28 Nov 2007
Des Browne today welcomed the first ordained female minister to become Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to Dover House for the annual Moderator's lunch.
The Right Rev Sheilagh Kesting led an ecumenical service in the Crypt Chapel of the House of Commons. She then attended Scottish questions and Prime Minister's Question Time before returning to Dover House for the annual reception.
Des Browne said:
"It's a great pleasure to be able to welcome the
Moderator to the Scotland Office, continuing a tradition that goes back more than half a century.
"It is fitting that the Moderator and the Scotland Office have participated this morning, as is traditional on the occasion of the Moderator's visit to Westminster, in an ecumenical service at Westminster, as ecumenism has been at the heart of Sheilagh Kesting's work in the Church of Scotland.
The Secretary of State also paid tribute to the Moderator's "tireless work" to tackle sectarianism, saying:
"No-one needs to be reminded of the damage that sectarianism has done to our communities. The most effective way to combat it is by different Churches working together to disown it, and Sheilagh Kesting's career in the Church of Scotland has exemplified that approach.
"This week not only marks St Andrew's Day, but is also becoming Scottish Inter Faith week. The Moderator has played a distinguished role in promoting inter faith dialogue and co-operation and her visit has given us an added focus to think about the opportunities this approach can offer, as well as to reflect on the positive leadership her work has provided. I am pleased to pay tribute to her today."
Media contact:
Nathaniel Mumford: 0207 270 6875 / 07771 938878