Church of Scotland Moderator Remembers Those in Conflict Zones

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has delivered a special Christmas sermon in which he called on Christians to remember those living in parts of the world still dogged by conflict.

Speaking to the congregation at the Watchnight Service at St Leonard's Parish Church, St Andrews, the Rt Rev Alan McDonald reminded Christians of the need to pray for those living in conflict zones around the world.

"As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us keep in our hearts, in our prayers, and in our actions, the people in the parts of this weary world where there is no peace, in Baghdad, in Kabul, in Darfur, and in Bethlehem," he said.

"And as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace this Christmas, at a time when we are contemplating the modernisation of weapons of mass destruction, let us remember the shepherds, be not afraid, and hold on to our hopes and dreams."

The Moderator has campaigned heavily against the government's proposals to renew Trident.

Earlier in the month, the Moderator handed in a petition containing almost 20,000 signatures against Trident renewal to the Ministry of Defence together with the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev Idris Jones, and Richard McCready of the Scottish Catholic Church.