Expert on the kirk noted for strong views

Published on Monday 25 February 2008 09:30

David Wright, a professor of ecclesiastical history at New College, Edinburgh University, has died aged 70.

A distinguished evangelical church historian, theologian and a Kirk Elder, Professor Wright played a major role in Church of Scotland debates about sexuality and baptism.

Born in 1937, he took a first in history and theology at Cambridge University, and was a research student in Lincoln College, Oxford, from 1961-4, when he was appointed lecturer in ecclesiastical history at New College, University of Edinburgh.

Immediately following the new appointment, he joined a group of young church historians known as "the Cheyne Gang", centred around Professor Alec Cheyne, which transformed the study of church history, particularly in Scotland.

When he retired in 2003, he was appointed an honorary fellow of New College.

An expert in Reformation theology, he published extensively on the early church fathers, especially St Augustine, and on the magisterial figures of the European Reformation – Calvin, John Knox and Peter Martyr.

He also wrote on contemporary ethical issues facing the Church, particularly questions of sexuality, where he took up a thoroughly conservative position.

In 2005, he published a book entitled What has Infant Baptism Done to Baptism? An Enquiry at the End of Christendom (2005).

However, in some ways Professor Wright's greatest academic contribution was as an editor, particularly of Reformation and patristic texts, and of reference works such as the notable Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology (1993).

His scholarship was internationally recognised, and he lectured all over the world.

Prof Wright also made history in 2003 when he became the first elder to be installed as moderator of the Church of Scotland's Edinburgh presbytery in its 400-year history.

The post, which is elected annually, had previously always been held by a minister, although elders were eligible for the post.

Later that year, he was also tipped to become moderator of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly, although the position was eventually given to Dr Alison Elliot – who became the first woman to ever take on the role.

Prof Wright was also awarded the degree of doctor of divinity by Edinburgh University in 1997, and in 1999 he was appointed to an Edinburgh University personal chair in patristic and reformed Christianity.

He also served as convener of the university library committee, was a member of the DLitt committee and the university court.

For the last four years of his life he was the chairman of the Lothians and Borders prostate cancer support group, which provides support and encouragement to cancer sufferers.

He was supported throughout his final illness by his wife, Anne-Marie, their daughter, Jenny, and son, Andrew.