Anger over 'axed' minister
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A popular Sutherland minister has been "axed" for apparently failing to grow his flock enough to make it pay its way.
But the move by the Free Church of Scotland to make the Rev. Eric Paterson redundant has outraged parishioners and the wider community who have started petitions calling for his reinstatement.
In an unholy row, the Free Church say "ministers should no more have guaranteed jobs for life that any one else!"
Father-of-three and ex-policeman Rev. Paterson, 57, was responsible for both Golspie and Brora church congregations in Sutherland. He has been a minister in the area for 26 years - the last three years part-time under an Alternative Ministry Arrangement.
But the decision to not renew the arrangement - making him redundant - has shocked the keen fisherman's his flock.
By Monday more than 440 people had signed an online petition - http://www.getpetition.com/petitions/the-missions-boards-of-the-free-church - which registered protesters "disappointment" at the decision not to renew the Alternative Ministry Arrangement, which was financed by the Golspie congregation and supplemented by the Brora flock.
"This decision has resulted in Rev Eric Paterson being made redundant. The community of Golspie and neighbouring villages wish to express their support to Rev Paterson. We would like to see Rev Paterson remain as minister and pastor to our village and surrounding areas," it said.
Other petitions have circulated in local shops.
Supporters online were furious at the decision not renew Rev. Paterson's contract.
Mrs Barbara Kennedy of Dornoch wrote:"Very sad to hear that Eric is being made redundant. He has being a valued member of the community for around 26 years. So sad that his contract has been terminated and that Eric and his family are being cast aside by the Church. Much Prayer needed about this!"
Barry Cattanach of Invergordon said:"A great ambassador for the church and a very genuine man," and Clive Grewcock from Golspie added:"In a rural Highland village Rev Eric Patterson is a crucial member of the community and a critical role for many."
Gordon Peter Sneddon of Rogart wrote:"Eric is very approachable and is seen pounding the streets talking to the community," and Janice Maclellan of Edderton said:"I think this has been poorly handled and that Eric and the Golspie congregation have been treated unfairly.
Campbell Hall Port of Golspie added:"As a Minister Eric Paterson is a great asset for our village," while Christine Port, also of Golspie said:"Eric Paterson is a very caring, compassionate and considerate Minister and is good for our village."
Barbara Brine from Dornoch stressed:"Sutherland has a dearth of Free Church ministers, a few men are covering a number of congregations travelling extra miles and preaching at least three times each Sunday. Having to hasten on to take the next service leaves no time for pastoring. To remove an experienced, faithful and well loved pastor is sheer folly."
Robbie Dunn of Golspie bluntly wrote:"The church should holds its head in shame, he is one of the nicest person I have ever come across."
Anna Macdonald of Golspie said:"Rev Paterson has been a great support to me and my family especially last year when my husband died very suddenly. He is a well respected man in our village."
Mrs K MacKay of Golspie added:"I am extremely disappointed and duscusted (sic) to read that Mr Paterson is to lose his job after so many years, he is the best minister for miles around no matter which religion you believe in, he is so welcoming, caring, funny, helpful person. It would be so heartbreaking to lose him."
Claire Sutherland of Golspie said:"My family have been going to this church for years my mother and father where married here would be a real loss for the village to see Mr Paterson been made redundant,"and Ian Sutherland of Golspie wrote:"I'm not religious but Eric is a truly good man who is a pastor in every sense of the word. Shame on the Church for putting money before their God ."
Among the many other messages were those from people outwith the area, who were also angered by the decision.
Laurence Macrae of Newmachar wrote:"Mr Paterson is an excellent minister and a fantastic man, how this has been allowed to happen is an absolute disgrace."
But John Ross said on Facebook:"I am impressed to see that this petition has reached over 400 signatures and that seems to me to indicate an alternative to funding from Edinburgh for the Brora and Golspie congregation. If the petition can raise so many signatures, cannot the signatories raise the additional funds to retain Eric as minister until he choses to retire?"
The point was emphasised by Free Church spokesman, the Rev. David Roberson, who said the petitions would make no difference to the decision. The former Free Church Moderator also stressed that Rev. Paterson had not been "sacked" but in effect had been made redundant.
"Even if 10 percent (of those that signed the petitions) attended (the churches) we would not be in this situation," said Rev. Robertson. "We cannot subsidise congregations that are declining and help them into their graves."
Defending the decision, Rev. Robertson of St Peter's Free Church, Dundee, said the church in Golspie "is certainly unable to sustain a full time minister," with average attendances between 20 and 30 people - who are mainly elderly.
Brora is a growing church - "but from a small base" - with attendances of 40 to 50.
Both churches had around half the congregations when Rev. Robertson left Brora in 1992.
Services will continue to held in the Golspie church, said Rev. Robertson and a new minister will be sought, preferably full-time, who could be responsible for both charges - though it is possible that each church could have a separate minister. That has still to be decided.
"The church building and manse at Golspie will be retained for use by the Free Church. We are not giving up on Golspie and we hope for better days for the congregation," said Rev. Robertson.
"Eric was under a three year arrangement known as Alternative Ministry Arrangement. This was a generous supporting of the local congregation by the wider Free Church. There was a development plan but very little development so the arrangement will not be renewed.
"The arrangement was for Eric to be a part time minister. The Free Church does not think that is a suitable arrangement and would want full time ministers in both Golspie and Brora.
"The Free Church in Brora is a different story. After a difficult period it is growing and developing and there are many signs of life. It needs to get its own minister and get on with the work there - and not be subsidizing a part time ministry in Golspie.
"The bottom line is that the Free Church in East Sutherland is a mixed picture - some congregations are growing and developing - Golspie is not and therefore it is time for a new start and an opportunity to redevelop.
"As a former minister in Brora I know that the Free Church is committed to East Sutherland and seeing the Gospel flourish in our area.
"We are not prepared to just maintain things and quietly fade away! Our aim is to see renewal, reformation and revival throughout the area. We know that will not be easy and that sometimes difficult decisions have to be taken.
"Eric is there at the moment and is still conducting the services. I believe that his time has been extended until September. Every congregation in the Free Church either has its own minister or an interim-moderator who will organise services.
"If a congregation does not have enough to pay for its own minister then it is taking money from the wider church, which prevents that money being used elsewhere.
"We are happy to subsidise congregations but not indefinitely. Ministers should no more have guaranteed jobs for life that any one else!
"There is no standard size for a full time minister - its not just about money - its also about viability in having enough members to do the work of the church and to provide elders/ deacons and so on. No congregation is viable with only 20-30 attending.
"Both are not self-sufficient and paying their way. They can't even pay 50 percent of the minister's salary.
"At the moment Eric is also responsible for Brora - a new interim-moderator will be provided."
Rev. Paterson was inducted into the his Golspie charge in 1991.
He was born in Edinburgh and brought up in East Kilbride and Brora, where his father, the Rev David Paterson, was the Free Church minister.
Rev. Paterson was a police officer for three years and then from 1971 was involved in various types of voluntary and Christian work, including some time in London with a Baptist Church.
He studied for the ministry at the Free Church College in Edinburgh.
Rev. Robertson stressed Rev. Paterson will be able to answer the call of other congregations.
