Scotland has secularized at an alarming rate. While many wonder how Scotland lost the faith, Christians, greater in number than a mere remnant, remain faithful. Some may predict a continuous decline in church attendance, but new evidence bolsters optimism for Christian Scots
With Olympics kicking off, and a controversial opening ceremony, some thoughts from Angela Mackenzie in a guest blog spot. What should we really be thinking about over the course of the Olympics, and how do we remember the Olympic greats like Eric Liddell
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.
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.
But, when someone exits the political stage, something really interesting happens, everyone develops a grace and compassion that is rarely seen in politics. People start being nice to each other and leaving the stage with a graciousness that has been previously unseen. Gone are the jibes across the Parliamentary chamber, and now everyone is saying that they were best buds really and how much respect they actually hold for each other.
Elaine Duncan, CEO of Scottish Bible Society Cllr Kieran Turner. Cllr James Bundy
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?
Logos Scotland is interested in hearing your thoughts on politics, government, policy, civic engagement, and faith. This is your chance to express your opinions and contribute to the conversation. Participating in the survey is a great way to make your voice heard. http://tinyurl.com/LogosFaithSurvey
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.
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.