Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of Scotland General Assemblies called off over coronavirus

Prince William had been due to address the Church of Scotland General Assembly in May. Church of Scotland

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and Church of Scotland to call off their upcoming General Assemblies.

The BUGB said its General Assembly was postponed, while the Church of Scotland has cancelled its event entirely. 

Both were scheduled to take place in May. 

Prince William had been due to address the opening session of the Church of Scotland General Assembly on May 16 in his role as Lord High Commissioner, representing the Queen. 

Announcing the cancellation, Principal Clerk, Rev Dr George Whyte, said that people's health had to come first.

"We did not take this decision lightly but in the current circumstances it was the only choice we could make. Our Assembly would have brought almost a thousand people to a week-long meeting in Edinburgh including visitors from overseas and from other churches," he said.

"It is a time when we can celebrate being the Church and make important decisions about our future but these are exceptional times and people's health must come first.

"We were also looking forward to welcoming the Duke of Cambridge as the Queen's representative but we are assured that Prince William will understand our unavoidable decision. We hope that he may be Lord High Commissioner on another occasion.

"In the meantime the Church will find alternative ways to make urgent decisions including confirming the appointment of our new Moderator, the Rev Dr Martin Fair, who will take up his duties in May."

The BUGB's General Assembly was originally planned for Bournemouth, from 8 to 10 May, with Shane Claiborne among one of the guest speakers. 

It has postponed the assembly until the autumn and promised refunds to those who booked tickets for the May gathering. 

"We are very sorry to announce that the Baptist Assembly has been postponed until the autumn, due to the coronavirus. We will make an announcement about the new dates as soon as we can." 

News
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic

The US State Department has said it is closely monitoring the prosecution of a Christian woman who prayed silently in an abortion clinic buffer zone. 

Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians.