Non-Intrusionists
Non-Intrusionists [1]
Non-intrusion had its formal origin in the following motion, proposed to the General Assembly in 1833 — moved by Dr. Chalmers and seconded by lord Moncrieff:
"That the General Assembly, having maturely weighed and considered the various overtures now before them do find and declare that it is, and has been ever since the Reformation, a fixed principle in the law of this Church that no minister, shall be intruded into any pastoral charge contrary to the will of the congregation; and considering that doubts and misapprehensions have existed on this important subject, whereby the just and salutary operation of the said principle has been impeded, and in many cases defeated, the General Assembly further declare it to be their opinion that the dissent of a majority of the male heads of families resident within the parish, being members of the congregation and in Communion with the Church at least two years previous to the day of moderation (of the call), whether such dissent shall be expressed with or without the assignment of reasons, ought to be of conclusive effect-in setting aside the presentee (under the patron's noninantion), save and except when it is clearly established by the patron, presentee, or any of the minority, that the said dissent is founded in corrupt and malicious combination, or not truly founded on any objection personal to the presentee in regard to his ministerial gifts and qualifications, either in general or with reference to that particular parish: and in order that this declaration may be carried into full effect, that a committee shall be appointed to prepare the blest measure for carrying it into effect, and to report to the next General Assembly."
The motion was lost, there being a majority of twelve against it; but it was carried into effect in the next assembly. (See Free Church Of Scotland), and (See Veto).
