Church of Scotland Tributes to Queen

Wednesday September 9

^{The then Princess Elizabeth arriving at St Andrews church Nairobi, Kenya in February 1952 - a few days before she became Queen. Picture: Church of Scotland}

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has paid tribute to the Queen as she became Britain's longest-serving monarch.

The Rt Rev Angus Morrison, who spent the weekend at Balmoral Castle and preached to the Queen in Crathie Kirk, said: "While the Queen herself, in characteristic fashion, wishes to play down the importance of the occasion, and announces ‘business as usual’, it is impossible for us not to pause, to reflect, to celebrate, and to give thanks.
 
"People may well wonder what it is that motivates a lady of the Queen’s years to continue day by day with the same full schedule of work and engagements that she has undertaken throughout her reign. The answer, I believe, is both simple and profound. At the time of her coronation the Queen took a solemn vow before God of service to the people of this country and of the Commonwealth. The sense of duty to fulfil her vow lies very deep, as does her commitment to the people she serves. From this course, she has never wavered though all the years. Undergirding all is the Queen’s cherished Christian faith, and her desire that all her service will bring glory to God, as well as blessing to her people.
 
"The achievements of Her Majesty during her reign, to date, are utterly awe-inspiring. I have no doubt that in future ages she will be recognized as one of the greatest monarchs in the history of our country. At this particular milestone, the Queen can be assured of the enduring admiration and affection of her people, as we thank God for her, and also of our good wishes and prayers for abiding health and strength, as she continues in self-giving service to us all."

The minister of Crathie Church, the Rev Ken MacKenzie, said: “There is terrific admiration and affection in the community for the Queen who has clearly been so committed and faithful over many years for what she clearly sees as a calling. She has a great love of Scotland. The red boxes come here and with new technology she remains very much involved in affairs of state but she is here for many weeks in the year and to some degree she is freed from day to day responsibilities She derives some peace and respite from the grandeur of these hills and takes a great interest in the community and all that we are involved in.
 
“The Queen has served without putting a foot wrong. She sees her role as a duty but does it with grace too. Her commitment to office comes partly from a deep sense of calling. These are promises she made before God. Her faith is very much to the fore in her life and has been all these long years of service. “
 
“The Queen has made it clear that she does not see this day as a landmark in the same way the anniversary of the coronation might be. This day is essentially linked to good health and long life. For the rest of us however it is perhaps a day to acknowledge and give thanks for her devoted service to the country over so many years. “

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