Being short of cash may no longer mean that family and friends living abroad have to miss out on some of the most important church occasions as churches across Scotland get set to broadcast weddings, christenings and funerals via webcams.
Relatives and friends will soon be able to log on and share in some of the most important and intimate church occasions from thousands of miles away as churches in the country take an increasingly keen interest in how to set up the webcams.
Scottish churches have been inspired by the successful pioneering scheme at Glasgow University Chapel which installed the webcams due to high demand from former students now living abroad, says Glasgow University’s chaplain, the Rev Stuart McQuarrie in The Times.
The live link-up made it possible for the sick grandmother of one bride to watch her grandchild’s wedding from her hospital bed, while McQuarrie was able to broadcast a communion service to his congregation after they were left snowbound at home by a blizzard.
“The webcams are a great way of making sure that they don’t miss out on seeing their loved one’s big day,” he said. “We did it as an experiment and had no idea that it would take off in the way it has. People from all over the world are logging in to see loved ones walking down the aisle.
“We are also getting hits from casual wedding watchers who are looking to pick up tips for their own ceremony.
“One woman, who is living in Turkey, was able to log on and watch the blessing ceremony to mark her parents’ 50th year of marriage.
“Not only was she able to watch the whole thing but she was able to talk to her parents through microphones before and after the ceremony.
“The feedback so far has been excellent, and only one couple have asked us not to broadcast their wedding. Obviously, we respected their wishes,” said McQuarrie.
Now other churches are keen to set up the webcams and enjoy the same successes.
“We are one of the first churches in the UK, if not the first, to install webcams, but I don’t think we will be the last. I’m sure it will catch on elsewhere in a big way,” he said.
The Church of Scotland is waiting with anticipation to see how successful the new venture will prove.
A spokesman said: “Churches are certainly making greater use of technology in their activities and this is to be encouraged, as it helps us to take our message to a wider audience.”