Church of Scotland appoints new Moderator before crunch talks on future

The new Moderator Rt Rev Colin Sinclair addresses delegates

A new Moderator has been appointed by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland ahead of radical plans to save millions of pounds a year.

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair was an extra in the 1975 comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail when he was a university student.

But yesterday the Edinburgh minister and grandfather-of-four found his own holy grail when he was appointed to the role of Moderator.

The ceremony took place at the opening day of the Kirk’s General Assembly in Edinburgh.

In his opening address, Mr Sinclair asked for prayers for “grace, wisdom and love, and forgiveness for when I get it wrong”.

He then thanked all those involved in his spiritual journey.

He said: “I had no idea that when Jesus said ‘follow me’ all those years ago as a teenager how exciting would be the adventure ahead.

“It would take me all around the world and to meet people at every level and stage of life.

He added: “Can I thank you once again and pray I may be worthy of the trust that you have shown to me.”

Mr Sinclair has been installed at a time of financial turbulence for the Church of Scotland.

It faces a budget shortfall of £4.5 million as congregation numbers drop 4% a year. The General Assembly will hear on Tuesday a 16-point “radical action plan” that includes reducing the number of presbyteries from 45 to 12.

Commissioners will also be asked on Tuesday to consider plans to reduce administration costs by up to 30% and merge four of the Church’s councils into two.

But the Church also aims to build up a £25m growth fund to “plant new churches and create new worshipping communities”.

Rev Dr George Whyte, Principal Clerk to the General Assembly, said: “This General Assembly will be asked to make bold plans for the future of the Church of Scotland.

“There will be proposals to invest in growth, to work in new ways and to put mission right at the top our priorities.

“If commissioners accept the proposals the Church will see a radical shift of resources and energy towards the local church.”