Response to the Report on Women Offenders
A message from Elaine MacRae, convener of the Joint Faiths Board on Community Justice (26.01.15):
On the publication of the Report on Women Offenders by the Angiolini Commission, the Joint Faiths Board on Community Justice called on the Government to be brave enough to implement the recommendations of the Report. This week the Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson, has been brave and shown courage as the Scottish Government has turned its back on plans for a new prison at Inverclyde. This is a momentous decision which could lead to a new way of thinking about how we do prison, and a radical change to our attitude to prisoners. The Board will continue to support the vision of the Commission on Women Offenders and work towards making Scotland a better, safer place - especially for women.
If you would like to read the response to the Report on Women Offenders, please click here:
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