Kirk 'smear campaigns' hit search for Moderator

THE Church of Scotland is set to change the way it chooses its moderators after apparent smear campaigns by factions inside the Kirk.

HOT SEAT: John Christie is stepping down and in the years ahead the search for his successors will change. Picture: GREG MACVEAN

It plans to stop publishing the shortlist of those being considered for the top post because the release of the names sparked a flurry of emails to members of the committee responsible for making the selection, accusing certain candidates of having "unsound views".