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Narrated by James Marriott
There is something very wrong with the Church of Scotland. Not unreasonably, it has decided to axe churches in response to falling congregations. But the execution of this rationalisation has been mishandled.
Our minister had the unenviable task of announcing, on Easter Day of all days, the news that the closure of our church, Southwick in Dumfries & Galloway, would be voted on at a presbytery meeting. Not a message of joy on the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar. Other parishes were equally taken by surprise.
It is hard to process because Southwick Church’s congregation is growing strongly. It pays its way, meeting its financial obligations to the Church of Scotland’s central funds, and the church is in excellent repair having