Moderator’s “historic” visit to the Vatican recognised in Scottish Parliament

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland's recent "historic" visit to the Vatican accompanying Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.

A motion, which was laid down by Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, commended Rt Rev Rosie Frew's trip to the Holy See "for representing the Church of Scotland with distinction".

Taking place on Thursday 23 October, Mrs Frew participated in worship in the Sistine Chapel which was themed on ‘Care for Creation', had an audience with Pope Leo XIV and also gave a reading from Ephesians 4:1-6 at Saint Paul's Outside-the-Walls, where Saint Paul is thought to be buried.

Whilst meeting the Pontiff she presented him, and King Charles, with copies of the Saint Margaret Declaration, a historic statement of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.

The motion also notes the "importance of ecumenical engagement and interfaith dialogue, as exemplified by Rt Rev Frew's participation in worship, prayer, and discussions during this landmark visit".

It ends by extending "best wishes to Rt Rev Rosie Frew for her continued service and dedication to promoting unity, faith, and international goodwill".

The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, also joined the historic Royal tour to the Holy See, which has been chosen to take place during a Jubilee year for the Catholic Church.

Rev Tara Curlewis, who is the minister of the Church of Scotland's congregation in Rome, joined Mrs Frew at the two services.

Acting Principal Clerk Rev Dr John McPake said:

"I am delighted to see the recognition given to the Moderator in the Scottish Parliament following her visit to the Vatican.

"The opportunity to accompany King Charles and Queen Camilla on the occasion of their historic meeting with Pope Leo XIV gives focus to the ongoing journey of reconciliation shared within the Christian Church.

"The contribution of the Saint Margaret Declaration to this journey reflects, in no small measure, the steps undertaken in Scotland."

The full motion reads:

"That the Parliament congratulates Rt Rev Rosie Frew of Bowden and Melrose Parish Church on accompanying His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort to the Vatican and taking part in a historic audience with Pope Leo XIV; notes that Rt Rev Frew attended ecumenical worship at the Sistine Chapel, focusing on the theme of Care for Creation, and participated in a special ceremony at Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls, one of the four major basilicas of Rome; recognises Rt Rev Frew's role in reading from Ephesians 4:1-6 during the service and presenting the Saint Margaret Declaration to both His Majesty The King and the Pope, strengthening historic bonds of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland; acknowledges what it sees as the importance of ecumenical engagement and interfaith dialogue, as exemplified by Rt Rev Frew's participation in worship, prayer, and discussions during this landmark visit; recognises the significance of this historic royal and ecclesiastical occasion, marking the first time a British monarch has prayed with the Pope since the Reformation; commends Rt Rev Frew for representing the Church of Scotland with distinction, and extends its best wishes to Rt Rev Rosie Frew for her continued service and dedication to promoting unity, faith, and international goodwill."

Details of the motion can be found on the Scottish Parliament's website.