Church of Scotland: New Moderator's warning over 'divisions' in society as anti-Semitism threat grows
The Church of Scotland’s next Moderator of the General Assembly has been announced
The Church of Scotland’s new Moderator has warned “we should all be worried about divisions in our society” as he said there was a need for all communities to “listen respectfully to one another”.
Rev Gordon Kennedy, 62, who has served as the minister of Craiglockhart Parish Church in Edinburgh since 2012, declared “we need to change” as he was named moderator-designate of the Kirk’s General Assembly.
He will succeed Rt Rev Rosie Frew from May, when her 12-month term comes to an end.
Rev Kennedy described the recent increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia as “a deeply troubling situation in our nation and our communities”. He said the church was “committed” to promoting social harmony and inclusion.
“I think we should all be worried about the divisions in our society,” he said. “History has shown us that communities which appear stable can very quickly destabilise and fall into violence.
“I think being worried about the divisions in our community is a sign of care for our community.
“We’re not ignorant of the fact that there are tensions, and we are serving in our community to try and defuse those tensions and promote harmony and good relationships between folks in our communities.”
Rev Kennedy said part of the problem was conversations often take place “in public through open forums”, which he said meant people “feel they have to represent their own opinion as stridently as they can”.
He said “closed-door conversations” between communities, where leaders “get round a table with a cup of coffee and a biscuit and have a respectful conversation” would help foster a more respectful public debate.
Rev Kennedy’s appointment comes with the Kirk at a tipping point amid a significant decline in its congregation. The Church had 245,000 members as of December last year - a 5.5 per cent fall on 2023, and a decline of 35 per cent over the past decade.
Asked to directly address any disillusioned members, Mr Kennedy said: “Somebody once described faith as not just standing at the edge of the cliff, but leaning out over the edge with only the wind of God’s Spirit to hold you up. Not only is it frightening, it is exciting.
“The way we've been doing church over the past 30-40 years was great for then, but it isn't great for this moment in time.
“We need to change, but the challenge is we're not always sure about how we need to change and in what direction we need to change ... let's not be ashamed and we should be confident and bold.”
Rev Kennedy became a member of the church in 1981, and has served as the minister of Craiglockhart Parish Church since 2012.
As moderator, Mr Kennedy will act as an ambassador for the church in Scotland and around the world over the next year.
Asked about the church’s position on the conflict in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire is in place, Rev Kennedy said the church had “a role to play” in helping ensure it becomes a lasting peace.
“We need to be thankful for every hour when a ceasefire holds, because that’s another hour when there are no more victims of bombs or rockets or wars,” he said.
“What Christian communities in Scotland and elsewhere in the world can do is … support the work of relationship-building, awareness-raising and good community communication in these areas where we have a presence.”
Rev Kennedy has previously served at New Cumnock Parish Church in East Ayrshire (1993-2000) and Portpatrick Parish Church linked with St Ninian’s Parish Church in Stranraer, Wigtownshire (2000-2012) before relocating to Edinburgh.
He grew up in Glasgow and attended Crookston Castle Secondary School. Mr Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Strathclyde.
Asked about his appointment, Mr Kennedy said: “My first reaction was surprise. I had never thought of being Moderator, it's not something that's been in my mind.
“During conversations with a friend, who recommended me, and with my wife it became clear there was the possibility that this was God's call for this time. But I am delighted and what it means to me is an opportunity for service.”
Rev Kennedy is married to Rev Fiona Kennedy, herself a minister working in Edinburgh. The couple have two sons.
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