Churches Together Appoints New Scottish Head

|TOP|A minister with the Scottish Episcopal Church has said his new appointment as head of the ecumenical organisation Churches Together in Britain and Ireland comes at an “important and exciting time”.

The Rev. Canon Bob Fyffe succeeds Dr David Goodbourn as general secretary of the organisation which oversees the ecumenical developments between the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant and Pentecostal Churches.

Canon Fyffe’s appointment comes at a time of challenge for churches as they struggle to meet new demands with ever-diminishing resources.

“The ecumenical structures have gone through a time of change and revisioning,” said the Scot.

|QUOTE|“I’m looking forward to working with those who want to continue building reconciliation in our churches and communities.”

He continued: “Churches Together is about resourcing conversations between Christians in their parishes, living out their faith, where they are. We need to help them be creative in an atmosphere of respect and trust.”

Canon Fyffe also stressed the need for greater interchurch and interfaith respect and dialogue, highlighting the crucial role that CTBI plays “in encouraging and resourcing new dialogue between the Churches, and in the areas of racial justice and mission.”

He added he was “delighted to be taking over as the general secretary at this important and exciting time,” before paying special tribute to Dr David Goudbourn who has concluded his seven-year term with CTBI and is now president for the Manchester-based Partnership for Theological Education.

|AD|“I want to pay special tribute to Dr David Goodbourn who has led CTBI and its member Churches through a time of change and challenge,” said Canon Fyffe. “I hope to build on his work and look forward with enthusiasm to joining the team at CTBI.”

Canon Fyffe trained for ordination at Edinburgh Theological College, before being ordained in 1979. He went on to be rector of St John the Baptist for fourteen years, and Canon of St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth.

He is also a member of the Conference of European Churches’ planning group for the third European Ecumenical Assembly and has recently returned from the first EEA3 meeting in Rome.

Chair of CTBI’s trustees, Mrs Margaret Swinson, said: “I am looking forward to working with Bob as CTBI and the other ecumenical instruments move into a new relationship and way of working. His fresh view and enthusiasm will be an asset to the Churches.”

Canon Fyffe’s appointment was also welcomed by Dr Goodbourn, who said: “I'm delighted that Bob is to become the next general secretary. We were colleagues once in Scotland, and I have great respect for him and his abilities. He'll do an excellent job.”

Canon Bob Fyffe will take up his new post in June.