Church of Scotland plans radical shake-up in Sutherland with a reduced number of ministers covering a wider geographical area
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Plans to slim down the Church of Scotland ministry in Sutherland are to be discussed at a public meeting in Lairg tomorrow.
A proposal is understood to be on the table to reduce the number of ministers serving in the county, and redraw the areas they cover.
Opposition to the proposals has already come from the newly reformed Kinlochbervie Community Council with the port set to lose its resident minister.
The changes are being driven by financial constraints facing the Church as a result of dwindling congregations. There has also been a decrease in the number of people training to become ministers.
In 2021 the General Assembly instructed presbyteries across the country to complete a Mission Plan - a blueprint for the way ahead - by the end of 2022.
A Church spokesman said: “Change is necessary in order to deliver sustainable and realistic expressions of ministry and church and ensure all buildings are suitable to serve the people of Scotland in the 21st century."
The Sutherland Presbytery appointed a sub planning team to consider what was best for the whole of the presbytery area and draft a mission plan.
The plan makes recommendations on the distribution of ministry posts in Sutherland and the continued use of Church buildings over the next five years.
It will be unveiled at a public meeting in Lairg tomorrow (Tuesday) as part of an initial consultation exercise by the presbytery.
Anyone attending the meeting is asked to be at Lairg Church at 10am for a 10.30am start.
The spokesman said: “This is an opportunity for our worshipping communities across the area to come together, to share best practices and to enable more efficient and effective outreach to all. It is envisaged that there will be continued consultation and review over the coming months as the proposals take shape.”
