As the scale of the Coronavirus Covid-19 crisis became clear, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland urged Christians to show the world that their faith is more than just words.

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair said the speed that normal life had been put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic had caught everyone by surprise.

Speaking on the first Sunday that traditional church services were suspended, Mr Sinclair said the future for many people is ‘very challenging’ with no immediate prospect of a return ‘to business as usual’.

He said: “Now is the time to stand up and show that our faith is more than words.

“It is the rock on which we stand and the driving force in our lives.

“We need to practise faith, hope and love and not just recite them as a creed.

“With God’s help we will get through this together and who knows perhaps the divisions in our communities and country that emerged over the last few years can now be healed as we work together.”

Mr Sinclair and his wife, Ruth, are broadcasting daily messages on their Facebook page.