Derek Browning Announced as Moderator-Designate

Wednesday October 12

The Rev Dr Derek Browning has said it is 'a huge privilege' to be named Moderator-Designate to next year's General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Dr Browning, minister of Morningside Parish Church in Edinburgh, will chair the Church's annual meeting in May next year. He said he hoped to use his time as Moderator to highlight ongoing work carried out by churches supporting people on the margins of society.

The 54-year-old, who has served Morningside since 2001, added: “Being nominated as Moderator is the greatest honour the Church of Scotland can bestow."

Dr Browning read history at Corpus Christi College in Oxford, and felt the call to the ministry in his early 20s.
 
“For some people this is a gradual realisation, but for me it was a sudden awakening that I couldn’t put off until I had dealt with the questions it posed, and explored the possibility," he said.
 
“My ministry afterwards has stuck with those two themes: dealing with questions and exploring possibilities.”

A graduate of St Mary's College in St Andrews and with a doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary in the US, he was ordained at Cupar Old Parish Church in Fife in 1987.

He has served in the Church in several capacities in St Andrews and Edinburgh Presbyteries and also at a national level. He is currently convener of the Assembly Arrangements Committee (the Business Committee during the General Assembly), which includes responsibility for the Heart and Soul event, when 5000 people celebrate the work of the Church in Princes Street Gardens.

Dr Browning, who has contributed to BBC Radio Two’s ‘Pause for Thought’ programme, said: “The theme for Heart and Soul 2017 is ‘Word of Life’ and this rich and layered theme speaks to me about many things but ‘inclusion’ is one of those words of life.
 
“The issue of social inclusion is a key one in society and the church.

“People find themselves excluded for all sorts of reasons and the Church must play a role in bridging the gaps between individuals, communities and nations.”

Dr Browning said the Church must recognise that society is changing and must respond accordingly.
 
“The challenge facing the Church is bound up to going to where there is vulnerability and need and offering welcome, hope and acceptance,” he added.
 
“I believe in a ministry of presence and chaplaincies in hospitals and the armed forces, universities and schools, work-place chaplaincies and chaplaincies to groups on the fringes of society, take the work of the Church outwards to where people are.”

Comments

Ishbel Robertson - Friday, October 14th, 2016

“Congratulations Dr Browning I can't think of a better man for the moderatorial job.
Bonus I also in many assemblies you have arranged so very well

With Best wishes for 2017 and for the joy of leading the assembly in a different and challenging role. Ishbel R”

Add a reply

All fields are required. Email address will not be published.