Nominations are open for the 2026-27 Moderator
Published on 2 July 2025 2 minutes read
The Committee to Nominate the Moderator is now accepting recommendations for the person who will be nominated as Moderator of the General Assembly in May 2026.
After moderating the business of the General Assembly, the Moderator acts as the Church's ambassador during the following year, visiting Presbyteries, meeting and encouraging Church people in a variety of settings, and representing the Church at public events.
The Moderator will serve for 12 months, completing their term on the opening day of the 2027 General Assembly. Any member of the Church of Scotland can recommend a minister, an elder or a deacon for consideration by the Committee using the recommendation form.
Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who served as Moderator from 2024-2025, is the convener of the Committee to Nominate the Moderator. Dr Paterson said he was looking forward to working with the committee to review a wide range of suggested nominees.
"The committee is ready to look at recommendations and to discern where God is leading us," he explained. 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.
"I hope members throughout the Kirk will think deeply about the people they know who have the ability to inspire, encourage and lead.
"I encourage everyone to respond to this invitation and also to intimate this call for nominations to as many others as possible.
"We know that the Church is facing huge challenges but, from personal experience, I have witnessed how congregations across the country are reaching out for opportunities to grow and to serve the needs of their parishes.
"We need the right person to encourage us as we build together in faith."
Ambassador at home and abroad
Completed forms should be returned to Nicola Nicholls at NNicholls@churchofscotland.org.uk by Friday 15 August 2025.
The consent of the person being recommended should be obtained before the form is submitted. The committee asks that there is only one form submitted for each person being recommended.
The Moderator of the General Assembly is a full-time role and living accommodation in Edinburgh is provided during their time of service. This is not a salaried role but consideration of financial support during the term of office will be given on an individual basis.
Please give this request your prayerful consideration.
Do you know someone who would have the gifts and experience to fulfil this calling? If you do, download the form and make a recommendation.
Fill out the Moderator of the General Assembly Recommendation Form.
Read more about the duties of the Moderator.
