Last night at our Presbytery meeting, the subject of debate arose and the question was posed by one of our presbyters, "how do we generate a spirit of debate?" It was part of a discussion around improving the workings of our Presbytery, led by the Connections and Nominations Committee.
It is a great question to be asking ourselves, as we develop and mature as an institution. We won't always agree with one another and the energy that comes from such differences can help us find new ways of working.
Another presbyter commented that there is a difference between managing an institution and shepherding a people - and finding the balance between the two is not easy. And yet, there is an opportunity for us, at this stage, to reflect on how we might encourage more discussion around the topics which we are passionate about and which bring us life.
There are different ways in which you can be involved with that. Firstly, respond to the survey from the Connections and Nominations Committee when it is issued. Secondly, make sure that committee knows what your interests are and on which committee you would like to serve. Thirdly, think about what would enable more people to contribute during a Presbytery meeting and share it with us.
The General Assembly begins on 17th May and you can read more about the preparations here: https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/articles/the-theme-for-general-assembly-2025-is-extravagant-love.
The same kinds of questions asked at a Presbytery level, about debate and discussion, also happen at the General Assembly level. If you are attending this year on as a commissioner for NENI, I would encourage you to make sure you have time to read the reports as they are issued and to consider how you might contribute to the debate. If this is your first time going, there is usually a training session on the Friday night, and it is very helpful to attend that.
Pope Francis once said, "A society without conflicts is a dead society. A society that hides conflicts is a suicidal society. A society that takes conflicts by the hand is a society of the future." Learning how to have healthy and fruitful debates around areas of difference is hugely important for us as a church at every level and increasing the level of participation at Presbytery meetings is a goal we can work towards together.
Rev Stella
