A historic church in Edinburgh could be closing as member numbers fall.
St Andrew's Church in Leith could be set to close after a proposal was made to limit the amount of churches in Edinburgh to reflect the changes seen in 'church life'.
While no final decision has been made, the proposal from the Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian recognises that there are a number of presbyterian churches in the area and the Church of Scotland suggests that congregations should come together.
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This comes as the church has seen a decline in members and financial resources. If the proposal is accepted, St Andrew's Church, its hall and retaining two church building will close by December 31 2024.
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “The Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian is still in the process of developing a five-year mission plan to allocate limited resources to parishes and congregations.
“No final decisions have been taken but a proposal has been drawn up to reflect changes in church life in the Leith area where there are six expensive to maintain buildings near each other.
“St Andrew’s Church sits close to South Leith Church and its hall and retaining two church buildings is not the best use of missional resources.
“It is proposed that St Andrew’s Church building will close as a worship centre and the building will be released by the December 31 2024 .
“Although the Church is facing falling membership numbers, fewer ministers and dwindling financial resources, it is committed to delivering Jesus’ call to mission and discipleship and serving the people of Leith through sustainable and realistic new expressions of ministry.
“It is proposed that the congregations of St Andrew’s, Pilrig St Paul’s and St Margaret’s churches will come together in union and be served by two full-time Ministers of Word and Sacrament and a part-time ministries development staff worker.
“The Church understands that decisions that will eventually be made will be difficult for some people but it has a responsibility to be a good steward of finite resources and will act in good faith to ensure sensitive transfer of use/ownership of buildings.
“Approved mission plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.”
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