 Joining the Church
Each year, from mid-January to Easter, a Church Membership Class meets on a Sunday
morning after the Morning Service for those who wish to consider becoming members of the
Church by Profession of Faith. The Course covers basic matters of Christian belief
and membership of the Church. The Class is open-ended, in that no prior obligation
to join the Church is expected of those who attend. The intention is rather to
enable people to use the course to help them reach a decision. A Service of
Confirmation for those who choose to join is held shortly after Easter.
For those who are unable to commit themselvbes to a series of weekly meetings, an
all-day gathering can be held in the autumn, subject to sufficient demand. The same
topics are covered in an abbreviated form, with a Service of Confirmation being held on a
Sunday shortly afterwards.
Members of other churches can automatically transfer their membership to the Cathedral
upon application to the Minister. Likewise, should you leave the area a certificate
of your membership will be provided to take with you.
We will always be glad to welcome you if you should wish to be associated with our
worship and activity without becoming a formal member. Membership is not necessary
for sharing in any part of the Cathedral's life. An Elder can visit, if you should
wish, the parish magazine can be delivered and you can be kept in touch with all that is
happening in the Cathedral. Having said that, membership of the Church is seen as a
sign of our practical commitment to the beliefs for which the Church stands and of our
desire to support the work of the Church today. We would always be pleased to assist
you in considering this important step.
Supporting the Work of the Church
While the Cathedral itself is maintained by Historic Scotland, the Congregation is
responsible for meeting all the costs involved in employing its personnel, maintaining its
own buildings (including the Cathedral Halls) and in promoting the work of the Church
within the community. In addition we contribute generously each year to the wider
work of the Church both in Scotland and overseas.
Our income is derived from two main sources:
- Gift Aid - a particularly valuable method of supporting the work of the Church, wherby
the Church is able to reclaim the tax paid on the amount given, thus greatly increasing
the value of such contributions.
- Weekly Freewill Offering (WFO) - a system which provides members or friends with a set
of envelopes for each Sunday in the year, thereby encouraging us to set aside a sum each
week for the work of the Church.
Members of the Cathedral are invited annually to review the ammount they give in order
to help us meet ever-increasing costs.
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