General Assembly 2010 – A Brief Summary

After the Retiring Moderator's address, the Moderator's Reception and the new Moderator's address, the business of the Assembly begins in earnest.

Most Assembly business is based on the work of Committees, which meet at intervals throughout the year, and report to the General Assembly. The membership of these Committees is suggested by the Nominations Committee. Their selection is based on names submitted by Presbyteries.

A message to Queen, called the Loyal and Dutiful Address, is prepared, presented to the Assembly for approval and, if necessary, adjustment. It will later be hand-lettered in calligraphy on fine paper and sent to the First Minister of Scotland for transmission to Her Majesty the the Queen.

The Ecumenical Relations Committee deals with our church's relationship with other churches. This year the Committee was able to inform the church that the position of the Free Church (Continuing) as a member of the International Conference of Reformed Churches has been formally recognised.

The Finance & Sustentation Committee recommended that there be no increase in Ministers' Stipends, which will remain at £18,000 per year. At present there is a considerable shortfall in the Church's income as compared to expenses.

The Welfare of Youth & Education Committee expressed great concern at the infiltration of an anti-Christian world view into state schools, often under the guise of Equality. There was much good work done by the church to counter this infiltration: Sabbath Schools, various awards given for Bible Knowledge and Catechism, All-age Holiday, and Youth Camps. It is hoped that a new Catechism will be produced: not a new version, but a re-setting of type and lay-out to make it easier to learn.

The Psalmody Committee reported the availability of the latest CD in the "Worthy to be Praised" Series. There had also been a 30% increase in the number taking the Psalmody Test, including some adults.

The Public Questions, Religion & Morals Committee focussed on matters to do with the Constitution of our country, which includes its Protestant Heritage. This is a very important matter in view of the proposed Papal visit. The Committee had written to Gordon Brown and were intending to write to David Cameron to express our dismay and grief at the invitation extended to the Pope.

The Publications Committee reported the arrival of their most recent publication, The Reformation 1560: The Greatest Year in Scotland's History by Rev John J Murray.

The Training of the Ministry and Admissions Committee reported that two students are due to finish their studies this year: Mr Raymond Kemp and Mr David Lachman. There are two further Free Church (Continuing) students at the Seminary: Mr James MacInnes and Mr Alasdair Macleod. Mr Calum Smith will begin his studies later this year.

The Home & Foreign Missions Committee presented speakers to address the Assembly on the work in Home Missions, Jewish Missions, Zambia, Kenya, Atlanta and Smith Falls.

The Legal Advice and Property Committee continue the struggle to assert our rights to a share of Free Church property and funds, in the defence of action taken against us in Broadford and Partick.

21st May 2010