New College Principal Appointed Queen's Chaplain

                                                                                                                                                             Thursday July 9, 2015

The Principal of New College at the University of Edinburgh has been appointed to the role of Queen's Chaplain.

The Rev Professor David Fergusson, a respected theologian and author - and regular contributor to the pages of Life and Work - was named as one of the Queen's 10 Chaplains-in-Ordinary earlier this month.

Professor Fergusson, who has served at New College since 2000, said: "It's a great honour to be appointed and I'm looking forward to serving in this capacity," He added: "As a person who teaches students from all over Scotland I think I have a sense of the issues faced by ministers across the breadth of the Church and I am delighted and honoured to serve The Queen in this capacity."

The Very Rev Dr Finlay Macdonald, a former Principal Clerk of the General Assembly was appointed as an Extra Chaplain (a retired post) as an expression of The Queen's gratitude for his previous service.

The Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said: "This is a wonderful recognition of David's many outstanding contributions to the Church and to Christian scholarship. David is a person who writes much admired theology for his professional colleagues but is also able to write with warmth and great lucidity for the person in the pew.

"If becoming Moderator is the most important institutional role to which a minister may be called, appointment as a Chaplain to The Queen is the greatest personal honour. In each case in which The Queen makes such an appointment it is an indication of her trust in the person she is honouring".

The role of Chaplain to the Monarch dates back to the 15th century in Scotland and is today a largely ceremonial honour. Chaplains to the Queen take part in formal state occasions and conduct services at significant national events.

Professor Fergusson's ministry began more than 30 years ago in Cumbernauld and has included teaching posts at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen universities.

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