In a statement, Dr Kirkpatrick said, “This morning Mr Sunak took on the onerous responsibilities of leading His Majesty’s Government at this incredibly challenging time, the UK’s third Prime Minister in as many months. It is therefore a time when stability is much needed and earnestly desired, as concerns around the significant and rapid increases in the cost of living, particularly in relation to food prices, electricity and energy supply, mount day-by-day with more people suffering.
“As Mr Sunak assumes this high office and new responsibilities today, gathering his team to serve with him, he can be assured of my prayers and those of many throughout the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. As we pray for him and all in authority, as we are called to do as Christians, I also pray that he will be enabled to make good the pledge that he made yesterday afternoon ‘to serve with integrity and humility…’
Dr Kirkpatrick concluded by saying, “We should never underestimate the power of prayer. I was reminded recently of these words by the writer of Amazing Grace, John Newton, who wrote, ‘Our Lord’s Kingdom is not of this world and most people may do their country much more essential service by pleading in prayer, than by finding fault with the things they have no power to alter.’ As a Church we continue to speak in to the public square on many issues, but we must also pray, especially in tremendously uncertain days like these.”