Scotland’s MSPs told how nation can thrive

The Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland has told parliamentarians that a renewed focus on “the words of Jesus” can once again make Scotland “thrive” in an address to the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking during the parliament’s “Time for Reflection”, Alasdair Macleod reminded MSPs that many of the nation’s key institutions have been “shaped by those who had a living relationship with Jesus”, whose impact is unlike any other historical figure.

He also considered Jesus’ “unique insight”, which made clear that humanity’s problem is “internal”, reflecting that “a sole focus on externals [such as economics, education and environmentalism], all of which have their place, that ignores the internal and the eternal, won’t prosper.”

He said: “What made Scotland a beacon of democracy, human dignity, invention and artistic genius can once again make us thrive, with kindness and hope, when we hear the words of Jesus and, like the wise man who built his house on a rock, put them into practice.”

Asked what his main priority was as he spoke to parliamentarians, Macleod told en: “Since taking on the role as Moderator, I’ve been clear with my intention to speak about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. To be able to point MSPs, parliamentary officers, staff, and those watching on from the public gallery, to Jesus is a great privilege. There is no one greater for them to consider than the one whose impact and insight has transformed billions of lives.”