Plenary, 23 Mar 2005

Meeting date: Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Official Report 379KB pdf

---

Time for Reflection

My apologies for the late start. As members can probably see, we had some computer problems.

The first item of business, as on every Wednesday, is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Christine Riddoch, who is diocesan youth officer in the diocese of Paisley.

This is holy week, which concludes with the celebration of Christ's resurrection at Easter. Easter speaks of new life, a fresh chance for humanity and new beginnings. We prepare for Easter in a period called Lent, which is an old Anglo-Saxon word that means springtime. Springtime means new life, fresh chances and new beginnings. We see those above all in nature, but the church also attaches the idea to our human nature, which has an opportunity for new life, a fresh chance and new beginnings. In Lent we pray, fast and give alms. In other words, we look at our relationship with God and with our neighbour and at how we care for ourselves.

Working with young people enables me to see the new life, fresh opportunities and new beginnings that young people bring to our nation. I see them searching for meaning and purpose in life. I see their great generosity to those in need. I see their need for affirmation and self-esteem. We claim that young people are important and that their talents, skills and personalities help to shape our country. However, too often, they are made to feel that they are part of a problem rather than part of the solution. They need affirmation in actions, as well as in words; an education that responds to their needs, talents and gifts, not one that responds simply to the needs of the labour market; and resources and facilities that allow them to express themselves constructively, rather than denigration for hanging around the streets. Too often, young people feel that they are being pressured, without anyone really trying to help.

You, our young Parliament, promised a new beginning and a fresh start for the peoples of Scotland: a new way of doing politics. You have been on a steep learning curve and you certainly know what it is like for your talents and gifts to go unappreciated. Please engage with young people in a real dialogue, rather than simply telling them what is good for them and what is bad about them. You will find many points of agreement with them: the desire for a Scotland free of sectarianism, racism, poverty, abuse and ignorance, and for a Scotland with decent employment and opportunities for them to bring up their families with pride and serenity.

We sometimes wonder whether we have been worthy of the generations who came before us. I wonder whether we are worthy of the generations who are coming after us.

Let us pray.

Lord, we pray for Scotland, that all its citizens will recognise the good in one another. May we all work to be a nation of which we can be proud, because we shine as an example of community for all to see. Amen.

Happy Easter.