The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Kirk plans 14 closures for Perth and Kinross
Nearly a third of Perth and Kinross churches could close in the next five years under radical Kirk plans.
Minister numbers will be dramatically hit to reduce staffing by almost 40%.
Perth Presbytery’s shock proposals have emerged as part of a blueprint to shape the Kirk’s future across the region in the face of dwindling income and falling congregations.
The Church of Scotland says the move is aimed at meeting 21st Century needs.
City, town and village kirks are all included.
Congregations with the greatest potential for “evidence of growth” will be given priority.
Presbytery members across Perth and Kinross are now being asked for their views on the “work in progress”.
An eight week consultation is under way.
Of the presbytery’s 45 church buildings those at risk are Cleish, Arngask; Forteviot; Forgandenny; St Leonard’s in the Fields, Perth; two buildings attached to Craigie & Moncreiffe, Perth; Kilspindie; Rait; Collace; Trinity Gask; two buildings connected to Mid Strathearn Church, and one building in Crieff.
The plan includes a commitment to develop the pioneering work of the community minister at Bertha Park in Perth.
It could see the acquisition of a building opposite the new high school by the General Trustees, the Church of Scotland’s property arm.
Some congregations could be united and others placed under presbytery guardianship.
That means a charge could continue without calling a minister with St John’s in Perth city centre one congregation being considered.
It would be allocated resources for ministry, allowing it to focus on worship on Sundays and perhaps during the week.
Perth Presbytery’s planning and development committee convener, the Rev Allan Wilson, said it is a “significant time of change”.
“The proposals represent a concerted effort to continue the mission of the church and nurture green shoots of growth within the limitations set by the General Assembly,” he said.
“It requires increased co-operation between congregations and the sharing of resources across existing parish boundaries.”
Presbyteries across the country have been told they must reduce minister numbers.
Perth’s minister and development staff numbers will be cut from 26 to 16.5.
At last May’s General Assembly, it was agreed to reduce the number of full-time ministers in Scotland to 600.
A target for the Kirk to have no more than 60 charges vacant at any one time by the end of 2025 was set.
Declining numbers of people training for the ministry and a reduction in financial contributions are behind the decision.
Falling membership is another factor.
Mr Wilson said reducing the number of ministry posts was a task “none of us relished”.
“We recognise that they represent real people and real communities within our presbytery,” he said. “However, not only have we taken seriously the requirement to reduce the number of ministries in Perth and Kinross, we have also taken seriously Jesus’s call to mission and discipleship.
“This is an opportunity to refocus our efforts and prepare for ministry in the years ahead.
“Some of these changes may have been needed for some time.
“We are confident that in this plan we offer a considered, effective and robust structure for ministry.”
He added the presbytery will consider any proposal to buy a former Perth and Kinross church building and maintain it for community use.
A plan must be agreed by the end of December.