Speaking ahead of the service, which will he attended by Their Majesties the King and Queen Consort, members of the Royal Family, and heads of state and government from around the world, including the Prime Minister, President of Ireland and An Taoiseach, Dr Kirkpatrick said that it was “an honour to be asked to take part and represent Irish Presbyterians at such an historic and unique moment.”
The Moderator, who also took part in last Tuesday's Service of Reflection for the life of the late Queen at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, will take part in the pre-procession through the Abbey along with other church leaders at the start of the service. Dr Kirkpatrick continued, “While a very public occasion, today will be a deeply personal moment for the members of the late Queen’s family. My thoughts and prayers, along with many across our denomination, will be with them today as they continue to grieve in the glare of publicity. It is an honour to be asked to attend and represent Irish Presbyterians at such an historic and unique moment.
“While the focus for many will be on the pageantry and symbolism of such a solemn state occasion as this, it is important that we don’t lose sight of the fact that this is also a day of thanksgiving for the life of Queen Elizabeth. As we reflect on that long life of devoted public service and devotion to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it is my hope that today might be a moment of gospel witness,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.
“Like all families who mourn the loss of a loved one, it is also my prayer that the King and his family, may know the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the anchor of our soul, and our only hope in life and death.”
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the Moderator has produced a resource for personal devotion in light of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Entitled 'In This Moment', you can download it here. At the time of her death, Dr Kirkpatrick offered his ‘deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences’ to His Majesty the King...' on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. You can read his statement here.