The Church of Scotland has nominated Rev Jill Clancy, a prison chaplain

The Church of Scotland has nominated Rev Jill Clancy, a prison chaplain at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow, as Moderator Designate of its General Assembly for 2027–2028. Her nomination marks a historic moment for the denomination, making her the first prison chaplain to be selected for the position in the Church’s 466-year history.

Announced on 2 November 2026, the nomination recognises Rev Clancy’s years of ministry, particularly her work providing spiritual guidance, pastoral care and support to prisoners and prison staff. She has served at HMP Barlinnie, Scotland’s largest prison, since 2017, becoming a familiar and respected presence within the establishment.

At 56, Rev Clancy will also become only the seventh woman to hold the position of Moderator in the Church of Scotland. She is expected to assume the role in May 2027, succeeding the current Moderator, the Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy.

Before moving into full-time prison chaplaincy, Clancy served as a parish minister in Gourock, Glasgow and Ayrshire. Her journey into prison ministry began with part-time chaplaincy work at Kilmarnock Prison before she took up her full-time position at Barlinnie.

Her contribution has extended beyond conventional pastoral responsibilities. During the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when restrictions prevented prisoners who normally operated the prison’s radio station from leaving their cells, she stepped in to keep the service running. Broadcasting under the name DJ Jolly Jilly, she recorded and presented programmes twice a week, helping maintain a sense of connection among inmates during a particularly difficult period. Her efforts earned her a Meritorious Award from the Scottish Prison Service.

Speaking about her nomination, Rev Clancy admitted that she had never imagined herself occupying such a prominent position within the Church. She recalled receiving messages from two colleagues who independently encouraged her to put her name forward, an approach she initially described as unexpected.

Reflecting on the responsibility ahead, she acknowledged her personal reservations but expressed confidence in God’s purpose for her at this stage of the Church’s journey.

She said her theme for the year would centre on love, drawing inspiration from Jesus’ teaching to love God and one’s neighbour. For Clancy, this principle has remained central to her ministry, particularly in helping people recognise their worth, respect others and find opportunities for healing.

The nomination has received a warm response from the Scottish Prison Service. Its Chaplaincy Adviser, Rev Graham Bell, described Clancy’s selection as a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to prison ministry and the compassionate support she has offered to people in custody and members of staff.

In her new capacity, Clancy will chair the Church of Scotland’s annual General Assembly, where ministers, elders and deacons deliberate on matters relating to the denomination’s governance, ministry and future direction. She will also serve as its principal ambassador, representing the Church across Scotland and internationally, engaging with other Christian denominations and visiting congregations and ministry projects.

Her nomination comes at a significant period for both the Church of Scotland and HMP Barlinnie, which is expected to close in 2028 following the planned opening of a replacement prison nearby.

Rev Clancy’s selection brings renewed attention to the contribution of prison chaplains, whose work often takes place away from public attention but remains an important part of Christian ministry. Her journey from parish ministry to serving people within the prison system, and now being nominated for one of Scotland’s most prominent church leadership positions, offers a reminder that Christian service can take many forms and that ministry is not confined to the pulpit.

As she prepares to take up the responsibility in May 2027, her nomination represents both a personal milestone and a notable moment in the continuing story of the Church of Scotland.