Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our leader today is Richard Raggett, Quaker.
Good afternoon.
How good are we at listening—really listening? Listening to others and to our own hearts is a deep strand of how Quakers try to live. Public discourse encourages division—to be for or against. Abuse, ridicule, extreme language and threats follow—as you are all too well aware. How do we break the grip of bitterness and find kinder ground?
The multiple crises that we face have become all too serious. As global carbon emissions continue to rise, deferring climate action compounds the problem for future generations. We are caught in a terrible moral and pragmatic knot. Scotland desperately needs to harvest the collective integrity and good will of this place. Think of the chamber’s watchwords: justice, integrity, wisdom and compassion.
We all have to face the reality of the coming decades. No one can underestimate the burdens that are resting upon the shoulders of all national Parliaments. No single person or group has the answers. Solutions will span the next five sessions of parliament, and lasting consensus is essential. Therefore, it is vital to speak with humility, not because we lack confidence in our convictions but out of respect for others’ knowledge and perspectives. In turn, we must listen with humility and a desire for understanding. There is a deep need for plain, honest, open speaking from society’s leaders—a group that you are all part of.
You are privileged to be in a position to foster understanding and trigger change. Do you debate possible solutions with open minds? Do you look for the wisdom in proposals that are from those who would not normally be allies?
Quakers challenge each other in the following way:
“When words are strange or disturbing to you, try to sense where they come from and what has nourished the lives of others. Listen patiently and seek the truth which other people’s opinions may contain for you. Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations which are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken.”
That is no small challenge, but we all have to try much harder.
Thank you for your time, and go well this week.