Rev. Iver Martin, Free Church Moderator, on behalf of the Free Church of Scotland
The Free Church of Scotland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her 70 year reign has been characterised by continuous and wholehearted commitment to what she believed was her God given position as sovereign over the United Kingdom.
We are deeply thankful for her many years of service and the important principles she stood for, most notably her personal faith in Jesus Christ, which was made evident in her consistent conduct and regular broadcasts.
The Free Church wishes to extend its deepest and prayerful sympathy to the Royal Family: Their Royal Highnesses, Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward, together with their spouses, children and grandchildren.
Her Majesty the Queen was committed to the relationship between Church and State. Her first visit to the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland was in 1969 when she visited with her husband Prince Philip.
Each year since she has appointed a Lord High Commissioner as her representative. These have included senior Royals such as His Majesty King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince William.
During the visit by the Lord High Commissioner, The Right Honourable Lord (Patrick) Hodge, to the General Assembly this year, Free Church Moderator Rev. Iver Martin spoke about Her Majesty, the Queen, saying: “We are all profoundly thankful for all the years and the health that the Lord has given to her. She has given stability to this nation and over the many decades that she has been in place, and particularly during the last two years.”
