The Scottish Church Initiative for Union (SCIFU) began its work in 1996 in the closing years of "the ecumenical century of the Christian Church" when Christians from different traditions - "often bitterly and even violently divided" - began to talk, work and witness together and even re-unite after long separation. SCIFU is more precisely, the "child" of the Multilateral Church Conversation.

The fruit of seven years' work towards the unity of the Christian Church - "a few, first steps on the way to union" - were published on Friday 10 January in a report by the SCIFU group.

Recommendations for a model of a united Church call on the churches involved reaffirm their commitment to the goal of full visible unity

welcome the theological principles of the SCIFU report, which are an expression of that commitment

approve the SCIFU proposal in general terms as an appropriate model for pursuing full, visible unity in Scotland, recognising there are many stages in the process

initiate consultation throughout the life of the four churches and, not excluding other churches, to share resources and integrate structures, grasping the opportunities arising from the many changes currently occurring in all of them

promote and facilitate the piloting of the model locally and more widely where relations between any of the participating churches are sufficiently developed

continue the search for full visible unity through a new group appointed by the four, to complete the unfinished business of the SCIFU proposal and prepare a Basis and Plan of Union

At the heart of the proposal is the 'Maxi Parish' in which worshipping communities would work together under one leadership body and be grouped together in Regions, with the office of Bishop and a 'Regional Council' to carry out the responsibilities at this level.

Fundamental to the life of each congregation and in line with commitment to "the ministry of the whole people of God," would be a 'Church Meeting' of members and a 'Congregational Council' to enable each congregation to carry out its responsibilities.

A 'National Council' meeting annually, would be "the chief locus of authority" able to declare the mind of the Church in matters of life and witness and final court of appeal approving the united Church budget and specifying sums available for the Church's various areas of work. Elders would be a vital part of the Church, locally, regionally and nationally. Deacons - perhaps one in every maxi parish - would "stir up consciences" on justice, peace and integrity of creation, "encouraging them to get politically involved with issues of justice and environmental concern." The Bishop would be "a pastor to the pastors," their families and the ministry team. He or she would work closely with office bearers of the region and be expected to give "personal leadership and inspiration" to evangelism, fostering and nurturing communities of faith and articulating the demand for social justice for all in Christ's name.

Background

The 1964 British Council of Churches Conference on Faith and Order, held in Nottingham, challenged churches to "covenant together to work and pray for inauguration of union in appropriate groupings such as nations." Since 1997 four Churches have been working towards unity: the Church of Scotland; the Methodist Church; the Scottish Episcopal Church; and the United Reformed Church.

The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland and the United Free Church were observers.

By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com