Church in pledge to aid forces families

The Church of Scotland is strengthening its commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly, is to sign the covenant at Edinburgh Castle this evening.

He said the church is committed to supporting military chaplains who serve in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, and ministering to “everyone, wherever they are to be found and whatever their needs”. “Where we can, we will help,” Dr Browning said.

The covenant represents a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

Signing it is not an endorsement of defence policy, and the church said its 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.

Among other things, the covenant will give churches a chance to identify veterans the Armed Service charities are struggling to pinpoint, while ministers will learn more about military bases, reserve centres and cadet training facilities.