Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Incumbent Lord Hodge since 28 February 2022 (2022-02-28)
Style	His or Her Grace
Residence	Palace of Holyroodhouse
Appointer	Monarch of the United Kingdom
Term length	1 year
Formation	1580; 445 years ago (1580)
First holder	James Balfour of Pittendreich

The Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is a special person chosen by the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. This person acts as the monarch's personal representative at the main meeting of the Church of Scotland, called the General Assembly.

This role shows how important the Church of Scotland is as the national church of Scotland. It also highlights the monarch's role as a protector and member of the Church. The Lord High Commissioner is one of the most important figures in the Church of Scotland, alongside the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, who leads the General Assembly.

Understanding the Role: What is a Lord High Commissioner?

The Lord High Commissioner is like a special ambassador from the King or Queen to the Church of Scotland's big annual meeting. This person makes sure the monarch's presence is felt, even if the King or Queen can't be there in person. It's a way to show the strong link between the Scottish Crown and the Church.

A Look Back: The History of the Role

Long ago, between 1603 and 1707, there were Lord High Commissioners who represented the monarch in the Scottish Parliament. After Scotland and England joined to form Great Britain in 1707, that job wasn't needed anymore.

However, a Lord High Commissioner has been appointed every year since 1690 to the Church of Scotland's General Assembly. This tradition continues to this day.

Why the Monarch is Connected to the Church

The Church of Scotland has a rulebook called the Westminster Confession of Faith. It says that the country's leader (the "civil magistrate") has the power to call church meetings and make sure everything discussed follows God's will. This rule helps explain why the monarch has a representative at the General Assembly.

Where the General Assembly Meets

Before 1929, the General Assembly met in a church on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. There was even a special throne for the Lord High Commissioner.

In 1929, the Church of Scotland joined with another church group. Since 1930, the General Assembly has met in the former United Free Church Assembly Hall in Edinburgh. The Lord High Commissioner sits in a special Royal Gallery, which is technically "outside" the main meeting hall. This setup shows that the Church is independent in its spiritual matters and the state doesn't interfere.

There was once a small disagreement in 1929 about how the Lord High Commissioner (who later became King George VI) should enter the hall. Church leaders wanted to make sure it didn't look like the state was interfering with the Church's independence. They found a way for the Lord High Commissioner to enter without causing problems, and the role has continued.

What the Lord High Commissioner Does

The job of the Lord High Commissioner is mostly about ceremonies and representing the monarch. The person chosen for this role usually has a strong background in public service in Scotland and is often connected to the Church of Scotland.

Key Duties During the General Assembly

• The Lord High Commissioner attends the General Assembly.
• They give opening and closing speeches to the Assembly.
• They also carry out other official visits and ceremonial duties.
• At the start of the Assembly, a special document from the King or Queen, called a Royal Warrant, is read out, officially appointing the Lord High Commissioner.
• While all ministers and elders at the Assembly can vote, the Lord High Commissioner does not vote or get involved in debates.
• They attend parts of the Assembly's daily meetings.
• After the Assembly, the Lord High Commissioner personally tells The King about what happened during the week.

The Lord High Commissioner also visits the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland each year.

How to Address the Lord High Commissioner

When the General Assembly is meeting, the Lord High Commissioner is treated with great respect, almost like a temporary regent (someone who rules when the monarch is away). By tradition, you address them as "Your Grace." People usually bow or curtsey when they greet them.

For example, when Princess Anne was the Lord High Commissioner in 1996, she was called "Her Grace" instead of her usual title "Her Royal Highness." This is because the Lord High Commissioner holds a very high rank during their time in the role.

If a woman is appointed to the role, she can choose to be called "His Majesty's High Commissioner" if she prefers. Margaret Herbison was the first woman to hold this important position in 1970 and 1971.

Where the Lord High Commissioner Stays

Since 1834, the Lord High Commissioner stays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. This is the King's official residence in Scotland.

During the Assembly week, they used to host a garden party for all the people attending the General Assembly. In recent years, this has changed to a public event called "Heart and Soul" in Princes Street Gardens, which the Lord High Commissioner also attends.

The Lord High Commissioner is allowed to use the Scottish Royal Banner (a special flag). They also have a very high rank in Scotland, coming right after the King and before other members of the Royal Family. Even their official car is special; it's the only vehicle in the country, apart from the King's, that doesn't have regular number plates during their time in office. However, the number plates are put back on during the closing speech of the Assembly, and the Lord High Commissioner returns to being a regular citizen.

The Lord High Commissioner's Household

The Lord High Commissioner has a small team of people who help them during their time in office. This team is called the Household of His Grace the Lord High Commissioner.

Key members include:

• The Purse Bearer (who leads the Household)
• A Chaplain (a religious advisor)
• Aides-de-Camp (assistants)
• A Lady-in-Waiting or Extra Lady-in-Waiting
• Maids of Honour

The Macebearer carries a special ceremonial staff called a mace. The people in the Household do not get paid from the Church of Scotland's money. The Church's funds are used for its local church work and missions.

List of Lords High Commissioner

See also

• Supreme Governor of the Church of England
• List of Moderators of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
• Order of precedence in Scotland
• Lord Lieutenant
• Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland