Church attendance decline will continue

Sir, – I read with some interest the recent piece featuring the Reverend Burton on the state of affairs within the Church of Scotland. Not being religious (I have never been christened) and belonging to no church, I will put forward some personal reflections which are entirely personal and have no basis in fact.

The Church of Scotland has always come across to me as not being very inclusive. It would appear to represent the Conservative Party at prayer. On the few occasions I have attended services, for whatever reason, I have found it to be completely joyless and uninspiring. On the few occasions I have been to a Catholic service, however, I found it — although a little complicated —at least a happy occasion, with some customs and traditions to keep you occupied.

How does the Church of Scotland improve its rather dire situation? I don’t think it can. It is an increasingly older type of person who attends and as time goes by nature will take its course.

It would be a pity to see some of these wonderful old buildings fall into disrepair but perhaps one way to save them would be to turn them over for other purposes outside of religion.

I feel most Christian religions will face a decline in attendances as many people, I think, just don’t see the point and may, in fact, see religion as the root cause of much of the trouble in the world.

They would rather spend time with their families and friends on Sundays enjoying the company and freedom, and not being preached at and told stories that may or may not have happened 2000 years ago.

However, every person is entitled to have their own beliefs. Maybe our ancestors in Pictish times had the best religious practices, revolving around nature. Who knows, they may have been right. Who can say with any finality that they were wrong? BryanAuchterlonie. Bluebell Cottage, Ardargie.