Published on 21 May 2025
4 minutes read
The Church of Scotland heard an invitation to renew its work in the words contained in Micah 6:8, “what does the Lord require of you, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God”.
Emma Jackson, the convener of the Public Life and Social Justice Programme Group, set out a call for commissioners and congregations to consider how all parts of the Church of Scotland can pray and work for peace, climate action and against the entrenchment of poverty in Scotland and across the world.
Emma Jackson, the convener of the Public Life and Social Justice Programme Group.
She said: “Our vision within Public Life and Social Justice is for the Church of Scotland to be empowered with knowledge, understanding and courage to respond to and pursue issues of social justice and public life both within the Church and in wider society, using our distinct Christian voice to influence policies and decision making.
“Through working alongside presbyteries and congregations, we are able to speak up and speak out about the issues that we know are robbing people of their dignity and worth.
“Speak truth to power and reflect the fullness of the gospel of Jesus.
“It’s our very great privilege to do this work.
“But we know that to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly we will not be able to do all that is required of us within a committee or a small group of us.
“This is about all of us.
“To witness a different way and reflect the Kingdom here and now.
“How can we work together to prioritise and coordinate our justice-based work in support of our mission to create disciples for the transformation of the world?
“There’s an incredible opportunity to live out together being justice seeking church. To build on work that is already happening. And go further.”
Truth in the public square
The General Assembly heard from Marjorie Clark, an elder from Perth St Matthew’s, who said:
“Increasingly we hear of climate change deniers, those casting doubts about vaccine safety, the blaming of Muslims and asylum seekers following the Southport attacks, and our Prime Minister’s astonishing comments last week about ‘an island full of strangers’ to name but a few examples where truth is challenged and dangerous opinions are presents as fact, only encouraging further division and fear.”
The Assembly agreed a motion which encouraged the Church to uphold truth in the public square and to challenge misinformation.
Fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty
In a landmark decision, the General Assembly agreed to endorse the global initiative calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Church of Scotland has at previous General Assemblies, made commitments to respond to climate change and promote climate justice.
The Assembly of 2025 agreed that support for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty was consistent with its commitment to the five marks of mission, specifically the fifth mark to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
The Church of Scotland now joins the World Council of Churches, Christian Aid, the Iona Community, Justice and Peace Scotland and many other organisations, institutions and businesses around the world who are calling for a treaty.
Scotland Demands Better
The Kirk gave its backing to a major anti-poverty march planned for 25 October in Edinburgh.
Led by the Poverty Alliance, the Church of Scotland is actively participating in shaping this demonstration so that faith communities are at the heart of raising our voices and demanding change.
Emma Jackson said: “To be visible and vocal about the injustice and oppression that is happening around us. Refusing to settle for the status quo, but actively and intentionally usher in the Kingdom of God as we live out the way of Jesus.
“We must be present, prophetic and purposeful.
“The Church has a long tradition in peaceful protest on issues of injustice. We really hope you’ll help us rally a crowd and put our feet on the street.”
The Faith Action Programme Leadership team at the General Assembly.
Nuclear Disarmament
The leader of the Iona Community, the Rev Ruth Harvey, spoke to the General Assembly.
In her presentation she spoke highlighted the longstanding commitment of the Church of Scotland in support of nuclear disarmament:
“With the publication of the pamphlet ‘Bombs and Bishops’ in 1958 George MacLeod made it clear that his vocation was two-fold: the eradication of nuclear weapons; and the unity of the church.
“Fusion and Fission were his primal motivating forces of energy.
“In 2003 then again in seven subsequent General Assemblies, the Church of Scotland has consistently reaffirmed its position that the use or threatened use of nuclear weapons is ‘inherently evil’, ‘immoral’, ‘abhorrent’, ‘sinful’ and ‘an offence to God’s created order.”
The General Assembly then went on to agree a deliverance which affirmed the consistent position of the Church of Scotland in condemning the existence and threat of nuclear weapons as sinful and an offence to God’s created order and urge the Church to recommit to working and praying for peace and disarmament.
In her speech to the General Assembly, Emma Jackson concluded with words from the late Pope Francis: “To all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity Let us be renewed by God’s mercy … and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish.”