Church’s commitment to military families bolstered

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 signing the covenant tonight at Edinburgh Castle. 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 and whatever their needs”.

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.

The covenant states: “We recognise the value serving personnel, regular and reto servists, veterans and military families contribute to our organisation and our country.

“Therefore 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.”

The principles of the covenant are that no member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen and that in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

The covenant will give churches an opportunity identify veterans in their local communities that the armed service charities are struggling to pinpoint, while ministers will be encouraged to learn more about local military bases, reserve

“The Kirk is committed to supporting the work of military chaplaincy”

centres and cadet training facilities.

Dr Browning said: “The Church of Scotland remains committed to the work of military chaplaincy. It is mindful that much of the work done is not at the front-line.”

Dr Derek Browning