How is ACTS funded?

Each of the ACTS member churches contributes to ACTS funding through a process of negotiation. In addition to the core budget there are some designated funds which have been given by individuals or churches for specific remits. Member churches may also give additional funding to projects run by ACTS, which are usually carried out by the Networks.

How do churches join ACTS?

Churches which wish to apply for membership of ACTS may apply by completing an application form available from the Company Secretary. On receipt of an application the Members' Meeting will appoint a scrutiny group comprising a trustee, church leader, ecumenical office and a representative of the Members' Meeting. The scrutiny group will engage in a process of dialogue with the applicant church in order to establish an understanding of its ecclesiology and common life. The scrutiny group reports back to the Members' Meeting where a decision will be taken on the basis of four criteria, namely:

The applicant Church's demonstrable ability to subscribe to or manifest faith in accordance with the Basis and Aims of ACTS as set out in 'The Basis of a New Way of Working'
The applicant Church's ability to demonstrate evidence of ecumenical engagement and commitment
The applicant Church's demonstration of being organised on at least a Scottish national level
The acceptance by the applicant church of the implications of the 'churches together' model of ecumenical engagement.
How can I contact my local churches together group?

The ACTS office has a database of local churches together groups and their contact people. There are about 40 groups in Scotland that we have details for, but you can also find out whether there is a churches together group in your locality by asking at local churches.

Why does ACTS make so few public statements?

The Churches Together model puts the member churches at the heart of the ecumenical instruments with the staff and mechanisms of the ecumenical instrument being there to support and facilitate the dialogue and work of the churches between themselves and with other bodies. The role of ACTS, and the ecumenical bodies in the UK and Ireland, is to ensure that each member church is aware of what the others are saying and to present the wide range of Christian opinion within the member churches to the general public, government etc.

How are decisions made in ACTS?

There are two decision making bodies within ACTS. Legally the Trustees have responsibility for the day to day management and running of the organisation, they also determine ACTS strategy and policies. However they do so having consulted with the Member churches through the Members' Meeting. The Members' meeting, particularly at the AGM, have responsibilities for receiving trustee nominations, approving accounts and reports and contributing to discussion on strategy and policy.