Church of Scotland National Youth Assembly Draws to a Close

The Church of Scotland National Youth Assembly will draw to a close today after spending the last three days exploring the theme of ‘Mind the Gap’, the gaps people experience in their everyday lives and ways to overcome them.
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Over 200 young delegates between the ages of 16 and 25 from Scotland, England, and including some from Europe, have gathered for the Assembly, held in Dundee, Scotland since the 9 September.

The delegates at the event have been invited to advise the Church of Scotland on the future direction of its five new councils established to carry out its national agenda.

Steve Mallon, secretary for Education and Nurture, suggested the turn out of young delegates was a positive indication of the church’s continuing ability to attract and keep young people, and in an age of cynicism toward young people, when it actively engages them with the Church.

“Nobody in the Church of Scotland will argue anymore about whether or not we should hear young people’s voices. Those days are over. Now the call is for us to be able to hear more. The Youth Assembly has become very important for the Church and its young people,” he said.

Delegates at the Assembly will also discuss the Kirk’s strategy for young people, still in its developmental stages. The strategy is due for discussion by congregations over the coming months before consideration at next year’s General Assembly.

“This new strategy has the potential to change the shape of the Church of Scotland in the future and young people’s voices will be at the very heart of it,” said the Church of Scotland News.