Moderator preaches at Stornoway High 30/8/14
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev John Chalmers, preached to more than 200 people at Stornoway High Church during his visit to Lewis.
In April, over half the congregation of Stornoway’s High Church quit in protest of the national church’s decision to allow gay ministers and the departure from Biblical teaching.
Mr Chalmers said: “We could not have experienced any warmer a welcome than we have experienced here in Stornoway. We have learned much about the community and our visit has provided a much needed opportunity to affirm the work being done by the Church of Scotland throughout the islands.”
He added; “It was wonderful to preach to such a well attended service in which I was able to share my enthusiasm for all that the Church of Scotland is doing across Scotland and encourage folk in their journey of faith.
“The motto of the town of Stornoway is God’s providence is our inheritance and I enjoyed assuring the people of the High Kirk that, in keeping with their town motto, God will not let them down.”
On their eight-
The Clerk to Lewis Presbytery John Cunningham, said it was a “great privilege” to host the Moderator and Mrs Chalmers.
Mr Cunnigham said: “The Moderator has visited a number of organisations and individuals and has enjoyed hearing how peoples' Christian faith has enriched their lives and helped them deal with the challenges which life presents from day to day.
“Through the visit, the Moderator has gained a unique insight into every facet of island life. On the Friday, he was joined by three senior representatives of the central Councils to engage in constructive dialogue with members of Lewis Presbytery, discussing, among other things, the Church's handling of religious observance in Schools and the contentious issue of civil partnerships and the ministry.”
“ We value the support the Moderator has shown for Lewis Presbytery and will continue to hold him in our prayers as he discharges the weighty responsibilities of his Moderatorial year."