Saturday 18th of May 2019: Day one of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh. Kirk Moderator installed at General Assembly 2019 Rt Rev Colin Sinclair has been installed as Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s 2019 General Assembly during Saturday’s opening ceremony. He takes on the year-long role from his post as minister for Palmerston Place Church in Edinburgh. “Let me thank you for affording me this singular honour at being appointed at the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland,” the newly installed Moderator told the Assembly. “For your grace, love, and forgiveness when I get it wrong, I thank all of you who have invested time into my life and my ministry. “It all started with a Scripture Union holiday, I little knew then how the story of Jesus and his life, death and resurrection would get under my skin and never get out. “I thank you to all who nurtured me in this faith. “I had no idea when Jesus said ‘Follow Me’ all those years ago, how exciting the adventure would be. “How it would take me around the world. And I thank You again – I pray I am worthy of the trust You have shown to me.” During the opening session of this year’s General Assembly, His Grace Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott, The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, KBE, DL, FSA, FRSE, represented HM The Queen as the Lord High Commissioner to the Assembly. The Lord High Commissioner welcomed the new Moderator during his speech, saying: “I begin by offering warmest congratulations on your appointment and by wishing you a richly rewarding year in office. “Unlike your predecessor you have not had to travel far but for a year you will now be transported into a different world. “That you have the most wonderful family, all committed to the church, to support you, that there are legions of friends and colleagues here and across many lands, gained through the Scripture Union is testament to your powers of loving leadership and inspiration. “You are fitted indeed for this highest honour in the gift of your colleagues.” Following Colin’s election, retiring Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Very Rev Susan Brown, said “You and I first met a very long time ago, as students at New College together. “All throughout your years your commitment to the Scripture Union has continued, alongside all the other positions you have taken on. “You care passionately about communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ to all ages and all parts of the world. You like to see the impact Christ makes to all people. “This year, you will be asked to say much but I encourage you to listen, too, because you will hear so much. “My prayers are with You as you follow our Lord on this next stage of your journey with Him.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also attended the opening day along with Scotland’s Lord Provosts and distinguished visitors from around the world
Pope Francis, the Right Rev Colin Sinclair, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Duke of Buccleuch, High Commissioner of the Church of Scotland.
Christians across Scotland are being encouraged to join others around the world in saying the Lord’s Prayer at 11am on Wednesday.
The move comes in response to an invitation from Pope Francis sent to all Christian leaders in which he asks that we invoke “together the graces from heaven” and ask “for the end of this pandemic”.
In a joint letter, 11 Christian denominations across the country, including the Church of Scotland, have pledged to take part.
The Right Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, welcomed the move.
He said: “At a time when normal life is falling apart it is wonderful when Christians come together.
“The Lord’s prayer is a wonderfully comprehensive prayer and within it can be found all we need to say.
“I warmly commend Pope Francis’ call for churches around the world to unite in this way.”
Those taking part in Scotland include the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the United Free Church, the United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Methodist Church, Congregational Federation in Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.
You are encouraged to use whichever version that you feel most comfortable with.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
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