King expresses admiration for Church's "deep concern" for vulnerable people

His Majesty the King has expressed his admiration for the Church's "deep concern" for the most vulnerable people in society.

He said it was "heartening" to know that it continues to promote the values of the Kingdom of God and seeks justice and peace for all at a time of division, discord, violent conflict and war across the world.

King Charles acknowledged that the Church's work is carried out without fanfare and is often unseen as members reach out to those in need with compassion and acts of practical love.

The monarch reiterated the vow he made when he assumed the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, that he would "preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland.

He also commended the Church for its interfaith and ecumenical work over the past year, highlighting the immediate past Moderator's visit to the Vatican in Rome to meet Pope Francis.

The King expressed his thoughts in a letter read aloud to the General Assembly by Principal Clerk, Rev Fiona Smith.

He is being represented at the annual gathering in Edinburgh by his brother, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, who is the Lord High Commissioner.

He previously served in the role in 2014 when he held the title of Earl of Wessex, representing his mother.

The General Assembly runs from Saturday 18 May to Thursday 23 May and the theme is ‘Building Together'.

The letter reads:

We gladly renew on this Occasion Our pledge, made at our Accession, to preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland.

In doing so, We acknowledge, with Gratitude to Almighty God, the Church's steadfast witness to the Christian faith and its services to our people in Scotland and in many lands overseas.

At a time of such division and discord, violent conflict and war across our world it is heartening to know that the Church of Scotland continues to promote the values of the Kingdom of God and seeks justice and peace for all people.

Following Our Coronation, We spoke of the importance of the "breathing space we afford one another, leaving us able to think and speak freely…and the politeness and respect we owe to one another; our willingness to put others first and treat them as we would wish them to treat us."

These values are of high and enduring worth and We welcome with all Our heart the work of the Church of Scotland to promote and protect them.

In particular, We commend the inter-faith and ecumenical work that has happened over the past year. We were pleased to learn of the visit of the immediate past Moderator to Pope Francis last Autumn, as well as the public support for Jewish and Muslim faith leaders in Scotland.

The value of building solid ecumenical and inter-faith friendships born out of mutual respect for different beliefs is a fundamental basis for a safe and secure country. The launch of the Jewish-Christian Glossary is a milestone in inter-faith dialogue as it does not avoid addressing differences, but it does so in the spirit of true friendship which recognizes at all times that we share a common humanity.

We have long admired the Church of Scotland's deep concern for the most vulnerable in our society.

This work is carried out without fanfare and often unseen in parishes across Scotland and beyond as congregations reach out to those in need with compassion and practical love through food banks, warm spaces, support groups, advocacy work, friendship clubs for the lonely and isolated, as well as a deep commitment to children and young people.

We are pleased to know that you continue to seek partnership with other churches, agencies and faith groups as you pursue this vitally important work. We also greatly admire the work that is done in Christ's name through the Kirk's social care agency, Crossreach.

We are fully aware of the ongoing challenges facing the Church of Scotland as you continue to serve the people of Scotland and beyond in our ever-changing world.

May you find refreshment, courage, renewal and hope, as together, you discern God's call upon you to follow the way of Christ, the Prince of Peace during the week ahead and through the times to come.

May the light that the Kirk brings to so many people continue to shine brightly and serve as an encouragement to you all to persevere in prayer, be steadfast in your faith and continue in your commitment to serve others with love.

As We are unable in Our Own Person to be present at your Assembly this year, We have chosen Our dearly beloved brother, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, to be Our representative, being assured that Our choice will meet with your approval.
And so, praying that the blessing of Almighty God may attend your deliberations, We bid you heartily farewell.