Rt Rev John Miller will take up the post of Moderator

One of the reports being put before them recommends a major shift of organisational power from the George Street headquarters in Edinburgh to enlarged "super" presbyteries.

But another report, entitled a "Church Without Walls", goes further and proposes midweek services, the introduction of new modern songs and selling off under-used churches to boost finances.

Commissioners are also being asked to welcome new approaches to dealing with beggars and plans for a national cultural centre in Scotland.

Heated debate

Many of the new proposals are set to spark heated debate among sections of the church which are calling for change and conservative traditionalists.

However, much of the business will be taken up with formulating the church's policy on issues from human cloning to the use of over-head projectors by ministers in their sermons.

This year will also see the appointment of a new Moderator - the General Assembly's head representative.

The Rt Rev John Miller, the minister at Castlemilk East Parish in Glasgow, will officially take up the post for 12 months.