Scotch College

Chaplain to be Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria

‘I hope that my time as Moderator will benefit both the Church and the School. In a way I will be embodying that relationship, and I will be working for enhanced mutual understanding, respect and support.’

Words: Tim Shearer

Scotch Chaplain Graham Bradbeer has been elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria for 2007–08. Graham has been Chaplain of Scotch since 1984.

Great Scot editor Tim Shearer asked Graham some questions about the Moderator’s role.

What does the position of Moderator involve?

Fifteen years ago my ophthalmologist, a Catholic, told me I was suffering from presbyopia, which means ‘older eyes’. I’d never heard the term, but, as a Presbyterian, knew immediately what he was talking about, because ‘presbyter’ is from the Greek word for ‘elder’.

The Presbyterian Church gets its name from the fact that it is governed by elders, some of whom are paid ministers. This means that, unlike churches with a hierarchal structure, Presbyterians have the flattest of flat administrative structures with the supreme governing body being a general assembly of ministers and elders.

During the general assembly, a chairman is needed to direct the proceedings. That chairman is called the ‘Moderator’.

Today, the role of the Moderator has expanded. It is perceived by the media as a head-of-church position, and the Church also expects the Moderator to visit congregations and missionaries to encourage them in their Christian witness.

How is the Moderator chosen?

There is an election. At its half-yearly meeting, called ‘the Commission’ of the General Assembly, members who have received nominations from at least three of the Victorian Presbyteries are put into a ballot. This year three members were nominated and (to my surprise) I was elected. My job begins with the opening of the General Assembly in October.

Why were you surprised to be elected?

I was surprised because over the years I have spoken in support of issues such as the ordination of women that have not been endorsed by the General Assembly. I felt that would count against me; however, I let my name go forward. My election suggests that the Church values the privilege and opportunity of Christian ministry at Scotch.

How will it impact on your role at Scotch?

I will have to be present through the full meetings of the week-long General Assembly, and not just attend selected sessions fitted around my timetable at School. There will be some involvement in Heads of Churches’ meetings and some invitations to civic functions.

Most of the visitation to Presbyterian congregations will take place at weekends. I may need to be absent occasionally for some of this, but the main impact will be at weekends. When I moved from a parish to become a chaplain in 1983, the Principal said he hoped I would fully maintain my role in church affairs. This is an outcome of that encouragement. GS