A CHURCH of Scotland minister has been selected for the most senior chaplaincy post in the Royal Navy.
Reverend Scott J Brown QHC Royal Navy, currently responsible for all operational aspects of chaplaincy in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, will take up the historic office of the Chaplain of the Fleet and Director General Naval Chaplaincy Service with effect from 1 November this year. He succeeds the Venerable John Green CB QHC.
Speaking today, Mr Brown, 42, was delighted by the news: “I am deeply honoured to be asked to lead the Naval Chaplaincy Service for the next three years.
“The spiritual and pastoral care of the men and women of the Naval Service, and their families, is vitally important, and I look forward to working with the Kirk and other denominations in that task.
“Men and women from the Naval Service are today putting themselves in harms way on operations, on land and at sea, in various parts of the world. Their chaplains will be with them, ministering to them where they are.
“It is my privilege to lead such a dedicated and effective team and I look forward to the challenge immensely.
“The Forces’ family includes those who have served in the past. I look forward to working with the Church of Scotland, and charitable organisations to further develop the care we can offer our veterans and their families.”
And the convener of the Kirk’s Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces, reverend Neil Gardner, paid tribute to his colleague: “The appointment of Reverend Scott Brown as the next Chaplain of the Fleet is good and welcome news not just for the Committee but for the whole Church of Scotland.
“The General Assembly has always warmly endorsed the work of our chaplains across the board and this promotion ensures that the interests not just of our chaplains but of all Scottish service-men and women will be represented at the highest level.”
Following his theological studies at the University of Aberdeen Mr Brown was licensed by the Presbytery of Hamilton in 1992 and underwent an assistantship at Falkirk: St Andrew’s West between 1992 and 1993.
He was ordained in 1993 by the Presbytery of Hamilton and appointed by the Naval Chaplaincy Service to a sea-going appointment in Rosyth.
Mr Brown was chaplain to Very Reverend Dr John Cairns during his term as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 1999-2000, and was appointed an Honorary Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in 2007.
He is based at Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth.
Ends.
Note to news desks:
To arrange an interview with Reverend Scott Brown please call Gordon Bell, senior media relations officer, on 0131 240 2204 or email gbell@cofscotland.org.uk. A photo of Mr Brown is also available.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by the Church of Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Gordon Bell
Phone: 0131 240 2204
Email: gbell@cofscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk
