Royal Kirking of Parliament Ceremony
Scotland's Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) were joined by the Duke of Edinburgh at St Giles' Cathedral for the traditional Royal Kirking of Parliament. This ceremonial church service marks the official opening of a new parliamentary session.
Alongside the MSPs, members of Scotland's civic society also attended the event, which is a longstanding tradition symbolizing the start of parliamentary proceedings.
Moderator's Reflections on New Parliamentary Term
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Rosie Frew, addressed the congregation, emphasizing that the beginning of the parliamentary term represents a "new beginning." She highlighted the significance of the words inscribed on the ceremonial mace housed in the Holyrood Parliament: wisdom, justice, compassion, and integrity.
The mace, a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II, carries these words as guiding principles for MSPs in their public service.
The moderator, whose tenure at the General Assembly concludes this week, stated:
"These four words are not the possession of any one party. They are words for all of you, for all of us. Words of aspiration.
For all our MSPs, new and returning, it is a new beginning – a new Parliament, new people to get to know, new roles, new commitments to get up to speed on."
She further reflected on the nature of elections and the shared responsibilities of politicians:
"We've had an election, and by their very nature elections are combative, heated battles at the hustings, the fight for votes, and yet as politicians regardless of party, there is so much that you have in common.
Public service is not about personal gain or recognition but about serving the welfare of others.
It calls for wisdom, integrity, justice, and compassion, whether in formal leadership or everyday acts of service.
By following these principles, public servants and individuals alike can honour God and contribute meaningfully to the welfare of our people and our land."
She concluded by emphasizing the moral dimension of democracy:
"The words on the mace – wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity – remind you, our MSPs, and all of us, that democracy is more than the counting of votes.
It is a moral enterprise, a shared commitment to seek the common good. And a common commitment to service."
Additional Ceremony Details
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone participated in the service by delivering one of the readings, contributing to the solemnity of the occasion.
Following the ceremony, the Duke of Edinburgh engaged in conversation with Alison Johnstone, reflecting the collegial atmosphere of the event.
