GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1992

With the possible exception of Italy during the election procedure of a Pope, no other country, like Scotland during Assembly Week, has so much media attention given to ecclesiastical affairs. It is not easy to explain. Cynicism and de-bunking is fashionable; good news is usually not news. But national television devotes a daily half-hour, sometimes more, when a few seconds of advertising costs an arm and a leg; and newspapers of all persuasions contain spreads on the Assembly's business some, admittedly, enlarging on any faintly prurient aspects to catch readers attention and, hopefully, increase circulation. That is cynical!

What is the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland? It is the annual business meeting of the ultimate court or governing body of our national Church. The very first vow taken by the newly crowned Sovereign of the United Kingdom undertakes to support the national Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

During Assembly Week, the Lord High Commissioner ranks first-in-the-land in Scotland and is addressed as 'your Grace', as is his spouse. Dare I write 'her' spouse? We have not yet had a lady High Commissioner, nor yet a Moderator, but why not, one, or both? One's initial impression of the Assembly is a gathering of old men, not reflecting the preponderance of females now in many Kirk Sessions. Laity and clergy are always represented in equal numbers totalling over a thousand. In spite of the average age - what un-retired elder can devote a whole week in May to business meetings sometimes extending well into the evenings - it was a colourful crowd. Many were in kilt and dog-collar.

Scotlands' banner, borne by the Earl of Dundee, precedes the Lord High Commissioner's ceremonial entry. It is all impressive and dignified although.personally the Moderator's turning his back on the Assembly to await her Majesty's Representative's arrival, sticks slightly in the gullet! There are countries where I could be quietly disposed of for putting such a sentiment on paper - even whispering it.

After formalities, and indeed every day before business, we sing a psalm. Later, during a debate, Kirks are urged to use contemporary and new forms of praise. "Do as we say, not as we do". We sing under the direction of a Precentor, unaccompanied, to the traditional psalm tunes. Wonderful. Tape recordings are now available from C. of S. bookshops of this years renderings.

Debates and discussions are businesslike and courteous. No House of Commons rabble this. Polite curtailment of verbosity. "Moderator, Scrimgeour 774" is the cry to catch the moderational eye. I didn't dare! There is, admittedly, a sense of overwhelming "establishment inertia", but absolute freedom to stand up and be counted on more than one occasion resulted in my being one of a few, only, on their feet when considering a deliverance. The Assembly does not have such worldly things as motions!

Everything centres on the Blue Book. This is the inch thick volume of Reports one should have studied beforehand. Another Scrimgeour Elder's name is in the list of Commissioners and we meet through exchanged messages left in our individual numbered pigeon holes. But I'm proud, too, to see mentioned more than once the honoured name of Alice Scrimgeour. acknowledged for her pioneering work, Skirmisher No.10 contains a moving tribute to her, one of our Clan Association's best loved founder members.

Impressions? Reasoned arguments contrasting with humourous comment. Relevant ceremony contrasting with some obsolescence - the moderational frills and the Procurator's full-bottomed wig. The hesitant parade of aged ex-Moderators to their exclusive enclosure - known as "the play-pen".. but fine old gentlemen with war decorations still much in evidence; no George MacLeod for the first time for many years. The Morning Service in St. Giles, the ladies hats in the Throne Gallery, the Armed Services representatives. It all adds up to an unforgettable colourful experience.