I have been prompted to write following on from the letter entitled “Mission Planning Stress” in the August edition of Life and Work pointing out the stress imposed, especially on volunteer office-bearers, in keeping their “local churches effective and viable” as a result of the Presbytery Mission Planning Process and various other recent changes.

In my circumstance as a former Session Clerk I found that another stress was added to my voluntary job as a result of a minister being off long-term. In my opinion there seems to be no provision as to how a Kirk Session and congregation are to be supported during this time of uncertainty. Yes, an Interim Moderator will be appointed but, with the best will in the world, will not plan ahead for what can be an extended period of absence.

As the Church doesn’t act as an employer of ministers in the same way you would have in a “normal” employer/employee framework I feel this leads to a lack of communication and ability by a Kirk Session to forward plan.

As the figures presented at the recent General Assembly show, ministerial absence is a considerable problem and I feel that the Church needs to address its responsibilities, not only to its ministers, but also to the Kirk Sessions, congregations and the great myriad of volunteers who are left to struggle on.

Fiona Bruce, Perth