Moderator-Designate Withdraws

Tuesday March 18 2014

The Moderator-Designate of the 2014 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has withdrawn from the role because of illness.

The Rev Dr Angus Morrison (pictured) said the decision was 'painful' but 'the right one', while the Church expressed 'great regret'.

A Church statement read: "(Dr Morrison) is undergoing treatment and it is hoped that over the remainder of this year his health will be fully restored. In the meantime his well-being depends on having time and space fully to recuperate and recover."

Dr Morrison, minister of Orwell and Portmoak, said: "This has been a very painful decision but deep down I feel it is the right one. I am undergoing medical treatment and anticipate an operation ahead. The demanding role of Moderator requires someone to be operating on all cylinders. I do not have the necessary reserves just now.

"My heartfelt prayers will be with all those on whom unexpected burdens now fall. May God's guidance, strength and peace by given to each one."

The Principal Clerk to the General Assembly, the Rev John Chalmers, said: "We ask the whole Church to remember Angus and his family in their prayes and we hope that his health is fully restored in due course. I know that the General Assembly will be enormously sympathetic to Angus's position and will no doubt want him to fulfil the role of Moderator at some time in the future when he has made a full recovery."

The Church statement added that this was an unprecedented situation, but that the Committee to Nominate the Moderator 'has wide ranging powers to act in the event of such unforeseen circumstances'. The Committee, which includes a representative from each Presbytery, will be recalled to bring forward another nominee. The name is expected to be announced on Wednesday April 2.

Picture: Gavin Anderson photography

Comments

james knight - Thursday, March 20th, 2014

“Sorry to hear of your illness. May God speed your recovery.”

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