The Scottish Prison Service is proud to share that Rev Jill Clancy, Facilitating Chaplain at HMP Barlinnie, has been nominated as the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Jill will become the first prison chaplain ever to hold the position and only the seventh woman in the Church's 466-year history to be appointed Moderator.
As Moderator, Jill will chair the annual General Assembly, where ministers, elders and deacons examine the work and laws of the Church and make decisions that shape its future. She will also serve as an ambassador for the Church of Scotland at home and abroad throughout her year in office, which begins in May 2027.
Jill began her career in prisons at HMP Kilmarnock before moving to a full-time position at HMP Barlinnie in 2017. Over the past nine years, Jill has become a highly respected and familiar presence within the establishment, offering pastoral care, guidance and support to those who need it most.
Her appointment is a significant milestone for prison chaplaincy and reflects the valuable contribution chaplains make in supporting people in our care and staff across Scotland's prisons.
SPS Chaplaincy Advisor Rev Graham Bell said: "We are absolutely delighted to hear of Jill's nomination. It is a tremendous honour and one that is richly deserved.
"Jill has made an outstanding contribution to prison chaplaincy over many years. Through her ministry, she has provided compassionate support to those in our care and to staff, bringing energy, warmth and dedication to everything she does.
"We are immensely proud that Jill is set to become the first prison chaplain to serve as Moderator of the General Assembly. While she will be greatly missed during her time in this role, we have no doubt she will bring her passion for people, her understanding of prison ministry and her commitment to faith and service to this prestigious office."
