Churches in Spynie, Duffus and Hopeman may face closure under new Church of Scotland Mission Plan
THREE Moray churches are facing an uncertain future under new Church of Scotland Mission Plans.
The proposals by Moray Presbytery will see the closures of at least two of the churches in Duffus, Hopeman and Spynie with the potential for all three to close within the next five years.
A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: “Moray Presbytery, like all Church of Scotland presbyteries, has launched a consultation on a draft mission plan which will determine how limited resources should be allocated to congregations over a five-year period.
“This is a work in progress and subject to amendment but change is necessary in order to deliver sustainable and realistic new expressions of ministry and Church and ensure all buildings are suitable for 21st century mission needs."
The Draft Mission plan by Church of Scotland which suggests leaving Hopeman Church and Hall open and closing the remaining two buildings is up for consideration, but the plans mention concerns about the practicalities of the Hopeman Church building, particularly the challenge of heating it, the lack of parking, and the hall being too large a space for most activities.
The plans also suggest that the disposal of all three Church buildings may be a viable option, with village halls and the Churches in Lossiemouth providing meeting points for a united congregation with Lossie's St Gerardine's High and St James'.
The Church of Scotland spokesperson added: “Amendments to the draft plan can be proposed by congregants up until 30 June, and will be debated and decided upon by the whole of Moray Presbytery at its meeting on 6 September 2022.
"These meetings are part of the overall period of presbytery reform process the Church of Scotland is going through throughout all churches in Scotland.
“Discussions are ongoing, and the final plan must be agreed by Moray Presbytery, the Church of Scotland’s Faith Nurture Forum and the General Trustees by the 31st of December, 2022.”
