GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2001

'I did not decide to convert: it was decided for me. To put it simply, when sitting alone in my study at school I had a vision of a figure in white accompanied by the words 'Follow me', and I instinctively knew it was Jesus – don't ask me how, as I had never read the New Testament or been involved in any Christian worship or even discussed Christianity with anyone. The event was self authenticating and took over my life.'

H Montefiore (Former Bishop of Birmingham)

'The Lord said to him, "Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known…' Acts 9.15 (God's words to Ananias regarding Paul.)

INTRODUCTION

The experience of the Rt Rev H Montefiore will be echoed by many whose lives have been touched and changed forever by the hand of God. The effect of God upon the individual is self authenticating and real, it is a movement by God out of God's Providence which directs and guides human responses and circumstances so as to fulfil God's will and God's purposes.

This year's report to the General Assembly is one where the Committee looks for God to guide it and seeks to build upon what has gone before. The Committee believes God's self-authenticating seal will increasingly be seen on the Overseas Work begun in previous years and endeavours to report on developments to date since last Assembly.

As regards the work being done on Inter Church matters, two issues are currently uppermost in the minds of the Committee. First an important review of ACTS is being undertaken by the Central Council; and secondly; a major Ecumenical Assembly is being planned for September 2001.

So to the Report on Overseas Affairs: -

SOUTHERN AFRICA

The Committee believes this is the first time a report on Overseas Work has been presented to the General Assembly under the heading in capital letters 'SOUTHERN AFRICA'. Previously the familiar words Molepolole, Botswana and Gaborone would have taken precedence. Although the change in wording appears innocent enough, the emphasis it signifies is more profound, pointing towards a Missionary Activity which includes much of Southern Africa.

Proof of this may be seen from the Committee's widening contacts and its increasing engagement with persons and support of projects on the Southern African Continent. For example Rev Dr Des van der Water, General Secretary of UCCSA will address the Assembly on Thursday evening while Rev B Stegling will be present from the Synod of Botswana. Both come as Delegates from their respective Churches

For a fuller insight into the Committee's African perspective, Commissioners to the General Assembly are referred to the Paper - 'Overseas Partnership with the UCCSA' by Rev A M Ford (pages 47 - 49). This, together with a concluding paragraph of general comment from the Committee, forms a conclusion to the Overseas Report.

THE PASTORAL MINISTRY OF REV F BOTHA – TOEKONSRUS

The Committee was encouraged by the very positive responses received to the Projects A - F, recorded in last years General Assembly Reports. This particular project, (Project A) was one that the Committee felt especially called to support and accordingly allocated a sum of £4000 to allow the ministry of Rev Florence Botha to continue. The Committee has since been informed of the way this money is to be allocated and further details of the Pastoral Ministry have been given by Rev Florence Botha.

The Committee would commend this Ministry to the prayer life of our Congregations and invite interested prayer partners to correspond.

KELETSO - PASTORAL DAY CARE & SUPPORT CENTRE and

SEKOLA SA STINE SCHOOL MOLEPOLOLE

The Committee was able to give financial support to the Keletso Centre, (presented as Project D in last years' General Assembly Report) by way of a Legacy, but the Committee is also aware of further support being given to the Sekola Stine School by the Women's Home and Overseas Committee. They gave both spiritual and financial help and the Committee would convey their appreciation to the ladies of the Denomination.

THEOLOGICAL TRAINING - BOTSWANA

Following the completion of Rev Eddie Rantshilo's Theological Training, the Committee has recently received a request from the Synod of Botswana for financial help towards the cost of training 17 students for the Ministry in various Theological Institutions within Southern Africa. Commissioners will be aware this new avenue of approach to training was anticipated by last year's General Assembly Report and it should be seen in the context of wider Theological Training. Your Committee anticipates that Theological Training within the Five South African Countries as a whole will continue to develop under the auspices of UCCSA, especially should the House of Studies concept to be presented to this years' UCCSA Assembly be approved. (See below under Joint Theological Consultation)

The Committee has agreed in principle to the request for help in Theological Training but no final decision on the level of support has been taken. The Committee is also seeking additional information and a breakdown of the costs involved.

JOINT THEOLOGICAL CONSULTATION - PIETERMARITZBURG

Commissioners will be aware from last year's Assembly papers that a proposal was received from the General Secretary of UCCSA to the UFCS that the UFCS participate jointly with UCCSA in a Theological Education Consultation aimed at mapping out the future for Students wishing to train for the Ministry in Southern Africa.

The Consultation took place last July outside Pietermaritzburg when delegates from UCCSA representing the 5 nation states met together in consultation. Rev C C Brown and Rev S J W Matthews represented the UFCS.

The 5 Southern African Countries face immense problems in providing adequate Theological Training, owing to costs, geography, and availability of placements. The merits of Seminary v. University plus House of Studies training were discussed with the House of Studies/ University option being the preferred method for training.

Once details have been finalised a report and recommendations would be placed before the UCCSA Executive and its Assembly of 2001. UFCS involvement In the House of Studies concept is expected to follow with the Committee contributing both through personnel participation and through financial aid.

VISIT OF SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES

Three representatives from the Synod of Botswana, Revs M Simane, D Mapitse and D Mmualefe, visited Scotland last August. The heavy schedule arranged allowed the visitors to see something of Scotland and, participate widely in the life of the UFCS.

The Committee would thank those who participated in making the hosting arrangements a success.

This visit continued the Committee's programme of familiarisation between personnel of UCCSA and UFCS

FLYING MISSION

The Committee continues to receive regular updates on the work of Flying Mission and rejoiced to hear the Botswana Government had issued First Day Covers in recognition of 20 years of service by Flying Mission in Botswana.

The Committee also notes the development of Flying Mission's aviation work and its adaptation to new mission opportunities, also a ministry being developed to combat AIDS. Planning has begun to put in place Home Based Care for the terminally ill in the village of Kumakwane 20 Km outside Gaborone.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO MISSIONARIES

The practice of sending a monetary gift at Christmas to all members of the United Free Church -serving with other Missionary Societies bas been continued. The gift sent at Christmas 2000 remained the same at £250.

PENSIONS REVIEW

During the course of the year the Committee undertook a long overdue review of the existing Pension arrangements for former Missionaries / Nurses who had served the UFCS Overseas. The Committee was delighted to approve increases, together with the disbursement of monetary gifts as appropriate.

WOMEN'S HOME AND OVERSEAS COMMITTEE

The Committee once again expresses its gratitude to the Women of the Church for their prayer and financial support of Overseas work.

SCOTTISH CHURCHES WORLD EXCHANGE - SCWE

The Committee continues to recommend the potential and possibilities for overseas Mission and outreach work through the channels of SCWE. The Committee is anxious to highlight the possibilities that exist for individual placements for anyone of student years or older. Some may be between careers or anticipating an early retirement and looking for new avenues of Christian Service.

One major Organisational change is that Rev R Anderson Is now employed by SCWE as its Director.

TOWARDS A MORE EFFECTIVE CARING FOR OUR MISSIONARIES

The Committee continues to maintain an interest in the work of all Missionaries within the Missionary Profiles. This year another update is included in the report (see Appendix 1).

Reporting to the Assembly in 2000, the Committee indicated its intention to appoint a person who would be able to give a few hours intermittently to the important work of furthering and updating the Missionary Profiles. To this end the Committee welcomed the services of Miss Helen Sunter, a member from Knightswood United Free Church. Helen has already begun communicating with Congregations and Missionaries, and the Committee looks forward to a spiritually rewarding period in the future.

DAVID LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL CENTRE

The Rev A M Lawless continues to represent the Church on the DLMC Board and the Committee is grateful to Mr Lawless for his conscientious reporting and enthusiastic commitment to the Centre.

Commissioners will be aware of developments at the centre through the pages of Stedfast and would again commend the Centre as a venue for Church groups, Sunday Schools, Youth Fellowships etc. to visit.

This is now the second year the National Trust has been involved in running the Centre under the tri-partite agreement. For the National Trust to run the centre on a permanent basis a capital sum of some £1.5 million is required, and negotiations are continuing towards the sale of land, the proceeds of which would go some way to achieving this end.

SCOTTISH CHURCHES CHINA GROUP

The Committee would report that Rev Patricia Johnston has accepted an appointment as full-time China Field Officer. The Committee had previously agreed to contribute towards this post for a three- year period (2000 - 2002) at an annual expenditure of £500

OVERSEAS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UCCSA

History

Molepolole and the Scottish Livingstone Hospital hold a place of great affection in the hearts of generations of people who grew up in the United Free Church Continuing. The achievement of those who worked at home to raise funds, provide personnel and to support the work in prayer has brought a source of joy and blessing to all involved. The achievement, hard work and faithfulness of those who worked and witnessed there cannot be over-emphasised. There is a list of missionaries and local Batswana workers as well as a great cloud of supporters at home who did so much in a relatively short period of history. The work of those who laboured in Botswana over those years was a great witness to the cause of Christ. These efforts are well chronicled in the books, papers and reports of the Church as well as upon the hearts of so many. The work in the Kweneng District included pioneering medical provision and the proclamation of the Gospel. Drs Shepherd and Merriweather acted as superintendents of the hospital and the London Missionary Society (LMS) Churches in the Kweneng. In the life of the Church they worked with the Batswana ministers, deacons and members to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Again significant ministries were exercised over almost 70 years. It is important to note that throughout the years of missionary work in Botswana, the United Free Church worked under the auspices and the name of the LMS. There was never a UF Church in Botswana. The missionaries in the Kweneng had considerable autonomy in the work but the churches in Molepolole and the Kweneng were always LMS churches. In this way the church side of our mission work was always in partnership with the LMS.

It is sobering to reflect that the medical work at Molepolole was transferred to the Government of Botswana 26 years ago. Further the Botswana Government has plans to demolish the old buildings erected over those 40 or so years and build a new hospital on the site. All that will remain to remind future generations of the work of the United Free Church will be the name, a few signs and possibly the chapel. Whilst we may be saddened that these buildings established with great sacrifice and effort will be no more, we would delight in a new modem medical facility being built. The United Free Church may look back at the hospital with pride but those 30 years of age and under in Molepolole will be unaware that there ever was a mission hospital let alone that it was built by a Church from Scotland. That will certainly be over half the population!!

In 1969 the LMS united with two other denominations to form the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. This Church has congregations in all areas of South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. The United Free Church agreed to continue the partnership with the new Church and a Memorandum of Association was signed as a way to work together and develop the partnership. It was recognised that the work in the past had centred on the Kweneng but it was expected that this would at least broaden to encompass Botswana as a whole. Since the end of the work at the hospital 26 years ago the work has included youth work development and Rev Ronnie Miller's ministry at Kanye. There has also been the support of training of 3 Batswana ministers at the ICC in Glasgow. Dr and Mrs Merriweather continued the contact with Scotland and gave impetus to financial needs mainly in the churches of the Kweneng. It has to be said that the Merriweathers also gave of themselves to the life of the nation and Molepolole in particular. Mary continues to do this today.

Understanding of Mission

In the early days of the 1930's, the understanding of mission overseas was most likely the proclamation of the Gospel to those who had yet to hear and the advancement of medical care where none existed. The United Free Church gave from its resources to this cause and did so with energy. In time this came to be understood by many as the "Fathers in Scotland" giving to their needy children in Africa. Paul would have viewed this differently in that it was those who had, giving to those who were temporarily without. 2 Cor. Ch. 8 & 9 give an interesting insight into the thoughts behind this with no hint of paternalism. It is indicated that such circumstances may be reversed in the future.

Clearly, in financial terms the Church in Scotland still has the ability to give significant amounts of money and physical resources to needy parts of the world. It is probable that there is a burning desire to do so given all the despair and poverty brought to our notice every day. However it should be noted that it is very easy to slip into a paternalistic attitude and to see mission in terms of helping or 'bailing out' the less fortunate peoples of the world. These issues of need often have deeper significance and the Committee on Ethics and Current Affairs has over many years, highlighted the economic imbalances and injustices which need to be addressed. Almost all Aid Agencies continue to do the same. Hence, whereas the desire and opportunity to give is vital, the need to deepen understanding is even more important.

However, in spiritual terms and in availability of human resources to proclaim the Gospel and advance the cause of Christ, the Church in Botswana, throughout Southern Africa and in many other parts of the world has more to share with Scotland than the United Free Church of Scotland has to share with the world. In terms of searching for places in the world where peoples have not yet responded to the Gospel or where the Church is struggling to exist, these could more easily be found in the housing estates of a Scottish city as a village in the Kgalagadi. The historical concept of finding and developing a "mission field" overseas is one the Committee views as being anachronistic in this day and age of ecumenical partnerships.

Partnership

It is the view of the Committee on Overseas and Inter-Church Affairs that a working partnership with the UCCSA should be further developed in the next 5 years. This would be carried out with the Synod of Botswana and the UCCSA in the rest of Southern Africa. One obvious reason for this is the historical link over the past 70 years and the blessings shared during this period. It would seem to be a considerable loss if this was not continued and built upon.

It will be important for the United Free Church to understand and practice partnership. This may require a shift in thinking. Partnership is the understanding that each church has something significant to share with the other and vice versa. The UFCS would not think primarily of being a donor to those in need. The understanding that the Church in Southern Africa could and would share resources of personnel and expertise as well as spiritual insight should be a great encouragement to the Church in Scotland. Even in the few visits undertaken to Southern Africa lessons have been learned and possible opportunities identified. It is likely that a number of positive and mutually beneficial projects, contacts and schemes will be possible in this initial 5-year period.

These could include:

• Ministerial training in Southern Africa - during a vacation.
• Exchanges
• Regular attendance at Assemblies and Synods
• Sharing of personnel for identified tasks
• Short-term placements
• Sharing of understanding and expertise
• Prayer

It has to be said that developing partnership will not be a painless experience. Along the way both Churches will require to cross cultural boundaries that can lead to misunderstandings. It is important to realise that those visiting to and from Southern Africa are entering a different cultural zone and must do so aware of the need to listen and learn before constructive dialogue can really be undertaken. This will not result in an instant fix and hence the recommendation for a review-able 5 year process.

It has to be understood that this partnership is not intended to restrict the existing contacts that congregations have with other Churches and missionaries overseas. However the relationship with the Church in southern Africa will seek to develop an effective and working partnership with brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we have worked for many fruitful years.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Commissioners should note that the paper above (pages 47 - 49) arose out of discussions the Committee had on seeking a way forward in Mission, with our Batswana Partners. It was also partly a considered response to the recent exchanges of visitations between our two Denominations UCCSA and UFCS .

The paper seeks to place the UFCS Mission today in the context of the realities that the Committee sees as real and not as one would like to imagine are real. Whilst recognising the weight of faithful Missionary witness and service for Christ over 70 years, the Committee has to recognise there never was a UF Church in Botswana. Equally importantly, the Committee must recognise medical buildings handed over to the Government 26 years ago and now due for demolition mean all that will remain on site, if at all will be a name.

Although the UFCS and UCCSA will make every effort to retain the Chapel and various plaques, anyone 30 years of age or under (over 50% of population) will have little concept of the UFCS or its mission work except through an oral tradition (although this should never be underestimated).

The paper- highlights these three realities because the changes the years bring is a hard fact to have to acknowledge.

The Committee would also highlight the difficulty of how one builds upon those last 70 years of mission work in a positive way and the paper picks this up.

It was becoming apparent even before the Committee's most recent contacts with members of the Botswana Synod, that 'the Fathers in Scotland giving to their needy children in Africa' was no longer a tenable position to hold, for that sense of paternalism went out with the passing of the Colonial era.

What must develop on both sides is a true partnership of equals. The paper therefore proposes developing working partnerships over the next 5 years and suggests ways in which this might be done. This will not be without its own internal pain and heart searching but the Committee believe the initiatives already begun can be built on and should bear fruit for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom.

This concludes the Overseas part of the Report.

INTER-CHURCH AFFAIRS

Two major items are currently on the ongoing agenda of Inter Church Affairs in Scotland today. The first is ACTS and the second is the Scottish Churches Initiative for Union (SCIFU). The Committee would comment on both as follows as they affect the UFCS.

ACTS - A general sense of frustration has begun to be expressed by bodies within ACTS over the lack of felt efficiency and capability of ACTS to fulfil the remit it was set up for. This feeling is allied to a developed understanding of how Scotland looks today 10 years on. Accordingly, the Central Council have begun a major initiative to review the role, structures and location of ACTS in order that a report might be presented to Central Council at its June meeting. To this end, task forces have been approved and are examining various aspects of ACTS.

It was for this reason that the Inter Church Committee in February/ March issued a questionnaire which sought to gain an insight into ways our congregations are involved ecumenically and how effective this engagement, if any, was. The Committee was keen to hear our churches views both good and bad.

Your Committee can report that 24 replies were received which indicates a limited return of some 36%. An analysis of the replies received suggests that far more is happening on the ground than one might otherwise have thought. Inter Church activity is fairly widespread and almost normal around the times of Easter and Christmas, while there is also a fair amount of Ecumenical Activity happening within the Local Community.

The UFCS representation and attendance on the Committees and Commissions of ACTS also indicates a fairly responsible commitment by the UFCS to the structures of ACTS as a whole as they are presently constituted.

The Committee will report further once the findings of the Review Task Force becomes known.

ECUMENICAL ASSEMBLY

A second item on the ACTS Agenda is the Scottish Ecumenical Assembly 2001 to be held in September in Edinburgh. Places have been booked for 450 persons comprising representatives from Churches, ACTS, its Commissions, and PCNs (Partners and Communities in the Nation).

The Overall Theme of the Assembly will be 'BREAKING NEW GROUND - A renewed Church in a renewed Nation for a new Century' and it is structured around two key concepts a) The Pastoral Needs of Scotland b) The Evangelisation of Scotland. 7 Sub themes will begin to focus on aspects of these concepts.

1) Breaking Out of Poverty

2) Breaking into a New Enlightenment

3) Breaking Free from Alienation

4) Breaking into a New Understanding of Work

5) Breaking into a fresh Spirituality

6) Breaking into Partnership with Science and Technology

7) Breaking into Dynamic ways of being Church.

It is anticipated that at the conclusion of the Assembly 35 statements of intent will emerge, (5 for each theme) and from these a Commitment or pledge to action would emerge which could be taken up by, the Churches within ACTS. Such could not be binding upon the Churches but would be communicated to each Church for their perusal and deliberation, with the hope that each individual Denomination might commit itself to act upon one or other of these pledges.

At the time of writing 9 delegates from the UFCS will be attending the Assembly.

ACTS AND SCOTTISH CHURCHES HOUSE

Accounts presented to the Central Council Meeting in March showed a combined surplus of £21,754. However separate accounts for Scottish Churches House alone indicate a much smaller surplus of just £534. This small surplus by the House is deceptive in that if the House was run as a separate entity, with full responsibility for all over-heads, it would be in deficit. (1999 - 2000 accounts showed a deficit of £23,000)

The highlighting of this disparity between the two entities has led to questions being raised within Central Council about the continuing future of Scottish Churches House and how it might relate to ACTS in years to come. The question of relocating ACTS and separating it from Scottish Churches House has been discussed and is part of the ongoing strategy of reassessment now being carried out.

Despite the degree of uncertainty suggested by this review, as Scottish Churches House is functioning and because the House has to conform to all relevant Health and Safety Regulations, agreement has been given by Central Council to upgrade the facilities to allow access for the disabled.

The contracts of both Associate Secretaries Dr L Macdonald and Rev R Matthews came to an end in May and have not been renewed. Again future Staffing needs will be determined by the recommendations from Central Council when they receive the conclusions of the task groups.

The Committee would wish to thank Mr A K M Rankin and Mrs I D Baird for their service on the House Committee of Scottish Churches House and welcome the appointment of new representatives.

SCOTTISH CHURCHES INITIATIVE FOR UNION (SCIFU)

Commissioners will be aware we continue to receive information on this initiative from Rev A M Lawless who holds observer status. The number of Denominations involved is now 4 comprising:

Church of Scotland

Methodist Church in Scotland

United Reformed Church

Scottish Episcopal Church

Begun in 1995, the intention was to move participating Churches towards a Full Union and to produce a full and final report around 2002 / 2003. The first preliminary report considered past progress and looked at ways in which this vision might become a reality in the future. Particular emphasis was placed on the type of structures which would be required.

The second Interim Report focussed on Mission and Ministry and the part played by Episcopacy. Participants in the talks view Episcopacy as being one of the essential constructs required of any final agreement.

It remains to be seen how the participating churches will receive the finished document when it is finalised. At this point in time your Committee can only seek to remain informed and will report as and when more information becomes available.

AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Convener would wish to convey to the Vice Conveners and to all members of the Committee his grateful thanks for the help and support given. Finally to the General Secretary, Office Staff and General Treasurer, sincere thanks for their unfailing help, guidance, support and prayer over this past year.

In the name of the Committee

STEPHEN J W MATTHEWS Convener

ARCHIBALD M FORD Vice Convener

JAMES D NEIL Vice Convener

JOHN 0 FULTON General Secretary