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Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
UK News

Church of Scotland considers online baptisms

by Hannah Tooley

Between 2004 and 2015 the congregation fell by a third to around 363,597.

During that time baptisms also declined to around 3,548 - half as how many were being conducted previously.

CC

A report, published before the General Assembly next week in Edinburgh, wants to boost numbers.

The Telegraph has reported that the committee said: "As fewer people join up in the traditional sense, questions arise about online membership and even about access to the sacraments while not being physically present in the congregation."

It goes on: "There are no easy answers to some of the questions, but in a world where the fastest growing communities are online, the committee believes that now is the time to open up wide-ranging discussion."

The idea will be debated by the Kirk next week.

"New technology in church life" will be investigated and Norman Smith, vice-convener of the Mission and Discipleship Council said it would be a "grown-up discussion" before any proposals are put forward.

In the USA online baptisms are popular and many can hear services over Skype or over the phone.

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