Rev Dr Elijah Obinna is the Interim Moderator of Lanark Greyfriars chuch.

An Interim Moderator is the person appointed by Presbytery to oversee and support a congregation during a vacancy, until a new minister is inducted. They act both as Presbytery’s representative and, temporarily, as the congregation’s minister for governance purposes.

The Interim Moderator keeps the congregation functioning legally and pastorally during the vacancy, chairs the Kirk Session, guides the congregation through vacancy procedure, and links the congregation with Presbytery.

In practice, an Interim Moderator will usually:

• chair meetings of the Kirk Session;

• ensure worship and pastoral cover are arranged;

• guide the congregation through the vacancy process;

• liaise with Presbytery and the Vacancy Procedure Committee;

• oversee nomination and call procedures where permission to call has been granted;

• ensure legal and constitutional procedures are followed;

• provide continuity and stability during transition.

The Rev Dr Elijah Obinnna is one of the team ministers at Carluke and Law Parish Church.