advertising 1998 Standards in Journalism 1998 Party Political Advertising 2004 The Media and Privacy Criminal Justice 1988 Scottish Prisons and Sentencing Policy 1994 Crime and Punishment 1994 Privatisation of Prisons and Prisoner Escort Services 1995 Crime and Punishment: Victims 1999 Criminal Justice 2003 Domestic Abuse 2004 Responses to Crime 2005 Overcrowding in Scotland’s Prisons Disarmament and the Arms Trade 1985 The Pursuit of Peace and Disarmament 1991 The Arms Trade and the Developing World 1994 Landmines 1995 The International Arms Trade 1997 The Code of Practice on Arms Transfers 2001 The International Arms Trade Economics and Poverty 1989 Scotland and the Completed European Market 1990 Economics Change and People 1993 The Economy 1994 The Economy 2000 Paying for Public Projects-The Private Finance Initiative Economics and Poverty: Benefits, Low Pay and Debt 1986 Distribution of Wealth, Income and Benefits 1989 The Church and Scotland’s Poor 1990 The Church and Scotland’s Poor 1992 Top Salary Increases 1993 Wages Councils 1997 In Work but Living in Poverty 1997 ‘The Worst Poverty’ Personal Debt in Scotland 1998 Debt and Dying 2003 Debt 2004 Voices on Poverty 2005 Credit and Debt 2005 Make Poverty History Economics and Poverty: Employment 1985 Recent Employment Legislation 1986 The New Youth Training Scheme 1987 Employment 1992 Unemployment 1992 Women and Work 1993 The Recession and Unemployment 1994 The Future of Work 1995 Changing Patterns of Work in a Global Economy Economics and Poverty: Taxation 1988 The Community Charge 1988 Privatisation and the Community Charge 1993 The Monarchy and Taxation 1993 Water and Sewage in Scotland 1995 The Effect of Changes to the System of Personal Taxation 2003 Taxation Environment 1989 Polluting Technologies - not Talk but Action 1991 Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect 1991 Alternative Sources of Energy 1992 The Earth Summit 1993 The Earth Summit, June 1992 1993 The Impact of Economic Activity on the Environment 1994 The Environmental Impact of Economic Activity in Scotland 1998 Car Usage and Environmental Responsibility 2002 A Future for Nuclear Submarines Ethics 1989 Christian Ethics and Finance 1991 Consulative Group on Ethics and Finance 1993 Business Ethics and Finance 1994 Business Ethics and Finance - Issues of Serious Fraud 2000 Ethical Standards in Public Life 2005 Corporate Social Responsibility and the Church Housing 1985 The Future of Scottish Housing 1986 The Future of Scottish Housing 1987 Housing Enquiry 1991 Homelessness in Scotland 1992 Housing and Homelessness 1998 Homelessness 2005 Affordable Housing Human Rights 1985 Human Rights; Growing International Concern 1988 Scotland’s Travelling People - The Church’s Contribution 1990 Confidentiality, Secrecy, Privacy and Freedom of Information 1992 Animal Welfare 1995 Discrimination and Disability 1996 National Identity Cards 1997 Volunteering 1997 Demographic Changes - The Third Age 1998 Freedom of Information 1999 Gaelic Language 1999 Human Rights 1999 Women's Rights are Human Rights 2000 Freedom of Information 2001 Racial Justice 2001 A Human Rights Commission for Scotland 2002 Sectarianism 2002 Compensation Culture 2005 Identity Cards Industry 1985 The Changing Industrial Scene in Scotland 1985 Research and Development in Science and Technology 1986 Response to Industrial Change 1987 Forestry in Scotland 1988 The Significance of Multi-National Enterprises for Scotland 1989 Developments in the Scottish Industrial Scene 1989 Scotland and Forestry - a Second Look 1990 Tourism - A Topic for Concern? 1991 The Fishing Industry 1992 Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise 1992 Scottish Fishing Industry 1992 Salmon Farming 1992 Monktonhall 1992 Reflections on Industrial Lanarkshire’s Future - Post Ravenscraig 1993 The Fishing Industry 1993 The Defence Industry 1995 Changes in Defence Employment 1995 Network Marketing 1995 The Future of Scottish Agriculture 1997 Fisheries and the European Common Fisheries Policy 1997 The BSE/CJD Crisis and its Effect on Scottish Agriculture 1998 Opencast Mining 1999 Agriculture: The Welfare of the Farming Community 2000 Farming, Food and the Role of the Consumer 2001 The Textile Industry 2002 Foot and Mouth Disease 2003 Post Office 2005 Fishing 2005 The Impact of Oil Land Reform 1987 Land Ownership in Scotland 1998 Land Tenure and Use 2002 Land Reform National Health Service 1987 National Health Service 1988 The Funding of the National Health Service 1992 The National Health Service 1993 National Health Service Hospital Trusts - One Year On 1993 Care in the Community 1995 The Debate on the National Health Service 1996 What Sort of National Health Service do we want 1997 Rationing in the National Health Service 1998 Inequalities in Health 1999 Mental Health 2004 Advocacy 2005 Rural Health Services Nuclear Weapons 1986 Strategic Defence Initiative 1989 Trident 1992 Trident 1994 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 1995 Trident 1997 The Use of Nuclear Weapons 2000 Trident 2002 The United States National Missile Defence System 2003 Nuclear Weapons Peacemaking 1986 Peacemaking - International Year of Peace 1987 Witness for Peace 1988 The Peace-Making Process 1989 Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation 1990 Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation 1991 Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation 1993 Economic Sanctions in the Peace Process 1995 WCC Programme to Overcome Violence 1995 Promoting Peace through Education 1998 Civil Peace Service Politics 1988 Trade Union Legislation 1999 Electoral Reform 2000 Reform of the House of Lords 2001 The Political Process 2003 House of Lords Politics: Devolution 1987 Devolution 1989 The Government of Scotland 1992 Issues Concerning the Structure of Government 1993 The Government of Scotland 1995 A New Political Settlement? 1997 Constitutional Reform 1999 Codes of Conduct in the Scottish Parliament 2000 Theological and Political Office in Scotland since the Reformation 2002 Size of the Scottish Parliament - A Consultation Response Politics: European Union 1992 Debate on Europe 1994 Europe 1996 The European Union - A Crisis or an Opportunity? 1999 Europe and Scotland 2002 Europe Whole and Free, Origins and Enlargement 2003 Convention on the Future of Europe 2004 A Constitution for Europe 2005 Anti-Semitism in Europe 2005 The Proposed Constitutional Treaty for the European Union Refugees and Asylum 1985 British Nationality and Immigration 1988 Refugees and Asylum Seekers 1992 Issues concerning Racism 1994 Immigration and Nationality 1996 Asylum and Sanctuary 1997 The Impact of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1997 Welcoming the Refugee: A Guide for Congregations 2002 Refugees and Migration, The International Situation - Who is a Refugee 2002 Refugees and Migration, British Asylum Policy - Improving the System 2003 Asylum 2002 Refugees and Migration, Who is my Neighbour 2005 Asylum in Scotland Social Security 1985 Supplementary Benefit 1986 Reform of Social Security 1999 Welfare Reform 2000 Minimum Income 2003 Taxation 2004 Pensions Trade 1985 Famine and the Developing Countries 2000 Free Trade and Multi-national Companies 2003 Trade Justice 2004 Trade Justice 2005 Make Poverty History (Separate Report prepared jointly with World Mission) Transport 1986 Transport Act, 1985 1991 Transport 1992 Transport 2001 Road Fuel Pricing United Nations 1994 United Nations 1995 The United Nations 1995 Prayer for the United Nations 2004 The United Nations Church and Society Council Reports since 2007 Reports 2007 Fair Trade in Food Energy for a Changing Climate (Power Generation) To be Silent is to be Unfaithful: Human Trafficking What Hope for the Middle East? What’s the Alternative? (Alternatives to Custody) Gambling Reports 2008 Energy and Transport - Moving Forward The Death Penalty Gambling Iran Index “A Christian Vision for Scottish Education”, 11 Abortion, 33 Advertising Industry, 5 Afghanistan, 32, 41 Africa, 40 Agriculture, 25 Alcohol Abuse, 19 Armenia, 27 Arms Trade, 27, 42 Art and Culture, 40 Artificial Insemination, 36 Asia, 40 Asylum, 23, 45 Asylum-Seekers, 23 BBC, 5 BBC World Service, 6 Begging, 7 Belmarsh, 28 Benefit, 7, 8, 23 Benefits, 7, 42 Benefits Trap, 7 Bosnia, 41 Brandt Report, 31 Broadcasting, 5, 41 BSE, 25 Burma, 27, 40, 41 Cambodia, 40 Cannabis, 19, 20 Catholic Education Commission, 12 Catholic Education Committee, 12 Central America, 41 Chaplaincy in Colleges of Further Education, 10 Chaplains in Schools, 10, 13 Chernobyl, 17 Children with Severe Low Incidence Disabilities, 14 Children’s Commissioner, 10 Christian Aid, 29, 31 Christian Teaching in Scottish Schools, 12 Christian Use of Sunday, 40 Civil Peace Service, 31 CJD, 25 Climate Change, 16 Cloning, 33, 34, 37 Cloning of Animals and Humans, 37 Common Agricultural Policy, 25 Common Fisheries Policy, 26 Community Development, 40 Community Schools, 14 Contemplation Areas, 13, 14 Criminal Justice, 42 Cubie Report on Student Finance, 11 Culture and Media, 5, 41, 42 Curriculum, 11, 13 Czechoslovakia, 41 Darfur, 27 Dearing Report, 11 Death Penalty, 34 Debt, 7, 8, 42 Debt Cancellation, 31 Denominational Schools, 12 Devolution, 39, 45 Disarmament, 27, 42 Disruptive Behaviour in Schools, 10 Divorce, 38 Dounreay, 17 Drug Abuse, 19 Dungavel, 23 East Timor, 40 Eco-Congregation Programme, 16 Economics, 7, 42, 43 Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, 29 Education, 10, 12 Education of Deaf Children, 14 Embryo Experimentation, 36 Employment, 42 Energy, 17 Energy Assessment, 17 Energy Conservation, 17 Enquiry into Unemployment and the Future of Work, 8 Environment, 43 Environment Policy, 18 Environmental Audit, 17 Ethical Foreign Policy, 27 Ethics, 43 EU Quota Systems, 25 Europe, 39, 41 European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, 5 European Convention on Human Rights, 28 European Union, 45 Euthanasia, 34, 35 Fair Food, 32 Family Life, 35 Farmers’ Markets, 25 Farming, 25 Fishing Industry, 26 Food Production Standards, 25 Gaelic, 5 Gambling, 35, 36 Genetic Modification, 20 Genetically Modified Food, 20, 21 Geneva Convention, 28 Greenhouse Effect, 16 Greenhouse Gas, 16 Guantanamo Bay, 28 Gulf War, 41 HAMAS, 29 Health Boards, 22 Health Education Board for Scotland, 21 Healthcare Trusts, 22 Highland Theological Institute, 11 Homelessness, 9 Homosexuality, 38 Hong Kong, 40, 41 House of Lords, 39 Housing, 43 Housing and Homelessness, 8 Human Embryo, 34, 36, 37 Human Embryology, 34 Human Fertilisation and Embryology, 36 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, 37 Human Genetics, 21, 36, 37 Human Rights, 23, 43 Human Rights Commissioner, 23 Human Trafficking, 24 Human Transplants, 37 Industry, 44 Inequalities in Health, 22 International Court of Justice, 30 International Monetary Fund, 31 Iran, 28 Iraq, 28, 41 Israel and Palestine, 28, 41 IVF Treatment, 36, 37 Jamaica, 41 Jerusalem, 28, 41 Joint Campuses, 12 Jubilee 2000, 31 Jugoslavia, 41 Kosovo, 41 Land mines, 27 Land Reform, 44 Libya, 28 Living Wage, 7 Low Pay, 7, 42 Malawi, 40 Marriage, 38 McCrone Inquiry, 15 Mental Health, 22 Middle East, 28, 41 Minimum Wage, 7 Mining, 26 Multicultural Education, 15 Munn and Dunning, 12 Myanmar, 27, 40 Nanotechnology, 21 National Health Service, 21, 44 National Insurance, 9 National Lottery, 35, 36 National Missile Defence, 30 NATO, 29 Nicaragua, 41 Non-Denominational Schools, 12, 13 North Sea Regional Advisory Council, 26 Northern Ireland, 41 Nuclear Power, 17 Nuclear Transfer Cloning, 34, 37 Nuclear Waste from Submarines, 30 Nuclear Weapons, 28, 29, 30, 45 Opencast Mining, 26 Organic Crops, 21 Patented, 33 Peacemaking, 45 Pensions, 7 Perceptions of Jesus, 13 Politics, 45 Poverty, 7, 25, 42, 43 Poverty Trap, 8, 9 Press and Advertising, 5, 42 Press Complaints Commission, 6 Prostitution, 38 Public Private Partnership, 12 Racism and the Church – A Guide to Good Practice, 23 Refugees, 23, 45 Religious and Moral Education, 13 Religious Education, 11, 12, 13 Religious Observance, 13 Renewable Energy, 16 Responding to Climate Change Project, 16 Rural Schools, 14 Rwanda, 40 Scott Report, 27 Scottish Ambulance Service, 22 Scottish Churches Energy Efficiency Scheme, 17 Scottish Churches Housing Action, 9 Scottish Churches Housing Agency, 9 Scottish Constitutional Convention, 39 Scottish Executive’s Sexual Health Strategy, 15 Scottish Parliament, 39 Sectarianism, 39 Security Council, 32 Security wall, 29 Sex Education, 14 Sexuality, 38 Skoal Bandits, 22 Slavery, 24 Smoking, 20, 22 Social Justice, 7 Social Security, 46 South Africa, 40 South America, 41 Southern Africa, 40 Special Commission anent the Lottery, 35 Sri-Lanka, 41 St Andrews’ Day, 39 START talks, 30 Statutory Church Representatives to Education or Equivalent Local Authorities Committees, 10 Stem Cells, 33, 34 Stevenson Prize, 14 Structural Adjustment Programmes, 31 Sudan, 27, 40 Sustainable Development, 18 Syria, 28 Taxation, 9, 43 Teacher Training, 15 Teaching, 13, 15 Tertiary Education, 11 Theology of Land and Covenant, 29 Tobacco and Smoking, 22 Towards a Radical Understanding of Work, 8 Trade, 46 Trade Justice, 31 Transport, 46 Trident, 29, 30, 31 Unemployment, 8 United Nations, 32, 46 University of the Highlands and Islands, 11 War on Terror, 32, 41 Welcoming the Refugee, 23 WTO, 21 Young People, 26 Young People and the Media, 6 Zimbabwe, 32, 40 35 1