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Sutherland worshippers praised for their 'sympathetic engagement' with Church restructure


By Caroline McMorran

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A SUTHERLAND minister has praised congregations across the county for the "sympathetic" way they have engaged with radical plans for a shake-up of the Church of Scotland locally.

Rev Lorna Tunstall, minister for Brora and Helmsdale, was speaking following a public meeting at Lairg last Tuesday at which the proposals were discussed.

Rev Lorna Tunstall.
Rev Lorna Tunstall.

She said: "It was actually quite humbling to feel the support in the room and how genuinely and sympathetically most congregations had engaged with the process."

The restructure, which is part of reforms nationally, is being driven by dwindling congregation numbers.

In recent years, the Church has supported nine, full-time ministers' posts across Sutherland, although four of these posts are vacant - recruitment has been on hold pending the new plans.

The serving Sutherland ministers are: Rev Tunstall (Clyne linked with Kildonan and Loth and Helmsdale); Rev Beverley Cushman (Altnaharra and Farr linked with Melness and Tongue); Rev Iain A MacLeod (Assynt and Stoer); Rev Andrea Boyes (Durness and Kinlochbervie) and Rev John Sterrett (Golspie).

Vacant charges are: Edrachillis; Dornoch Cathedral; Lairg and Rogart; and the Kyle of Sutherland.

The five ministers in place conduct 13 services across the Sutherland presbytery every Sunday, supported by locums, one ordained local minister - an unpaid part-time role - and two Readers, who are commissioned to lead worship and preach and in some cases offer pastoral care.

Under the new proposals the number of full-time minister posts would be reduced from seven to four and the county would also be carved up into four new parish groupings, one for the north, south, east and west.

A Church of Scotland spokesman said: "Livestreaming technology will be used to allow ministers to deliver sermons to satellite churches and reduce the need for travel while at the same time allowing local congregation members to participate with readings and prayers.

"It is also anticipated that some full-time posts could be supported by readers, youth workers and other volunteers and with the option of further support from pioneer and associate or ordained local ministers."

Last Tuesday's consultation meeting was called by Sutherland Presbytery to enable church-goers to ask questions and discuss the proposed changes.

Rev Tunstall said: "Some valid points and questions were raised for the team to look at, in particular around the timing and process of any future church unions."

The Church is now to carry out an asset management building audit to assess the suitability of its buildings in the Sutherland area ahead of the presbytery voting on the plan next month.

The spokesman said: "Once approved the mission plan will be reviewed on an annual basis with continued consultation and review expected to take place over the coming months as the proposals take shape."


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