The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is now meeting in Edinburgh - commenced on Saturday 21st May, and the new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church, the Right Reverend David Lacy, has taken the position officially in the Church. His viewpoint regarding state-funded faith schools has been criticised by many, according to the Ekklesia.

An interview revealed that the new Moderator of the General Assembly Rev David Lacy supported a fully integrated education system whilst opposing state-funded faith schools, which was seen by most Christians as centrist opinions.

"I don't think there is any requirement on the state to provide schools for any one faith," he was quoted by Ekklesia, "I'd rather see each faith providing education in any way it wants, as an extra."

In addition, Rev David Lacy also said that the Scottish Executive should be pursuing policies supporting and promoting marriage.

The spokesman from the Catholic Church of Scotland Peter Kearney said Rev Lacy’s comments were "interesting and very helpful".

Kearney added, "On the issue of faith schools: Scotland is a multi-cultural and multi-faith society, and it is a pity our education system doesn't reflect that."

One senior member of the Church warned people not to look upon Rev Lacy's views as having any bearing on the Kirk's position, arging that Rev Lacy’s opinion was just a personal one.

"The Moderator has to be very careful when he is speaking as the ultimate representative of the General Assembly and when he's speaking as a private individual," he said. "On this occasion I think he was very much commenting on the latter role."

Nevertheless, many on the liberal wing of the Church worried that Mr Lacy's comments have been a sign that he will be one of the most conservative moderators in recent years.

The Right Rev David W. Lacy, the new Moderator of the 2005 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was General Assembly Business convener from 2001 to 2004 and is a member of the Council of Assembly. Ordained by the Presbytery of Edinburgh in 1976, he has served on various Church boards and committees at national and presbytery levels.

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will close this Friday 27th May.