Moderator thanks Royal Navy for “inspiring” visit

Published on 25 February 2025 1 minute read

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, has spent three days on an official visit to the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.

Taking place every three years, the Navy hosts the trip to allow the Church Moderator to meet key personnel and to find out more about the contexts in which chaplains operate.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson On The Hms Queen Elizabeth — Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson on the HMS Queen Elizabeth wtih Rev Dr Amy Bender and Rev Dr Mark Davidson.

Dr Paterson went aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth, one of two carriers in the Royal Navy, visited HMS Victory and toured naval bases including HMS Excellent, HMS Collingwood, HMS Nelson and HMNB Portsmouth.

Rev Dr Mark Davidson, the Principal CSFC Chaplain (Navy), was the sponsor for the visit, and the Chaplain of the Fleet the Venerable Andrew Hillier, and the Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet Rev Stephen Ashley-Emery also welcomed Dr Paterson.

Rev Dr Amy Bender, who is a member of the Chaplains to His Majesty's Forces Committee as well as the parish minister of Keith North, accompanied Dr Paterson.

Speaking about the visit, Dr Paterson said:

"It has been inspiring to spend time with those serving in the Royal Navy and to learn about their roles and daily lives, as well as the unique challenges they can face in their line of work – be it operating in a warzone or serving for long periods of time far from home.

"Our chaplains are hugely important in supporting the wellbeing of those around them and are clearly a vital part of our Royal Navy. I was delighted to be given a glimpse of some of the work they do.

"Highlights included visiting and getting an opportunity to speak with and listen to several chaplains, going aboard the carrier the HMS Queen Elizabeth which is home for thousands of naval personnel for months at a time, and touring HMS Victory, which was the flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and provides a reminder of the rich history of the Royal Navy. Experiencing the newly upgraded simulator as it left Portsmouth was amazing.

"I have been made to feel truly welcome by the Royal Navy and my thanks go to Rev Dr Mark Davidson for sponsoring the trip."