Reacting to the results of the general election campaign, the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church asked for prayers for all new MPs, and for those now in government.

Bishop Mark said: “As we awoke to an enormous change in the political makeup of the Westminster parliament, I wish to congratulate all those who won, and ask for prayer and gratitude for all those who put themselves forward as candidates for election across the UK.

“Scottish Church leaders have offered prayer in the weeks leading up to the general election, and it is important as this new government takes it’s first steps, and looks to the next five years, that we continue to pray for all those who will now make decisions on behalf of us all. It is a difficult job, and compassion and urgency will be needed to address the challenges faced by people in communities around Scotland and across the UK.

“In the Scottish Episcopal Church we have a long tradition of working with local MPs on issues in our charges, and I am confident that will continue with new relationships formed, and existing relationships strengthened. We also engage with the UK government on a variety of issues and I look forward to seeing how that will continue.”