A GLASGOW minister is believed to have become the first in Scotland to be inducted into a new role via video chat.
More than 100 people tuned in to watch as Rev Alastair Duncan was installed as the parish minister of St George’s Tron during a service conducted over Zoom.
The unusual induction was carried out by Rev Dan Carmichael, moderator of Glasgow Presbytery, due to restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Mr Duncan, 58, who was at home with his wife Ruth and son Stuart, said: “The experience of ‘virtual induction’ was a strange one.
“Seeing the faces of all those present, rather than being aware of them somewhere behind me as in a traditional induction service was unusual but not unwelcome.”
Mr Duncan has been a Kirk minister for 31 years and for
the past seven years he has served as transition minister at St George’s Tron, re-planting a congregation in the landmark city centre church.
The father of three, who grew up in Edinburgh, said: “It’s an odd situation to be in, starting out on a ‘new’ ministry which isn’t new and yet seeking to do so when what I can actually do is constrained within these new limitations.
“But perhaps that calls for more prayer, faith and creativity – and less of the frenzy of activity which I at least often succumb to.”
The induction was organised by Rev Dr Grant Barclay, minister of Orchardhill Parish Church in Giffnock.
He said: “For all that we weren’t present at St George’s Tron, we were undoubtedly together.”
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