Scott Thomson.

• Position: NEW LIFE MEMBER

Scott Thomson has had a lifetime of serving the community since he completed his BA degree at Otago University and Bachelor of Theology at Knox College. He has been a Presbyterian minister in five parishes: Oreti (Southland), Seatoun, Waimate, Timaru and Masterton. By the time of his appointment to Seatoun in 1970, the worldwide ecumenical movement, and particularly the material circulated from the World Council of Churches Assembly at Uppsala in 1968, had broadened his perspective on international affairs. When he was invited to join the Presbyterian International Relations Committee, the convener, Dr Graeme Ferguson, urged him also to 'join the Institute of International Affairs so you know what you are talking about'.

As executive secretary of the Overseas Development Committee, Scott Thomson campaigned to raise the profile of overseas development assistance. Working with the late Dr Patricia Burns, he played a part in the 1975 wide spectrum conference, chaired by Sir Guy Powles. He was also a member of Volunteer Service Abroad's education committee. After leaving Wellington in 1976, Scott relinquished his chair role with the Presbyterian...