George MacLeod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Very Reverend The Lord MacLeod of Fuinary Bt MC |
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| Moderator of the General Assembly | |
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| Church | Church of Scotland |
| In Office | 1957 to 1958 |
| Predecessor | Robert Scott |
| Successor | John Fraser |
| Other posts | Leader of the Iona Community (1938–1967) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1924 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | George Fielden MacLeod |
| Born | 17 June 1895 |
| Died | 27 June 1991 (aged 96) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Denomination | Presbyterianism |
| Education | Winchester College |
| Alma mater | Oriel College, Oxford University of Edinburgh Union Theological Seminary, New York |
George Fielden MacLeod, Baron MacLeod of Fuinary (born June 17, 1895 – died June 27, 1991) was an important Scottish soldier and church leader. He was known for being one of the most influential and unique ministers in the Church of Scotland during the 20th century. He started the Iona Community on the island of Iona. He also served as the main leader, called the Moderator of the General Assembly, for the Church of Scotland in 1957.
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Early Life and Education
George MacLeod was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1895. His father, Sir John MacLeod, was a successful businessman. He later became a Member of Parliament (MP). George's mother, Edith, came from a wealthy family in Lancashire, England, who owned cotton mills.
Because of his family's background, George grew up with many advantages. He went to Winchester College, a well-known school, and then to Oriel College, Oxford University. His grandfather, Revd Norman MacLeod, was also a respected minister. He had been a Moderator of the Church of Scotland and even a Chaplain to Queen Victoria.
A Soldier in World War I
When World War I began, George MacLeod joined the British Army. He became an officer in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in September 1914. He first served in Greece. After getting sick, he returned to Scotland to get better.
Later, he was sent to Flanders, a region in Belgium. He fought in major battles like Ypres and Passchendaele. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross (MC) in October 1917. He also earned the French Croix de Guerre in 1918. This award recognized his courage in battle.
T./Lt. George Fielden MacLeod, Arg. & Suth'd Highrs.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as adjutant, volunteering to go out and do duty in the hastily-organised line of defence when no company officers remained. He carried out his duties as adjutant as well, and was of the greatest assistance in keeping cohesion.— Military Cross citation in The London Gazette
Becoming a Minister
His experiences in World War I deeply changed George MacLeod. He decided to train to become a minister. He studied religion at the University of Edinburgh and then for a year in New York City. In 1924, he became a minister in the Church of Scotland.
Helping Others and New Ideas
George MacLeod became very concerned about unfairness in society. He saw how difficult life was for many people after the war. The promise of "a land fit for heroes" did not come true for everyone. He saw the problems of the Great Depression and high unemployment.
These experiences led him to support socialism, which focuses on equality. He also became a pacifist, meaning he believed in peaceful ways to solve problems. From 1937, he worked with groups promoting peace. Later, he joined the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in 1958.
In 1930, he chose to leave his comfortable church job. He became a minister at Govan Old Parish Church in Glasgow. This area had many social problems due to poverty. The hard work there made him ill in 1932. He went to Jerusalem to recover. While there, he had a strong spiritual experience. This experience made him feel that the Church should be a united "Body of Christ." This idea guided him for the rest of his life.
Founding the Iona Community
In 1938, George MacLeod started the Iona Community. He gave up his regular minister's salary to lead it full-time. His idea began in the early 1930s when he bought a mill to help poor people from Glasgow. He wanted to rebuild Iona Abbey on the island of Iona. Ministers, students, and unemployed workers would all work together.
The Iona Community grew into an international group that welcomed people from different Christian traditions. It focused on four main things:
- Sharing the Christian message.
- Getting involved in social and political issues.
- Helping people heal.
- Worship.
MacLeod believed these ideas would help the Church connect with people in the industrial age. He led church missions and supported campaigns to spread the Christian message.
Later Life and Influence
During World War II, George MacLeod also served as a temporary minister in Edinburgh. This area also faced poverty. In 1948, he married Lorna. They traveled to Australia for a preaching tour right after their wedding.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, MacLeod faced a challenge known as the "Govan Case." The church in Govan wanted him to return as their minister. However, church leaders in Glasgow did not approve. They did not want him to lead both the church and the Iona Community at the same time. The case went to the main Church Assembly, but he was not allowed to hold both positions.
Despite this setback, George MacLeod remained a very important figure in the Church of Scotland. In 1957, he was chosen to be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This was a big honor, even though some people questioned his ideas.
On February 6, 1967, George MacLeod was given a special title: Baron MacLeod of Fuinary. This made him a peer, allowing him to sit in the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. He was the only Church of Scotland minister to receive this honor. Later, he became the first peer to represent the Green Party.
From 1968 to 1971, he was the Rector of the University of Glasgow. This is a senior role chosen by the students of the university.
George MacLeod had a huge impact on the Church of Scotland. He helped people understand the importance of pacificism, ecumenism (working together across different Christian groups), and social justice. He inspired many people to get involved in these important issues. By creating the Iona Community, he showed new ways for ministers to serve outside traditional church roles.
In 1989, MacLeod received the Templeton Prize. This award recognizes people who have made important contributions to spiritual life.
Arms
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