Professor Alan Main, Professor of Practical Theology and Mater of Christ’s College, Aberdeen will be confirmed as Moderator of the Church of Scotland tomorrow (16 May) as the General Assembly begins its week-long annual General Assembly in Edinburgh.
Speaking before his year formally begins, Professor Main says: “I am alternately intimated, excited, challenged and humbled. Since nominated last October, the feeling has been one of being on an accelerating express train - one with no stops! The programme drawn up for me is a very full one so I shall begin there and work out my aspirations”
Professor Main added: “Being a theological educator, I shall want to keep in touch with the developing new programme of ministerial training, and to take the opportunity to talk to candidates on their way through, affirming them in this, the greatest vocation of all. The holy ministry, IS a tremendous calling, one of privilege, to be working by invitation at the core of the lives of people, one of challenge, to inspire the unchurched millions with the flame which drive US and to share our Gospel and demonstrate that it really is the good news that every body needs. I want to highlight the Gospel imperative that, as Christians, it’s people that matter and as a church we should not hesitate to get involved wherever we find need”.
Almost a thousand minister and elders, representing Church of Scotland congregations throughout the country and in many places overseas will attend the assembly.
Born in Aberdeen in 1936, Professor Main was educated at Robert Gordon’s College, Aberdeen of which he has been a governor since 1988. Arts and Divinity degrees at Aberdeen were followed by a year as Scots Fellow at Union Theological Seminary New York from 1960-61 and a further two years to complete a PhD after returning to Scotland.
Professor Main has been much involved in educational, city , community and church affairs as Vice-Convener of the `church of Scotland, Committee on Education for the Ministry, a member of Aberdeenshire Educational Committee and of the Church of Scotland’s Assembly Council. He has also been chairman of Grampian Marriage Guidance, Cruse Bereavement Care and the NE Council on Disability adviser in religious programming to Grampian TV, and a member and chairman of the Joint Ethical Committee of Grampian Health Board and the University of Aberdeen. Twenty years a s serving Padre with 153 Artillery Support Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport are he says, also counted among his positive and enjoyable learning experiences.