Not in my name

I notice that the Church of Scotland's bid to reclaim costs from Hookson, the communications agency commissioned to revamp the burning bush logo, has failed.  

The online Scotsman says: 

A SHERIFF has thrown out a bid by the Church of Scotland to claw back money paid to a design company for work on its logo.

Read here

The online Herald says:

The Kirk took Edinburgh creative communications agency Hookson to court after the company revealed details of the project on a trade magazine’s website.

Read here

The Herald then goes on to say: 

Giving evidence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Church of Scotland communications manager Jennie Rutte said the work was to be low key as they did not want churchgoers to think a big change to identity was being made or a lot of money was being spent when there was a threat of redundancies.

The managing director of Hookson is further quoted as saying:

Managing director of Hookson, Bryan Hook, said: “If they have suffered reputational damage that is in their court. They were disingenuous and did not confirm a contract with my company and this fuelled suspicion.”

I am personally not happy at all that my own offerings and those of my congregation, as well as those of so many others, have been used to pursue not much more than £3200 through the courts.  I am not impressed at all by the way in which the church has opened itself up to the charge of being disingenuous.  Has that really been true?  If so, then who is responsible for that, and will there be an apology?  


I am also completely convinced that money spent on a change to the corporate logo of the Church of Scotland is money utterly wasted.  And is this indicative of many other, unknown, instances of waste, excess, indulgence and misspending when it comes to managing the offerings of God's people in the Kirk.  


There are far more pressing financial needs before us just now, because of the financial shortfalls in the Kirk, not least the loss of two hundred full time ministry posts.  This failed court case is exactly the sort of thing that feeds the feeling that the centre is out of touch with what is thought to be of vital importance in the parishes and congregations.

Hookson was pursued in the courts without my knowledge, agreement or concurrence, and I suspect that I echo the sentiment of many in the Kirk when I say that this was not done in my name or with my support, before or after the fact.

Sole Deo Gloria