New Moderator of the General Assembly elected
Published on 15 May 2026 4 minutes read
An Edinburgh minister has been elected the new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy will chair the annual gathering in Edinburgh, then serve as the Kirk's ambassador at home and abroad for the next 12 months.
He said he remained "surprised" to have been chosen as the Church's new ambassador at home and abroad but accepted the call in all humility.
Mr Kennedy told commissioners that he and his wife, Rev Fiona Kennedy, very much depended upon their "prayers and support for the year ahead".
He was passed the official ring and chain of office by the outgoing Moderator, Very Rev Rosie Frew, who said they spoke of the Kirk's history, faith and values.
Mr Kennedy is taking a leave of absence from his role as parish minister of Craiglockhart Parish Church, a calling he has held since 2012.
Addressing commissioners, he said: "Mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers in Christ, thank you.
"I remain surprised to be standing here and, in all humility, receive this call to serve as Moderator this year.
"Fiona and I are very grateful to so many of you for your emails, phone calls, and conversations since the announcement of my nomination and very much depend upon your prayers and support for all that lies ahead."
Calling
Mr Kennedy said he has always believed that the "highest calling" which a minister of the Gospel can receive is to serve as a parish minister.
"I am honoured to have been called to serve as parish minister in New Cumnock, Portpatrick and Stranraer St Ninian's, and currently in Craiglockhart," he said.
"I have learned more about ministry from you all than from anyone else and cherish our fellowship in the work of mission and ministry in local church."
Mr Kennedy thanked his chaplains, Rev Ian Cathcart and Rev Ramsay Shields, for their support, telling them that their prayers and fellowship in the gospel are "precious" to him.
He also thanked Rev Dr Robert Young and Rev Professor Will Storrar, who have been appointed to look after Craiglockhart Parish Church in his absence.
Mr Kennedy, who was born and raised in Glasgow, said: "To allude to Hebrews 11, and what more shall I say?
"For time would fail me to express my thanks to all those who have encouraged me as I have sought to walk in all Christ's ways.
"Some of you are here today and some watching online. You will understand if I mention just two who are no longer with us today, a father in Christ and brother in ministry, Douglas, and our dear sister Wilma.
"It is good that all of my family can be here today, Karen and Rab, my wee sister Kirsteen, our sons John and Andrew and Andrew's wife Bonnie.
"Fiona, you have been God's greatest gift to me, an encourager and challenger, you make me more than I could be, which I know remains a work in progress. Thank you."
Together as one
An in-person and online participation event, this year's General Assembly is being held over four days for the first time.
Mr Kennedy said: "My fellow commissioners, I need your help. I haven't done this before. I am only slightly comforted by the thought that since this is our first four-day Assembly, none of us have done this before.
"I, and the team here have been working hard and will continue to do that to serve this General Assembly in walking in all God's ways.
"But we need your help. We need to work together as one people, one Assembly.
"This is the way our God has set before us, we can only walk in it if we encourage and support and trust one another."
Mrs Frew congratulated the Moderator on his election, describing the role as a calling, not an ambition or aspiration.
She said: "A calling, one you are prepared for over the years in many different ways, though you probably only see that with hindsight.
"It's a calling that is tested, a nomination which you have accepted. Thank you for answering this call.
"You bring to the role of Moderator a wide experience of parish ministry – in New Cumnock, in Portpatrick and Stranraer, and now in Craiglockhart.
"These congregations will have shaped your ministry.
"From my own experience, they will be your staunchest supporters over the year ahead, and many are here for you today in the gallery and online.
"You bring a love for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and a passion for sharing the gospel.
"You bring experience of serving the church both nationally and at presbytery level.
"Over this General Assembly and throughout the year ahead, be assured of the prayers of the General Assembly, the prayers of the Church.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you."
Blessings
Mrs Frew led the General Assembly in prayer.
Let us pray…
Gordon,
May the Lord bless you, may the Lord keep you
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you
And give you peace.
As you begin this new service in Christ's name,
As you walk in all his ways
May he give you strength for the journey that lies ahead
May he give you words for encouragement and challenge
May he give you a heart of compassion and understanding
May he fill you with joy
And may you and your family be surrounded by love and prayer
In Jesus' name we pray
Amen