New College is preparing for the  General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 2012, which will take place between 19 and 26 May 2012.

This year’s debates include reports on sectarianism, domestic abuse and Gaza. Researchers wanting to trace the history of these debates, and other challenging topics such as the principles of a just war, and same-sex relationships, can consult the Reports to the General Assembly which are held in New College Library at  sLX 50 B.  Minutes of recent meetings are available from the Church of Scotland website.  The historical records of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly are held at the National Archives of Scotland , including shorthand notes of General Assembly meetings. We expect to welcome many delegates from the Assembly as visitors to the Library, where they are welcome to use our collections of print books and journals.

New College itself will be very busy during this period, with all of the teaching rooms occupied by the Assembly. This includes the David Welsh Reading Room in New College Library which is being used for Assembly purposes. Library users are advised to carry their  UoE staff/student card with them at all times as there may be a security presence at the entrance to New College.