1.The General Assembly receive the Overture from the Presbytery of Inverness, Lochaber and Ross Committee on Understanding Modern Poverty in Scotland and grant the appointment of a Committee, to produce one or more documents on Understanding Modern Poverty in Scotland, with specific reference to the mission and vision of the Free Church of Scotland.
2.The General Assembly establish the said Committee with the following remit:
2.1.To prepare a theologically informed and practically grounded document outlining the nature and causes of modern poverty in Scotland, drawing on relevant historical, sociological, pastoral, and missional insights.
2.2.To include within this work a brief historical overview of the Free Church’s engagement with the poor, particularly during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, highlighting key principles, theological convictions, and missional practices.
2.3.To analyse the contemporary challenges of gospel ministry, revitalisation, and church planting in areas of high deprivation, identifying both obstacles and opportunities unique to such contexts.
2.4.To consider whether existing denominational legislation, structures, expectations, and funding models adequately support sustained ministry in areas of high deprivation, and to bring forward recommendations for any changes, developments, or new forms of support that may be required.
2.5.To provide practical guidance and/or resources intended to equip Presbyteries, Kirk Sessions, Edinburgh Theological Seminary, ministers, and congregations with greater confidence and wisdom in pursuing faithful, long-term gospel ministry among the poorest communities in Scotland.
3.The General Assembly declare the Membership of said Committee be appointed, comprising a minimum of six members, one member should be currently engaged in Church Planting in an area of deprivation. The other five members shall comprise two Ministers, two Elders and one Deacon. Elders who are appointed should have relevant experience, for example, in social work, the police, teaching, nursing, or welfare in an area of deprivation, whether urban or rural. One of the Elders or Ministers appointed should have an understanding of Free Church legislation and finance system. Once the Committee is declared and established, they will have the power to appoint advisers to aid them in the work.
4.The Committee will report to the 2028 General Assembly, presenting initial findings and recommendations with a view to enabling informed discussion, potential legislative action, and renewed denominational commitment to mission in areas of high social and economic deprivation, and shall thereafter present further reports to subsequent General Assemblies prior to submitting its final report.