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General Assembly 2007: Religion finds itself in the dock

At this time of conflict and division religion finds itself in the dock, according to the report presented by the World Mission Council to the General Assembly.

The Iraq War has become a defining political issue and for many observers 'faith' represents either the fundamentalist right wing in America or Muslim jihadists. However, the council report puts in focus situations where faith demonstrates the capacity to bring peace and reconciliation.

Given that extreme poverty drives people towards violent religious beliefs, the council sees high strategic value in its poverty-combating work. The council believes that its involvement with its many overseas partner churches and the projects they undertake together provides both practical support and meaningful solidarity. In 2006 the numerous projects included delivering food aid to Kenya, the re-training of farmers in war-torn Sudan and the continued support of the biggest AIDS programme in Northern Malawi.

Despite the troubles in the Middle East a major focus of the council’s work is the developing and maintaining of the Church’s relationship with the Christian community in the region. The council continues to receive excellent feedback regarding both its Scots Hotel in Tiberias and the St Andrew’s Guesthouse in Jerusalem – the Scots Hotel recently received a prestigious award from the Israeli hotel industry. Partnership with the church in Lebanon has been focussed on assisting with reconstruction work after the Israel-Hezbollah war.

As part of its Strategic Plan for 2007 to 2009 the council recognises the importance of its overseas partners and partnership finds fresh expression through exchange visits, scholarship awards and staff appointments. The ecumenical and innovative World Exchange programme enables members of the Church to serve on a voluntary basis with partner churches and organisations overseas.

The twinning of Scottish presbyteries with their overseas counterparts has flourished during 2006 and the council is inspired by the testimony of those involved. The Assembly will hear of the council’s determination to promote and nurture twinning relationships which involve commitment over a period of years.

In its conclusion the report presents an Act to the General Assembly which seeks to adjust the relationship between the World Mission Council and the Presbytery of Europe. In line with the emerging shape of the Church, this legislation will give greater responsibility to the presbytery while recognising the ongoing enabling role of the council.

Ends

nrga/21/04/07

Thursday 19 April 2007

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