Context
The Church of Scotland is facing potential loss of up to 30% of its churches due to declining congregations and lower incomes. St Andrew’s in Clermiston, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, could face closure.
Question
Scotland's Churches Trust estimates that the Church of Scotland could lose 30% of its churches in the coming years. St Andrew’s in Clermiston in my constituency could be one of them. It celebrated its 70th anniversary this year but could face closure because of declining congregations and lower incomes, threatening a valuable community space used by vulnerable and elderly people. Can the Second Church Estates Commissioner outline how the Church of England could work with the Church of Scotland to share best practice on managing churches with smaller congregations to preserve those valuable community spaces?
Answer from Marsha De Cordova
The National Church Institutions and the Church of Scotland signed the Columba declaration, committing to joint dialogue on a range of issues. I understand that they meet regularly to discuss these issues. It might be useful for her to reach out to the Church of Scotland on that, and if she is unable to do so, I am happy to put her in touch with it.
Not addressed: Did not provide specific best practices or actions from either church.
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