On the move

My blog is now posted on the Union website. www.scottishbaptist.org.uk

Just updated earlier today.

Yes First Minister

On Wednesday 23 February 2011 I was given the opportunity, along with 9 other denominational leaders, to meet First Minister Alex Salmond to discuss areas of national concern. These included issues relating to alcohol abuse, restorative justice, reflections on a socially-just economy, and Churches, communities and volunteering.

The conversation was open and cordial, addressing difficult issues and sharing examples of good practice from across the country. The First Minister greatly extended the time available to us to meet with him and we enjoyed the warmth of welcome received in the Parliament.

This annual meeting illustrates the increasingly active engagement between Churches and Civic Society in Scotland, both nationally and locally.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

"The Scottish Government greatly values the contribution that churches and all of our faith communities make to the social, economic and cultural life of Scotland and their important work supporting communities across the nation. Today’s meeting was open and constructive and I welcome the Scottish Government’s ongoing dialogue with our churches."

As Baptists we are indebted to Action of Churches Together in Scotland for negotiating this meeting each year, and for the warm and gracious welcome I received as a leader of a denomination that does not participate in ACTS.

This meeting reminded me that although the church in Scotland has been in decline for many years, we are still a large voice that others are willing to give time to listen to when we speak in unity and from a perspective of helping others and society as a whole.