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ACTION OF CHURCHES TOGETHER IN SCOTLAND
EAGLAISEAN CÒMHLA AN GNÌOMH AN ALBA
In its work ACTS seeks to enable the Scottish churches in their common life.
It encourages and resources encounters between them in which each participant learns from the other, where difference is explored and respected and where division is healed.
ACTS - enabling and resourcing churches in Scotland in their pilgrimage together
"Adapt and be Flexible: The Mission Continues"
The Scottish Church has faced a time of unprecedented disruption with the COVID-19 pandemic. This research partnership between Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), Brendan Research, and the Scottish Church Leaders' Forum (SCLF) sought to understand how congregations across the nation had responded to the first lockdown, when change was most sudden.
Local Ecumenical Resources
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Help to get started
Are you looking for help to start working with other churches near-by?
Here is a starting point "Progressing in Partnership", a step by step guide for congregations wishing to pursue local partnerships with their ecumenical neighbours.
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Guidelines for new Churches Together Groups
If you are looking for information about setting up a new Churches Together Group,
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Shared Buildings Agreement
In situations where two or more congregations share the same building for worship and/or other activities, it is good practice to set out in writing, the relationships between the parties involved. The document below sets out some of the issues which may need to be addressed in such a situation and is followed by an actual example of a shared building agreement.
To download the Resource Document "Shared Buildings" click here.
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How is a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) formed?
Details are given below outlining the various steps which are taken in the formation of a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP).
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Definitions of a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP)
A Local Ecumenical Partnership is defined as existing where there is a formal written agreement affecting the ministry, congregational life, buildings and/or mission projects of more than one denomination: and a recognition of that agreement by the ACTS Ecumenical Development Group, and authorisation by the appropriate denominational authorities.
To find out more about LEP's, download the definitions here.
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Orientation for Incoming clergy
This document provides an orientation process that seeks to enable clergy to gain this understanding. The process involves the support of a colleague from another denomination in the LEP, together with a person appointed by the local congregation, and reading essential documents.
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An Ecumenical Service of Baptism and Confirmation
The Joint Liturgical Group of Great Britain have produced ther following resources:
A service of confirmation and baptism for use in Local Ecumenical Partnerships. Click here to download.
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Liturgical resource: when a Local Ecumenical Partnership ceases
The Joint Liturgical Group of Great Britain have produced ther following resource:
"An act of parting" - which can be used when a Local Ecumenical Partnership ceases to exist. Click here to download.
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Model Constitution for a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership
The Model Constitution for a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership was drawn up by the Constitution Group.
To download a copy, please click here