Under radical plans being considered by the Church of Scotland rites such as baptism and communion could be administered online via Skype, in a move that redefines the idea of a congregation in the internet age. The proposal, to be debated by members of the Kirk's decision-making general assembly, which meets in Edinburgh next week, stems from initiatives such as streaming services to enable housebound parishioners to join in despite being unable to attend.A paper presented to members of the general assembly suggests re-examining issues such as voting rights at congregational meetings for people joining remotely.It also argues it is time to create what amounts to virtual congregations, by allowing "access to the sacraments" for people who are not " present in the congregation".In Presbyterianism, the term "sacraments" refers only to baptism and communion."Wider questions about belonging are being asked by congregations whose services, through the internet, are being carried well beyond their parish boundaries," the paper says.It says the idea of being a member of a congregation is becoming "blurred" as people move yet keep links through new technology."As fewer people join in the traditional sense, questions arise about online membership and access to the sacraments," the paper said. ..