Top 10 stories of 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we look back at the top 10 stories on the Church website that have filled us with hope, joy and challenged us to think more deeply about who we are as Christians.

It has been a difficult time in many ways but we can be sure that God's people have rallied together to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, share in the joy of new believers, respond to human need through loving service, challenge unfairness and violence in society and generate substantial sums of money for charity in the process.

1. A new book set to be launched at this month's General Assembly asks how the Kirk can throw off the image of one of Scotland's most famous fictional ministers and replace Jolly with true joy.
2. All people are made in the image of God including transgender people who are worthy of respect and love.
3. A minister who was discouraged from going to university and told that his Lanarkshire accent would hamper his life prospects has been announced as the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
4. The Church has submitted evidence to a Scottish Government consultation on ending conversion practices in Scotland.
5. An arts charity has taken over part of an historic church in the heart of Aberdeen which will help secure its long-term future.
6. The Church of Scotland has been engaged in a season of transition for some time but is now preparing for growth.
7. The beginning of 2024 marks the start of a new chapter for the Church of Scotland across the north of Scotland with the creation of Clèir Eilean Ì, a single presbytery which will cover almost half of Scotland.
8. A new supplement to the Church Hymnary is being launched later this month which hopes to encourage congregations to renew and reinvigorate their worship.
9. The Church of Scotland is on the "cusp of a transformation and revival" that demands bold decisions and genuine embrace of change.
10. Hospitality will be at the heart of ministry for Rev David Sim following his ordination and induction to the parish of Fort William Kilmallie, linked with Kilmonivaig.

Remember – we are always on the look-out for stories from across our churches and are here to provide professional communications support and advice. If you would like to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us.

From all of us in the Church of Scotland Communications Department it has been our privilege to share the Good News with you for another year, and we hope you have enjoyed the rich array of stories and updates from across the Kirk. We wish you a very Happy New Year and every blessing for 2025.