24 April 2026

We have been watching the series ‘Unchosen’ which is streaming on Netflix. It was all about a sect in the south of England where those who were members were styled ‘the chosen’ and those who did not belong where called ‘the unchosen’.

Being chosen is not like being a member. It carries the weight of entitlement. Who makes the choice? Is this God or the leader of the sect or the members. What is the route by which you can become chosen? And in being chosen, you can become unchosen too.  The uncertainty of  this judgement may be  stressful.

Although the drama had actors of the calibre of Siobhan Finneran and Christopher Ecclestone, some of the cast  were thinly drawn and the acting of some younger characters was not always convincing. Worryingly, we were told that the drama had been built on the testimonies of people who had belonged to sects.

I must say that after six episodes, I was glad to get out of it! The conservative evangelical theology of the sect was oppressive. The intense scrutiny on  individual morality was intrusive, simplistic and judgemental. The lack of training for those promoted into leadership positions had catastrophic consequences.

As the Kirk gets smaller, what would prevent it from becoming a sect? Firstly, our robust constitution which is embedded in a history stretching back to the Reformation and an act of Parliament. Secondly, our Presbyterian governance which obliges us to look outward and connects us to a whole network of parishes across the land.

Thirdly, the rigorous training and the checks and balances  implicit in our lines of authority make it less likely for a minister, Presbytery Clerk or Moderator to be autocratic. Fourthly, the breadth of theological opinion in the Kirk and the fundamental right of members to ask questions, to be free to disagree and to be respected for it.