Initiative for Youth and Children Slated for 2004

Recognizing the connection between the youth and the Scottish Church
By Pauline J. Chang

The Board of Parish Education to the Church of Scotland plans to launch a major initiative for children and youth during the 2004 General Assembly, May 22-23. Entitled, “RAW – Ready and Willing,” the project aims to recognize the influential role of the Scottish youth to the Kirk.

"It is significant that at a time when the agenda of the Kirk seems to focus so much on money and structures that the children and young people we work with are telling us they want places where they can gather and put forward their points of view to senior church leaders,” said Doug Swanney, the national advisor in Children’s Ministry.

Around 2,000 youth, escorted by parents and mentors, are expected to attend the Glascow events along with the delegates and Moderator to the General Assembly.

"The important thing about Ready and Willing is that we have got past the stage of hearing younger voices being a novelty in the Church of Scotland. Now the challenge is for older generations to move aside and create space for the children and young people of the Church to be seen and heard. The argument is no longer about if but about when and how,” said the national youth advisor, Steve Mallon.

The weekend will emphasize the present and future role of the children currently connected to the Church.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories