Thursday October 29
The founder of an Edinburgh homelessness charity has been named Moderator-Designate of the 2016 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
The Rev Dr Russell Barr, minister of Cramond Kirk, said he was 'excited, honoured and overwhelmed' to have been appointed.
He added: “It is not a role that I ever imagined being asked to do. It is humbling to be elected by your peers to serve the Church in this way."
Dr Barr founded Fresh Start, 15 years ago. The charity, which is supported by more than 80 congregations in Edinburgh and employs 18 people, provides food and offers cookery classes and lessons on budgeting and growing fruit and vegetables. It has helped more than 2000 people in the past year.
Dr Barr, who enjoys golf, rugby, opera and reading in his spare time, said he hoped to use his moderatorial year to raise greater awareness of homelessness and food poverty, as well as 'to raise moral and ethical issues and publicise the important part the Church plays in public life'.
Dr Barr is married to Margaret, a retired secondary school biology teacher, with whom he has a son, Robert, and daughter, Lindsey.
The grandfather of two is convener of the Presbytery of Edinburgh’s superintendence committee and a member of the business committee.
Dr Barr, who has a doctorate of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary in the USA, served as Moderator of Edinburgh Presbytery in 2011-12 and was chaplain to the Lord High Commissioner of the General Assembly in 2012-13.
He was convener of the Africa and Caribbean Committee of the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council between 2011-2015.
The Moderator of the General Assembly chairs the Church of Scotland's highest court at its annual meeting in May, before taking on an ambassadorial role for the rest of the year.
Post Tags: moderator, russell barr
The Rev Russell Barr, founder of charity Fresh Start, says he will seek to raise awareness...
Read More >
The Rev Russell Barr, founder of charity Fresh Start, says he will seek to raise awareness...
Read More >
The Rev Russell Barr, founder of charity Fresh Start, says he will seek to raise awareness...
Read More >
There are currently no comments on this post
All fields are required. Email address will not be published.
Life and Work
121 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4YN
T: 0131 225 5722
E: magazine@lifeandwork.org
Scottish Charity Number SC011353
Copyright © The Church of Scotland, 2024. All Rights Reserved
Website by Adept
