This Wednesday, Saint Andrew’s Day, marks the first anniversary of the signing of the Saint Andrew Declaration. It thus seems an appropriate time to reflect upon how SEI has committed itself in the past year to responding to that ‘common calling to proclaim the reign of God to all the people of Scotland by strengthening our partnership in ministry and mission.’
We are pleased to report that there have been several developments in terms of relationships formed, understandings reached, plans made and practices shared, not least as regards placements. But perhaps most pleasing of all has been the sharing of expertise across our two churches, with SEI staff contributing to teaching on the New College Pioneer Ministry and Church Planting course, and Church of Scotland colleagues being embedded in our own curriculum. And none more so than the Revd Dr John Carswell, Minister at Cadzow Parish Church, Hamilton. John, shown below left on a recent walk with Richard Tiplady and Paul Watson at Hart Fell, Moffatt, is currently part of SEI’s Research Ethics Committee and a valued member of the Associate Tutor Team; and indeed we hope that his involvement may grow even stronger as the year ahead unfolds. He introduces himself below:
It is a privilege for me to have been invited to join the Board of the Scottish Episcopal Institute and a special joy to be part of the teaching team as an Associate Tutor in Theology, Ministry and Mission. I was born in Scotland but raised and educated in America where I served for 11 years as a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister before coming to the Church of Scotland in 2008. I completed my doctoral studies in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow in 2018.
I have many and varied interests, so many that my wife is convinced I have attention deficit disorder! These include mountain biking and cycling, hill walking and backpacking. I love cooking basic grub and BBQing in the winter rain. I am a musician, play the bassoon and the flute in local music groups, and lead our church praise band on the guitar. My playlist includes Lincoln Brewster and Linkin Park (ask me which one has a better grasp of the human condition and the need for redemption!) I volunteer with Scottish Detainee Visitors at the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre where I also serve as a volunteer chaplain. Recently, I became an Associate Member of the Iona Community and participate in the Common Concern Network on Migrancy and Refugees. I have six children and two grandsons, and have been married to Lisa for 32 years.
Working with the Scottish Episcopal Church suits me just fine and it was a pleasure for me to preach at St. Mary’s in Hamilton on Maundy Thursday this year where I shared the story of our recent agreement in the Saint Andrew Declaration. “Did you know our ancestors would have been horrified to see us worshipping together?” Most didn’t. While it is gratifying to know that ecumenical partnerships are now an accepted norm, it remains important that we know the reasons for our differences and share a measure of humility and contrition over the agonies we have wrought upon one another over the centuries. I look forward to playing a part in the healing and in the sharing of good ideas and faithful practice with the SEI.
Saltire from Unsplash, Chris Robert; photograph courtesy of John Carswell
