Spanz ceased hard copy publication in May 2020.
In considering options for communication beyond Spanz, Council of Assembly advised in October 2020 that it was conscious of other discussions around strategic planning and direction setting in the context of the wider Church. Council advised that it wished to clarify its own thinking around broader strategic issues, and then consider how this aspect of communication and post-Spanz possibilities could flow from there.
Prior to 2018, Spanz was a quarterly magazine, published each year in Autumn (March), Winter (June), Spring (September), and Summer (December).
In 2018, Council of Assembly advised that as part of its policy of a balanced operational budget, resource allocated to the Spanz publication had been reduced for the year ended 30 June 2019, which meant a reduction from four editions to three in 2018/2019.
In 2020, Spanz (no.78) was planned to be published in May 2020 (there are no 2020 autumn nor winter editions), however due to Covid-19 lockdown and other factors, it was decided to cease hard copy publication of the magazine.
The last Spanz magazine published was November 2019.
Council of Assembly Convenor, Richard McLean advised: "We are investigating the Church’s overall communication across our life together and note the high use of, and engagement with, online communication in the wider community. We are also aware of our need to care for creation and the increasing costs of printing and distribution. Any changes beyond May 2020 will be signalled next year."
Discernment about what will replace Spanz is continuing, and an announcement will be made when more information is available.