Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, Edinburgh - Briefing Document Eight

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Parliamentary Officer:Rev Graham Blount
Phone:
0131 558 8137

Briefing Document No 8 - Page 4 of 4

Supporting Active Communities - Continued.

Theological Reflection

The whole idea of a "Giving Age", of a "we Scotland" rather than a "me Scotland", is one with clear echoes of (or rooted in) a Christian vision. At its most basic, this is about loving our neighbours, and recognising our mutual dependence as well as our dependence on God. The Biblical understanding does not let us see ourselves in isolation but as involved in families, communities and other networks of relationships.

Many churches have drawn on the rich seam of Biblical understanding of stewardship, as the basis for Christian giving - of time, resources and abilities. We give generously, in response to so much that we have been given; and our talents are given us to be used freely in serving others.

We are also encouraged to recognise valuable gifts in unexpected people - not just to celebrate the abilities of the obviously talented but to see God at work in people the world habitually writes off. The recurrent Biblical picture of the body as a model for how communities should work is one which welcomes diversity and cherishes the contribution that each part can make, as necessary to the effective functioning of the whole. Active communities, therefore, cannot be exclusive, but draw on the vital contribution of neglected and less attractive parts.

In the ways in which the community of the people of God is characterised - by the Old Testament law and prophecy, and in the life of the early church reflected in the New Testament epistles - key characteristics emerge in terms of care for the most vulnerable and of just relationships. These must also inform the discussion of volunteering, in terms of values and of what makes an active and healthy community.

Consultation Response

Overall, this seems an area in which both the experience and the faith vision of the churches can make an important contribution - and one in which we can learn as well.

Copies of the consultation paper can be obtained from the Executive web-site at www.scotland.gov.uk/library2/doc11/acco-00.asp, or from the Stationery Office (£2.95). Responses should be sent by 1 May 2000, to Mrs Ann Cormican, Voluntary Issues Unit, The Scottish Executive, Room 234, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG; Tel 0131 244 3530; Fax 0131 244 2659; Email ann.cormican@scotland.gov.uk. If you are responding, please send SCPO a copy of your response too.

On the initiative of the Scottish Churches Social Inclusion Network, there will be a gathering of people from the churches, with a view to a shared submission, on Thursday 27 April from 2.30pm at SCPO, St Columba's by the Castle, 14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW. This is an open meeting; if you can't come but would like to add some points to the discussion, please send these, in writing, to the SCPO by Tuesday 25 April.

This way of tackling things is not intended to exclude individuals or congregations from making a response of their own, but the Network felt it would be useful to stimulate responses and to bring people together. Partly because the churches have been missed out so far in this, it would be good if we can make a useful contribution together.