Prof David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria

On Thursday December 11 at 9:15am I had a very pleasant half-hour of coffee and conversation with His Excellency the Governor of Victoria, Professor David De Kretser in his 'private quarters' at Government House.

Driving into the impressive grounds of Government House I was interested to note that the grand stone gateway bears the royal coat of arms of the UK with the inscription, 'Dieu et Mon Droit', which means 'God and my right'.

This phrase was first used by English royalty from the time of Henry V (1413-22) but was maintained as the motto of British monarchs after the union of the crowns in 1603. It is probably a reference to the doctrine of 'The Divine Right of Kings'.

At its most noble, this doctine should keep a King or Queen humble. It should give them a strong sense of duty to obey God's will and serve God's people, and an equally strong sense of accountability before God who holds them responsible not just for their own personal relationship with Him but for the spiritual and moral state of the nation under them.

At its worst, it can be used by a dictator to hold himself above any sense of accountability, above the law, answerable to no-one. It can be manipulated to give his personal decrees, laws and whims the strength of 'thus saith the Lord'. To disobey such a monarch - regardless of how meaningless or evil the command he issued - would be tantamount not just to treason, but blasphemy!

I think we are incredibly blessed as a nation to have a reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who accepts her role in life with humilty and genuine compassion. I was impressed by her Christmas address this week (I am writing on Dec 27). She may not have 'preached the gospel' in the evangelical sense, but she clearly held out for all who have ears to hear, the example of love, compassion and self-sacrifice of Jesus.

Similarly we have been blessed by a succession of Governors, at both state and commonwealth level, who accept their position with humility and seek to serve the people under them rather than lord it over them. Long may this continue!

My reason for visiting the Governor was to fulfil the task given to me by the General Assembly, to convey the greetings of the church to Her Majesty the Queen through His Excellency the Governor. I duly did that, handing over a letter in the terms agreed by the Assembly, and I have since had confirmation from the Governor's office that it has been sent to Her Majesty.

Similar greetings were sent (by post) to the Governor-General, who has written personally to thank the church. She writes,

"Thank you for your warm greetings. I feel encouraged to know that I am supported in my role by the prayers and goodwill of the Church, and I cherish a great affection and respesct for the Presbyterian denomination, which has been for me the source of deep friendships, happy associations and the memories of much fellowship in good works. I wish you all the very best as you seek to serve God and your communities with honesty, integrity and grace. With kind regards, Quentin Bryce."

(Paul's ascription towards the end of Galatians could have been used here by the Her Excellency for that last sentence - 'see what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!')