The latest edition of Inspires Online is out, and it’s as much of a ‘Synod Special’ as it is a ‘Summer Special’.

The June issue carries a wide range of articles from across the Province at this busy time of year for the Scottish Episcopal Church.

The main business at Synod is highlighted, headlining on the addition to the SEC liturgical calendar of Jane Haining on 17 July each year. Also covered is the start of work on a new strategic vision for the SEC for the next ten years, and the ten-point Action Plan on Climate Change as the Church works its way towards a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

General Synod also marks the end of two terms of committee conveners, with thanks given in two articles to the Rev Canon John McLuckie and the Rev Canon Professor David Jasper as they come to the end of their duties with the Inter-Church Relations Committee and the Doctrine Committee respectively.

Inspires also takes a look at the work of SEC partners, focussing on Eco-Congregational Scotland at home and, further afield, the experiences of overseas organisations as they try to cope with the effects of the pandemic.

In addition, there is news about three SEC clergy who have been invited to address the Scottish Parliament, a congregation member named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, and tributes in the north-east following the passing of the Rev Canon James Alexander at the age of 94. Canon Alexander served for 45 years in the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney and supported bereaved families and devastated communities at the time of the Piper Alpha disaster.

Around the Dioceses, there is news of the dedication of a pilgrim route in Moray, Ross & Caithness, a welcome to a new Provost and a memorial service farewell to a Lay Reader in Brechin, and the installation of three Honorary Canons in Edinburgh.

Regular features include a round-up of the SEC in the media and a reflection from SEI Director of Studies the Rev Dr Michael Hull, with further news from the SEI highlighting the latest SEI Journal and the introduction of an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Inspires Online can be found here.

(Picture shows image of Jane Haining in a stained glass window at Queen’s Park Govanhill Church in Glasgow, where the missionary worshipped)