Praying for divine intervention as capital kirks face threat of closure

Every Church of Scotland parish in Edinburgh is at risk of closure as part of a radical attempt to reorganise how the Kirk reaches out to its congregations.

The Scotsman has learned that senior officials now accept they cannot sustain the upkeep of 86 parishes in the city’s presbytery.

Dwindling numbers, ageing congregations and a lack of funds and leadership have forced the church to consider the drastic move.

However, some believe the change is an opportunity for the Kirk to address the changing needs of the capital and move towards "saving souls instead of clinging to old patterns of parish life".

• Full story at The Scotsman.

• Posted in Church Finance/Management, Church of Scotland, Edinburgh + East