‘Excitement and trepidation’ as new Moderator takes on key Kirk role

Just over four decades ago, when she watched her first General Assembly, Rt Rev Rosemary Frew would never have believed that one day she would be overseeing proceedings as Moderator.

Accepting the role at the opening day of this year's General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Mrs Frew – better known to friends and family as Rosie – admitted this was not something she could have foreseen in her "wildest dreams".

"When I watched my first General Assembly ‘live' from what was the student gallery, way back in 1984, I never imagined I would be standing here," she said.

Today marks the start of a busy year for Mrs Frew, who will take temporary leave of her Bowden and Melrose parish in the Scottish Borders to become the public face of the Church of Scotland at home and abroad, as well as presiding over the General Assembly as members discuss the current state of the Church and look to the future.

"What an honour. One I accept with excitement and trepidation in equal measure," she said, before going on to thank the colleagues who have stepped in to allow her to take leave of absence from her beloved Borders parish, and the friends and family, including husband Dave and grown-up children Pete and Bex, who have supported her ministry journey.

"Since the announcement of my nomination I have been quite overwhelmed by messages of affirmation and support. I've felt surrounded by love and assurances of prayer, for which I thank you," she added.

Friendship and fellowship

Brought up in Clarkston in Glasgow and previously a minister and presbytery clerk in Fife, Mrs Frew is already a well-known face at the General Assembly having served at national level as convener of the Ministries Council and the Faith Nurture Forum.

She told commissioners: "As I look around this hall I see the General Assembly of 2025. We will worship together. We will work hard together as we turn our attention to the business before us, some quite difficult and emotive business.

"We will laugh and doubtless we will cry. We will enjoy friendship and fellowship, and in all we do, we will remember the extravagant love of Christ. Christ who loves us with a love that is wide and long and high and deep. We are to know that love. We are to show that love."

An inspired choice

One of Mrs Frew's first tasks as Moderator was to respond to and welcome this year's royal representative, Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland Lady Elish Angiolini.

Pointing out that it had taken a bill fast-tracked through Parliament and the House of Lords to allow Lady Elish, the first Roman Catholic to take the role, to be here today, Mrs Frew said her appointment was an inspired one and "a real living out" of the 2022 St Margaret Declaration of friendship and respect between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.

Mrs Frew noted a shared Glasgow upbringing, commenting: "When we first met you commented ‘I'm just a girl from Govan'. These roots and that upbringing have shaped you. Throughout your career you have had a deep concern for the most vulnerable – witnesses and victims, particularly children, as well as those who cannot afford legal advice.

"We are honoured to have you here."

Mrs Frew also paid tribute to retiring Moderator, the Very Rev Dr James Shaw Paterson, calling him "a great ambassador for our Church" over the last year.

"It has been a busy 12 months. So many visits and opportunities, so many people and places, so much that you have learned. So much encouragement that you have given, building up the people of God – with the odd DIY project thrown in," Mrs Frew continued.

"When this General Assembly ends, have a rest, take a holiday, spend time with family and friends before returning recharged to your folks in Strathaven and parish ministry.

"Shaw, we thank you and ask God's continued blessing upon you. Well done good and faithful servant."