The Scottish Episcopal Church is encouraging members to join Christians around the world in saying the Lord’s Prayer at 11am on Wednesday (25 March).

The move comes in response to an invitation from Pope Francis sent to all Christian leaders in which he asks that we invoke “together the graces from heaven” and ask “for the end of this pandemic”.

In a joint letter, 11 Christian denominations across the country including the Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church, have pledged to take part.

The Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus, welcomed the move and said: “When the Disciples asked Jesus what they should pray, this is the answer he gave them. As disciples of Christ, let us pray this together as we face this time of trial.”

Those other denominations taking part in Scotland are the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church, the United Free Church, the United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Methodist Church, Congregational Federation in Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Do not bring us
to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.

Signatories in Scotland:

Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church.
Rt. Rev. Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland.
Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church.
Rev John Fulton, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland.
Rev Dr David Pickering, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland).
Rev Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland.
Rev Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland).
Rev May-Kane Logan, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland.
Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army.
Rev Jim Ritchie, District Superintendent, British Isles North District, Church of the Nazarene.
Pastor Chris Gbenle, Provincial Pastor, Province of Scotland, Redeemed Christian Church of God.