THE Board of Communication rejects the complaints by its staff and urges the General Assembly to dismiss the petition. It also denies that there is a crisis.

''Every effort has been made by the acting convener, board and director to keep channels of communication open and to pursue a harmonious outcome based on mutual benefit,'' it says.

''There is no concrete evidence of a de facto breakdown in these relationships. Board business has continued as normal and there have been many improvements.''

In its response to the petition, it rejects suggestions that no pastoral care was offered and disputes claims of stress: ''...For the entire period since the review proposals were announced there has been no medical evidence presented to the board, or to the personnel department, of staff being treated for 'stress-related illnesses and other problems'.''

Although it makes no mention of the resignation en masse of four of its members earlier this year, the board does acknowledge a ''compensatory payment'' authorised by its finance group of #1900 plus VAT to the employers of a member of the review group who had used company time and facilities on review business.

The board disputes other charges made against it and adds: ''The board's willingness to go to mediation without precondition remains on the table.''

However, the tone and substance of the board's response stand in stark contrast to the distinctly upbeat message in its general report to the assembly, compiled earlier, which ''commends staff for their hard work and commitment against the backdrop of uncertainty''.

It has glowing praise for Pathway Productions, the Kirk's broadcasting unit which is roundly lambasted in the petition response.

The general report also outlines a new strategy for improving communications within the church and with the outside world.