John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland, has attended the opening session of the 2026 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.
The First Minister was invited to the Assembly by the outgoing Free Church Moderator Rev Alasdair Macleod. A receiving party met him at the Assembly at St Columba’s Free Church, on the Royal Mile, on Monday evening.
Mr Swinney spoke about the enduring role that faith communities play in Scotland’s national life, saying: “They are spaces not only of reflection and governance but also of dialogue between the Church, civic society and political leaders.”
He thanked Retiring Moderator Rev Alasdair Macleod for his service and contributions this past year and acknowledged Rev Callum Iain Macleod as Moderator-Designate.
He added: “I want to acknowledge the significant contribution that Scottish Christian communities including the Free Church make here at home and abroad. You support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society whether through pastoral care, community outreach or practical support. Your efforts not only provide material help but also dignity, compassion and hope in a society that needs an abundance of dignity, compassion and hope. The Scottish Government deeply values these contributions. We recognise that modern Scotland is a multi-faith and multi-cultural society – a place where people of all faiths and beliefs and of none should be able to live according to their convictions freely and without fear.”
He said Government will continue to champion inter-faith dialogue, work with faith leaders and ensure that equality and human rights remain at the heart of policy making. He thanked Rev Stephen Allison, Public Engagement Co-ordinator for his contributions to the Scottish Government’s Faith and Belief Representatives Group.
Mr Swinney highlighted two Scripture verses that he looks to: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” and “nothing can separate us from the love of God” adding that he carries his faith “deeply, quietly and privately in his heart” which influences the way in which he undertakes his responsibilities as First Minister.
Outgoing Moderator Mr Macleod said: “The two spheres that we represent as State and as Church as we seek to serve our nation; they overlap in so many different ways. We both care deeply about the physical welfare of our nation. We care deeply about those who are trapped in poverty, those who are lonely, those who are faced with anti-social behaviour issues. These are big issues. We both care deeply about the mental health of our nation. Tonight there are far too many people in a cloud of darkness and hopelessness, many trapped in addiction. We care even more deeply for the spiritual welfare of this nation because the Bible makes it clear to us that all of us have a never-dying soul.”
Mr Macleod spoke of the intrigue that people have about Jesus. He spoke about Jesus’ unique power for good, his unique purity, his unique teaching that still shapes us, his unique care for his church and his unique invitation to messed up people. Jesus “captures peoples’ attention in a way no-one else does”, he concluded.
He assured Mr Swinney of the Free Church’s prayerful support for him, for the Scottish government, and all parliamentarians.
During the evening, Mr Swinney was presented with a piece of wall art, and gifts for his wife and son.
This year’s General Assembly starts today and runs until Thursday. The Assembly is the highest decision-making body in the Free Church of Scotland and meets each May to discuss church business and set policy.
Taking over the Moderator role for 2026-2027 is Rev Calum Iain Macleod who serves as minister of Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church in the Black Isle. He is set to give his Moderator’s Address tomorrow morning.
Do keep an eye on the Free Church social media and website for livestream links and updates throughout the week.