Former science teacher is next Moderator

THE Church of Scotland has announced the next Moderator of the General Assembly.

The Rev John Christie has been named as the Moderator Designate. He is at present interim minister of St Andrew's Church, West Kilbride, and the Scots Kirk, at Lausanne in Switzerland.

A former scientific assistant in the Royal Ordnance Factory at Bishopton, the 62-year-old Scot taught science at secondary schools before taking a divinity degree at Glasgow University, graduating in 1989. He has been convener on four Kirk boards, including its safeguarding, parish education and protection of children committees.

Mr Christie will take up his post when the General Assembly is held in May next year.