News

Scottish Ecumenical Gathering latest

February 28, 2006

The Scottish Ecumenical Gathering is a grass roots church celebration for people from within the Action of Churches Together in Scotland family and beyond. It will be an open access event which will provide opportunities for young and old alike to celebrate the ‘Seeds of Hope’ visible in our communities and the world today as Christian people worship, work and witness to God’s Kingdom.

Speaking ahead of the launch for regional church leaders and Perth churches held at St. Ninian’s Cathedral on 28 February, Major Alan Dixon, Convener of the Planning Group said, ‘Gatherings have been an important part of the ecumenical life of churches and organisations in recent times, but this is the first occasion that such an event has been held outwith the central belt.  The planning group is keen to involve Perth Churches in the preparation and running of the event. One indication of this is that local designer, Nancy Brookes, designed the event logo.’

The day will comprise three main elements: a speaker programme, workshop programme and marketstall area.

The planning group is delighted that we have been able to attract a wide variety of speakers who include: Douglas Alexander, MP (‘Hope through Politics: Our engaging with the world’) Joel Edwards, director of the Evangelical Alliance (‘Seeds of Hope’), Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien (‘Ecumenical Futures’), Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner (Hope in the Future: Church, Children and Society), Jurgen Moltmann (The journey of Hope, Personal Reflections) and a conversation panel on the subject of ‘Living in Hope’ which will involve Richard Holloway (Scottish Arts Council), Kathy Galloway  (Iona Community) and Andrew McLellan (Inspector of Prisons).

Forty five workshops, run by ecumenical bodies and groups from across Scotland will further explore the theme of hope in the church and the world and the event will also incorporate the annual meeting of the Scottish Churches Community Trust and the Scottish Racial Justice Conference. Over 100 marketstalls will enable participants to discover more about the work of national agencies and local projects as they discern ‘seeds of hope’ in their communities. There will also be a crèche for pre-school children and activity sessions for 5-12 year olds.
 
Tickets for the day will cost £5 for an adult and £10 for a family of two adults and up to four children.  A free park and ride service will operate to and from the park and ride car parks on the edge of Perth and the bus and train stations.

For further information contact Joan Pennycook, Seeds of Hope, ACTS, Inglewood House, Alloa. FK10 2HU Tel. 01259   724336 e-mail: ecumenical@acts-scotland.org or visit www.acts-scotland.org