Author: Shona Haslam

Scottish Christians face prejudice because of their beliefs

The vast majority of Scots Christians are deeply concerned about abuse, negative comments and attitudes experienced by Christian politicians in the media according to a survey by think tank Logos Scotland and more than 70% feel the Scottish Government does not support them.  With faith and politics increasingly in the headlines we thought it timely to ask Christians and non Christians about how they felt in Scotland today, living and expressing their faith, and viewing politics and the news.

Labour In Tray – “What’s Next?”

We need to earn the right to speak with a massive swathe of new MPs.  In my 30 years of lobbying politicians one thing I have learnt is that they will listen to you more if you have proven to be a solid friend.  Not someone who is only in touch when you want to complain about something, but someone who will write and say – well done, thank you.

A Biblical Perspective on Asylum and Immigration

This report is not about politics, it is about policies.  It does not favour one political stance over another or agree with one party or another, but instead asks those in power to think about where do we begin from?  What is the lens through which you are seeing this issue?  What should the founding principles of any asylum policy be?

Holding them steady

It is hard to be in this space of politics.  It has its own rules and its own ways of working, it isn’t for everyone, and sometimes it is better left to the professionals.  But we cannot allow those who take the lead to feel unsupported or isolated.  I am sure I am not alone here in thinking about the verse Exodus 17:12   When Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur brought a stone for him to sit on, while they stood beside him and held up his arms, holding them steady until the sun went down.

Programme for Government

Last week was a big week in the Scottish Parliament.  Humza Yousaf delivered his first Programme for Government which sets out the proposed Bills and policies for the coming year for the SNP/Green coalition Government.  We asked some of friends to tell us whet
her they think it will deliver for Scotland.

We do do God

Twenty years ago this week that Alastair Campbell famously said “We don’t do God”.  On 5th May 2003 Tony Blair was giving an interview to Vanity Fair when his head of communications interrupted the interview with what was probably a throw away quip but it has gone down in history as a mantra to live by for many politicians.
Twenty years on, do politicians still not do God or have times changed?

The Politics of Faith

Over the last couple of days I think I have had more spontaneous conversations about faith and politics that I have ever had before.  A light has been shone on the tolerant society that we claim to be, a light that has discovered that we are tolerant of everything except faith and religious views.