General Assembly
Free Church of Scotland
General Assembly 2026
The 2026 General Assembly will take place from Monday 18th to Thursday 21st May in St Columba’s Free Church, Edinburgh.
Moderator 2026-2027
The Commission of Assembly has announced Rev. Calum Iain MacLeod as the Moderator Designate for the 2026 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.
Calum Iain said: “It has been my privilege to serve the Church in various congregations over the years. It is a great honour to be nominated as Moderator-Designate of the 2026 General Assembly.”
He was brought up on the Island of Scalpay, Harris, and became a Christian when he was 13. Before training at Edinburgh Theological Seminary (formerly the Free Church College) he worked as a project manager for community trusts specialising in cultural tourism based on the west side of the Isle of Lewis.
He has served as minister of Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church in the Black Isle since 2019. From 2010-2019 he served as minister of Back Free Church, and as minister of Barvas Free Church from 2003-2010. He has served the Central Church in the following roles – as a member of the Mission Board (formally the Home Mission Board) and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees in more recent years.
Calum Iain is married to Dina. They have three daughters, Anne-Marie, who lives in Melbourne, Rachel Kate, who lives in Glasgow and Eilidh, who lives in Edinburgh.
Rev. Calum Iain Macleod
Moderator
About the General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body in the Free Church of Scotland and meets for a week in Edinburgh every May to discuss church business and set policy.
Normally there are around 80 commissioners, made up of Free Church ministers and elders from different Presbyteries and congregations across Scotland, as well as missionaries from overseas.
The business is chaired by the Moderator, who is appointed for a one-year term.
There will usually be an address from the Lord High Commissioner *– His Majesty The King’s representative to the General Assembly – as well as speeches from esteemed guests from other organisations.
*The Lord High Commissioners is not available to attend the 2026 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.
Assembly Report & Minute Archive
Each year, the main Boards and Committees present Reports to the General Assembly. These are written to inform the church about the work that has been taking place and the plans that are being made for the future. The Reports also contain a ‘Deliverance’, which is a list of items to be incorporated into our church’s legislation. You can download the Reports from recent General Assemblies below.
Meeting minutes are also recorded during the sessions of the General Assembly. You can download the Minutes from recent General Assemblies below.
Acts of Assembly 1900 - Present
Every year the Free Church of Scotland General Assembly passes a set of acts – decisions made by the Assembly which translate into rules governing points of procedure. You can explore over 100 years of Assembly Acts here, providing both a fascinating insight into the history of the Free Church and a clearer understanding of the ongoing work and functioning of the church today.
Search Acts of Assembly in Force
This section contains a Digest of Assembly legislation which are in force and relevant. Any amendments have been incorporated into the Acts.
- You can use the search box for a general search.
- You can search by subject (e.g. Presbyteries) or by year.
- You can find a list of repealed acts of assembly here. (Please note, if you wish to view the Acts (in full) that have been repealed, go to the section above.)
Standing Orders and Conflicts of Interest Policy
Our Standing Orders, outlining the procedural framework of the General Assembly, and our Conflict of Interest Policy are practical tools designed to support the General Assembly in maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
Download these documents using the links below