THE Church of Scotland has said it will play a role in helping heal any divisions caused by the independence referendum, whatever the outcome of the vote.
The General Assembly led by Moderator the Right Rev John Chalmers said there will be "much work" for ministers following the ballot on September 18.
In a letter presented at the General Assembly on Saturday, the Queen recognised the role of the Kirk in "holding the people of Scotland together" as they decide the country's future.
In a written response yesterday, the Church said: "We sincerely appreciate Your Majesty's prayers for the social good of Scotland in this year of referendum.
"Whatever the outcome, we anticipate that there will afterwards be much work for the Church to do in helping people to address the consequences of the referendum and to be reconciled with each other."
Hundreds of Church of Scotland representatives are meeting in Edinburgh this week to discuss church policy and governance at the annual General Assembly.
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