Contents
- Time for Reflection
- Topical Question Time
- United Kingdom Internal Market
- Business Motion
- Decision Time
Time for Reflection
Good afternoon. Our first item of business today is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader is the Rev David Graham, the minister of Abbey Church of Scotland in North Berwick and Dirleton parish church.
Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament, thank you for the opportunity to address you today.
One of the things that has suffered from the recent lockdown is outdoor activities. Access to the countryside has eased a little recently, but for many weeks it was not possible, and that was during the time of year when many people would normally enjoy the great outdoors, during spring, Easter and summer.
My days of climbing Munros and serious hillwalking are probably past now, although I still enjoy rambles if they are not too challenging. We know that social media can be a good servant or a hard master, but I love some of the groups that are devoted to hillwalking. Their photos of the Scottish hills in particular can be breathtaking. We live in a beautiful country, yet the recent lockdown has also highlighted the problems of litter, fly-tipping and general antisocial behaviour. Places that should be enjoyed for their natural beauty can easily be trashed by a few inconsiderate people.
I grew up in the Borders and I have always loved the hills and countryside. My first subject at university was earth sciences, but my concern for the environment comes first from my faith. In common with all the major religions, Christians believe that a world created by God is to be looked after by us for the benefit of others and for future generations. We have a responsibility to care for and steward it.
Fifty years ago, some people in the Church in Scotland had a vision of engaging more with science and the environment, and the society, religion and technology—SRT—project was born. Today, it is still an active mover, shaker and voice in scientific, medical and environmental issues, ecumenical in outlook and drawing on the insights of other faiths and cutting-edge scientific expertise.
At the beginning of the Hebrew scriptures, which are venerated by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, God creates the world and declares that it is “very good”. Human beings are then given the responsibility to look after it. That needs the commitment of every individual and community, but also the commitment of our elected leaders and lawmakers, so may God bless you and encourage you all as you work to make this possible for us all.