Tron should leave church building behind in Kirk split

Wednesday 7 November 2012

You never actually own a church; you merely look after it for the next generation (Letters, October 29, 31 & November 6).

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The value of St George's Tron church (built 1807) was not created by the current congregation; outreach and social mission at the Tron is not unique to them and is built on the work of others.

The sentiments expressed in recent letters from its members reflect a selfishness and arrogance that is at odds with our tradition and their much-stated Christian beliefs. They take it upon themselves to decide who in Scotland is deserving of their charitable support; in fact the Kirk nationally has many ministry, social care and support programmes covering the whole country and funded by contributions from all congregations; except, it seems, St George's Tron who no longer contribute to the common good, nor do they agree with the Kirk's management, its mission, outreach or its theology.The diverging attitudes between the Church of Scotland and Rev William Philip were evident for many years before the matter of gay ministry became a cause: his close association with the Proclamation Trust, with whom he worked for five years before coming to Glasgow, and its Evangelical Ministry Assembly, is of many years' standing and the trust's subsidiary, Cornhill Scotland, was set up by him in 2006. They have had a notable impact on what was a traditional Scottish parish church. If their belief is so strong as to require a break with the national church then let that break be total; they should leave behind the Tron buildings and the manse; let them rent an empty shop or find an open field in the hills as did the Covenanters, where they may worship in their own way. To do so would be an admirable proclamation of their faith; to do less brings their actions and attitudes into question.St George's Tron has had its place in the centre of Glasgow and its people for two centuries. It should not be diverted by a few short years of imported evangelism and it is the responsibility of the Church of Scotland to look after it.Paul Scott,13 West Tollcross,Edinburgh.

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Tron should leave church building behind in Kirk split

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