Going for a song?

The Church of Scotland now has fewer than half a million members, according to a report I first heard on television news. In the background, a congregation was struggling to sing one of the 21st century Church's banal, boring, brain-busting hymns.

The thought occurred: that could be one reason for falling membership. But the programme makers seemed oblivious to the numbing effect such music has on the public.

There are hundreds of hymns that Kirk members have sung through the years, all of them a thousand times preferable to much of the rubbish served up to congregations today.

General William Booth of the Salvation Army had it right. If you want to get your message over, say it with music. But make sure the music is worth listening to and singing.

GEORGE K MCMILLAN

Mount Tabor Avenue

Perth