Kirk considers installing 'virtual' clergymen

Virtual ministers could be used to reach out to church congregations which struggle to attract full-time clergy, it was revealed today.

Under the plan, ministers would be able to preach to congregations which do not have a permanent minister over a live video link.

Those behind the idea believe it could particularly benefit church-goers in rural communities.

The proposal will be put forward at the Kirk's annual General Assembly, which gets under way next week.

The idea is being proposed in a report to the Assembly by the Church's Ministries Council, which acknowledges that rural and island presbyteries can often find it difficult to attract ministers.

There are currently an estimated 190 full-time vacancies across Scotland.

Under the proposal, churches would be linked by technology similar to that used in video conferencing.

As a result, a number of congregations would be able to experience and take part in the same service.

Plans for a pilot scheme in Orkney are under way, which will look at the possibility of a number of congregations in different islands sharing in the one act of worship.

That way, the minister will be able to be physically present on a different island each week, and virtually present in the other ones.

If the scheme is successful, it could offer similar benefits to congregations in other rural areas which do not have a full-time minister.

Rev Trevor Hunt, clerk of the presbytery of Orkney, said the initial idea was to link up congregations on four islands for the pilot scheme.

He said the idea appeared to be a suitable "compromise" to try to address some of the problems faced by rural congregations without a permanent minister.

But he said it was vital that the congregations involved were fully able to take part in the service and were "not just watching TV".

"I think it has potential. It certainly seems to us here that it's worth trying," he said.