A reflection from Scotland on the death of Her Majesty The Queen

Scottish tributes to Queen Elizabeth celebrate her deep affection for Scotland and its people. That affection was returned by the Scottish people, visible as thousands turned out to pay their respects from Balmoral to Edinburgh, along the Royal Mile and then filing past her coffin as she lay in rest following the national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral.

When resident in Balmoral, Her Majesty joined the local congregation for Sunday worship at Crathie Kirk. She was Supreme Governor of the Church of England but modelled an ecumenical openness and ease in attending The Church of Scotland. That same openness and ease was evident when she spoke of the personal Christian faith that sustained her, commending faith in Jesus Christ to others.

She was the first Monarch to visit Shetland since the Vikings ruled the isles. At its formal opening she gifted the Scottish Parliament a symbolic mace inscribed with the words ‘integrity, compassion, wisdom and justice’ - values which were evident throughout her life.

Methodists in Scotland came together for a long-planned District weekend following the announcement of the Queen’s death. Out of respect, the opening Ceilidh was replaced with a prayer vigil and prayers of thanksgiving were offered throughout the weekend.

The Revd Mark Slaney

A Prayer

Eternal, loving God of Glen and Ben, of Castle and Council Estates,
we offer you our deep affection and gratitude for our late Queen Elizabeth,
who was known to be present in local and national life,
who modelled leadership, faith and unity in worship and service.
Receive her into the wide-arms of your everlasting mercy and eternal rest, we pray.
Comfort those who mourn her passing and gift integrity, compassion, wisdom and justice in our local and national life.
Through Christ Jesus our Lord,
Amen.