The Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton ’87

by the Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon

The Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton, a 1987 graduate of Presbyterian College, has been selected as the next moderator of the General Assembly for the Church of Scotland.

In addition to chairing the annual General Assembly (the national body which oversees business for the denomination), the moderator also spends the year following their election traveling throughout Scotland and abroad as the official representative and goodwill ambassador for the Church.

Foster-Fulton serves as the head of Christian Aid in Scotland, a global movement of people, churches, and local organizations which seeks “to eradicate extreme poverty by tackling its root causes” according to the organization’s website. She will go on a sabbatical for a year from her executive work in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the moderator’s office.

Some have jokingly told her to “have a nice holiday,” but in truth, her year will be anything but relaxing. Foster-Fulton’s year of service will include a visit to Rome and representing the Church at a wide range of official events and acting as a spokesperson for the views of the Church on a range of issues.

The community of relationships around Presbyterian College played an important role in Foster-Fulton’s life, even before she enrolled as a student.  She grew up in Seneca, S.C., and attended Seneca Presbyterian Church.

She distinctly remembers a life-changing conversation she had with former PC dean of academic affairs and religion professor, Dr. Joseph Gettys, who was then serving as the interim pastor at her church. She said that in her teenage years, she had many doubts about the Christian faith and was filled with many questions. She scheduled a time to meet with “Dr. Joe” and share her concerns. In that conversation, Gettys said, “Our questions keep our faith alive.” He also shared, “If you don’t have doubts then you aren’t thinking hard enough.”

This permission from a respected religious leader to ask questions, explore faith, and even sit comfortably with doubts lit a fire in her heart and mind that still burns strongly today.

Rev. Foster-Fulton’s career in faith-based, non-profit service is strongly connected to her time at Presbyterian College. She enrolled at PC to study religion and Christian education and quickly jumped to the work of Student Volunteer Services (SVS), which was founded by her mentor, Dr. Jack Presseau.

While volunteering with Thornwell Home for Children, she served as a Big Sister for one of the residents of the home. PC’s commitment to service shaped her outlook on life and ministry.

“There is something beautiful about being part of something bigger than yourself,” she said. “At PC, windows were opened wide, and we were constantly taught to look outward and embrace the deep needs of the world.”

She remembers a particular lesson that religion professor, Dr. George Ramsay, taught her about the difference between mercy and justice. Now, in her work with Christian Aid, she finds herself engaged in both mercy and justice as the organization works internationally building partnerships with local leaders around the world to address needs through supporting global neighbors.

After learning about Presbyterian College’s commitment to be “America’s Innovative Service College,” Rev. Foster-Fulton remarked, “That’s music to my ears and resonates with what PC has always embodied.”