The Guild presents its report

The Guild presented a report on the actions undertaken following their strategy for the years 2009-2012. Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn, National Convener of The Guild started by stating “how much out of silence we women have become”. She then presented the work that The Guild is doing in conjunction with a variety of partners amongst which are The International Justice Mission who provides a safe place for children who have been sold into sex slavery. She spoke passionately of the Guild's firm conviction to fight human trafficking. She also mentioned the work of OtherSide who works with children in Scotland who are affected by their parents being in prison. She mentioned that there are more children in Scotland affected by this problem than by divorce.

Mrs. Dunn proceeded to speak of the work done in conjunction for A Place for Hope, in dealing with conflict resolution techniques. She spoke of the need to spread mediation skills amongst congregations.

The work of The Guild in support of the HIV/AIDS project, known from now on as the HIV/AIDS Programme was also highlighted and it became evident that the fundraising efforts and commitment of Guild members across Scotland to help those afflicted by HIV/AIDS and in need of nutrition was very successful. However their involvement is not only financial, Guild members launched an appeal for plastic gloves and school stationary for Zimbabwe and were able to chart 3 plane-loads of materials to that country.

Ms Dunn spoke warmly of the ecumenical work done in conjunction with Interfaith Action in Israel and Palestine, where Christian accompany Palestinians through their daily lives by simply living with them, and bearing witness to their trials and tribulations. She also made reference to the work done by Rabbis for Human Rights and their work in strengthening the links between Palestinian and Israeli women.

On a more administrative aspect of the report Mrs Dunn reported that the new constitution of The Guild had been revised, circulated and accepted by its members and sought the General Assembly’s approval of this new constitution.

All deliverances were approved and Mrs Dunn was thanked for work as National Convener.

HIV/AIDS Project

The Convener of the HIV/AIDS project group, Dr Robin Hill presented the report. Since 2001 The Church of Scotland has been actively involved in the fight against the spread of AIDS/HIV by offering practical support to local partner churches in geographical areas across African where the pandemic is strongest. The purpose of the HIV/AIDS project is to (1) break the silence on HIV/AIDS (2) stand together with partner churches (3) offer practical support 94) speak up for the voiceless and (5) involve every member of the church. Mr. Hill stated that the global HIV pandemic is at a critical point today and that the current picture differs significantly from the picture 26 years ago. There seems to be a stabilisation of the incidence of HIV infections and there are now more than 33 million people living with HIV according to UNAIDS 2008 data.

Different speakers who had gone to visit HIV projects in Malawi spoke enthusiastically about the incredible generosity of volunteers in that country who not only walk many miles to take care of HIV/AIDS patients, but share money and funds. It was seen that through the work of the project and its partners in Zambia, Sri Lanka and Ghana, that much more awareness about the problems of stigmatizing people with the virus is evident. Mrs Carol Finlay spoke eloquently of the willingness of HIV/AIDS sufferers to speak out and share their experience for the camera. Mrs. Finlay mentioned that this openness however is not universal across Africa and what seems to be the norm in Malawi is not the norm everywhere. She also spoke of the patients’ surprise upon learning that HIV/AISD sufferers in Scotland are not so open about their experience and often feel stigmatised by Scottish society.

Robin Hill spoke about the project’s work in cooperation with The Guild and thanked it for its fundraising efforts on behalf of the project. Finally, Mr. Hill mentioned that on an extremely cold January 10th, when Scotland was facing almost freezing conditions, over 10,000 people braved the weather to attend a Souper Sunday, sharing bread, soup and fellowship in their congregation, all in benefit of the HIV/AIDS project.