Kirk’s work with ‘outstanding’ young people praised at Scottish Parliament
Published on 20 September 2018 3 minutes read
MSPs across the Scottish Parliament have backed a motion praising the Kirk's work in supporting projects with young people across Scotland.
Ross Greer, Green MSP for the West of Scotland and member of the Kirk's National Youth Assembly, lodged the motion in the Scottish Parliament on 17 September, affirming ‘the Church of Scotland's belief that young people are outstanding'.
Mr Greer further commended the work of the Church in working alongside communities and partners to ensure young people from all backgrounds are given the best possible opportunity to flourish.
Celebrating the ‘incredible contributions' of young people
Mr Greer added: "The Year of Young People is an amazing opportunity for Scotland to celebrate the incredible contributions our children and young people make to their communities and society.
"Nowhere is this more true than in the Church of Scotland, where across the length and breadth of the country there are young people leading amazing work; from community foodbanks to climate justice projects to campaigns to protect their friends from deportation.
"It's a terrible cliché to say that young people are the future when they, we, are here right now, contributing so much to the Church's present. It's a privilege to be able to mark that in parliament."
Mr Greer's motion was supported by fellow MSPs Bill Kidd, Alasdair Allan and David Torrance.
Special parliamentary reception
Groups involved in groundbreaking youth work supported by the Church of Scotland, including the 64 Priority Areas congregations, the Go For It Fund and the social care council CrossReach, are to come together at a special parliamentary reception on Tuesday 25 September to celebrate the role of young people within the Church.
Tamsin Dingwall, National Youth Moderator, who will be compèring on the evening, said:
"I am really excited about the event Celebrating Young People and am looking forward to learning about what has been going on across Scotland.
"I think it's very important to recognise good work being done by and with young people to ensure they are encouraged to continue positive work as they progress in life within and outwith the Church.
"What our young people do today will shape themselves and the Church in the future."
The parliamentary reception will be attended by MSPs, young people and staff from across Church-supported projects, members of the National Youth Assembly, Youth Parliament and Young Scot as well as experts involved in education and welfare.
Keynote speakers on the evening will include: Ross Greer MSP; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet for Education and Skills, John Swinney; and project partner nominees from Go For It, Priority Areas and CrossReach.
Entertainment will be provided by youth broadcasting project Bolt FM.
Get involved with the Year of Young People 2018
There is still time for congregations to find ideas on how to be involved throughout the year on the Year of Young People section of the website as well as information on each month's theme.
Congregations have been sharing their stories on our pages throughout 2018, but if you haven't already – we would love for you to share your stories and photos on social media or by emailing us at yoyp@churchofscotland.org.uk.