Scots pave way for Protestant 'superchurch'

Scotland's four main Protestant churches could be merged under plans for a unified Christian church north of the border.

At a time when congregations are suffering a decline in attendance, a single Protestant church operating under one governing body has been suggested as the best option for the future. But the idea is likely to come under fierce attack from traditionalists

The Scottish Church Initiative for Union group, a working party representing each of the denominations, has taken seven years to formulate its plan. It would involve the bringing together of the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the United Reform Church and the Methodists.

Eric Cramb, the convener of the Church of Scotland's Ecumenical Relations Committee, said: "What is being offered in this document is believed by the working party to be a weaving together of the best treasures of our separate traditions in a way that will make sense at a local level and will allow the church to continue to contribute at a national level to the well-being of Scotland," said .

While claiming that the "courtship" between the churches dated back at least 40 years, he said that on most points of doctrine there was much significant agreement between the participating churches.

The plan envisages the creation of "maxi-parishes" to encompass one part of a city or all of a small town or rural area. These would be led by an elected bishop.

Individual church features would be recognised and resources pooled, but it is feared that, eventually, worshippers would meet together as a united faith, which would mean the closing of some churches. Critics believe the plan would be suicidal.

The document is expected to be put before the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in May, which will then decide whether to give its support to the proposals.

"This is not so much the creation of a single 'superchurch' but a form in which churches of different denominations in a geographical area will be able to come together and exchange people, facilities and resources," said a spokesman for the Church of Scotland.