From The Editor

IT is entirely appropriate in this month of Remembrance that we devote space to remembering the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Her death occurred in the space between deadlines for issues and this is our first opportunity to pay tribute in print (and digital) to the longest-serving British monarch (although we responded with articles at the time of her death on our website at www.lifeandwork.org)

Queen Elizabeth had a huge love for Scotland and the Church of Scotland – and indeed for perhaps the first time in modern history, our Church and land played a significant (and dignified) role in mourning in the early days after her death at her beloved Balmoral on Deeside – the first UK monarch to die north of the Border.

Tens of thousands of people either said goodbye watching her last journeys through Scotland or whilst lying at rest for 24 hours at the High Kirk of St Giles in Edinburgh.

Her reign brought stability in a fastchanging world, but also respect. The first thanksgiving service – designed according to the late Queen’s wishes – was beautifully simple and upheld her deep Christian faith.

In ascending to the throne, King Charles III signed the historic oath to uphold the Church of Scotland and it was fascinating to see the role of the Church placed front and centre amid the business.

But in this month of Remembrance it is fitting that the life of the longestserving monarch is given prominence. Remembrance was of the highest importance to Queen Elizabeth II – she herself served in the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), offering an insight into her future pledge of service adopted by her during her reign. Appearances at the Cenotaph were part of her annual list of engagements, acknowledging the importance of remembering the sacrifices made, past and present, for those in the field of battle.

"Her reign brought stability in a fast-changing world, but also respect.''

Particularly moving in the immediate aftermath of her death was a message from the Evangelical Church of Westphalia in Germany to the Church of Scotland which highlighted the role she had played in building peace and relationships in the years after the Second World War. It was a poignant reminder of her service in building bridges in the post-war years of the Second World War.

This issue is a time for reflection and Remembrance, but also a time to look forward. The emotion and power of this time – remembering a life well lived in Christian service – will endure, but it will not be forgotten as we move forward into the reign of her son Charles III. It is also a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the theatre of war – their contribution to our world continues to be honoured in this month of Remembrance.

Lynne McNeil Editor