Barlinnie prison chaplain named next Church of Scotland moderator
Rev Jill Clancy, who serves at Scotland's largest prison, is set to take over as the Kirk's next moderator in May.
Stone church building in the Scottish Highlands. Stock image · Photograph: Photo by Maxwell Andrews on Unsplash
The chaplain attached to HMP Barlinnie has been chosen to serve as the upcoming moderator for the Church of Scotland. Rev Jill Clancy is scheduled to step into the role next May, following on from the current moderator, Rev Gordon Kennedy.
At 56 years of age, Rev Clancy has spent nine years working at the Glasgow prison. Her earlier career involved ministerial duties in Ayrshire, Glasgow, and Gourock.
Her appointment makes her the seventh female to hold the position in the 466-year history of the Church, as well as the first individual from a prison chaplaincy background to do so. She received news of her nomination while spending time on holiday in Benidorm.
Reflecting on her upcoming duties, Rev Clancy noted that her year in the role will focus on the theme of love. She succeeds the current leadership at a time when the Church is managing various difficulties, such as falling numbers of parishioners and the sale of historic properties.