Dear Friends,
It is now almost 21 months since the Vacancy began and I took on the roles of Interim Moderator and part-time Locum Minister. A general update on the situation is overdue and I apologise for that.
Sadly, even after all this time, we still cannot go forward with appointing a new Minister. The Presbytery Plan for Lothian Presbytery,
incorporating the adjusted proposals for the Dunbar area, was finally approved in December 2022 whereupon a Request for Review [Appeal] was lodged by Abbey and Dirleton congregations. So far as I
know, this appeal calls into question the fairness / legitimacy of the basis upon which the Presbytery decided how the available ministry posts are to be allocated across the Presbytery. The
effect of this appeal is that the Presbytery Plan is suspended, meaning that no further action can be taken across Lothian Presbytery until the Review Panel has made its ruling.
Although the Request for Review was lodged in December and has been answered promptly in by the Presbytery we have no information as to when a decision can be expected, save that this could be June or later.
If the appeal is refused then we expect that the Presbytery Plan will become “live” again, thus allowing the Union of Belhaven and Spott to proceed and Permission to Call a Minister to be granted. I expect that, thereafter, it will be 6 to 8 weeks before a Nominating Committee can be formed. On that basis, it would be unlikely that a new Minister could be appointed earlier than the autumn. If the appeal is upheld then the Presbytery Plan will have to be re-done and it is impossible to say how long that would take. Clearly, this is very far from ideal, but you will appreciate that it is out of the hands of the Kirk Sessions and, to a large extent, the Presbytery of Lothian and Borders to which we now belong. Frustration is widespread!
In the meantime, I can report that your Kirk Sessions are working hard to maintain and develop the life of the congregations. Myra Johnstone has taken on the role of Session Clerk of Belhaven following upon James and Dorothy Wildgoose returning to live in Edinburgh. We are much indebted to Myra, as we are to Christine Gray who continues to serve in that capacity in Spott. The Session Clerks are working closely together, as are the Kirk Sessions, hoping that the Union of Spott and Belhaven will happen soon. A Joint Session Conference was held on Saturday 4th February 2023 and this was a happy and fruitful occasion. The Manse Group [chaired by Alistair Mackie] is progressing the sale of the current manse and will also take the lead in identifying a suitable replacement manse.
The Covid pandemic has adversely affected all congregations across Scotland. Not least, congregational finances have suffered. Your office-bearers are working hard not only to manage the finances but to cover all of the work that needs to be done to keep any congregation going. This is always more difficult in a vacancy, especially where there is uncertainty as to what the future holds.
We are all feeling the effects of increased costs, especially as regards heating and I fully appreciate that most households are having to tighten belts to meet this challenge. However, I cannot refrain from asking every member and friend of our congregations to consider increasing your offering to help the congregations make ends meet. Anything extra you can give will be very much appreciated.
In closing I want to thank you for your support and friendship as I continue in my roles of Interim Moderator and Locum Minister. I ask that you will continue to hold all of your office-bearers in your prayers and that, if you feel that there is something which you might do to offer practical support to them, that you do not hesitate to approach me or your Session Clerk. Equally, if you have any questions concerning the ongoing situation please feel free to approach me at any time. As Easter approaches I wish you joy in your celebration of the Resurrection. Let us hold fast to the truth that in Christ we have nothing to fear.
Yours in His name,
Brian