Church leader’s appeal to help others

Christians have been urged to stand up and show the world that their faith is more than just words.

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said the speed that normal life has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic had caught everyone by surprise.

Speaking on the first Sunday that traditional church services have been suspended, Mr Sinclair said the future for many people is “very challenging” and paid tribute to key workers.

“Now is the time to stand up and show that our faith is more than words,” he added.

“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.

“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, who has taken a 12-month break from being minister of Palmerston Place Church in Edinburgh, said people cannot always choose what happens to them but they can choose how to respond.

“People are understandably worried, both for themselves and their loved ones and they are concerned about their health and about the financial impact,” he added.

“Will we let this crisis bring out the best in us or the worst? Our instinct is self-preservation, so we hoard food and pull up the drawbridge. However, there is another way.”

Mr Sinclair said Christians follow Jesus Christ who calls on them to pray, love others and serve those in need.

“This is already happening, such as those on the frontline caring for the sick,” he added.

“People are leafletting their community, offering to do practical tasks, like helping with shopping or collecting prescriptions.

“Some take time to phone or find different ways to contact people feeling isolated, while others, hearing food banks are running low, are bringing an extra donation.”

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair.