Tag: Church of Scotland

Scots Holocaust victim Jane Haining to be remembered with Stolperstein ‘stumbling stone’ in Edinburgh

Following a campaign initiated by Edinburgh Central SNP MSP, Angus Robertson, the City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to pay for the installation of a Stolperstein or ‘stumbling stone’ memorial to Jane Haining.

90 years ago, Jane Haining left Edinburgh for Budapest to help Jewish children in the Hungarian capital. She was killed in Auschwitz in 1944 and subsequently recognised as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ at Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem. Ms Haining is the only Scot to be given the honour. 

The motion was passed by city councillors yesterday.

‘Stolpersteine’ or ‘stumbling stones’ are small brass plaques set in pavements with the inscription of the name and life details of victims murdered by the Nazis. Across Europe, there are now over 75,000 brass plate memorials outside the homes or places associated with victims of the Nazi Holocaust. 
 
The proposals were welcomed by Councillor Vicky Nicolson and Professor Joe Goldblatt, Chair of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association and prominent member of Scotland’s Jewish Community, who brought a motion to the City of Edinburgh Council to have the Stolperstein paid for and installed by the City. 

Angus Robertson MSP said: ‘Jane Haining is Scotland’s most prominent Holocaust victim and is Righteous Amongst the Nations at Yad Vashem.

“A ‘Stolperstein’ to her memory would be fitting, perhaps outside Edinburgh’s St Stephen’s Church, where her mission to help Jewish children was dedicated. As well as being a proper commemoration, it will also serve as a warning to never forget the lessons of history.”

Professor Joe Goldblatt said: “I hope that in the years to come when children and others pass the Stolperstein stone and plaque they will feel pride because of this daughter of Edinburgh whose courage and bravery saved so many Jewish lives.

“I hope that the Church of Scotland and Jewish community will work closely together to plan a meaningful and memorable unveiling of the stone.”

SNP Councillor for Inverleith Ward, Vicky Nicolson, said: “Before Jane Haining left for Budapest, a dedication service was held for her at St Stephen’s Church in Stockbridge. It was presided over by the chair of the Jewish mission committee, Dr Stewart Thompson.

“Jane Haining left for Budapest the next day, seven months before Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on 30 January 1933.  She went to her dedication service as an everyday citizen and left as a missionary to Budapest where she looked after and saved many Jewish children’s lives until her extermination at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

“Edinburgh was the last place Jane Haining chose to be prior to her mission and it is time we, the Capital City of Scotland, commemorate her incredible humanity, bravery and kindness.  

“Her Stolpestein will be a marker and a reminder of the Holocaust and what that did to the world. Jane Haining was an incredible woman and for Edinburgh not to have recognised her yet is wrong and we want to right that wrong.”

Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh City councillors have voted in favour of buying and installing a ‘Stolperstein’ in memory of Jane Haining, who showed tremendous courage in the face of intolerable evil during a dark period of history.

“A woman of deep Christian faith, she was fully aware of the risks she was taking but repeatedly refused Church of Scotland pleas to leave Budapest and return home to Scotland as the war engulfed Europe.‘

“Jane was determined to continue doing her duty and stick to her post, saying ‘If these children need me in days of sunshine, how much more do they need me in days of darkness?’.

“She was simultaneously an ordinary and extraordinary woman and her story is one of heroism and personal sacrifice and reminds us that when we feel powerless, there is always something that we can do.

‘Her story is moving, humbling, heart-breaking and inspirational and we hope that this honour will help keep her memory alive for generations to come.’

By Royal Appointment: Corstorphine minister Moira joins elite Chapel Royal

Rev Moira McDonald will formally join her Majesty’s Household as a Chaplain-in-Ordinary today (6th of June).

The minister of Corstorphine Old Parish Church in Edinburgh said she was “shocked” and “surprised” to be appointed to the prestigious role which dates back to the 15th century.

It is today largely a ceremonial honour with members of the Chapel Royal taking part in formal state occasions and conducting services at significant national events.

Ms McDonald said she was caught unaware when Rev Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, asked her to consider taking on the role.

“When he phoned me and began talking to me about his role as Dean of the Chapel Royal and the duties of chaplains to the Royal Household, I assumed he was phoning to put a few names before me and to ask if I could recommend one or another,” she explained.

“So, when he then asked me if I would allow my name to go forward, I was shocked and surprised to say the least.

“My thought was that if someone had felt confident enough in me to put my name forward then I should say yes.”

Ms McDonald grew up in Renfrew in the west of Scotland and was called to ministry when she was 22, first serving in East Lothian before taking up her current role in Edinburgh.

“The things of life where I thought I would be out of my depth have been the happiest and most fulfilling times I could have asked for,” she said.

“So here is another call – or a nudge – to do something that feels daunting.

“But that the few people whose counsel I’ve sought have all said ‘go for it’ says to me that I should stop worrying about being out of my comfort zone, and enjoy the adventure.”

There are 10 chaplains to the Queen in Scotland and each normally holds office until the age of 70.

The chaplains, along with a physician, a surgeon, an apothecary, a sculptor, an astronomer, an historiographer and some others form part of Her Majesty’s household.

The Queen is also served by her two domestic Royal Chaplains, the ministers of Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh and Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle.

All chaplains are all personally chosen by the Queen and are people in whom she has placed her trust.

Professor Fergusson said: “I’m very pleased indeed to receive the announcement of the Queen’s appointment of Rev Moira McDonald to the Chapel Royal.

“As a parish minister in west Edinburgh for many years, she has served her congregation and presbytery with distinction.

“Moira will have much to contribute to the work of the Chapel Royal with her proven skills as a pastor and communicator, and I look forward to working with her.

“I am sure that her congregation at Corstorphine Old will be equally delighted by this news.”

Ms McDonald studied English Literature at the University of Dundee then worked at the University of London for two years as an ecumenical assistant chaplain.

She met her husband Ian there and they conducted a long-distance romance for three years while she studied divinity at New College in Edinburgh before getting married in 1995.

The minister did her probation at Cramond Kirk in Edinburgh under the supervision of Very Rev Dr Russell Barr, who later asked her to become one of his chaplains during his year as Moderator of the General Assembly in 2016-17.

Ms McDonald said: “Ian and I moved to the East Lothian mining village of Wallyford on the same day Tony and Cherie Blair moved into 10 Downing Street and I was ordained and inducted into St Clement’s and St Ninian’s Parish Church.

“Our son Ben was born in 2001 and in 2005 we moved to Corstorphine Old Parish in Edinburgh, the city where our daughter Sophie was born in 2009.

“The Old Parish has a mixed and busy life, involving two primary schools and one secondary school, it is a place with lots of history and a strong community and it is a pleasure to serve the people here.

“The Old Parish church itself, founded in 1429, is a special place to gather and share and worship and support one another as we muddle through life and celebrate God in our midst.”

When not being kept busy with parish ministry Ms McDonald enjoys gardening and learning to play the piano, and as her daughter is about to take Spanish at school she has also started learning the language thanks to Duolingo.

She confesses that so far she is only able to say ‘Juan eats apples’!

The minister added: “As a family we enjoy travel and walking, going to the cinema and theatre and when I start fussing around people, my family simply gives me a good book and I’ll be quiet for hours.”

Easter Reflections

Reflection from Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum

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On this holy weekend and festival for many Christians around the world we remember the barbarous treatment exacted by the occupying forces of the Roman Empire in Israel some 2,000 years ago against the local populace.

As we retell the story of Jesus Christ, we remember those today who flee war, occupation and tyranny from their own situations.

Some end up as asylum seekers in the UK who have crossed land and sea at great risk to their lives to reach our Isles.

Some sadly drown or are viciously exploited en route by wicked traffickers.

The Church cries out for peace and justice on behalf of those fleeing such situations as refugees, to offer aid to human need and to call for reconciliation and human rights to halt this crisis of forced displacement.

The Church of Scotland views the recent announcements regarding proposals to transport people seeking asylum and sanctuary to Rwanda with grave concern for upholding human rights and respect for human dignity.

Our faith teaches us that giving as well as receiving hospitality is a gift that enriches us all. Jesus said “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.”

We are continuing to make strong representations to MPs and Peers about the Nationality and Borders Bill, and will seek to engage meaningfully with the UK Government about this transportation to Rwanda proposal with our ecumenical partners in early course.

At this holy time, we proclaim the values of the Kingdom of God and the importance and integrity of all God’s people across our beautiful planet and not least those who are vulnerable or oppressed.

After all, as an infant, Jesus, with Mary and Joseph experienced the plight of the refugee fleeing from violence and persecution.

A Celtic Rune of Hospitality

We saw a stranger yesterday
We put food in the eating place,
Drink in the drinking place,
Music in the listening place.

And with the sacred name of the triune God
He blessed us and our house,
Our cattle and our dear ones.
As the lark says in her song:
Often, often, often, goes the Christ
In the stranger’s guise.

Church of Scotland supports Challenge Poverty Week

The Church of Scotland will mark this year’s Challenge Poverty Week (4-10 October) with a series of short videos featuring the work of the Priority Areas team and the congregations they support.

In partnership with The Poverty Alliance, the annual event aims to highlight the issue of poverty across Scotland, as well as what can be done by individuals and organisations to campaign for a more equal society.

Starting today (Monday 4 October) the videos will tie in with environmental issues in the run-up to COP26. They will be available for viewing on the Church of Scotland YouTube channel with a new one released each day during the week.

The churches featured are designated as Priority Areas by the Church of Scotland as they are in areas experiencing the greatest impact from poverty according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Speaking about Challenge Poverty Week, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Lord (Jim) Wallace, said: “We need not be defeatist in the face of poverty.

“With vision and determined commitment, solutions can be identified and pursued.

“Challenge Poverty Week gives us an opportunity to come together, and with a united voice calling for such a commitment.”

Shirley Grieve, who is the Church of Scotland’s Priority Areas secretary, said: “As we enter Challenge Poverty week and join our voices in Priority Areas with others engaged in this campaign, we are mindful of the challenges people already struggling with poverty will face this winter.

“On top of the removal of the £20 weekly supplement on Universal Credit, people are already facing huge increases in fuel costs as a result of the recent surge in gas prices.

“We hope people will be encouraged to take part in Challenge Poverty week in whatever way possible and show that we can take action together to eradicate poverty.”

The Priority Areas team will also be holding a series of webinars throughout the month of October, which will explore the connection between climate change and poverty.

Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “Too many people in Scotland are living with the constant pressure of living in poverty.

“As we plan our economic recovery, we must redesign our economy to reflect the values of justice and compassion we all share.

“By boosting people’s incomes and reducing the cost of living we can solve make sure we all have what we need.”

Join in on social media using the hashtags #ChallengePoverty #NowIsTheTime

Find out more about Challenge Poverty Week and join an event.

Sign-up to a ‘Poverty and Climate’ webinar which are taking place on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 6 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 13 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 20 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 27 October 2 – 3.30pm

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Moderator launches photo competition

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has launched a photo competition – ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ – with both children and adults alike invited to send in their photographs showing the Cross in our everyday surroundings.

The winner in each category will be awarded a gift to the charity of their choice.

Dr Fair, who has spent his year as Moderator reaching out to congregations and churches online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is keen to show that the Cross is an ever-present support in our lives, particularly during difficult times such as these.

“As we head towards Easter, the Cross will come ever more into view – the central symbol of the Christian faith,” Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair said.

“Generally speaking, we find Crosses set within church buildings or worn as jewellery. But, when we open our eyes to the possibility, we can begin to see images of the Cross all around us – in both nature and the built environment.

“Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: find a Cross that is ‘hidden in plain sight’ and using your camera, or your phone, take a photograph of it.

“Perhaps it will be two branches on a tree which form a Cross shape. Perhaps you’ll see a Cross in a section of wrought-iron fencing. Maybe you’ll see it in a set of road markings or in a random piece of graffiti?

“The only limit is your imagination. Open your eyes and you’ll see that the Cross is all around you.”

How to take part

To submit your entry for the photography competition, please email MediaRelations@churchofscotland.org.uk, attaching your photograph(s) as well as your name and which category you are in:

  1. Primary school age
  2. Secondary school age
  3. 18+

The rules are very simple:

  • The photograph must be one that you’ve taken yourself.
  • You must take the photograph within your own community and must observe all Covid-related restrictions when doing so.
  • Each entrant can submit up to three photographs.
  • Images can be taken either on cameras or smartphones and must be submitted by email. Please note, we unfortunately are unable to accept photographs submitted via post at this time.

The competition will run for one month – from Wednesday 17 February (the start of Lent) until Wednesday 17 March. All submissions must be received by the closing date.

All entries will be featured in a special photo gallery on the website.

The Moderator will head a judging panel and the winners in each category will be announced in the lead up to Easter Sunday, with a gift to the charity of the winner’s choice being awarded in each category.

The winning entries will be displayed across the Church of Scotland’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and in a special photo gallery on the website.

Let the fun begin. Get snapping!

Remembrance Day service: Scotland says thank you

Frank Ross, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, was joined by the Right Honourable Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland, and fellow politicians, as well as members of the Armed Forces community, for a ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance to mark Remembrance Sunday and 100 years since the signing of the Armistice that would lead to the end of the First World War. Continue reading Remembrance Day service: Scotland says thank you

Moderator’s Easter Message

Moderator of the Church of Scotland Rt Rev John Chalmer’s Easter message:

chalmers

I have found it particularly poignant to have followed the themes of Christian Aid, posted daily on our website, which bring us now to Easter Day.

I began our journey through Lent 40 days ago, when I commented that “when I see a child die because she slakes her thirst at a stagnant pond, I could not separate the relative value of the water that flows from the taps in my house and the living water which Christ speaks of in the story of the woman at the well in John chapter 4.”

And while it is my greatest delight at this Eastertide to celebrate the resurrection and wish you all the joy and hope that new life in Christ brings us, I cannot get away from the praying for and working for the day when women and men and little children across the world get the opportunity to enjoy, in full, their life before death.

But that, of course, is what the power of Easter invokes in us. I discover on Easter Day what life in all its fullness means. I see the transformation that takes place in the lives of the women who discover the empty tomb; I enjoy the way in which Cleopas and his friend find a new purpose when the stranger on the road beside them turns out to be the risen Christ walking with them and I just love the way doubting Thomas finds his faith renewed in the company of the other disciples.

But what’s it all about and what’s it all for?

Well here’s what it does for me. Because I believe in this life in all its fullness I want everyone else to experience it and to share it. So, it makes me I rage when I see social exclusion, it makes me angry that we don’t put enough effort into peace-making and it fills me with indignation when I see a mother who can’t feed her child.

This year I’ve seen what war does to people and I’ve seen the way in which the poor are left endlessly poor.

I therefore have two great hopes at Easter – the first: that the poorest of the poor will enjoy the new life of the Kingdom ahead of people like me and the second: that inspired by our Easter faith Christians across the world will become ever more passionate in their efforts to see that the least and the last get a chance to enjoy life before death.

Our Vision: Church calls for community to be at heart of referendum debate

our vision

The Church of Scotland has called for community and integrity to be at the heart of the debate the country’s future. The call is made in ‘Scotland’s Future: Our Vision’, a report based on the views of over 900 people who attended 32 community events run by the Kirk across Scotland as an alternative national debate on the referendum. 

While the 28-page report does not come down on either side of the yes/no debate, ‘Our Vision’ is an interesting insight into Scots’ views on the future of our country and is another welcome contribution towards wider debate. Among the conclusions:

• The referendum is about far more than the simple question “what is in it for me?” The idea that being £500 better off or worse off would affect how people vote was conspicuous by its absence in all 32 events. Instead, participants prioritised the building of local communities on the principles of fairness, justice and sharing of resources

• Dissatisfaction with the political system at all levels, not just Westminster or Holyrood also featured strongly. Participants wanted to see integrity, accountability and transparency, being able to hold politicians accountable between elections and for the party system to be less powerful

• Call for radical changes including far greater local decision-making and for politicians to see themselves as public servants in a more participative democracy

• A modern, successful economy needs limits placed on free market forces; business models should be more focused towards the employee and more value driven. There was a willingness to consider alternative and more progressive models of taxation to build a better society

• There was a strong expression of the need for prayer and for the Church to be involved in social action and in promoting Christian values such as love, hope, respect and forgiveness, as the fundamental building blocks to contributing towards the common good.

Sally Foster-Fulton, Convener of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society said: “It is an inspiration to see that people in communities across Scotland are challenging the political status quo. The Church of Scotland is committed to finding ways to transform our political debate to ensure that wellbeing and values, such as justice, cohesion and sustainability become the measures for economic activity.”

Click on link (below) to read the report in full:

our_vision

Centipede jumps for joy following grant news

Go For It, Centipede! Funding boost for Muirhouse Project

Muirhouse Centipede Project has received a grant of £60,000 from the Church of Scotland to build on it’s successes over the last year. The local project’s founder Linda Dunbar takes up the story:

The Centipede project has received the great news that we have been awarded £60,000 over three years from the Church of Scotland’s GoForIt Fund. This will enable the Centipede to continue on its journey and explore more activities. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the church in recognising the collaborative work already undertaken, and the value and potential of the people of the area. We still have to raise more money and are in the process of fund-raising – we would like to be able to match the £60K grant. The steering group has a planning day coming up in June where we will be figuring out how best to hear the voices of the community, and what THEY want to see the Centipede doing. If anyone has suggestions they can email them in to:

centipedeproject@gmail.com

If anyone would like to offer financial support to the project, they can get in touch via the same email.

On a personal note, can I thank the folk of Muirhouse for their enthusiasm for the community and their great spirit. It has been a joy to work with them all, and I look forward to the new centipede events, whatever they turn out to be. If folk want to see a short film highlighting just some of the Pilot Project events they can find it at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCcd8BQg13U&feature=youtu.be

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