King Charles III pays tribute to CrossReach in letter

His Majesty the King has praised the work that CrossReach does "in the name of Jesus Christ as a social care provider" in a letter read at the General Assembly.

The text, which was read out by the Principal Clerk Rev Fiona Smith during the opening session, continued by reaffirming the King's pledge to "preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland", acknowledging "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".

The letter read: "Right Reverend and Well Beloved, We Greet You Well. We gladly renew on this occasion our pledge 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. 

"We are so very conscious of the vital work that the Church of Scotland does day in day out in the heart of the communities across the country. Despite the present challenges facing the Church, of which We are deeply aware, the Church continues to follow faithfully Christ's command to love our neighbour. The young, and the old, the lonely and the sick, the homeless and the hungry, the refugee, and the prisoner are all cared for through action and prayer. 

"The local church is a beacon of light and hope in times of darkness, along with the wonderful work that CrossReach does in the name of Jesus Christ as a social care provider. We  wish to pay tribute to the work of the church that takes place beyond its own walls so to speak through chaplains serving in our Armed Forces, in our prisons and in hospitals across the land. This work has a unique value as chaplains quietly listen and deeply care for people in their hours of need; their soft influence for the good of the other and the institutions that they serve in, is immeasurable.

"We believe that what is in so many ways the ordinary work of the Church is in fact extraordinary as it steadfastly highlights to all people the values of God's Kingdom of love, compassion, justice and peace. We also commend the Church's continued commitment to ecumenical and inter-faith relationships because in our divided world the church has a vital role to play in demonstrating that seeking understanding of different beliefs and traditions is the foundation for growing friendships of mutual respect which acknowledges our common humanity. 

"At this present time in our history it is essential that we all have the courage to reach out beyond our conventional boundaries in order to forge new friendships and renew old ones for God's love embraces all people. 

"As We are unable in Our Own Person to be present at your Assembly this year, We have chosen Our Right Trusty and Well Beloved Counsellor, Lady Elish Frances Margaret Angiolini, LT, DBE, KC 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