The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland urged Christians to ‘breathe deeply’ and ‘keep the faith’ in the wake of Donald Trump’s election as President of the USA.

The Rt Rev Dr Russell Barr, who made a visit to the US and Canada shortly before November’s election, said he hadn’t been surprised by the result.

“As with the UK’s Brexit vote earlier in the year, it was clear that momentum was with the Trump campaign as the election day approached.

“And as with the Brexit vote, Trump was able to appeal to an anti-elite and anti-politics sentiment which has clearly resonated on both sides of the Atlantic.

“In the coming days it will be important for all of us to breathe deeply as the dust settles and we come to terms with Mr Trump’s election.

“It will be important to listen carefully for whether in the USA or the UK, there is an evident disconnect between people and politicians, and a loss of trust in what has been the accepted political process.

“And as we live through these changed and changing times, it will also be important for people of faith to keep faith in the God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and to trust that beyond the principalities and powers of the present times, we are embraced in the radical grace, hospitality and love revealed to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”