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The Record • ISSN 2042-2970
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WELCOME TO THE APRIL/MAY RECORD
What is our hope in life and death ? c hrist alone , c hrist alone . These words, which are taken from the modern hymn ‘Christ Our Hope in Life and Death’ by Getty Music, are very apt for this edition of The Record.
As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the profound significance of life and death, themes that affect us all. Rev Angus Macrae, minister of Free North Free Church in Inverness, has written about the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, through his death on the cross and his resurrection. He writes: ‘If we are to offer life and hope to Scotland, the Easter Gospel is a good place to start.’
As this edition goes to print, I am very aware that matters of life and death to continue to fill our TV screens, our newspapers and online reading.
The Assisted Dying Bill (in both Holyrood and Westminster) is referred to by writers in this edition, as well as the Free Church of Scotland’s Public Engagement Group’s response to the Palliative Care Matters for All consultation.
In her “Post Tenebras Lux” column, Catriona Murray reminds us that God ‘is the author and finisher of more than our faith, and sticks by us to the end – and beyond’.
This Easter, pray. Pray for your friends and family. Pray for your neighbours. Pray for Scotland. Pray for God to be at work among us, and to move mightily in this nation, so that many people hear and respond to the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you would like to send in your church news or letters, email us at editor@freechurch.org •
Yours in Christ
Sarah Robinson
That in all things he might have the pre-eminence
Colossians 1:18
WHAT IS OUR HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH?
Angus Macrae
FREE CHURCH NEWS
MISSION MATTERS
David Meredith
WORLD NEWS
UK, Nicaragua, DR Congo, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Pakistan
GOD SETS THE LONELY IN FAMILIES
Norman & Alison Mackay
SILENCING CONSCIENCE
Stephen Allison
O LORD, REVIVE THY WORK
Tommy Mackay
I BELIEVE IN GOD... REVISITING THE APOSTLES' CREED
David J Randall
OBITUARIES:
NORMAN MACDONALD, RODDIE MACKENZIE
PRAYER DIARY
MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS
Donald Mackay
WOMEN FOR MISSION
Fiona Macaskill
CHILDREN'S PAGE
POST TENEBRAS LUX
Catriona Murray
What is our Hope in Life and Death?
BY REV ANGUS MACRAE
If we are to offer life and hope to Scotland, the Easter Gospel is a good place to start. “
”
Everyone you kno W needs hope , because everyone you kno W is dying . Our world is always moving from birth to death. We live at a time when our nation is becoming more secular and desperately lacking in good reasons for hope. People are vulnerable to despair and easily turn to unrealistic hopes or seek escape in comfort and security, or in what they can get from things or people. These substitutes for hope will let us down. The campaign by MPs and MSPs to change the law around assisted suicide is just one symptom of a confused culture with no sense of eternity or hope beyond pain. Those who advocate for legal change intend to offer compassion and dignity in the face of suffering. But there is nothing lovely in dressing up a death as self-determination. Their reforms only offer more death. Dignity and compassion are wonderful things. Hastening death is not. Far better to support suffering people and carers to provide dignity in living.
Much of our Christian subculture looks vulnerable, in need of hope. Statistics suggest most churches are aging and getting smaller. Several denominations are accelerating to extinction. Two or three generations ago there was a widespread knowledge and observance of the Christian faith in this nation. The church must look to how we share hope and notice how our loss of God has gone hand-in-hand with a loss of hope.
Can Christianity bounce back in Scotland? We will not lack hope when God’s people rediscover eternal truths and share corporately in the joy of worship and prayer grounded in the Bible. If we repent and return to God we will surely recover our lost knack for sharing biblical hope with all kinds of people. If we are to offer life and hope to Scotland, the Easter Gospel is a good place to start.
Real hope is both attractive and infectious. It seems many more young people are starting to look for the hope we offer. Many of us have seen teenagers and young adults searching for God and for hope. Through grace, an increasing number are finding hope in Jesus and are coming for baptism and discipleship. Will our churches meet these searchers where they are? Will we listen to their questions, and read God’s word with them?
Are we ready to share scripture, our rich Reformed tradition and the history of the church? I can think of nothing better for my city than that God’s people become devoted to healthy rhythms of weekly corporate worship. Seasons such as Good Friday and Easter should also help equip us to be always ready to offer searching people a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).
Faith in Christ is a hope-filled movement from death to life. One praise song asks the right question: “What is Our Hope in Life and Death? ” That song is filled with the kind of counter-cultural truth our nation badly needs. The song praises Christ as our only hope. He alone can hold us to the end. He alone will keep us safely even beyond the end of this life. Our culture tries to argue at every opportunity that we have autonomy, that we are our own. That mindset invites us to act as the owners of our bodies and minds. But that cultural catechism of self-reverence is false and leads millions to disappointments, shame, and despair. Far better to come to Christ in humble faith, confessing that Jesus owns us as our Saviour.
The
narrative of salvation history moves from death at Calvary to an endless resurrection life.
“ ”
God’s word never shies away from the reality of our hurt, sin, and the sadness caused by sickness and bereavement. The narrative storyline of the Bible works in a steady direction — always moving from death to life. Book 1 in our Bible is Genesis. It charts a reign of death caused by sin. Genesis ends with Joseph embalmed in an Egyptian coffin. Bible books 2-5 chart the story of the Exodus, ending with Moses being buried. As we read on through scripture, each biography ends with death. But there is a growing note of hope from Genesis to the final book. ‘There will be no more death’, insists Revelation 21:4. Joseph’s coffin did not stay in Egypt, but was carried into the promised land 400 years later. Eventually Joseph rested in the same dust as Abraham, waiting for resurrection. These patriarchs reached for life and overcame death by placing their faith in God’s covenant promises. Jesus challenged teachers of the law and Pharisees, accusing them of being murderers on the side of death (Matthew 23:29-32). While they built ‘ tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous’ they conspired to kill him. Jesus exposed the dead-end theology of the Sadducees. ‘But about the resurrection of the dead have you not read what God said to you, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.’ (Matthew 22:31-32).
At Pentecost Peter preached a death-to-life Easter sermon. He noted King David’s grave was ‘here to this day’ (Acts 2:29-33). David died and saw decay. But David’s Psalm 16 spoke of the Messiah’s body never seeing death and decay. The prophets and patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel all died. But their deaths and their tombs were not the end of them. The covenantmaking God really is the God of the living, not of the dead. Their dust and bones will follow Jesus into the resurrection.
All four Gospels move to an end that is not an end. The narrative of salvation history moves from death at Calvary to an endless resurrection life. Sin and death are defeated and life is promised to all who trust Jesus. He is the ‘Author of life, whom God raised from the dead’ (Acts 3:15). In our dying world, Paul knew the antidote to despair was resurrection hope. ‘Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself… therefore we do not lose heart...’ (2 Corinthians 4:14,16).
We live in the time between Jesus rising and ascending, and the time of his return. Those united to Christ wait for resurrection and everlasting life. Creation does not wait in hope for more death, but for cosmic renewal. Our theology of hope is captured in the first lines of the Heidelberg Catechism. Our hope and comfort are, ‘That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ.’
Without the Easter Gospel our life will end in dust. This week we will meet people trying to make sense of their lives while living with physical and mental pain. Good Friday and Easter Sunday remind us to ask God for courage to be faithful. Look to Jesus who moves us from death to life, from dust to everlasting joy. •
Rev Angus Macrae is the minister of Free North Free Church of Scotland in Inverness
FREE CHURCH NEWS
COUSINS ACCEPT CALL TO MINISTRY IN TWO FREE CHURCH CONGREGATIONS
tW o cousins have accepted calls – on the same day – to serve as ministers in t W o f ree c hurch of s cotland congregations . Rev Murdo Campbell, who faithfully ministered at Barvas Free Church of Scotland on the Isle of Lewis, accepted the call to serve at Knockbain Free Church. His induction took place in February.
While Rev Andrew ‘Mowgli’ Macleod, who served as assistant minister at Tain and Fearn Free Church, accepted the call to become minister of New City Church (Dunfermline Free Church). He was inducted earlier this month
It is a momentous time for the cousins as they prepare to embark on new chapters in their respective ministries.
Murdo is married to Alison, with four energy-filled boys, David (12), Finlay (11), Daniel (9) and Matthew (1). He said: ‘It’s quite amazing for Mowgli and me to accept calls on the same day! Providence is a wonderful thing. As we begin new chapters in our lives and ministries, it’s humbling to know that wherever we’re called to
serve the Lord, we’re part of the same story, serving the same Saviour.’
Andrew is married to Eilidh, and they have two children, Isla (2) and Caleb (7 months). He said: ‘As well as being first cousins, Murdo and I professed faith and came into membership on the same communion weekend, in Stornoway Free Church, 19 years ago. We may be cousins and colleagues, but nothing is more important than having him as my brother in Christ.‘ •
Rev Andrew Macleod, wife Eilidh and their children Caleb and Isla
Rev Murdo Campbell, wife Allison and their children (L to R), Daniel, Finlay, David and Matthew
our vision as a denomination is of a healthy gospel church for every community in scotland. We recognise that we are completely dependent on God to bring about this vision. Therefore, our focus in 2025 is going to be on thanksgiving and prayer. Giving thanks to God for all that he has done among us in the last five years and praying for the next five years. Will you join us in prayer in this coming year?
A host of area prayer meetings are taking place this year. The prayer meetings start at 7.30pm but doors will be open from 7pm with the opportunity for conversation and a cup of tea.
Dates for Your Diary
• Tuesday 29th April – North Harris Free Church
• Wednesday 30th April – Stornoway Free Church
• Thursday 1st May – North Uist Free Church
• Wednesday 7th May – Abbeygreen Church
• Thursday 8th May – Lochgilphead Free Church
• Wednesday 4th June – Bon Accord Free Church, Aberdeen
• Wednesday 11th June – Dornoch Free Church
• Thursday 12th June – Thurso Free Church
• Wednesday 20th August – Smithton Free Church
• Thursday 21st August – Elgin Free Church
• Tuesday 2nd September – Kilmallie Free Church
• Wednesday 10th September – Dingwall Free Church
• Tuesday 23rd September – Portree Free Church
• Wednesday 24th September – Kyle and Plockton Free Church
• Thursday 25th September – Aultbea Free Church
For more information, go to: freechurch.org/hgc-area-prayer-meetings •
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER: CORNERSTONE FREE CHURCH AREA PRAYER GATHERINGS
BY REV NEIL MACMILLAN
the f ree c hurch ’ s h ealthy g ospel c hurch vision is a vision for e very c ommunity in s cotland . It is vital that we hold that outward facing vision for mission at the heart of all that the Free Church does. The way to congregational health in areas like relationships, prayer or preaching is to align the life of the congregation with the great commission. Mission and evangelism are the path to health in all areas of church life as they cause a greater and more realistic dependency on God and his word, and they bring the congregation together
Thanksgiving and Prayer - St. Peters, Dundee
in pursuit of a shared vision. Mission brings life and health. Maintenance brings decline and death. Momentum is always a part of a healthy church. We know that our vision is not that there will be a Free Church in every community in Scotland. It is a kingdom vision in which many denominations and networks will play their part. But we too will play our part as we evangelise people and plant new churches. Cornerstone Church in Edinburgh is keen to make a contribution to this process and especially to the 30 x 30 vision that aims for the Free Church to plant 30 new congregations by 2030. In 2023 we committed to a Growth Plan that aimed to see the congregation grow in depth, numbers, finances, and congregations between 2023 and 2026. As part of this story Cornerstone is planting two new congregations; we are aiming to be one church with three congregations. We have our original church plant from St Columba’s Free Church, “Cornerstone Morningside”, and now we have also started a new congregation in the Gilmerton area of south Edinburgh, “Cornerstone Gilmerton”, and a Spanish speaking congregation, “Cornerstone En Espa ñ ol”. We are one intercultural church, sharing resources, leaders, staff, programmes and processes, but reaching out together into new communities and new cultures.
Our commitment to growth has been exciting and rewarding. It has involved starting catechism classes and more training in theology, Bible and spiritual disciplines for the congregation. It has meant raising more money from within the congregation and from without. It has meant
starting new services in a new place, Gilmerton, and in a new language, Spanish. It has meant moving our Sunday morning worship from our building, the Old Schoolhouse, into a local school to allow the congregation to grow.
Praise God for the sense of life and health all this has brought. Cornerstone is growing. Growing spiritually, growing financially, growing numerically. Last year we saw more conversions than ever before, and we had two wonderful adult baptisms with more to come. So as the denomination spends time this year in gratitude and thanksgiving, do give thanks to God with us for new Christians and new congregations. Give thanks that a small church like ours is able to be part of God’s great mission to the lost and needy people of Scotland. Give thanks that what is true for us is true for your church as well. Mission brings life and health. •
THE GATHERING: 2025 DATES ANNOUNCED
Working on a croft and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding areas With Worship and bible teaching is the aim of tWo gatherings taking place on the isle of skye.
The Gathering is a four-day event on the Isle of Skye for young people to enjoy fellowship and reflect on whether they might have a call to serve the rural church in some way. It is also a great for anyone who wants to grow in their walk with Jesus.
The Centre for Rural Ministry is organising the events: the first will take place from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th May, and the second will be held from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 3rd August.
Each day they will work in teams on a local farm and a croft further away. The May group will be involved in lambing and the August group haymaking etc. The afternoons will be set aside for seeing something of the island. In the evenings, the group will come together in a time of worship and Bible study. Guest speakers will share what it is like to be a minister or an active member in a rural congregation. Sunday is all about encouraging the local church.
Accommodation is provided in the Duirinish Free Church manse in Dunvegan. Sleeping accommodation will be dorm style but there are three shower rooms. The group will eat breakfast and evening meals together and make packed lunches for the afternoon trips. The only cost is a donation towards food.
Contact Ivor at ivormacdonald@centreforruralministry.org or Megan at admin@centreforruralministry.org for more information. •
BOOKING NOW OPEN FOR 2025 TEENS’ CONFERENCE!
this year’s conference Will take place at lendrick muir from friday 20th june to sunday 22nd june Designed for young people in S5 and S6, this weekend is a fantastic opportunity to grow in faith, connect with other Christians, and explore big questions about following Jesus.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will enjoy engaging talks, relevant seminars, great food, and plenty of time to relax and have fun together. Each year, the conference focuses on a key theme that speaks to the challenges and encouragements of the Christian life.
Rev Robin Gray, minister of Gardenstown Free Church of Scotland, will be leading the main sessions on the theme One with Jesus: The Blessing of Being in Christ.
Whether you’re a committed Christian or just beginning to explore faith, you’re warmly invited to come along. Go to the Free Church website to book: freechurch.org •
THE 40TH ISLANDS STUDY CONFERENCE
the islands study conference Was held , for the fortieth time , at the beginning of february . It was a pleasure for us to have Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson, now based in Aberdeen, and Rev Colin Macleod of Back Free Church on the island of Lewis with us as guest speakers.
The Harris Hotel once again opened their doors to us for meals and accommodation and all the
lectures were held in the North Harris Free Church. It was hugely encouraging to see large crowds gather throughout the weekend to hear the truths of God’s Word being explored, with over 200 people of all ages in attendance at some of the sessions.
Dr Ferguson — the renowned theologian, teacher and author — took ‘In Christ Alone’ as his theme, where, in great depth and simplicity, the benefits
Rev Robin Gray
of abiding in Christ were beautifully conveyed. He summarised the weekend:
‘Being at The Islands Study Conference again was a privilege — enjoying the warm hospitality of the North Harris Free Church, sharing in the worship of a crowded congregation (including beautiful Gaelic Psalm singing!), sitting under the rich ministry of Colin MacLeod and enjoying ‘the fellowship’ — it was a 3-day spiritual treat!’
Mr Macleod’s topic was ‘The Book of the King’, with the studies mainly based on King Josiah in 2 Kings, but very constructively applied to our own
day. As well as delivering the lectures, the former Padre shared some of his chaplaincy experiences.
He remarked:
‘Being involved in the Islands Study Conference was a real privilege and an absolute pleasure. There was a real sense of unity and purpose throughout the weekend as well as a great opportunity for fellowship. Fantastic to have the Conference back on the Island calendar and I thoroughly commend it to you.’
Recordings of the lectures can be obtained by emailing islandsstudyconference@mail.com
On Friday 28 th February friends came together in the Harris Hotel to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the conference. After a meal, there were reminiscences from some who were committee members during the earlier days of the conference.
Rev Alasdair I Macleod, unable to attend, sent his recollections of being one of the speakers at the first conference in 1983 and wished the conference every blessing for the future.
John Murdo Morrison, former proprietor of the Harris Hotel, then recounted how the conference approached the hotel in the early 1980s and emphasised his hopes that the association between the hotel and the conference will continue long into the future; we all do and are indebted to Sarah and Andy, the current management, for continuing to host us.
Rev Colin Macleod then lead an act of worship to bring the special evening to a close. •
Karina Macleod cutting the cake
Past and present committee members
Rev Sinclair Ferguson preaching
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION – SHARING A STORY OF HOPE
What gives me hope is god. he’s my father Who is there for me alWays.’
These beautiful words were spoken by Cassie*, a survivor of online sexual exploitation and a passionate advocate for an end to this crime. Cassie’s faith, joyful personality, and determination for change are a beacon of light for children still trapped in darkness. She knows what it’s like to experience trafficking and abuse — but she also knows that there’s always hope for freedom and justice.
Cassie was 12 when a family friend in the Philippines offered to pay for her to go to school. Cassie was delighted — she’d always wanted to go to school because her family couldn’t afford to send her. But she didn’t know there would be a price for her dream: the family friend began abusing her and recording the abuse for paying sex offenders around the world to watch online. Cassie remembers thinking, ‘I want to die, I want to die because of this pain.’
Shockingly, the UK is the third largest consumer of livestreamed abuse. Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is one of the fastest growing forms of human trafficking. In 2022, a new study by International Justice Mission (IJM) — a global organisation working to stop slavery and violence — and the University of Nottingham Rights Lab found that an estimated one in every 100 children in the Philippines was abused to create child sexual exploitation materials. That’s nearly half a million children.
Cassie suffered this horrifying abuse for almost five years, until IJM partnered with police to bring her to safety. Among the children found with Cassie was a one-year-old baby girl. The children were brought to the safety of a shelter, where they received urgent care and support to help them heal from their trauma. IJM also supported Cassie to testify in court against the man who’d abused her. In a victory for justice, we saw the trafficker sentenced to life in prison.
Thanks to the support and prayers of people like you, IJM has helped police bring over 1,400 children and young people like Cassie to safety from this crime, and helped bring 264 perpetrators to justice. Beyond this, IJM works around the world — from Latin America to Africa and Europe — to stop slavery and violence, inspired by God’s heart for justice. Working with local police and partners, we help bring children, women and men to safety; support them to heal and pursue justice; and strengthen justice systems to protect people from ever being exploited in the first place. We’ve seen incredible transformation as a result, with slavery
decreasing by up to 86% in places where we work. At IJM, we believe that the vital work we do would not be possible without God’s provision: that’s why all IJM staff spend an hour each day in prayer, and partner with the church around the world. We’re inspired by Jesus’ words as he unwrapped the scroll of Isaiah in Luke 4:16-21, working together to bring freedom to those trapped in oppression and exploitation. We’re truly grateful for every church and person who is faithfully committed to this mission. Churches in Scotland are part of a powerful global movement, praying and taking action to help build a world where all are free. Together, we know we can support more children like Cassie and end trafficking once and for all.
Today, Cassie has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and hopes to become a chef! She’s also a member of the Philippine Survivor Network, a group of survivors leading the way for change, supported by IJM. She travelled to the UK last year to speak to supporters in Edinburgh, and MPs at a Parliamentary roundtable in Westminster, sharing, ‘As we sit here today, there are men in this country who are paying for children to be abused for them to watch live online… I’m determined that it will stop and that children like me will be protected.’
Cassie isn’t stopping there. In February this year, she featured in a powerful BBC documentary, “Hunting the Online Sex Predators”. If you’d like to see the strong young woman she is today, and how IJM is continuing to protect children like her, you can watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer. Please pray for Cassie as she continues to speak out on behalf of children who can’t, and join with her and churches around the world in praying for a day when every child is safe and free. • *Pseudonym.
TRAINING DAY FOR FCYC TEAM LEADERS
BY ROHAN HEPBURN, FREE CHURCH CAMPS CO-ORDINATOR
fcyc’s team leaders met in edinburgh in march for our training day, With people travelling from all over scotland to be there. The sun was out, and summer was in the air! The day provided a great opportunity to prepare, catch up, share ideas, receive Bible teaching, and pray for the summer ahead.
Rev Tom Muir, of Esk Valley Church, kicked things off by encouraging us to think about Kingdom culture at camp. Every camp is part of the God’s Kingdom and provides an opportunity to reflect this. This was a great reminder that, as planning gets busier, we are to keep sight of the bigger Gospel picture.
Lunch gave us a chance to catch up and check in. Afterwards, MC Martin led a session on behaviour
management, and Robbie Sweet got us thinking about how to lead small groups. These sessions were invaluable in helping us to consider how best to look after our campers. The day ended with a time in prayer for all our campers and leadership teams.
A huge thank you to everyone involved! Please join us in praying for our team leaders; we’re immensely grateful for all they do. Thanks also to Cornerstone for hosting us and Tom, MC, and Robbie giving up their Saturday to serve us.
Next up on the FCYC calendar is our Leaders and Cooks Training Day! We’re meeting in Smithton Free Church on 26th April for a time of teaching, training, and fellowship. •
STUDENTS WELCOMED AT KILMALLIE AND ARDNAMURCHAN
BY REV EUAN DODDS
this february the congregation of kilmallie and ardnamurchan Were delighted to Welcome for a Week three students from the cornhill scotland training course in glasgoW. The Cornhill course aims to equip Bible teachers and preachers and has been running since 2006. This team was the fourth we have partnered with in as many years. It consisted of Tim Groves, Glen Glover and Michelle Tlhabologang — this being Michelle’s first visit to the Highlands. The trio showed real enthusiasm and servantheartedness throughout the placement. Sunday saw them involved in services in Kilmallie and Acharacle (an hour’s drive away) before returning to share with the Youth Fellowship in the evening. Each morning began with a short ‘thought for the day’ on the local FM station, Nevis FM, which broadcasts throughout Lochaber. The students then attended community events, visited other churches — including Fort William Free Church — and ministries such as the Blythswood Care shop. Numerous meals were enjoyed with congregational members. They were a real encouragement during our midweek ministries where they spoke during both our ‘Road to Recovery’ group and our Tuesday study. Tim and Michelle gave a fascinating presentation about the work of the Kerusso Trust with its vision of resourcing pastors in Malawi. The week ended with a sunny day trip to Camusdarach beach and a Gaelic ceilidh in the evening! We were richly blessed by their zeal and friendship. We
hope the week gave them something of a taste of rural ministry and of hearing the unchanging Gospel being taught in a different context to their own urban one. In an exciting new venture Cornhill Scotland, Lord willing, hope to open a Cornhill Hub in Inverness and are looking for like-minded fellowships to partner in this pioneering work. The exciting opportunity to start a new base for Bible Training in the Highlands will see more people trained, more churches strengthened, and new frontiers of gospel ministry opened. If you would like to hear more about this project then please get in touch via their website at www.cornhill.scot
If you, or someone you know, would like to enrol as a student at Cornhill in Inverness then they would love to hear from you to explore opportunities. •
Tim Groves, Michelle Tlhabologang and Glen Glover
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT GROUP RESPONDS TO PALLIATIVE CARE MATTERS FOR ALL CONSULTATION
the free church of scotland’s public engagement group (peg) has responded to the scottish parliament’s palliative care matters for all consultation.
The aims of the proposed Government strategy are that by 2030:
• Adults and children in Scotland have more equitable access to well-coordinated, timely and high-quality palliative care, care around dying, and bereavement support based on what matters to them, including support for families and carers.
• Scotland is a place where people, families and communities can support each other, take action, and talk more openly about planning ahead, serious illnesses or health conditions, dying and bereavement.
• Adults and children have opportunities to plan for future changes in their life, health and care with their families and carers.
The Public Engagement Group welcomed the opportunity to respond to the consultation, adding: ‘We affirm the importance of compassionate, equitable, and holistic care for individuals at all stages of life, particularly during times of serious illness, dying, and bereavement.’
The Group said the aims outlined in the strategy ‘align with many of our core values’. It also offered a number of reflections about the proposal.
PEG said: ‘We strongly support the aim to provide more equitable access to well-coordinated, timely, and high-quality palliative care, care around dying, and bereavement support. Such care is essential for affirming the dignity and value of every individual, irrespective of their circumstances. We encourage the strategy to explicitly integrate spiritual care as a core component of holistic palliative care, recognising that spiritual wellbeing is fundamental, particularly in end-of-life contexts; and prioritise practical measures to ensure equitable access for those in rural and remote areas, as well as for individuals from marginalised or under-served communities.’
The Group said: ‘We believe that the sanctity of human life requires equitable care for all, without discrimination, and we commend the strategy for addressing this critical need.’
It said: ‘The aim to create a culture in Scotland where individuals, families, and communities can openly discuss planning ahead, serious illnesses, dying, and bereavement resonates deeply with our pastoral mission. Churches have long been places where these conversations naturally occur, supported by the shared values of compassion, mutual care, and hope. We encourage the strategy to recognise and engage faith communities as key partners in fostering these discussions.
‘We also emphasise the need for public education and community initiatives that approach these sensitive topics with care, offering guidance rooted in compassion and respect for the inherent worth of every individual.’
The Group affirmed the aim to provide adults and children with opportunities to plan for future changes in their life, health, and care. It said: ‘Future care planning is essential for ensuring that individuals’ wishes are respected and that care aligns with their values and needs. It is also vital to provide clear guidelines and support for families and carers to participate meaningfully in these discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
‘Safeguards are also required to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not pressured into decisions that may not reflect their true wishes or best interests. Moreover, it must be recognised that as people come to terms with a terminal diagnosis their views can change and any plan requires to be adjustable. Churches are well-placed to provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance during these conversations, helping individuals and families navigate difficult decisions with faith and hope.’
The Group said: ‘While we support the strategy’s focus on palliative care, we urge caution and clarity to ensure that the strategy is not conflated with or used to advance practices such as assisted dying. The Free Church opposes any measures that undermine the sanctity of life, and we call for the strategy to reinforce its commitment to ethical care that respects life at all stages. Proposals to introduce assisted suicide fundamentally undermine or devalue excellent palliative care. There is increasing international evidence from jurisdictions where physician assisted suicide and/
or physician administered euthanasia are legal, that there is a significant negative impact on palliative care.’
The group said: ‘In conclusion, we commend the strategy for its focus on equitable, holistic, and compassionate care. We stand ready to support its implementation through pastoral care, advocacy, and community engagement. By working together, we can ensure that the people of Scotland receive the care, dignity,
and support they need, particularly in their most vulnerable times.’
To view the full response, go to: freechurch.org/ public-engagement-group
The Free Church of Scotland continues to oppose attempts to introduce Assisted Dying both in Holyrood and Westminster and recently submitted evidence in response to the Public Bill Committee’s call for evidence on Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. •
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
the mission aviation felloWship (maf), Which is the World’s largest humanitarian air operator, is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
For 80 years MAF has been flying light aircraft over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts. The Fellowship enables more than 1,400 aid, development and mission organisations to bring medical care, emergency relief and long-term development to people around the world. Its pilots and personnel deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, schoolbooks, food, medicines — everything that can only be safely and speedily delivered by air.
As the Fellowship marks its milestone anniversary, it is encouraging congregations to partner with it in the future.
Andy Martin, Business Development Facilitator (UK), said: ‘Would your church consider partnering with MAF to provide a lifeline of hope to forgotten people living in desperate need? Everything works better when we work together. At MAF we offer bespoke partnerships with churches tailored to suit your local needs and mission from our menu of resources on our website. In return your congregation can help change the lives of remote communities by helping us spread the Gospel through our work, by getting involved by praying and supporting the partnership. It’s a great way to further engage your congregation in overseas mission.
‘No matter the size of your church or location we can deliver a unique experience that sees congregations inspired, communities reached, and every demographic catered for. You will learn about the global ministry of MAF, see how cross-cultural partnerships work, and hear stories of lives being transformed through aviation and technology.’
Andy added: ‘A partnership can run for as short as three months or as long as you want and need. From hosting an MAF speaker who will unpack MAF’s ministry, Sundays and mid-week, to quiz nights, film nights, food outreach, culminating (space dependent) by way of a celebration with a flight simulator and a display aircraft supported by a host of other interactive and exciting resources.
A partnership delivers on so many different levels; above all we can together fulfil the “Great Commission”.’ •
To find out more about partnering with MAF, contact Andy Martin at andy.martin@maf-uk.org
the board of trustees Would like to thank congregations and individual members for their efforts to maintain remittance levels and mission donations during 2024. A special thanks to those congregations that gave more than was due. Remittance income and total income for the year were below budget. Expenditure was also below budget, which has resulted in a small surplus. The budget for 2025 anticipates a small deficit. Although the levy system is complex, the pie chart helps with understanding how remittances are used and how they contribute to a Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland. The review of the current remittance system continues. Further work and consultation are needed as it is proving to be no easy task to find a system that is simpler, fairer, more transparent, and encourages Healthy Gospel Growth.
After deducting money held on behalf of congregations, the denomination still holds a sufficient operating cash reserve. We give thanks to God for his provision of these financial resources. We look to him to continue to supply all that we need in our congregations and as a denomination in 2025.
Thank you for your financial, as well as prayerful and practical support, at a local and denominational level. •
INCOME AND
5,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000
4,000,000
HOW REMITTANCES ARE USED
REMITTANCES PAID/DUE
MISSION MATTERS
A monthly take on some of the mission work the Free Church is involved in by our Mission Director, DAVID MEREDITH
afriend recently called me ‘king of the catchphrase’. I don’t think it was a compliment. I have to admit to using phrases which in my own mind are cryptic and provocative. Others think they are simply ridiculous. ‘Always accept resignations, never accept a piano’, has been used on many occasions although the offer of a wee Bösendorfer seldom goes wrong. As for, ‘We don’t do England’, it still gets people going.
‘Churches always go where the leadership wants them to go.’ That’s another one which may provoke a reaction. Let’s be clear. God is sovereign. A greater master of the one-liner, King Solomon observed, ‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.’ (Proverbs 19:21) James reminds us that we ‘do not even know what will happen tomorrow.’ (James 4:14)
Jesus often remarked that our outward action is triggered by the heart, ‘For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’ (Luke 6:45)
Look around our denomination. Part of vision of St Andrew’s Free Church is to be a resource church which trains men for ministry. What do we see? It’s the largest source of ministry candidates by a long way. Govan seeks to be a diverse congregation reflecting the ethnic diversity of the city just south of the river. What do we see? A growing church which is marked by ethnic diversity. Burghead seeks ‘to grow to become three vibrant, all-age churches each of 100 disciples.’ What do we see? A congregation moving in that direction after almost closing. St Columba’s seeks to be a resource church which catalyses church planting in the Edinburgh area. What do we see? Cornerstone, Cornerstone En Español, Gilmerton, Winchburgh, Esk Valley, Haddington.
This type of development only comes when there are certain elements in place. There is total dependence on God and destruction of the ego. Many of us have a vision of the church which is more rooted in our own projections than in God’s will for Twenty-first Century Scotland. Often what we want is a larger version of the church which has
declined. Generally speaking that will not happen.
If I may set out a vision of what a healthy Free Church of Scotland looks like in 2025. It is outward facing. Christianity is blatantly conversionist in culture. It is an unashamed proselytising machine. We can say with integrity that we do not convert anyone but we can also say that we are obsessive about obeying the Lord’s first command to his church to ‘make disciples’.
Of course, this is a winsome obsession. People are not projects. It was Stalin, when he was Commissar of Munitions, who said ‘If only one man dies of hunger, that is a tragedy. If millions die, that’s only statistics.’ We don’t think in terms of bare statistics. We preach and use the sacraments as they were designed. They build up the church in order that the church will replicate.
In the early eighties I read a lot in the ‘church growth movement’. Like many fashions it has come and gone but the one thing which attracted me to it then is the passion which I have never lost, the belief that God can and will grow the church. In my early days that vision was shared by an outstanding leadership team who believed the same thing.
Where do we start? Prayer. In a movement which is unprecedented, at least in recent years, we are having joint prayer meetings all over the country, asking God to move us towards a healthy church. Our passage for reflection is Acts 4. After the emergency prayer meeting there were signs following, ‘and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.’ (Acts 4:31)
What next? Honestly ask where you want to be. If in the deepest recesses of your heart you want a church to reflect your favourite preaching style, music, building and dress code then your heart’s desires will be granted. If, on the other hand, you want your church to be diverse, lively and expanding then that vision may be beautifully realised.
It’s not rocket science. Is it? •
WORLD NEWS
AMERICAS
AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA
PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Christians continue to be targeted by members of Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in north-eastern DRC. Violence has increased in the area since the M23 armed rebel group seized control of Goma in North Kivu in late January. They later took over Bukavu in the neighbouring province of South Kivu. The DRC military has been attempting to regain control of the area, leading to increased turmoil and uncertainty. Many thousands of people have had to flee their homes. •
IRAN: A government crackdown on freedom of religion in Iran continues. Any Christian who is considered “non-aligned” with the aims of the Islamic Republic can face arrest and imprisonment on “security” charges. Intelligence agents have recently re-arrested two church leaders — Nasser Navard Gol Tapeh and Joseph Shahbazian — who had been released from prison in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively. •
PAKISTAN: Ranked 8th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, Pakistan continues to see violence and unjust imprisonment of Christian minorities. Women and girls are abducted and forcibly married, and extrajudicial killings and mob violence persist, fuelled by blasphemy allegations. Church of Pakistan Moderator Bishop Azad Marshall said: ‘The lack of action by the Pakistani government exacerbates the challenges faced by our people’. He called upon the government to enforce laws that criminalise perjury and false accusations, protect persons accused of blasphemy and unconditionally release religious prisoners of conscience. •
KRISTIE HIGGS WINS AS COURT OF APPEAL RULES DISMISSAL FOR FREE SPEECH IS ILLEGAL
Christian Concern – UK
In a seminal judgment for Christian freedom and free speech, the Court of Appeal has reversed a ruling which defended the dismissal of Kristie Higgs from Farmor’s School in Gloucestershire for raising concern on Facebook about extreme sex education and transgender ideology being taught in her son’s Church of England primary school.
The groundbreaking decision, handed in February by Lord Justice Underhill, Lord Justice Bean and Lady Justice Falk, re-examines and re-shapes England’s law on religious discrimination. The dramatic six-year legal battle has been supported by the Christian Legal Centre from the beginning. Mrs Higgs, 48, was represented in court by barrister Mr Richard O’Dair. The ruling confirms that the Equality Act protects traditional Christian beliefs on social issues, such as opposition to the ideas of transgenderism and ‘gender-fluidity’ and opposition to same-sex marriage.
The authoritative judgment re-shapes the law on freedom of religion in the workplace. For the first time in employment law, the judgment has effectively established a legal presumption that any dismissal for an expression or manifestation of Christian faith is illegal. It explained that the burden is on the employer to prove in the Employment Tribunal that any such dismissal can be objectively justified (not just that they believed it was justified) and was prescribed by law, proportionate and otherwise necessary in a democratic society to address a pressing social need. •
• More cases of Christians being dismissed for their views were heard in March. On 5th March an appeal court ruled that that the previous employment tribunal decision which upheld the sacking of Rev Dr Bernard Randall is ‘unsafe’ due to revelations of anti-Christian bias on the presiding panel. As a result, Judge Tayler ordered Dr Randall’s case to be remitted urgently back to the Employment Tribunal for a full retrial. The permission hearing ruling comes after Bernard, who is supported by the Christian Legal Centre, took legal action against Trent College in Derbyshire following his dismissal for a sermon he gave in 2019. The sermon was on the CofE’s own teaching on marriage, in a CofE chapel, in a school with a CofE ethos. •
• In Nottingham, an employment tribunal has begun hearing the case of a Christian teacher sacked for raising safeguarding concerns about an 8-year-old ‘transitioning’ in a primary school under the guidance of Stonewall. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, ‘Hannah’, who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, is suing Nottinghamshire County Council, who runs the school, for victimisation for whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and discrimination on the grounds of her Christian beliefs. ‘Hannah’s’ original hearing was halted last year after the panel was recused for bias. •
NEW REPORT FINDS SITUATION
OF FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
CSW has published a new report which finds that the situation of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and related human rights in Nicaragua has continued to deteriorate.
The report, titled ‘Total Control: The Eradication of Independent Voices in Nicaragua’, states that CSW recorded 222 separate FoRB cases from 1st January 2024 through 31st December 2024, with most cases involving multiple FoRB violations and some affecting thousands of people.
As in the previous year, one of the most commonly reported FoRB violations in the period covered by the report was the arbitrary cancellation of religious events, activities or services. The National Police (PN) continued to forcibly prohibit public religious processions outside their respective physical buildings, which included maintaining a moratorium on traditional public marches by Roman Catholics and Protestants in celebration of the Spanish Bible Translation Day in September.
The report finds that one of the most concerning developments of 2024 was the imposition of what the Nicaraguan government refers to as ‘precautionary measures’ on religious leaders, in which they are assigned a specific local police officer and ordered to report to the officer on a weekly basis to have their
photo taken and to submit plans for their weekly activities. Religious leaders subjected to these measures also faced restrictions on their freedom of movement, and some reported that they were warned they would be detained or exiled if they did not obey the terms of the measures.
The report specifically highlights the case of Protestant Pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López, a political prisoner who is serving a 23-year sentence on trumped up charges and is experiencing serious health challenges due to complications from inadequately managed diabetes. It also focuses on Catholic lay leaders Carmen María Sáenz Martínez and Lesbia del Socorro Gutiérrez Poveda, who were detained on 10th August 2024 and have now spent over six months in incommunicado detention with no proof of life provided to their families. The three are among 46 cases of short- and long-term arbitrary detention of religious leaders documented by CSW in 2024.
The government also maintained its policies of the forcible cancellation of legal status of hundreds of independent civil society organisations, including churches and, in some cases, entire denominations, and of forcibly exiling hundreds of political prisoners. •
NEW LAW IN KYRGYZSTAN FURTHER STIFLES RELIGIOUS MINORITIES SUCH AS EVANGELICALS
Evangelical Focus
The president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, recently signed a new Religion law, which continues to restrict freedom of religion or belief in the country, and an Amending law, that increases fines for those who violate provisions of the Religion law.
The new Religion Law replaces the 2008 law and came into force on 1st February 2025, while the Amending law took effect on 3rd February.
‘The new law does not make anything better for us to practise our faith, but makes it more difficult’, a Protestant leader told Norwegian human rights group Forum 18. ‘I have stopped believing in any improvements in the laws or in the attitude of the government towards us Christians’.
Amongst a raft of changes that make it harder for minority faiths, the new Religion law states that all religious communities have to gain state registration before they are allowed to exist. Registration will only be valid for communities with at least 500 adult members (up from 200 in the current law) living in a single region of the country.
According to the Protestant leader, that is a problem because they ‘have difficulty collecting signatures of 200 persons at the moment to register in one locality. If by chance registration is given to a
church, they will be asked to re-register every 10 years. That will push them into repeating the same burdensome process. The authorities do not want the participation of Protestant churches in the decision-making process in the area of freedom of religion on the national or regional level. They want to limit our exercise of freedom as much as they can’.
The new law also states that anyone who ‘is involved in spreading a religion by various methods (including through the media and on the internet)’ is considered a preacher and must be registered by the SCRA. Additionally, ‘only those who have specialised higher or general religious education can act as preachers’ and must be registered every year.
The new Amending law says that those who ‘exercise freedom of religion or belief without permission’, will be punished with a fine of 20,000 Soms (£177) equivalent to three weeks’ average wages, for individuals, and 65,000 Soms (£576) for organisations.
‘I am afraid that if these changes are adopted, and if the authorities continue their past strategies, many churches will be closed down’, concluded the Protestant leader in Kyrgyzstan. •
GOD SETS THE LONELY IN FAMILIES PSALM 68:6
BY REV NORMAN & ALISON MACKAY
according to recent research one of the most urgent issues confronting our contemporary society is that as a nation W e are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness . This is not a perspective shaped simply by piecemeal anecdotal evidence. Rather, it is an alarming observation grounded in and supported by solid systematic research, statistical analysis and empirical evidence.
Clearly, we must recognise that we all get lonely sometimes, at least this side of glory. What we are speaking of here, though, is a prolonged experience of loneliness that is harmful, and can affect our mental health and wellbeing. As such it is a negative emotional experience and indicates an unmet need for social connection.
Psalm 68 highlights God’s compassion and care for those who are lonely, isolated, or marginalised. God’s action of placing the lonely in families reflects his desire for community and belonging, reminiscent of his creation of Eve for Adam, where he states that it is not good for man to be alone. In biblical times, family was the primary social unit, providing support, protection and identity.
It is against this background that we find the New Testament concept of the Church as a family of believers, who are all equally loved members of God’s household, and as such share in the blessings and responsibilities that come with this privilege.
The word that is inspired by the Holy Spirit to describe the family dimension of our relationships with one another is the Greek word koinonia , which our English translations render fellowship . At the heart of this word is the meaning “to partner” or “to share.”
But what does this imply? How does it manifest itself in the life of the church?
Sometimes we erroneously think of fellowship as a feeling of warmth and security that we experience in each other’s company. Of course this is no bad thing, and we have all at times been in the company of people whose presence seems to bless us in this way.
However, in biblical usage koinonia is set forth as an objective Christian reality that in particular bears witness to three things we hold in common as members of God’s family:
OUR FAMILY INHERITANCE
This refers to all the glorious spiritual realities that we share in together, and which unite us as the family of God. In other words, despite all of our differences, we have the same God as our Heavenly Father, the same Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord and the same Holy Spirit as our indwelling Comforter. We have family emblems in the Lord’s Supper and baptism, and indeed, as we grow spiritually, we will progressively share in a family likeness.
OUR COMMON SERVICE
Koinonia not only expresses what we share in together, but what we give out together. For example, in Acts 2:42-47 the church is represented as (a) a learning church (b) a caring church (c) a worshipping church and (d) an evangelising church. As we trace this through the Acts of the Apostles, we witness the church increasingly understanding itself, organising itself, and expressing itself through its life and witness. However, this is not something that just happens. All of this requires a corporate commitment, built upon a willingness to serve.
OUR MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY
When we speak in this way, we have in mind a kind of social partnership whereby we encourage, support and uplift one another. Perhaps the best way to understand the outworking of this is to underline in our New Testament all the uses of the phrase “one another” . There are just under sixty such exhortations in the New Testament. But please note again, these are not actions dependent on how we feel, but resultant on our mutual commitment to support.
Over the years we have met many Christians who in the midst of church life say that they are lonely. There may be very particular circumstantial reasons behind this hurtful reality. Some Christians can be terribly restricted in church involvement, for example, due to the negative impact of their home circumstances, or poor health, or they might be the only family member committed to Jesus and the church, and their time has to be divided. These situations are sensitive, sometimes complex, and must be understood on a caseby-case basis.
However, many of us do not face these obstacles or restrictions yet still experience a sense of loneliness in the midst of the church. We have seen a pattern over the years, whereby those who gradually leave loneliness behind are not the ones who wait passively for others to meet this need in their own life. Rather it is the opposite. When we throw ourselves into the life of the church as described above, and do so to serve the Lord by supporting and encouraging others, our loneliness seems to lessen. It is not that we give ourselves to the life of the church as a means towards this end. It is rather that as God ‘sets the lonely in families’, he does so in the full expectation that we will all thereafter participate fully in family life, to the extent we can. Just as with all relationships in life, such a commitment demands time and patience, but we will surely be blessed ourselves in return. •
Silencing Conscience: What Scotland’s Safe Access Zones Mean for Free Speech
BY REV STEPHEN ALLISON
In february this year, rose docherty, a 74-year-old grandmother, Was arrested outside an abortion clinic in glasgoW for silently holding up a sign Which read ‘coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you Want’. This was the first arrest under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 which introduced buffers zones around abortion clinics in Scotland, making it a criminal offence to engage in certain activities within these areas.
Whilst we can all agree that certain practices of intimidation and harassment outside abortion clinics are totally unacceptable, that is not really the issue being addressed by this legislation — since harassment, intimidation, and threatening behaviour were already criminal offences. Instead, the legislation targets any attempt to persuade individuals to change their minds or those silently praying while holding signs. Whether or not you believe Christians should be protesting or present outside abortion clinics, this is a significant infringement of the most fundamental human rights and sets a dangerous precedent.
WHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION ENTAIL?
The Act establishes safe access zones around medical facilities providing abortion services. Within these zones, it is illegal to engage in activities deemed to influence or interfere with individuals accessing or providing abortion services. This includes:
• Protests, demonstrations, or vigils related to abortion, whether silent or active.
• The offering of advice, information, or alternatives to abortion, even if done peacefully and without coercion.
• Prayer or religious observance that could be seen as attempting to dissuade someone from having an abortion.
The legislation also applies to private premises (whether homes or churches) within the zone if anything done from the private space can be seen or heard within the zone.
The legislation carries significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal records for those who breach the zones.
CONCERNS OVER FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
One of the most concerning aspects of the Act is its impact on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of conscience — fundamental rights in any democratic society. This law curtails the ability of individuals to express pro-life views in public spaces. Even silent prayer, a deeply personal act of faith, could now be criminalised within these zones.
Whilst giving evidence to the committee scrutinising the bill in the Scottish Parliament, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health suggested that private prayer amounts to silent judgement which can intimidate women and so should be criminalised. Whilst it has been disputed whether silent prayer alone is covered by the restrictions, the MSP who proposed the legislation
has stated that “performative prayer” would be covered. The line is a narrow one between when someone is merely praying silently and when someone’s actions become performative.
Freedom of expression is enshrined in both Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). While these rights are not absolute and can be restricted in the interests of public order, such restrictions must be proportionate. Criminalising peaceful speech and prayer goes beyond preventing harassment — it effectively creates censorship zones in which certain beliefs cannot be expressed.
Proponents of the law argue that safe access zones are necessary to protect women from distressing encounters when seeking abortion services. However, existing laws (e.g. breach of the peace) already prohibit harassment, intimidation, and obstruction. If harassment occurs, it should be addressed under laws already in place, rather than imposing blanket bans that infringe upon civil liberties.
The principle of proportionality is key to any limitation on rights. In this case, the Act appears to extend beyond what is necessary to achieve its stated aim. It does not merely prohibit harassment (which is already illegal) but criminalises entirely peaceful actions. This overreach raises concerns about whether the law is being used to shut down moral and religious viewpoints that some find uncomfortable, rather than addressing actual harm.
THE CHILLING EFFECT
Whilst proponents will argue it is proportionate within a narrow zone around abortion clinics the issue is that it sends a signal — that certain topics should be off limits. This has a chilling effect on freedom of expression around abortion issues in general — compounding a situation where it is already very hard to openly discuss and debate abortion-related issues. Making it illegal to discuss abortion within an exclusion zone makes a statement to society that it is inappropriate to express pro-life views. There is already a lack of balance in the presentation of pro-choice and pro-life views in the media and political life in Scotland and this legislation reinforces the idea that it is wrong to express pro-life views.
This bill targets peaceful citizens, not because of anti-social behaviour but due to their pro-life views. Given Christian belief about the sanctity of all human life, the proposal also targets individuals because of their religion and belief. For many Christians and other faith groups, standing near abortion clinics to pray, offer support, or provide alternatives is an act of compassion and conscience. Criminalising such activities suggests that faith-based perspectives on life issues are unwelcome in the public sphere.
This legislation represents significant overreach on the part of the state and it seems the law is deliberately being used to shut down moral and religious viewpoints that some find uncomfortable, rather than addressing actual harm. Safe access zones are intended to silence those who hold opinions abortion advocates find “offensive”. But as Lord Justice Sedley said ‘Freedom only to speak inoffensively is not worth having’ (DPP v Redmond-Bate (1999) 163 JP 789: [2000] HRLR 249).
THE IMPACT ON PRIVATE SPACES
As previously mentioned, before the legislation also limits what can be done on private property if it is within the radius and could be seen or heard within the public land. This is a serious restriction of human rights, preventing someone displaying posters etc. on their private property. If someone was holding a prayer meeting in their home that could be seen through their window this could potentially be caught by the legislation.
The radius covered by the zones also includes churches, and many are concerned that the right of churches to preach and communicate their doctrines on their own property is being unjustly interfered with. One example discussed at the committee was whether a church displaying a general religious message such as ‘Repent and Receive Forgiveness for Your Sins’ could be caught by the legislation as an attempt to influence those entering an abortion clinic given the close association between the pro-life movement and Christianity.
THE DANGER OF EXPANSION
The legislation introduces buffer zones of 200 metres around abortion clinics. However, the legislation includes the possibility of the Scottish Ministers extending these zones. They can designate other premises – this could include GP practices and pharmacies where abortion pills are distributed. The distance can also be extended and there is no limit on what size these buffer zones could cover. Most of Scotland could end up covered by safe access zones and this is an inappropriate grant of blanket powers to extend provisions, without parliamentary scrutiny.
OTHER AREAS OF APPLICATION
Whilst not all Christians would believe it wise or appropriate to engage in prolife vigils that does not mean such actions should be banned. And the biggest issue with introducing safe access zones is that it sets a dangerous precedent for the state being able to ban both protests and efforts to persuade individuals to change their mind on contentious issues.
If the state can designate areas where certain moral or religious views cannot be expressed, what is to stop future restrictions on other contentious topics? Today, it is abortion; tomorrow, it could be debates on gender, sexuality, or euthanasia. Within a free society it is vital that we are able to disagree and engage in discussions around sensitive topics without the state seeking to stamp out fundamental rights of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression must be defended consistently, even when it involves uncomfortable or controversial subjects. A free society does not silence dissent but engages with differing views through open discussion.
CONCLUSION
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 represents a significant shift in the balance between protecting access to services and preserving fundamental freedoms. While no one should face harassment outside a medical facility, the broad wording of this law risks criminalising peaceful, faithbased actions that pose no threat to public order. This law should concern all who value democracy, religious liberty, and the ability to engage in peaceful, public discourse. The right response is not to silence voices of compassion and conscience but to foster a society where difficult issues can be discussed with grace, respect, and truth.
As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) — to stand for the sanctity of life while also showing compassion to those in difficult circumstances. The challenge before us is to continue advocating for both justice and mercy, ensuring that our voices are heard, our freedoms are protected, and the value of every human life is upheld. •
Rev Stephen Allison is minister of Kiltarlity Free Church and serves as the Public Engagement Coordinator for the Free Church of Scotland. This piece first appeared in Affinity’s Social Issues Bulletin. Affinity is an expression of unity between gospel churches, agencies and Christians. For more information, go to: www.affinity.org.uk/resources
O Lord, Revive Thy Work
The address given at the Dumbarton New Year Watchnight
BY PROFESSOR TOMMY MACKAY
‘O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy’
Habakkuk 3:2
When i Was sixteen i had a remarkable experience. I was a young Christian attending my local parish church. But the gospel ministry had gone. I knew that from a godly upbringing and faithful teaching in Crusaders and Scripture Union. So I prayed that God would lead me according to his will, and the way he did so was very different from my plans and expectations, to the point where to this day I look back and say, ‘This is the Lord’s doing’. I found myself in the last place you might expect a middle-class teenager turning up in his private school blazer. For the Lord led me in the strangest way to a mission for down and outs in the Spoutmouth, a derelict, Dickensian lane off the Glasgow Gallowgate. The only person within decades of my age was the nine-year-old daughter of the mission superintendent.
Then one Sunday night one of the mission leaders said to me, ‘We have a prayer meeting on Friday. Would you like to come? It’s an all-night prayer meeting for revival’. For me, that invitation was to be life changing. I found men on their knees laying hold on God with strong tears and crying for revival. For very many years to come that all-night monthly prayer meeting was to be the highlight of my experience. And there was never a meeting without hearing the cry of Habakkuk: ‘O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy’.
We know almost nothing about Habakkuk. For most other prophets we are told who their father was and other details. Also, their names usually have a meaning in Hebrew: Isaiah, ‘The Lord has saved’, Jeremiah, ‘The Lord will rise’, Ezekiel, ‘God will strengthen’. But with Habakkuk, we do not even know if his name is Hebrew, or perhaps Akkadian. All we know is that he prophesied around the latter part of the seventh century before Christ.
Yet two remarkable things emerge from this prayer. First, it is not just a prayer; but a song. It is ‘upon Shigionoth’, a musical term suggesting singing with strong emotion. It is dedicated to ‘the chief musician on my stringed instruments’ (ch.3. v.19). Picture the scene. The whole Earth is called to silence before the Lord (ch.2 v.20). Then the voice of Habakkuk sounds forth in song with these momentous words: ‘O Lord, revive thy work’.
Second, does God answer prayer? Did God fail these faithful saints at the all-night prayer meetings because their eyes did not see revival? Listen to Habakkuk: ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry … but the just shall live by his faith’ (ch.2 v.3,4). There is a seeming paradox. Although it is delayed, wait for it; it will not be delayed. Why? Because it tarries in the eyes of men. Habakkuk begins with the cry, ‘O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?’ (ch.1 v.2). However, in the eyes of God, there is no tarrying. The second verb used, ‘it will not tarry’, suggests not being behind time – God’s time. In his good time it will surely come.
Does God answer? Habakkuk’s cry for revival has gone up to heaven. A hundred years pass, then a thousand, then two thousand. And then an Augustinian friar in his cell at Wittenberg comes on the words of Habakkuk: ‘the just shall live by faith’. And through that God sends perhaps the greatest revival the world has ever seen. God hears; God answers. We often face suffering and tears, sorrow and loss. Listen to Habakkuk’s closing words: ‘Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation’ (ch.3.17,18).
Will 2025 be the year we see revival for Dumbarton Free High, for our congregations throughout Scotland, for this whole kingdom? We pray that it will; but come what may, yet we will rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of our salvation. •
Professor Tommy MacKay is an elder in Dumbarton Free Church.
I Believe in God
Re-visiting the Apostles’ Creed
BY REV DAVID J RANDALL
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Many people Would concur With that statement – including adherents of other religions and others Who believe that there must be something or someone ‘out there’. The really important question is: who is God and what is he like?
We sometimes hear talk about people ‘of all faiths and none.’ This might mean ‘of all religions or none,’ but there aren’t any people with no faith; even ardent atheists are people of faith – the faith that there is no God. As the Education Officer of the Humanist Society of Scotland once wrote, ‘Humanists have beliefs too’1 and the story is told of a child in an atheist family who asked, ‘Does God know we don’t believe in him?’!
Who is the God in whom Christians believe? That is not to ask which of many gods is the one in whom we believe, as if there is a variety of gods from which to choose. There is only one God (Isaiah 45:6; 1 Timothy 2:5) and he is not a God of our imagination or invention; nor is he (in the title of a 1960s book) ‘The God I Want’ Rather, we are talking about ‘The God Who Is There’ (Francis Schaeffer), the God who has revealed himself to us. He can only be known as he has revealed himself –which he has done in many ways (Hebrews 1:1):
• ‘The heavens declare the glory of God’ (Romans 1:19-20)
• he has revealed himself in history (his story)
• through the homing instinct for him in human hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
• in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3)
• and in the Bible (1 Timothy 3:15-16).
The Bible is all about this initiative of God
• in his self-revelation (first part of the Creed)
• in action for our salvation (second part)
• and in making it real in our lives (third part).
The Creed’s first sentence tells us three things about God; he is our Father, he is almighty and he is the Creator of everything that exists.
GOD THE FATHER
It is wonderful that the word ‘Father’ comes immediately after ‘I believe in God’, because it reminds us that he is not an idol that we have set up or some mythical being that expresses something about our human existence. Nor is he someone or something immanent in nature; worse still, he is not some severe, tyrannical being who can only be feared — as depicted in the Shakespearean character who says, ‘As flies to wanton boys are we to th’ gods they kill us for their sport.'2
How wonderful to know that God is ‘Our Father.’
It is a common analogy in the Bible — Old Testament as well as New. Psalm 103:13, for example, says, ‘As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has
compassion on those who fear him.’ Think of the best father you could imagine — loving in every way, kind, generous, etc. — multiply it by the biggest number you can think of, and you’ll still fall short of how wonderful our heavenly Father is.
Of course, some people may have a negative view of fatherhood, because their father was uncaring, harsh or cruel (or the kind whose child scores 95% in an exam and all the father can say is ‘what happened to the other 5%?’). The very best human father would fall far short of what God is, and Ephesians 3 does not model God’s Fatherhood on human fatherhood, but human fatherhood on God’s. It is from God the Father that the concept of fatherhood comes, and the best thing that any earthly father can do is to seek to reflect the Fatherliness of God.
The actor Topol (Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof) was being interviewed on television and at the beginning the interviewer asked, ‘How should I address you? Is it Topol, Mr Topol, or what?’ He responded, ‘Topol is my surname; my first name is Chaim.’ The interviewer asked, ‘Well, what do they call you at home?’ He answered, ‘Abba.’ It is the familial word for father, equivalent to ‘Dad’ or ‘Daddy’, and the word is found several times in Scripture, notably in Romans 8:15 where Paul said that Christians have been adopted into God’s family and ‘by him we cry, “Abba, Father”.’ This speaks of the grace of God who gives us the right (John 1:12) to call him our Abba, our Father.
ALMIGHTY
The Creed then describes God as Almighty. A children’s chorus says: ‘My God is so big, so strong and so mighty; there’s nothing my God cannot do.’ Nothing? Of course ‘almighty’ does not mean that he could do senselessly impossible things, like making a square circle, but it means that he can do everything that he wills to do. As the angel said to Mary about the virginal conception of Jesus: ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ (Luke 1:37).
This is the answer to despair, whether about the world, the church, or our individual lives. Faith in God’s omnipotence means that we need not despair about society (for all its deference shown to other religions and disdain for Christianity), the church (for all its faults) or our own lives (for all our failures in discipleship and witness).
The early disciples had nothing in the way of worldly power or influence when Jesus commissioned them to go out and change the world. Yet change the world they did. And they did it not by relying on their own strength or wisdom, but through reliance on the strength and guidance of an almighty Father. If we were left on our own, it would be a hopeless task. But we are not left on our own – not if we share the faith of the Creed: ‘I believe in God the Father Almighty.’
MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH
The Creed then confesses faith in the ‘Maker of heaven and earth.’ Far from God being created by us humans, he is the Creator of everything that exists.
It has become commonplace for the media to imply that such a belief has been abandoned by all reasonable people. At the beginning of a broadcast on life’s beginnings, for example, the presenter explained (yes, explained to viewers) that in the past people needed to believe in a great Designer of the universe, but as science has discovered more and more things, this has become unnecessary. It was stated with all the blandness of an assumption that everyone would accept.
However, the Bible’s first words still stand: ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ We are not told everything about how he did so, except to say that it was ex nihilo (from nothing) and per verbum (by his word). He said the word and things came to be.
Joseph Addison’s hymn on creation ends by saying about the wonders of creation:
In reason’s ear they all rejoice and utter forth a glorious voice, For ever singing as they shine, ‘The hand that made us is divine’.
The Bible bids us look at the magnificence, splendour and beauty of the things we see and experience – and praise, love and serve the One who made it all.
Hebrews 1:3 says that he is also the ‘Sustainer of all things by his powerful word.’ He is not a distant Being who wound up creation like a clockwork universe and retreated to his far-off heaven. That is deism, not Christianity. Christianity is about a God who takes a hands-on approach to his creation, sustaining it moment by moment, involved in the lives of his creatures, and in the fulness of time coming into the world in the person of Jesus.
Many people have been conned by the notion that science has destroyed the Bible’s teaching about creation — despite the fact that science is really a child of Christianity; as C. S. Lewis said, people became scientific because they expected law in nature, and they expected law in nature because they believed in a Lawgiver. Science can find out and explain so much, but there are many things that are simply beyond its reach.
The point was made by (the non-believing) genetics professor Steve Jones in a Reith Lecture when he said, ‘Science cannot answer the questions that philosophers and children ask: why are we here, what is the point of being alive, how ought we to behave?’3 This is a refreshing recognition of science’s limitations and of the difference between science and scientism. The Bible has no problems with science, but it teaches us that we cannot live by science alone, we need every word that comes from the mouth of God.
How wonderful to say by God’s own grace, ‘I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.’ •
Rev David J Randall retired from pastoral ministry in 2010 and is a member of Broughty Ferry Free Church
1 Times Educational Supplement, 10.10.08
2 King Lear, 111, iv, 36
3 quoted by D. R. Alexander in Science: Friend or Foe?; Cambridge Papers 4,3 (1995), 2
PAGES FROM ADAM’S DIARY
God had an additional assignment for those armies which they did not know — to open a way for the Gospel. He used the might of the American army for something Pentagon war strategists had not imagined – to make a pathway for our Lord. “ ”
During the covid lockdo W n , W hile i W as unable to travel , i served our l ord at home . One day, in a small prayer gathering where I was speaking one evening, suddenly the doors of the hall flung open and a dishevelled, seemingly homeless man in his late 60s staggered into our midst. He quietly sat in the back on an empty chair, rested his head between his two hands and looked as though he went to sleep. I thought he had come into the church to get out of the inclement weather and to keep warm.
That evening, I was speaking about the miracle of God’s saving work in Afghanistan and amongst the Afghans — historically one of the most obstinate and hardened people groups to the Gospel. I noted that in Afghanistan, this incubator of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, there are today thousands who have become followers of Christ. I told them the ways of the Lord are at times inconceivable to us.
The war against the Taliban in Afghanistan drew the NATO armies into that region. Their mission was to expel and defeat that savage band of opiumpeddling, religious fanatics who had destroyed that nation, brutalised its inhabitants, and had taken the country back to the dark ages. But God had an additional assignment for those armies which they did not know — to open a way for the Gospel. He used the might of the American army for something Pentagon war strategists had not imagined – to make a pathway for our Lord. Those soldiers did not know they were instruments in God’s hands to open a highway for the Light of the world. For the last 20 years, the war had kept the Taliban distracted and at bay.
Sadly, with the withdrawal of the U.S. troops in July 2021, the Taliban is now back in full force and are resuming their reign of terror even worse than it was before. Durning this 20-year lull, millions of Afghans were exposed to Christians and the Christian message. In my own work among the refugees during these years, I have encountered thousands of Afghans in our meetings where so many of them have come to faith in our Saviour.
Some of these refugees have shared their faith with their families and other Afghans. Some have gone back to Afghanistan, and the message keeps spreading. Today the Gospel is widely known among these people and many thousands have embraced the Christian faith.
After the meeting ended, I went to greet that apparently homeless man. He asked if he could wait until everyone was gone to speak to me. When most people had left, he explained that his son was one of those soldiers to whom I was referring. He said, ‘What you described has been indeed intriguing to me. I never knew this until tonight.’
Wiping away his tears, he noted that his son was a lieutenant in the United States infantry deployed to Afghanistan. He was killed near the end of his first tour of duty. It was a cataclysmic loss. It was too overwhelming for his wife, the mother of the young solider. She died inconsolable shortly afterward. Now he had to face the demise of the two people for whom he had lived. He turned to alcohol and lost his employment and became homeless. That evening, he noted, he was overcome by sadness and feeling suicidal.
“ ”
There are times when we wish, even for a brief moment, that we could take the pain of another human being upon ourselves, to change places with that person, so that he/ she will be given momentary relief. But we cannot. Only the Lord can.
He said that, as he was aimlessly walking, it began to rain. He saw our small church building. And it was as though a hand led him to enter the building. He saw the light in the hall and staggered into our meeting with a heavy heart. He stressed that he had hated Afghanistan, the Afghans, Muslims and anything to do with that part of the world. The rollercoaster of hate, rage and despondency had been the reality of his days. He said that when he entered our meeting, it was as though peace was made into a blanket, and he became an infant wrapped in it. The crushing weight of sorrow was lifted from him and he was freed. It was as though God poured water upon a smouldering fire.
There are times when we wish, even for a brief moment, that we could take the pain of another human being upon ourselves, to change places with that person, so that he/she will be given momentary relief. But we cannot. Only the Lord can (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:29; Isaiah 53:46, 11).
While I wished I could take his sadness upon myself to give him a measure of rest, I sat helplessly watching this dear, broken man sob. It was as though a boil or an abscess had been lanced and all the accumulated pain and septicity was pouring out. When he finally stopped crying, he felt his wandering into the church, into our meeting, could not have been a coincidence. (I was certain of that!)
He said that when he heard about the conversion of Afghans, it was as though God said to him, ‘See! The death of your son has not been in vain! Look what eternal victory has been achieved through his courage and sacrifice! You will see him again soon.’
He noted, ‘The hate has been washed from my heart and the pain diminished. After years of agonising anguish, peace has come. The death of my son was a seed planted to bring life and realise something of eternal value greater than all of us.’
I could not thank the Lord enough for giving me such an honour and the pleasure of serving this precious man to whom, and those like him, all of us who live free and cherish freedom owe a never-ending debt of gratitude. •
A brother, known to some of us as Dr Adam, has served the Lord among his suffering church for many years. Dr Adam has also ministered in various parts of the world among refugees. We have asked his permission to print some of the stories of his life and service for the encouragement of readers of The Record. For well understood reasons, the names of people and places have usually been changed or omitted.
BOOK REVIEWS
BOOK OF THE MONTH
JESUS,
STRONG & KIND
SINCLAIR FERGUSON (2024)
This is a beautifully produced and illustrated book for children with four chapters based on the four verses of the song “Jesus, Strong and Kind”. Ferguson takes each of the four themes of thirst, weakness, fear, and lostness, and ties them to a particular story from the Gospels that demonstrates the truth that the Lord Jesus is both strong and kind.
A particular feature is the way Ferguson addresses the reader and if he engages his imagination in the retelling of the stories (for example, suggesting what Jesus and the other characters might have been thinking) it’s none the worse for that.
One slight comment which the publishers might take into consideration is the recommended reading age which perhaps is too optimistic for many modern children. The chapters are longer and the vocabulary occasionally more challenging than one would expect all but the most advanced 8-year-old to read by themselves. And a pat on the back for anyone who spots the misprint on the contents page!
However, the publishers are to be commended for including two QR codes which lead to the song and to extra resources. Special mention should also be made of the artwork by Angelo Ruta.
SHARED LIFE
DONALD MACLEOD (2024) 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
In just over 100 short A5-sized pages, Shared Life by Donald Macleod takes us on a memorable tour of the biblical and historical landscape of the Trinity, one of the key doctrines of Christianity. Understanding the specific, unique roles of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in creation and salvation, and how we relate to each, is foundational teaching for all Christians.
Not least for the way this teaching makes sense of the deep-rooted human need for community. Our disintegrated, individualistic culture means that community is increasingly attractive, providing a sense of belonging where life can be shared. Often, this is one initial attraction that draws people to vibrant churches. If we track this need back to its source, we find this is one element of the image of the triune God reflected in us. I’ll leave you to read the book to find others!
With a bit of thought beforehand to prepare questions this could (with the exception of Ch2, which would delight more those interested in historical theology) be an excellent resource for home/life/community groups, or perhaps a short midweek teaching series. The addition, in this 30th anniversary edition, of a thorough scripture index at the end of the book is most welcome.
As Nancy Guthrie states on the back-cover blurb this is a ‘wonderful combination of memorable music and meaningful truth from Scripture that will press the character of Jesus into the hearts and minds of children.’ • This book is available from thegoodbook.co.uk
Ian Watson, Hope Church Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill
Read it together. Read it alone. Read it for the first time. Reread it after thirty years. Just read it. You won’t regret it. •
This book is available from christianfocus.com Alasdair Macleod, Smithton Church, Inverness
Mary the mother of Jesus
Scripture tells us of Mary, the mother of Jesus, of who she was and how her story unfolds. DONALD MACKAY, of Knox Church, Perth, has gathered details from Scripture/ the Gospels to piece together Mary’s life story.
Mary, although having a distinguished davidic ancestry, Was a humble peasant girl. Like her cousin Elisabeth, she was upright and compliant with the law of Moses. She was one of those who, in the language of the time, looked for the consolation of Israel, after centuries of oppression.
As a teenager, Mary probably had no ambition save that of becoming a good wife to her fiancé Joseph — a carpenter in Nazareth in northern Israel — and a good mother to their offspring. The only exceptional circumstance in her family circle was the report that Elisabeth, at an advanced age, had been promised a son following a heavenly vision.
It was to such a girl that the unimaginable happened. An august personage appeared to her. Announcing himself as the angel Gabriel, he brought the news that she was to bear a child who would be called the son of the Highest and who would reign on the throne of his father David. Utterly bewildered, Mary asked: ‘How will this be, seeing I am a virgin?’ The reply was that the power of the Highest would overshadow her and that the child to be born would be called Holy — the son of God — and should be given the name Jesus. Still uncomprehending, Mary answered in exemplary fashion: ‘I am the Lord’s servant: let it be according to your word.’
It was understandable that Mary should seek help from Elisabeth. She found a warm understanding from her cousin, to whom the astounding reality had already been revealed. Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, responded with a song of praise celebrating, in Old Testament terms, the goodness of God to his people and especially to the humble and poor.
Meanwhile Joseph, in great turmoil of mind at the news that his fiancée was pregnant, was on the point of putting her away when he was told by angelic visitation that he should not hesitate to take Mary as his wife. And so they returned to Nazareth as a married couple.
Next followed a series of events that would delay their settling in Nazareth for a period of years. An imperial edict went out for a census throughout the Roman world, which in Joseph’s case meant his returning to his family centre at Bethlehem in southern Israel. Mary had to go with him, although heavily pregnant. Arrived at Bethlehem, she was delivered of her firstborn son — in an outhouse, because there was no room in the local inn.
Their first visitors were a group of shepherds, directed by an angelic voice to go to Bethlehem, where they would find a wonderful sign — a baby wrapped in birth clothes, lying in an animal feeding trough. They went, and were ecstatic at their discovery. Mary treasured up these happenings and pondered them in her heart.
Next, Mary and Joseph went to the temple at Jerusalem for the child’s presentation to the Lord. There they were met by an aged saint named Simeon who had a prophetic gift. He took the baby Jesus in his arms, gave thanks to God, and uttered an oracle that the child was destined to be a cause of division in Israel and also a source of bitter grief to Mary.
Back in Bethlehem, Mary had further unusual visitors. These were a group of scholars from an eastern kingdom who had been led by a celestial portent to travel westward in search of one ‘born king of the Jews.’ Having found the child with Mary his mother, they worshipped him and unloaded treasures of gold and spices as tribute.
Soon after, Joseph received an urgent angelic warning that king Herod was planning to murder the child. So the family escaped by night and stayed in Egypt until the death of Herod. They eventually got back to Nazareth, where Joseph resumed his trade.
Several years elapsed, during which the boy Jesus grew up in submission to his parents. At the age of 12, he accompanied Joseph and Mary as they travelled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. But as they were a day into the return journey they discovered to their consternation that Jesus was not in the company. Retracing their steps, they searched and eventually found him in the temple, engaged in dialogue with the religious teachers. Mary began to scold Jesus: ‘Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you!’ Jesus answered: ‘Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house?’ Mary did not understand his reply, but she pondered all these things in her heart. After this, Jesus returned home and was obedient to them.
We hear no more about Mary until Jesus is a grown man. We can however infer that Joseph died at some time between Jesus’ twelfth and thirtieth year, and that Jesus as the eldest son would assume the duty of supporting Mary and the family. The family was now quite numerous, including four boys and at least two girls. At age 30, when support for Mary was no longer necessary, Jesus entered on his public ministry.
During that ministry details about Mary are even more sparse. There is an incident of significance, when Jesus was invited to a wedding in virtue of his kinship with Mary. Wedding celebrations in Biblical times lasted up to a week, and in this case, to the embarrassment of the bridegroom, the wine threatened to run out midway. Mary appealed to Jesus for help, only to be somewhat brushed off by his reply. Mary, however, was not dismayed, trusting her son’s power to deal with the situation — which was amply vindicated by his miraculous transformation of water into wine.
One other, rather sad, happening is recorded. Jesus had embarked on a preaching tour when his family came along to get hold of him, because they thought he was out of his mind. A little later, we are told, his mother and brothers asked to speak with Jesus, interrupting a teaching session with his disciples. Jesus had to put them off, remarking that the connection he had with his spiritual family far outweighed earthly ties.
The closing picture we have of Mary is that of a broken-hearted mother standing beside the cross on which her son was suspended. This was surely the agony predicted by Simeon 33 years before. It was lightened only by the voice of Jesus committing her to the care of the apostle John, who took Mary into his own home.
But that was not the end. For we are told that, among the group of disciples gathered together in constant prayer after Jesus’ ascension, was Mary the mother of Jesus. And within a week or two they were all together to experience the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, in fulfilment of the promise of Jesus.
We have no knowledge of Mary’s later life. At the point where the record closes, she would be approaching the age of 50. All we have is the legend, which seems not improbable, that she ended her days in the home of the apostle John in Ephesus.
Mary is worthy of great honour in the Christian church. As the mother of our Lord, she was indeed highly favoured, and blessed among women. But she partook of human frailty and, like all others, she had to rely on the redemption purchased by the Lord himself. •
[The main sources of information about Mary are: Matthew 1 and 2; Luke 1 and 2; and John 2 and 19.]
NORMAN MACDONALD (1938-2024)
With the sudden passing of m r n orman m acdonald , the congregation of c allanish lost an esteemed e lder and respected member of the community .
Norman was born on 18 th June 1938 in the village of Bayble on the Island of Lewis. He was brought up in a close-knit family of eight children, four boys and four girls. Upon leaving school he entered the building trade, serving his apprenticeship as a slater and roughcaster. Upon completion, he joined the merchant navy, spending four years at sea before returning ashore and taking up his original trade.
Norman married Joan Maclean from Callanish on 29 th October 1964 and they set up their marital home in Callanish, with the marriage blessed with three of a family, Donnie, Angus and Norma. They in turn provided five grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud.
Norman eventually became self-employed and worked all over the island of Lewis making many friends and contacts in the process. His circle of friends increased immeasurably when he came to know the Lord as his Saviour, professing faith in 1991. While he readily acknowledged that his journey to faith was not an easy one, he never regretted taking this step. He served the Lord faithfully for many years, becoming an office bearer, initially serving as Deacon and then in 2012 being ordained an Elder. Norman was also an accomplished Gaelic Precentor, and he took delight in leading the praise as the opportunity arose. The congregation benefitted greatly from his practical skills arising out of his time in the building trade, and as long as he was able to, he did whatever was laid to his hands to maintain the fabric of the properties.
In retirement Norman had an eclectic mix of interests including gardening and various forms of fishing from which he derived much pleasure. However, his family and the church family were his great delight. In prayer, he faithfully interceded for the community he served with particular emphasis on the younger generation, desiring preservation for them from the many temptations prevalent in the world today, and most importantly that they would come to a saving interest in Christ. Sadly, Norman was diagnosed with bowel cancer in May of 2024 and passed away on 3 rd October. Norman was a
dearly loved husband of Joan, father, father-in-law, Shen (grandfather) and much-loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. •
“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still, then are they glad because they be quiet, so he bringeth them into their desired haven.”
Psalm 107:29-30
RODDY MACKENZIE (1953-2024)
The congregation of scalpay suffered a major bloW and grieved along With an entire community at the passing of roddy mackenzie on 13th december 2024 at the age of 71. Roderick MacLeod MacKenzie was born on 15th April 1953 in Wick, where his father was the Free Church Minister. Roddy was two years old when his father was called to Lochbroom and during their 10 years there Roddy’s sister Margaret was born. Roddy attended Dingwall Academy after his father was called to Kiltearn (Evanton) in 1965. He was a diligent and studious youngster, and it was a source of special delight to his mother when at 16 he won the Senior Grade of the “Lyle Orr Prize”. The consequent picture that appeared in The Instructor was a lifelong keepsake!
Roddy went to Aberdeen University and then undertook teacher training, qualifying as a teacher of History and English. After his first posting was to Tarbert, in Harris, he taught for 18 years at the Junior Secondary on the Isle of Scalpay, until the secondary portion of the school closed after the Scalpay Bridge was opened in 1996. Roddy was posted back to Tarbert where he continued until his official “retirement” in 2018, although in practice he continued teaching on a supply basis for several years afterwards.
In his early 30s a portion of Acts Chapter 2 was especially blessed to Roddy, and he made public profession of his faith in 1985 during the ministry of Rev Alasdair Smith in Scalpay. He was elected and ordained as a Deacon in 1993, and then as an Elder in 2000. He served with quiet and faithful reliability, always ready to take his turn at leading prayer meetings or preaching in other congregations, for which he was in great demand.
In 1993 he married Wilma MacRae, the daughter of a Church of Scotland Home Missionary. Their marriage was blessed with two sons and two daughters, and Roddy took great delight in his family. Whether in the local community, local businesses, the Coastguards or indeed the Church, Roddy never stopped serving people and would always say “Yes” to any request for help, if it was humanly possible. During 2024 Roddy developed two different types of cancer, one of which proved too aggressive and rapid to be stopped. Short stays in hospital served only to stabilise his palliative regime, and he was sent home to be cared for to the last by his beloved family, during which time Wilma was helped immensely by their elder daughter Anne-
APR-MAY
Marie in particular, who as a trained nurse took leave to help her parents in their time of need.
To his devoted wife Wilma, to Derek, AnneMarie, Peter and Amy, daughter-in-law Kylie and granddaughter Lilidh Anna, to Roddy’s future son-inlaw Ben, and to his grieving sister Margaret and her family we extend our deepest sympathy and our love in the Lord, praying that they will be upheld in their grief and in the future by the Saviour who was so faithfully loved and served by Roddy, all the days of his life, right to the end, and now beyond. •
2025 PRAYER DIARY
1. ETS STUDENTS DURING EXAM SEASON
Pray for the ETS students as they prepare for their exams and essay submissions at the end of April. Ask God to grant them clarity of thought, calmness under pressure, and wisdom as they study and write.
2. GENERAL ASSEMBLY (19 TH -22 ND MAY)
Pray for the upcoming General Assembly and that the Holy Spirit will guide every discussion and decision, fostering unity, discernment, and renewed vision across the denomination.
Though the event is set for June, pray now for the preparation teams, volunteers, and speakers. Ask God to inspire creativity, effective planning, and a deep sense of purpose so that every young attendee may encounter the Gospel’s transformative power.
4. LEADERS
Pray for our church leaders to be filled with strength, wisdom, and renewed passion. Ask God to guide them as they shepherd their congregations, offering support and spiritual guidance during these busy months.
5. OUTREACH AND EVANGELISM
As spring brings renewal, lift up the church’s outreach efforts. Pray that God would open doors for evangelism, inspire bold witnessing in communities, and ignite a passion for the Gospel that brings hope to those in need.
6. CONGREGATIONAL WELLBEING
Pray for every congregation within the denomination. Ask God to help congregations foster genuine fellowship, encourage spiritual growth, and provide comfort and support to every member during challenging times.
7. VOLUNTEER AND SUPPORT TEAM
Lift up the dedicated volunteers and administrative staff working behind the scenes locally and nationally. Pray that God will grant them endurance, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose as they serve faithfully to advance his Kingdom.
8. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER
Our focus for this year is Thanksgiving and Prayer –giving thanks to God for all that he has done among us in the last five years and praying for the next five years. Pray for the meetings taking place across the country that will gather Christians together to give thanks to God for all that he has done and will do in our communities. •
The vision of the Free Church of Scotland is for A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland. In promoting the Healthy Church vision in 2025, we are going to focus on thanksgiving and prayer. For more details, go to: freechurch.org/hgc-area-prayer-meetings.
WOMEN FOR MISSION
BY FIONA MACASKILL
We recently met in p erth for our s pring committee meeting and W ere reminded again of g od ’ s faithfulness to the W ork of W f m over the years . One of the members, who shall remain nameless, pulled out her WfM folder full of the many projects and groups we have supported over the years. It is amazing to see how God has taken the small acts of countless women (and some men and children!) in our wee denomination on our wee island nation and used the many cakes, music evenings, sponsored walks etc. to transform lives. Little did the women who started this all these years ago think that years later the total raised would be so great. One of our committee members, Jenny Beaton, recently wrote an article for her local church newsletter which tells a little of the history of the group and what we do now. The face of the Free Church has changed much over the last few years so for those of you who wonder what the WfM is all about read on…
I would like to tell you something about Women for Mission. This is a Free Church organisation whose roots go back to the 1830s, when a soldier, Captain John St Clair Jameson, came home to Scotland, on leave from India. He had been particularly distressed by the lives of Indian women and made a plea for a suitably qualified woman to be sent out to bring improvements in their lives. This led in 1837 to the formation of The Edinburgh Ladies Association for the Advancement of Female Education in India. Soon associations were formed in other Scottish towns.
The Disruption in 1843 brought about an upheaval in the ongoing work of mission. Women from the Church of Scotland and women from the Free Church of Scotland worked hard to re-organise their missions as both groups saw themselves as the direct descendants of the original association. And so, we have the background to the formation of the WFMA (Women’s Foreign Missionary Association) now known as Women for Mission. This name change came about in the early 2000s as it was clear by then that the association was supporting mission work both at home and abroad. WfM aims to get men and women throughout the congregations of the Free Church to be involved in mission, by providing practical support where possible and by praying for individuals and organisations. Funds are raised annually to further Christian work at home and abroad. Emails are
sent to a congregational contact and leaflets are distributed throughout the Free Church in order to inform people about the WfM and to encourage people to pray for the work. The WfM website also keeps individuals informed about what is happening. There is usually a short article in The Record, giving an update. Some congregations in the Free Church have very active WfM groups who are always busy fundraising and have regular prayer times while other areas, like ourselves here in Skye, are more inclined to have one big annual event… It’s a good opportunity to meet other folks from around the island and it’s a good fundraiser too. Over £1,500 was raised for WfM at that event.
So where does all this fundraising end up?
Last year, WfM raised £57,400 for four Christian organisations. This year another four organisations have been chosen, and fundraising is already underway under the banner ‘Empower – Lifting women up and transforming futures’.
The four charities being supported through 24/25 are:
THE KERUSSO TRUST WORKING IN MALAWI
Funds raised will help to provide education for girls from rural backgrounds, will help to protect girls and women from harm and abuse, and will also be used to develop a sewing training project.
THE REANOS IN COLOMBIA
Patti and Manuel Reano work in Colombia. Funds raised will be used for the pastoral care of church leaders and their families.
THE TUMAINI FUND SCOTLAND
Funds raised will go towards the support of widows and orphans in Tanzania who have been affected by HIV.
THE BLYTHSWOOD TRUST
Funds raised will be directed to Blythswood’s work with Cornerstone Trust (Mumbai) who are trying to make a difference in the lives of sex workers and their children. It is hoped to provide education support play equipment and an aluminium-roofed shed for these children.
WfM support short-term mission work by helping with transport costs for short-term volunteers under the Support a Volunteer scheme. Applicants must belong to the Free Church and have the
support of their local Kirk Session. For example, a team of young people received help with transport costs this summer to help at a Christian camp for young people in Romania.
Another young person who was serving shortterm with Mercy Ships was assisted with flight costs.
Another scheme run by WfM is Heart for Home. The same guidelines apply as for the SAV scheme.
Duirinish has received help from this fund, enabling us to set up Little Blessings. This fund is for projects at home and helps people renew resources for outreach work or for setting it up. Congregations have benefitted from funding to help with youth groups, outreach cafés, etc.
The WfM also contribute to the Free Church Disaster and Relief Fund, which generally speaking is channelled through TearFund. Anyone who has bought The Ultimate Cook Book has helped to boost this fund. Over £11,000 has been raised to date.
WfM host an annual event to keep interested women informed about what is happening. This event has been live streamed to Skye and other places in recent years in order to make it easier for women to be involved.
Biannually there is an Away Day for women from all over Scotland. This is an opportunity to hear a Christian speaker speaking on a chosen theme and to have some time of fellowship together. This is just a little idea of WfM and what it is about. There’s a lot more to the story.
The WfM has been supporting mission work for over 100 years now. The work is ongoing. We are asked to encourage each other and that sums up the work of WfM. It’s about using the gifts God has given us in order to help others. Enabling a small congregation to run a summer outreach programme; providing financial assistance with equipment for a regular youth work; helping someone with transport costs for short-term mission; and helping to transform lives by bringing the Gospel into situations where there is little hope. It all started with a plea to help improve life for women in India. I am sure Captain Jameson never dreamt that nearly 200 years later, there would be an ongoing work which reached out across the globe bringing the hope of the Gospel message and alleviating distress.
Thanks to Jenny for such an informative piece of writing. If you would like to know more about what we do or would like to be involved, then please contact us through our website womenformission. org . There are 13 of us on the committee and we are always looking for new members who are passionate about sharing God’s word and empowering the women and girls of the church to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth and to their own street. •
Save the date! We are holding our annual gettogether on Saturday 17th May, 2pm, Grace Church Leith, Edinburgh. Please join us to hear from some previous and current projects we have supported and as we launch our new project for 2025/26. Look on the website for further details or ask your minister/administrator (they will have information sent to them before the date).
CHiLDREN'S PAGE CHiLDREN'S PAGE
LUKE 23:44-49
WHY WE HAVE EASTER
In the Old Testament, priests would sacrifice lambs as an offering to pay for sins. This was looking forward to Jesus, who was the perfect Lamb of God. Jesus’ death on the cross was the full sacrifice for our sins, and when we trust in him as our saviour we are made right with God.
It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, ‘Certainly this man was innocent!’ And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
SCRAMBLED EggS
Easter eggs represent the empty grave when Jesus rose from the dead. Can you unscramble these letters to find the right words?
THREE QUESTIONS
We asked Rev Ivor MacDonald these three questions
What is your role in the Free Church?
As well as being minster of Duirinish Free Church on Skye I lead the Centre for Rural Ministry, a team of people who have a special care for our congregations in the countryside. What do you do in your role?
My role with the Centre involves me in visiting some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland where we have congregations who are trusting God to do great things for their communities. I always come away from these congregations feeling really encouraged! These churches often need extra people or funds to help with their work and we try our best to help. We also run events for young people called The Gathering where we encourage young people to think about getting involved in the exciting things God is doing in our rural congregations. Will you please share a Bible verse that means a lot to you?
My favourite Bible verse is Romans 1:16 ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’ I love this verse because it encourages me to trust God to do great things when I tell people about Jesus.
MEMORY VERSE
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Jesus our Saviour
Can you find the words listed below?
CROSS SACRIFICE REDEMPTION
SAVIOUR MESSIAH LAMB SALVATION ATONEMENT
GET CREATIVE!!
have fun colouring this picture!
Tomb, Risen, Jesus, Easter, Stone
BY CATRIONA MURRAY
POST TENEBRAS LUX
We are averting our collective eyes from the very real possibility of a third W orld War as despots of various kinds W reak their particular brand of megalomania upon their people . Everything seems to have taken on an apocalyptic air and, as a believing person, I find it difficult to believe that Satan is not the true architect of it all. It’s no use looking about for him, trying to catch him in the act of causing mayhem; that’s not how he operates.
Evil always works best when it is subtle. The devil goaded Christ to demonstrate his ‘godness’ in ways which would have gone against his very essence. One of the principal differences between Christ and us, of course, is that he resisted all the wiles of the devil; we, on the other hand, have let him appeal to our vanity and pride. ‘Here’, he says to us, ‘take, eat. Why should you not know as much as God? Why should you not BE as much as God’?
The clever and appalling thing is that we didn’t recognise Satan’s voice as belonging to him. We thought we were striking out for ourselves, that it was all our own idea, to break free from the tyranny of this God who wanted to have things his own way. This God, who wants to keep us juvenile, what right does he have to prevent us from doing exactly as we will?
The work begun in Eden which ended with the expulsion of Adam and Eve from their earthly paradise, continues today in many forms — but always, always clad in a disguise. If Satan is to win us over, he cannot show us his face; instead he must persuade us that we are enough, that we have the right to be the authors of our own destiny. And now, we’re bringing this to its ultimate conclusion in the ‘Assisted Dying’ bill.
I recently watched the BBC’s excellent adaptation of the late Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror & the Light, which begins where Wolf Hall ended: with the assisted death of Queen Anne Boleyn at the instigation of her psychopathic husband. Indeed, he would go on to assist another Queen, a cardinal and his own Chief Minister to their deaths. History takes a dim view of Henry VIII and his undervaluing of life other than his own.
But he was just an historical figure — a pantomime villain of the sort that does not exist in the real
world. We can be absolutely confident that there is no one who would or could abuse power in that manner today.
I read the first two of Hilary Mantel’s trilogy Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies — whilst accompanying my late husband to oncology and chemotherapy appointments in Inverness. It seems an apt backdrop in hindsight. On the page, people were scheming and manipulating, even to the point of sending innocent fellow creatures to the executioner; in my reality, doctors and nurses were working hard to try restoring health to my beloved partner in life. He, himself, bore the suffering as I might have expected him to: uncomplainingly and with the dignity of a man who knew that his fate lay in greater and kinder hands even than those of his medical team.
Eventually, we reached a point of no return, when all these good and educated medics had to admit defeat. Donnie moved into the hospice. His PICC line was removed. Finally, a syringe-driver was fitted. People came and prayed by his bedside. He fell unconscious. I barely slept at all, but merely waited, counting down the days and, finally, the hours, till my widowhood would begin.
It was hard enough to agree that we would not make a last-ditch effort to save him. He did not want the flight to Inverness, or the radical surgery — either of which might be the death of him anyway. I saw that he was not defeated but resigned. He was ready to die, because all the possibilities of living had been exhausted. But even when that decision was agreed between us, we waited on God’s perfect timing.
He had ordained Donnie’s entry into the world, early on a Friday evening and, in a strange parallel, ordained his departure at much the same time. Despite us barely having had a minute alone in over a week, we were alone at the parting moment, except for the comforting presence of a wise and kind nurse.
I know God was with us in that little room. He is the author and finisher of more than our faith, and sticks by us to the end — and beyond. God does not forsake us; I pray that we do not, as a country, choose to forsake him in trying to wrest control from his hand. •
