Hidden in Plain Sight

To mark the start of Lent, on Wednesday 17 February, Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, is launching a photo competition – ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ – with both children and adults alike invited to send in their photographs showing the Cross in our everyday surroundings. The winner in each category will be awarded a gift to the charity of their choice.

Dr Fair, who has spent his year as Moderator reaching out to congregations and churches online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is keen to show that the Cross is an ever-present support in our lives, particularly during difficult times such as these.

“As we head towards Easter, the Cross will come ever more into view – the central symbol of the Christian faith,” Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair said.

“Generally speaking, we find Crosses set within church buildings or worn as jewellery. But, when we open our eyes to the possibility, we can begin to see images of the Cross all around us – in both nature and the built environment.

“Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: find a Cross that is ‘hidden in plain sight’ and using your camera, or your phone, take a photograph of it.

“Perhaps it will be two branches on a tree which form a Cross shape. Perhaps you’ll see a Cross in a section of wrought-iron fencing. Maybe you’ll see it in a set of road markings or in a random piece of graffiti?

“The only limit is your imagination. Open your eyes and you’ll see that the Cross is all around you.”

How to take part

To submit your entry for the photography competition, please email MediaRelations@churchofscotland.org.uk, attaching your photograph(s) as well as your name and which category you are in:

1. Primary school age
2. Secondary school age
3. 18+

The rules are very simple:

• The photograph must be one that you’ve taken yourself.
• You must take the photograph within your own community and must observe all Covid-related restrictions when doing so.
• Each entrant can submit up to three photographs.
• Images can be taken either on cameras or smartphones and must be submitted by email. Please note, we unfortunately are unable to accept photographs submitted via post at this time.

The competition will run for one month – from Wednesday 17 February (the start of Lent) until Wednesday 17 March. All submissions must be received by the closing date.

All entries will be featured in a special photo gallery on the website.

The Moderator will head a judging panel and the winners in each category will be announced in the lead up to Easter Sunday, with a gift to the charity of the winner’s choice being awarded in each category.

The winning entries will be displayed across the Church of Scotland’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and in a special photo gallery on the website.

Let the fun begin. Get snapping!