General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

[2][3] Earlier General Assemblies had taken place in different churches in Scotland's major burghs.

[4] The Church of Scotland General Assembly usually meets for a week of intensive deliberation once a year in May.

Typically a parish minister would attend the Assembly once every four years, accompanied by an elder from that congregation.

Prior to each Assembly, a minister or elder is nominated to serve as Moderator for that year.

Behind the Moderator is the throne gallery (used by the Monarch or the Lord High Commissioner), which can only be reached through a separate stairway not directly from the Assembly Hall; this symbolises the independence of the church from the Crown in matters spiritual, whilst recognising the status of the Monarch (both constitutionally and theologically).

The ongoing administration is delegated to councils and committees, which have to report annually to the Assembly.

They have, due to their experience in the Church, a heavy influence on the deliberations of the Assembly, which some commissioners and a range of Kirk members, find to be controversial.

The General assembly appoints 'corresponding members' who may speak and propose motions but may not vote.

Attached to each report are proposed "deliverances", which the Assembly is invited to approve, reject or modify.

Presbyteries may put business before the General Assembly in the form of "overtures" which are debated and may be made into the Law of the Church.