Current Moderator

Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy

A parish minister with more than 30 years of experience, Mr Kennedy has served at Craiglockhart Parish Church in Edinburgh since 2012. He is taking a leave of absence from the congregation during his year as Moderator.

Background and ministry

Mr Kennedy grew up in Glasgow, attending Crookston Castle Secondary School. He studied Civil Engineering at the University of Strathclyde and worked for Strathclyde Regional Council before pursuing a call to ministry.

He studied Divinity at the University of Glasgow and completed his probation at Bearsden North Parish Church in 1993.

His parish ministry has included:

• New Cumnock Parish Church, East Ayrshire (1993–2000)
• Portpatrick Parish Church, linked with St Ninian's Parish Church, Stranraer (2000–2012)
• Craiglockhart Parish Church, Edinburgh (since 2012)

Throughout his ministry, he has held leadership roles within three presbyteries and the national Church. These have included serving on the former Council of Assembly, the Theological Commission and the Church Without Walls Special Commission.

Faith and priorities

Mr Kennedy hopes to use his year as Moderator to support and encourage local congregations, chaplaincies and pioneering forms of ministry, helping people grow in faith and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

He has spoken about the importance of prayer, Bible study and discipleship, encouraging the Church to approach change with confidence and a willingness to serve its communities.

Reflecting on the importance of local ministry, he said:

"For me, the most important part of the Church of Scotland is the local church: local congregations, chaplaincy and pioneering work."

His own journey of faith began at Partick South Parish Church in Glasgow, where he took part in a weekly Bible study and prayer group as a young adult. The experience helped shape his calling to ministry and his commitment to helping others engage with the Bible.

Mr Kennedy believes that sharing the Christian faith involves both proclaiming the Gospel and demonstrating it through compassion, mercy and practical service.

Personal life

Mr Kennedy is married to Rev Fiona Kennedy, an ordained local minister who works with congregations in Edinburgh. They have two adult sons, John and Andrew.

Outside his ministry, he enjoys listening to jazz and opera and holidaying around Scotland with his family.

Read Gordon Kennedy's reflections on his faith and calling to ministry