Rt Hon Lord Hodge has been re-appointed as Lord High Commissioner
Published on 9 March 2023
The Rt Hon Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, has been re-appointed as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly, serving in the role for a second year.
As Lord High Commissioner, Lord Hodge will attend the 2023 General Assembly, acting as the personal representative of His Majesty King Charles III.
Rt Hon Lord Hodge said: "It is a great honour to be appointed again as the Lord High Commissioner and to attend the General Assembly, which I used to serve as its Procurator.
"I remember vividly the events of last year, both learning how the Kirk was responding to the challenges – and opportunities - which it faces, and the inspiring trips to meet people working hard for charities and serving their communities in many different ways.
"I look forward to reading the 'Blue Book' to learn of this year's debates in the General Assembly; and my wife and I will enjoy meeting many people, both old friends and new, during our week in Holyrood and out and about in Scotland."
The General Assembly, which is the highest court of the Church of Scotland, will take place in the General Assembly Hall on The Mound in Edinburgh from Saturday 20 May until Thursday 25 May 2023.
A distinguished career in law
Lord Hodge (Patrick Hodge) grew up in Perthshire and attended Rattray Parish Church with his parents and is now connected with Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.
One of the two Scottish Justices on the Supreme Court, he was appointed Deputy President of the Supreme Court in January 2020.
Lord Hodge studied history at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and worked as a civil servant in the Scottish Office before attending the University of Edinburgh to read law.
He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1983 and appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1996.
From 1997-2003, Lord Hodge was a part-time Law Commissioner of the Scottish Law Commission and from 2000 to 2005 he was a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey and Procurator to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Between 2009 and 2011, he served as convener of the Church's Special Commission on Same-sex Relationships and the Ministry.
More information on the 2023 General Assembly will be available in the coming weeks.
