Assembly round-up
THE GOVERNMENT must send a message to the elderly that they have worth, dignity and value in society by ''closing the care gap'', the Assembly was told.
Mrs Ann Allen, convener of the board of social responsibility, said that action would seem ''an elementary first step'' .
''The Royal Commission into Long Term Care of the Elderly will report early next year, and we must hope that it will require the Government to fund realistically the care of our old folk,'' she said.
Mrs Allen said that in the first year of major ''sea change'' under a new Labour Government, promises had been heard about the creation of a new Britain. ''We look forward to seeing just how the rhetoric will become implemented,'' she declared.
p AN INFLUENTIAL Kirk body yesterday won the battle for backing for its controversial employment policy that resulted in a major fall-out with a Glasgow housing association.
The Assembly supported the board of social responsibility, despite a warning by Bellshill minister the Rev Martin Johnstone that this was ''a very very dangerous road for as long as the Christian religion remains the majority religion in our land''.
p THE youth of the Church of Scotland is presenting hope for the future, the Assembly heard.
Outlining the report of the Kirk's board of parish education convener the Rev Stewart Smith said: ''In the field of youth work this has been a very full year. More youth workers have been taking part in our training courses than ever before; last year's national youth assembly continues to generate tremendous momentum.
''There are real signs of hope.''
p THE number of responses to the Kirk's church hymnary revision committee on children's hymns was ''a disgrace'', the Assembly was told.
The Rev John Burns, of Inch, in the Presbytery of Wigtown and Stranraer, was commenting on the committee's report which showed 11 presbyteries, 16 kirk sessions, congregations and Sunday schools, and three individuals, had put forward suggestions.
Mr Burns, who won support for a call that further responses should be invited by the end of the year, said the present number was ''completely inadequate''.
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