The Church of Scotland’s honorary figurehead will tomorrow appeal (sun) for unity and harmony after the historic independence referendum vote.
The Right Rev John Chalmers, moderator of the KIrk’s General Assembly, will lead the nation in prayer at a service in St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh.
He recently said he was “disturbed by apparent increased aggression and bitterness” amongst some people on both sides of the debate which would split up the 307 year union between Scotland and England.
Mr Chalmers will urge Scots to remember “we must continue to live with each other once the result is known”.
Quoting Elijah in the Book of Kings, the moderator will say it is time for voters to come down from the fence no matter how difficult they may find it to make their choice.
Mr Chalmers is expected to say: “It will be hard, because I’m one of those people who has spent a lifetime trying to see both sides of every argument, trying to work out complicated “middle ways” that keep as many people as possible content.
“But I’m not going to get away with that this week.
“On this issue like the people of Israel standing before Elijah I need to come off the fence.”
Reflecting upon St Paul’s prayer for harmony in Jesus Christ, Mr Chalmers will say it is a prayer also for the nation.
He will urge people to be part of shaping their future, always guided by love, knowing then that they have much less to fear even if the outcome does not reflect their choice.
The moderator will say: “The real success of next Thursday will be that, whatever the outcome, every voice will continue to play its part in shaping the kind of Scotland that people in Scotland vote for.
“We cannot afford to lose the momentum and interest in Scottish civic life which this campaign has generated.”
Mr Chalmers will preach at a national service of reconciliation at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on September 21, which will be attended by leading political figures from the Yes and No campaigns.