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“ Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic there was an appetite for change but the reshaping of the world has sharpened and accelerated this appetite.

HOW often in our lives shall we witness the coronation of a King?

The death of Queen Elizabeth last year marked the passing of the longest-serving sovereign with a reign of more than 70 years. Her death also marked the accession to the throne of King Charles III.

And so this month brings a royal coronation – the first for 70 years – and the first many of us will have witnessed in our lifetime.

Media speculation for the coronation appeared to suggest a modernisation of the post-war coronation of the King’s mother – reflecting the tone of the times. For the 1953 coronation of the young Queen Elizabeth was greeted with huge excitement, bringing much-needed colour to a world emerging from the austerity of the early post-war years.

In granting a public holiday for the occasion, the wish was expressed that the holiday would encourage people to volunteer and help others – presenting a new modern monarchy.

This month’s General Assembly will also bear witness to the first letter from the King as part of the ceremonial opening. It was interesting to note the prominent role of the promise to uphold Presbyterian governance of the Church of Scotland which played such a significant role in the King’s accession to the throne last September.

Reform is likely to dominate the General Assembly agenda when it takes place in Edinburgh later this month.

Whilst mission planning is resulting in much pain and sorrow – and is not yet over – the hard decisions currently taking place are partly a legacy of the great union of 1929 which saw the two churches divided by the Disruption united, but bringing many congregations (and buildings) back into one – leaving many places with an overabundance of church buildings.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic there was an appetite for change but the reshaping of the world has sharpened and accelerated this appetite – although there is also a clear need for lament to acknowledge the pain of loss.

The nettle has been firmly grasped and those taking on the challenge have a purposeful church of mission at the heart of future plans as the Church grapples to find a new way forward whilst discerning the presence of God on a newly forged path.

Against this backdrop, the letter from the newly-crowned King will offer a moment of history during a week of difficult, but necessary, debate and discussion – aweek which could prove to be an equally historic moment in time for the Church of Scotland.

Lynne McNeil Editor