The Kirk plans to go cashless
The days of the tradtional collection plate could be numbered as the Church of Scotland encourages congregations to go contactless.
Paisley Abbey is among the churches which have been trying out mobile electronic playments, and it's said to be leading people to donate money when they wouldn’t have necessarily done before.
Kirk officials are recommending a device made by GoodBox, which gives parishioners the option of making a cashless donation or drop in notes and coins.
National Stewardship co-ordinator, David Lynch, described it as a “game changer”.
Mr Lynch said: “Digital giving shows that the Church is willing and able to embrace modern technology and it recognises that we are living in changing times.
“It fully understands the need to look at new and emerging methods of income generation.”
“The purpose of encouraging congregations to adopt a system is to provide those people looking to donate with the widest possible options,” he explained.
“They could be one off visitors to services, event attendees, tourists or regular church members who have moved to a cashless lifestyle.
“It will also give congregations the option of a new portal of income generation for events and hall rentals.”
Money collected via contactless is part of the normal financial mission of each congregation and will be used in the same way as collection plate/bag donations.
Greyfriars Parish Church in Lanark in South Lanarkshire introduced a PayPal seven months ago.
Minister, Rev Bryan Kerr, said donations from people who would not traditionally give money to a church have increased.
“We have an electronic 'giving station' where people can give a one-off donation, set up a standing order or regular payment and sign up for Gift Aid,” he added.
“We are slowly encouraging people to give what they can, however they can, be it via cash, contactless or even mobile phone.
“This is the way forward for the Church and we need to move with the times and encourage people to give in whatever way they feel comfortable.