he King has stated he's “inspired” by the way in which the Church of Scotland and different religion communities have supplied care to the poor and asylum seekers.

A letter from Charles was learn out on the church’s normal meeting gathering in Edinburgh, the primary time this has occurred for the reason that dying of Queen Elizabeth II.

It got here because the Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, head of the charity Christian Aid Scotland, was put in as the following moderator of the overall meeting.

The King’s letter used the royal time period “we” because it was learn aloud throughout the opening ceremony in Edinburgh.

As is custom, he pledged to “preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland”.

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The letter stated: “We deeply appreciated the many expressions of condolences we received on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, our beloved mother, and for the warmth and dignity of the national service of thanksgiving for her life that was held at St Giles’ Cathedral.

“We are very conscious at this time of the pain for so many people across the world who are suffering from the vagaries of war and poverty.

“We are, as ever, inspired by the way in which the Church of Scotland, with other churches and faith communities, has expressed the Gospel imperative to the poor and made the care of refugees and asylum seekers such a priority.”

He praised the joint “peace pilgrimage” go to to South Sudan, which the Church of Scotland’s moderator made together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Francis.

The letter stated: “Their messages of justice, peace and reconciliation were made all the more powerful by their visible presence which signified both the unity and diversity of the Churches.

“These messages are equally vital in Sudan where people are again threatened by conflict.

“We pray for a swift end to the current hostilities to ease the human suffering and bring peace.”

The King stated he was “greatly encouraged” by the church’s inter-faith dialogue and a declaration of friendship with Catholic bishops in Scotland.

The letter stated: “We are aware of the challenges which the Church is facing as it continues the process of reform, as well as its discernment of God’s will for the future shape of ministry and mission across Scotland.

“Our prayers remain with you, and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide the Church with wisdom, grace and hope in all its decision-making.”

The moderator’s function will see her chair proceedings on the Assembly Hall on the Mound over 5 days from Saturday, and thereafter act as an envoy for the church, talking on its behalf at engagements at house and overseas for the following 12 months.

Those at the meeting, both in the corridor or becoming a member of on-line, will hear particulars of a report setting out the difficult monetary state of affairs dealing with the church, in addition to participate in topical debates and vote on points introduced ahead by boards and committees.

Sensitive topics as a result of be debated embrace proposed laws permitting assisted suicide, and the resolution taken greater than 10 years in the past to stay impartial in the debate on Scottish independence.