search

The Church of Scotland is a massively important institution in Scottish history, life and culture.

We are not like the Church of England, integral to the Parliamentary system. We are not like the church in the USA, totally separate from the political institutions. Historically, we have the most cordial, healthy relationship with our political systems, both central and devolved. When the Sovereign attends our annual denominational General Assembly, or is represented there by her appointed Lord High Commissioner, she or he is most welcome, but can take no official part in the deliberations of the General Assembly. In that sense, we have biblical autonomy free from state interference. That said, we are the state church with our ongoing commitment to provide the ordinances of the Christian religion to every part of the nation.

Predicting the future is dangerous. Past and present trends hint at what might be. How should these mould Christian ministry in obedience to the Great Commission? Population growth is one of nine factors that will impact our world.

The population disparities are huge. Two-thirds of the world’s population live within 500 km of a coast. This has benefits for wealth generation and trade, but there are dangers in more low-lying areas if climate change causes a significant rise in sea levels.

Elizabeth Braund, who for many years has run Shallowford Farm to help inner London city children, shares her experience.

The riots in a number of cities last summer shocked us all. There were banner headlines about the ‘end of an era’, a constant barrage of grim forebodings from the media, endless political argument and social confrontation. But all this has left us not so much keyed-up to new resolve, as indifferent and only wanting to be left alone to get on with our own lives.