Nominations invited for the next Moderator

Recommendations are now being accepted for the person who will be nominated as Moderator of the General Assembly in May 2027.

After chairing the business of the General Assembly, the Moderator acts as the Church's ambassador during the following year, visiting presbyteries, meeting and encouraging Church members in a variety of settings, and representing the Church at public events.

The Moderator serves for 12 months, completing their term on the opening day of the 2028 General Assembly.

Any member of the Church of Scotland can recommend a minister, an elder or a deacon for consideration by the Committee to Nominate the Moderator using the recommendation form.

The Very Rev Rosie Frew, who served as Moderator from 2025-2026, is the convenor of this year's Committee.

Mrs Frew said she was looking forward to working with the Committee to review a wide range of suggested nominees.

"The Committee is currently considering what qualities we are seeking in our next Moderator, preparing to look at recommendations and to discern where God is leading us.

"I am inviting people across the whole of the Church of Scotland to pray and reflect on whether God is guiding them to offer a name for consideration.

"Please, take time to think deeply about the people you know who have the ability to inspire, encourage and lead. Speak with them and ask them to prayerfully consider putting their name forward.

"As a Church we are facing huge challenges but, from personal experience, from spending time with congregations, presbyteries and church projects, so much good and innovative work is being done in Christ's name.

"There is much to learn about, learn from and celebrate – and a visit from the Moderator is a real encouragement all round. The Moderator also represents the Church ecumenically, in inter-faith settings, and in civil society. This is a real privilege and presents many and varied opportunities for valuable engagement.

"We need the right person to serve as our ambassador for 2027/28."

Do you know someone who has the gifts and experience to fulfil this calling?

Download and complete the Moderator of the General Assembly Recommendation Form.

Completed forms should be returned to Nicola Nicholls by Friday 14 August 2026. The consent of the person being recommended must be obtained before the form is submitted, and only one form should be submitted for each person.

The Moderator of the General Assembly is a full-time role, and living accommodation in Edinburgh is provided during the term of office. The role is not salaried, but financial support may be considered on an individual basis. The Moderator travels extensively and may undertake overseas visits where circumstances require.

Please give this request your prayerful consideration.

Find out more

Visit the Nominations for the Moderator of the General Assembly page for full details about the nomination process, eligibility and how to submit a recommendation, or learn more about the duties of the Moderator.