HRH Prince William Earl of Strathearn sends an Easter message
Published on 11 April 2020
HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has sent a letter to the Moderator recognising the challenges of celebrating Easter at a time when churches are closed and expressing his "warmest wishes to all Ministers, Elders and Members of the Church of Scotland, who I know are working tirelessly to serve their communities in the most difficult of circumstances."
Rt Rev Colin Sinclair welcomed the letter saying:
"As we approach Easter I was delighted to receive, as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a letter from Prince William, the Earl of Strathearn.
"His Royal Highness was due to be Lord High Commissioner at this year's General Assembly, before it had to be cancelled because of COVID-19.
"The Church of Scotland is sorry not to be able to welcome him back to Scotland, where he went to University, but we appreciate him taking time to write to us and are grateful for his interest, concern and support."
9th April, 2020
Dear Moderator,
As we approach Easter, I wanted to acknowledge how difficult a time this must be for the Church of Scotland and your Ministries. You have had to close your Churches at the very moment when you normally come together, and when your communities need you the most.
It is heartening to see how the Church of Scotland, like so many other faith communities across the country, is re-inventing itself digitally to continue providing worship, support and guidance for your congregations. I have no doubt that this support, as well as other means of offering help, is hugely appreciated at this extremely challenging time, particularly by the elderly, vulnerable, those economically affected and of course those who have so tragically lost family and friends. I am sure that this continuing connection and support will be particularly welcomed this Easter weekend.
It is sad but understandable that the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. As you know, I was very much looking forward to spending a week in Scotland this May as Lord High Commissioner. I know how much work goes into preparing for the General Assembly week, and I wanted to pass on my thanks to all involved.
Please pass on my warmest wishes to all Ministers, Elders and Members of the Church of Scotland, who I know are working tirelessly to serve their communities in the most difficult of circumstances.
The Right Rev. Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
