In the Free Church of Scotland Assembly, Rev. Billy Graham from South Africa was appointed the new Moderator. The Retiring Moderator, Rev. Alasdair Gollan, in the opening session of the Assembly reflected on the fact that many people eager to clean up the environment are not concerned about widespread moral degradation. He said that the media had much to answer for and that it was no wonder that the crime rate was increasing when young minds were exposed to debasing influences.
The new Moderator reminded the Assembly of the resurgence of Islam and of Eastern religions and in Africa of traditional religions. The Christian Church, he said, could never lay aside the challenge to go into all the world and preach.
The effect of tourism on Church-going and on the Sabbath in the Highlands was stressed in the Assembly. Rev. Donald MacLean said that the whole blame could not be placed on incomers for the erosion of Sabbath observance because local people were worshipping the “golden calf” of tourism instead of attending church. The Assembly was gratified by the successful opposition to Sabbath sailings of ferries in the Outer Hebrides.
As usual the Lord High Commissioner, Lord Ross, visited the Free Church Assembly. In his address to the Assembly he praised the Free Church in their continuing battle to uphold the principles for which they had fought and won in the House of Lords following the 1900 Union.
The plight of the homeless in the cities was raised in the Assembly. It was stated that the Free Church was taking the first steps to convert property to provide short term accommodation for young, homeless people. A plea was made that young ministers should have more training in dealing with social problems. The Assembly agreed by a small majority to ensure that students were adequately trained in issues of social responsibility and that ministers receive refresher training to cope with social problems. The Principal of the College opposed this sudden change in the curriculum of the College without prior consultation with staff and the training of the Ministry Committee.
The General Assembly was warned of the dangers connected with aid to Eastern countries. Rev. Bill Scott, who had been involved in such work, said that aid should be given with much care and through local pastors who knew the needs of the people, otherwise the aid might be sold on the black market.