Crown Court Church to host special pre-coronation London service

Crown Court Church in Covent Garden, the Kirk's oldest congregation in England, will play host to a celebration of the upcoming Coronation with a special service this Sunday, on the same weekend that the Stone of Scone arrives in London for its ceremonial stay in Westminster Abbey and the Coronation ceremony.

The congregation is to be joined for the occasion by their sister congregation, St Columba's, along with a number of special guests.

The Very Rev Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, will be preaching, and the Rt Hon. Alister Jack, Secretary for State for Scotland, will also be present along with other Scottish parliamentarians.

The Robin Chapel Choir from Edinburgh will also be participating in the service, which will be followed by a celebratory reception afterwards. The service will also be livestreamed on Crown Court Church's YouTube Channel.

The offering from the service will be donated to ScotsCare, an inspirational charity for the benefit of Scots who fall on hard times in London, supported by both of the capital's Kirk congregations.

Speaking about the weekend's events, Rev Scott Rennie, minister at Crown Court said:

"Crown Court Church has a centuries-long association with both the Crown of Scotland, and Parliament.

"This weekend's service is about recognising that relationship, as well as marking the important place the Church of Scotland plays in the life of the nation; not least our national church's important relationship with the offices of state which affect the lives and welfare of people across not only Scotland and the UK, but the wider world.

"Behind the ceremony and celebrations is the recognition that the Church of Scotland continues to play an important role in public life, as we seek to encourage and support policymakers and the institutions of state in London, as well as Edinburgh, in the pursuit of the common good and the striving for wellbeing, justice and peace in communities across the United Kingdom.

"As the Kirk's congregations here in London, we are excited to be coming together in worship and service to mark this special occasion of the Coronation; as well as the important place that thousands of Scots continue to play in the governance of the UK; and in the life of the capital at large."

Professor Fergusson added: 'I'm looking forward to being in London as the Stone of Destiny arrives from Edinburgh, and privileged to preach at the conjoint service of our two Church of Scotland congregations on this historic occasion. It's also a welcome opportunity for us to reconnect with many friends there.'

If your church is organising a coronation event, you can let us know or send us pictures afterwards at MEDIARELATIONS@churchofscotland.org.uk

You can find out more about the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in the Worship section of our website.