Contents
- Time for Reflection
- Topical Question Time
- Scotland’s Population
- Urgent Question
- Point of Order
- Motion without Notice
- Decision Time
- Adopt a Road
Time for Reflection
Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader is Chris Jewell, who is the chief executive officer of Ascension Trust (Scotland).
Good afternoon. It is a real privilege for me to come here as chief executive of the charity Ascension Trust (Scotland), which oversees and encourages street pastors, rail pastors, school pastors and response pastors across Scotland. Some members will be familiar with street pastors, I am sure. We have 20 initiatives providing services in 25 different locations, from Orkney and Stornoway up north, down to the Borders. I hope and imagine that you will also find it a privilege to be appointed in your role as MSPs representing the people of Scotland.
Our ethos as street pastors is to care, listen and help as we are out on the streets most weekends until late into the night in our city and town centres, among those who are out enjoying the night-time economy. I imagine that that motto—to care, to listen and to help—might be attributed to you for the work that you do.
The basis of all our volunteers being out in all weathers is to help those in any need, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or physical condition. That comes out of love for our fellow man and woman. It is love in action. Love is such a powerful force—perhaps the most dynamic force of all—and it brings out the honesty and integrity that we need to go about what we do. In street pastor terms, that includes helping those in distress, calming fears and supporting those who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Each one of us should reflect on each aspect of love, as outlined in the New Testament and as it affects our lives and motivation. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not boast. Love is not proud. Love does not dishonour others. Love is not self-seeking. Love is not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails.
I suggest not only that those are the standards for our personal lives, but some of the standards of public office and of the role that we have. There is nothing greater than when people will lay down their lives and their time for the sake of others, and bring peace and hope to our communities. That is you and that is me.
Thank you for listening. [Applause.]