Church leaders from Scotland played their part in the coronation of the King on Saturday.
The Right Rev Dr Iain Greenshields represented the Church of Scotland, presenting Charles with his first gift, and the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, presented the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Dr Greenshields said it was a “great honour and privilege” to be representing the church during the “very special moment in history”.
“I will play a part in service by presenting King Charles with a specially made Bible as his first gift, a tradition which has been part of every coronation since Mary II and William III in 1689,” the moderator of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly said, prior to the ceremony.
“The crown has very close ties with the Church of Scotland and signing an historic oath to uphold the Presbyterian system of Church governance in Scotland was His Majesty’s first act after being officially proclaimed King following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth last September.
“Each year, the monarch appoints a Lord High Commissioner to represent them at the General Assembly in May and they read out a letter on their behalf before undertaking public engagements in their name through the week.
“Like his mother before him, King Charles is an ordinary member of the Church of Scotland while in Scotland and regularly attends Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire while in residence.
“His Majesty also worships at Canisbay Parish Church in Caithness when he is staying at the Castle of Mey near John O’Groats.”
Also at the service in Westminster Abbey was Mr Strange, of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
After presenting the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross to the Archbishop of Canterbury, at what is described as the most important and symbolic moment at the heart of the coronation service, the Archbishop then placed the Sceptre in the right hand of the King, just moments before he is crowned.
Mr Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, was invited to fulfil the role in honour of his service to the church and the wider Anglican Communion, as well as of his contribution to public life.
“Last year I was among those who gathered at Westminster Abbey to give thanks and bid farewell on the sombre occasion of the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen,” he said.
“It is a privilege to return to the Abbey on what will be a joyful day and once again represent the Scottish Episcopal Church.
“I am especially grateful that the invitation acknowledges my service not just in Scotland but in the wider Anglican Communion and within civic society.
“To be recognised for these commitments, which are so important to the role of Primus, is deeply appreciated.”
The Primus will also be part of the ecumenical leaders procession into the Abbey.
Another bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Rt Rev John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh, was also invited to attend the coronation as one of 13 people chosen to play historic ceremonial roles.
He attended in his capacity as the ex-officio chair of the Walker Trustees, a role which incorporates the position of the Heritable Usher of the White Rod, a historic office of the Parliament of Scotland.
