Edinburgh, UK. 24th Jun, 2017. General Mike Riddell-Webster CBE DSO, Governor of Edinburgh Castle. The Church of Scotland is strengthening its commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans and their families. Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly, is signing the Armed Forces Covenant at Edinburgh Castle tonight. (Sat, June 24).Credit: Andrew O'Brien/Alamy Live News
Saturday 24th of June 2017: General Mike Riddell-Webster CBE DSO, Governor of Edinburgh Castle. The Church of Scotland is strengthening its commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans and their families. Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly, is signing the Armed Forces Covenant at Edinburgh Castle tonight. (Sat, June 24). He said the Church was committed to supporting military chaplains, who serve in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, and ministering to Òeveryone wherever they are to be found and whatever their needs.Ó The Covenant represents a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. But signing it is not an endorsement of defence policy and the ChurchÕs ability to challenge the UK Government on any aspect of it will not be impinged. There are around 260,000 veterans in Scotland, almost 6% of the population. When families are added to the number, the Armed Forces Community represents almost one in 10 of the countryÕs people. The Covenant states: ÒWe recognise the value serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our organisation and our country. ÒTherefore we, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will endeavour in our business and charitable dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.Ó The principles are á No member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen á In some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or the agreement to support people Òpastorally, liturgically and organisationallyÓ, presbyteries will appoint VeteransÕ Champions to support parish ministers who will signpost people to the appropriate agency to ensure they get the help they need. The Church will continue to recognise the sacrifices made by others by m
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Location: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © Andrew O'Brien / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: air, armed, army, church, covenant, force, forces, kingdom, mod, moderator, navy, royal, scotland, uk, united
