printed 29 October 2024
Learn for 3 minutes
A former Moderator of the Commons addressed the Scottish Parliament as we speak to mark the twenty fifth anniversary of Time for Reflection.
The Rt Hon Lord (Jim) Wallace of Tankerness KC stated it was a “privilege” to look earlier than MSPs in October 1999 in honor of the maiden speech made by the Rev Dr Graham Blunt.
He served as the primary Scottish Church buildings Parliamentary Officer when the Scottish Parliament was reconstituted after 292 years.
In partnership with different religion communities, the SCPO (Workplace) helped set up “Time for Reflection” – a weekly parliamentary slot the place representatives of Scotland’s religion and religion communities ship a reflective “Thought for the Day”.
The Church of Scotland was a part of the Scottish Constitutional Conference, an affiliation of Scottish political events, church buildings and different civic teams, which created a framework for Scottish devolution.
Lord Wallace was an MSP for Orkney from 1999-2007 and is a former Deputy First Minister of Scotland.
An elder of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney, he served as moderator in 2021-22 and firmly believes that church buildings nonetheless have an necessary position to play in influencing decision-making within the Scottish Parliament for the widespread good.
Lord Wallace used the time for reflection to pay tribute to former First Minister Alex Salmond whose funeral was led by the Rev Dr Ian McEwan as we speak at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire.
Lord Wallace’s handle to MSPs in full.
“Presiding Officer, it’s a most admirable privilege to be requested to supply this time for reflection on the twenty fifth anniversary of the first-ever reflection given by the Rev Dr Graham Blunt, Parliamentary Officer of the Church of Scotland, on 27 October 1999.
And I’m additionally conscious that as we speak is the primary full session of Parliament for the reason that loss of life of former First Minister Alex Salmond.
As Alex Salmond’s up to date within the Home of Commons, on this Parliament and as chief of the respective events, I can testify to his nice ability as a politician and acknowledge the service he has given to his constituency and to Scotland as an MP, MSP and First. the minister
My condolences to Moira and Alex’s household, he was laid to relaxation as we speak.
Certainly, it’s well timed to recall with appreciation the service of all those that have been elected to this Parliament over the previous twenty-five years and no matter their politics, the contribution they’ve made to their communities and the widespread good. weal
A passage from the Gospel of Mark that has been etched in my reminiscence, and hopefully taught me one thing about service.
The explanation I bear in mind it’s as a result of fifty years in the past after I took my affirmative vows, the minister, referring to my baptismal identify James, referred to the change between Jesus and James and his brother John.
The brothers requested Jesus if he would appoint them to sit down at his left hand and at his proper when he is available in glory.
Apparently, they loved the concept of worldly or political glory.
The opposite disciples remonstrated with them to get themselves a little bit larger; However Jesus didn’t rebuke them
Fairly, he laid out the finer calls for of discipleship.
And Jesus continued, “Whoever could be nice amongst you should be your servant. For the Son of Man didn’t come to be served, however to serve, and to provide his life as a ransom for a lot of.”
At a time when politics may be so polarizing, absolutely a standard dedication to service, no matter our religion or faith, is one thing that may unite us.
I shut with the phrases of Graham Blunt’s prayer 25 years in the past, which I feel are nonetheless acceptable as we speak:
‘God’s grace, we pray for our parliament, offers us our religion and our imaginative and prescient, in order that it may be a spot the place individuals can come once they have nobody else, a spot of listening and therapeutic and hope.
We pray for one another, for the individuals we see as buddies, rivals, colleagues and adversaries, conscious of the pressures and failures and the probabilities we share.
Amen.”
