In the run-up to the General Assembly 2005 this Saturday, the Church of Scotland's Board of Ministry has released its annual report to the Assembly. It was reported that in 2004, a total of 75 people (39 men and 36 women) applied, compared with 59 in 2003. It indicates that there is an increasing interest in joining ministry training.

32 people were accepted into full-time ministry in 2004 among the 75 applicants to ministry training, with a number of others becoming part-time ministers, auxiliary ministers or deacons.

Concerning recognition of the new institutions other than the four traditional centres for divinity courses that are offering theological training to new ministers, the Academic Questions Committee, which was appointed by the Board of Ministry in 2001 set out six criteria for them to be qualified.

Following discussion from the General Assembly 2004, a detailed policy for the admission of ministers from other denominations was presented in the report. The report further records appointments made to colleges, and sets out developments being made in the provision of interim ministers to congregations without a permanent minister of their own.

In the number of child abuse scandals in churches today, child protection measures are also being adopted by the Church. The Board of Ministry has confirmed to secure enhanced disclosure certificates for ministers.

Some other major areas reported include the stipends and manses provided to ministers, as well as preparations for the creation of the Church’s new Ministries Council which will be instituted from 1st June.

The board also looked into the complex reasons for stress and burnout among ministers and the pastoral and practical measures which can be used to prevent this.

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will start on Saturday 21st May and close on Friday 27th May. The Assembly meets each year in Edinburgh and has the authority to make laws determining how the Church of Scotland operates. More reports from other ministries in the Church are expected to be submitted to the Assembly.