Meeting of Parties in aftermath of the Determination

On the basis of an approach made by the Moderator of the 2004 residual Free Church Assembly a further meeting of the parties took place Free North Church, Inverness, on 3rd May 2005. In presenting his opening statement, the Convener of the residual Free Church delegation detailed what he characterised as his side’s ‘Offer’. This was effectively a reiteration of what they had proposed during the mediation talks at Carberry Towers in August 2004 but with the removal of any commitment to ensuring availability of properties for worship or as manses. There are other situations where the majority of local congregational trustees are loyal to the Free Church (Continuing) and they hold title to properties in trust on behoof of the congregation. The Free Church (Continuing) General Assembly on 26th May 2005 took note of but rejected the terms of the ‘Offer’.