The Kirk has set up a security working group

A report by the Kirk's board of world mission also says it is deeply concerned that important posts in Africa remained vacant because of a lack of applicants.

"In many situations around the world, a culture is emerging where violence has become the first option when addressing inter-communal tensions," it says.

"The church, however, has implements in its toolkit.

"The board has been examining some of the tools which can be used to address conflict in non-violent ways."

The report also reveals that the board has been working closely with Christian Aid and the Scottish Malawi Relief Fund to provide emergency food relief.

It says further large-scale action is needed to address the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

A Christian missionary school was attacked in 2002

Due to increasing violence in some countries, the board has set up a security working group to enable its workers to increase their awareness of possible dangers.

The report adds: "So many people have been hurt by the raging conflicts of our time that something truly radical is needed before there can be any hope of healing and reconciliation.

"When great wrongs have been perpetrated it may be that retributive justice is not enough to set things right."