Our top 10 stories from 2022

With the turbulent events which have shaped 2022; from the invasion of Ukraine and the death of Her Majesty The Queen, to monumental decisions being made at the General Assembly and the ever-changing political landscape and associated cost-of-living struggles, it is sometimes hard to remain hopeful with such instability and change. However, one thing has remained a constant beacon of light: our Kirk members' commitment to proclaiming the Good News.

Congregations across the Church of Scotland have responded to human need through loving service, supporting those most vulnerable in our communities, rallying together to support Ukrainian refugees and opening warm banks, as well as generating substantial sums of money for charity in the process.

Here, we share some of the most popular news stories and social posts written by the Communications Department staff which have shaped our focus this year.

Our top stories

1. A prayer for Ukraine
   Ahead of the invasion of Ukraine, Kirk representatives asked all of us to join them in praying for those who were frightened and at risk in Ukraine.
2. King Charles vows to protect the security of the Church of Scotland
   In signing an historic oath as his first act after being officially proclaimed King, King Charles III vowed to uphold the Presbyterian system of Church governance in Scotland.
3. Kirk's General Assembly endorses Saint Margaret Declaration
   Commissioners at the 2022 General Assembly gave a ringing endorsement to an historic agreement between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland, proposing that it be named the Saint Margaret Declaration, after the 11th Century Scottish Queen venerated for her missionary Christian faith and her kindness and generosity to poor people.
4. Charity chief will become the Moderator of the 2023-24 General Assembly
   The head of Christian Aid Scotland, Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, was named as the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
5. Statement and prayer from the Moderator on the death of Her Majesty The Queen
   Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, issued a statement and prayer on learning of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
6. New Principal Clerk of the General Assembly takes oath of office
   A minister became the first woman to take up the role of Principal Clerk of the General Assembly on a permanent basis. Rev Fiona Smith joined a select group of people – around 40 – who have served in the leadership role since 1572.
7. General Assembly approves scheme to conduct same-sex marriages
   In May, the General Assembly voted to change a standing church law to allow the right to apply to become an authorised celebrant to conduct same-sex ceremonies.
8. Church calls for ceasefire in Ukraine
   In February, the Church of Scotland called on all parties to renew peacemaking efforts and prepare to offer humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
9. Tributes paid to minister who was a true servant of Christ
   Tributes were paid to a much-loved Church of Scotland minister who died after a long illness. Rev George Cowie, clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow and a Chaplain-in-Ordinary to Her Majesty the Queen, was 58.
10. Joy as Fife church welcomes new minister
    A Fife church welcomed a new full-time minister to provide spiritual leadership and help members continue to make a positive impact in the community.

Our top social media posts

1. Did you know that the Church of Scotland is there to conduct funerals for anyone who asks, free of charge?
2. Commissioners vote in favour of permitting Kirk ministers to conduct same-sex marriages
3. The Church of Scotland calls on all parties to renew peace-making efforts and prepare to offer humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine
4. The Moderator pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen
5. The Moderator takes part in a special service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey
6. A historic declaration of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland was signed at Dunfermline Abbey
7. A church organist of 75 years receives a visit from Prince Charles at Canisbay Parish Church
8. Congratulations to Aileen who was ordained as an elder at Lenzie Old Church
9. Congratulations to Rev Dr Jessica Fubara Manuel who graduated as a Dr of Philosophy in World Christianity and was supported through her studies by the Church of Scotland Scholarship Programme
10. St Giles' Cathedral will host the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the late Queen Elizabeth

Remember – we are always on the look-out for stories from across our churches. If you would like to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us.

From all of us in the Church of Scotland Communications Department, it has been our privilege to share the Good News with you for another year and we hope you have enjoyed the rich array of stories and updates from across the Kirk. We wish you a very Happy New Year and every blessing for 2023.