Sole Nominee Named

In church on Sunday 23 August 2015, George Reid, Chair of the Nominating Committee, announced to St John's congregation that, after 16 months of rigorous search, a Sole Nominee had now been identified. George emphasised that the Committee had made its unanimous decision after much prayerful consideration.

The Sole Nominee is the Rev Dr Elijah Obinna, who comes from Nigeria, where he currently works with the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. He has also worked in USA and has spent 5 years working in Edinburgh at St Stephen's, Comely Bank and St Giles' Cathedral as well as lecturing at Edinburgh University so he is familiar with the workings of the Church of Scotland.

The Nominating Committee believes that Dr Obinna meets all the key criteria identified in the Parish Profile, including those of personal doctrine, working with a congregation in their day-to-day lives, developing the union, supporting established ministries alongside a vision for the future, facilitating change and working with the wider Christian community in Carluke.

Rev Dr Obinna with his wife, Favour, and family

Rev Dr Obinna with his wife, Favour, and family

Dr Obinna is a quiet, thoughtful man with a sense of humour, willing to listen and learn from others yet is also willing to challenge others. He is married with four small children and is a committed family man.

Dr Obinna will preach in both churches on Sunday 20 September, first in St Andrew's at 10:00 am, then St John's at 11:30 am. Further details regarding the services and voting arrangements will be issued in due course.

George ended his announcement by thanking the congregation, on behalf of the nominating committee, for placing their trust in the Nominating Committee. He believes that the nomination of Dr Obinna will show that trust to be well-founded.