Former Moderator marks 25 years of Time for Reflection at Scottish Parliament

A former Moderator of the General Assembly addressed the Scottish Parliament today to mark the 25th anniversary of Time for Reflection.

Rt Hon Lord (Jim) Wallace of Tankerness KC said it was a "privilege" to appear before MSPs in honour of the first address made by Rev Dr Graham Blount in October 1999.

He served as the first Scottish Churches Parliamentary Officer when the Scottish Parliament was reconvened after 292 years.

In partnership with other faith communities, the SCPO (office) helped to establish "Time for Reflection"– the weekly Parliamentary slot in which representatives of Scotland's religion and belief communities offer a reflective "Thought for the Day".

The Church of Scotland was part of the Scottish Constitutional Convention, an association of Scottish political parties, churches and other civic groups, that developed a framework for Scottish devolution.

Lord Wallace was MSP for Orkney from 1999-2007 and is a former Deputy First Minister of Scotland.

An elder at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney, he served as Moderator in 2021-22 and firmly believes that churches still have an important role to play to influence Scottish Parliament decision-making for the common good.

Lord Wallace used Time for Reflection to pay tribute to former First Minister Alex Salmond whose funeral was led by Rev Dr Ian McEwan at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire today.

Lord Wallace's address to MSPs in full.

"Presiding Officer, it is a much-appreciated privilege to have been asked to deliver this Time for Reflection on the 25th anniversary of the first-ever Time for Reflection given by the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Officer, Rev Dr Graham Blount on 27 October 1999.

And I'm also conscious that today is the first plenary session of parliament since the death of the former First Minister, Alex Salmond.

As a contemporary of Alex Salmond in the House of Commons, in this parliament and as respective party leaders, I can testify to his formidable skills as a politician and recognise the service he gave to his constituents and to Scotland as an MP, MSP and First Minister.

My sympathy goes out to Moira and Alex's family not least today as he is laid to rest.

Indeed, it is timely to recall, with appreciation, the service given by all those who have been elected to this parliament over these last twenty-five years, and, whatever their politics, the contribution they have made to their communities and to the common weal.

A passage in Mark's Gospel which is etched in my memory, and hopefully taught me something about service.

The reason I remember it is when I took my confirmation vows over fifty years ago, the minister, referencing my baptismal name, James, referred to the exchange between Jesus and James and his brother John.

The brothers asked Jesus if he would appoint them to sit on his left hand and on his right hand when he came in glory.

Clearly, they entertained notions of earthly or political grandeur.

The other disciples remonstrated with them for getting a bit above themselves; but Jesus didn't scold them.

Rather, he set out the exacting demands of discipleship.

And Jesus continued, "whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

At a time when politics can be so polarising, surely a common commitment to service, whatever our faith or creed, is something which can unite us.

I conclude with words from Graham Blount's prayer 25 years ago, which I think is still apposite today:

‘God of grace, we pray for our parliament, offering our faith and our vision, that this may be a place where folk can come when they have no one else to turn to, a place of listening and of healing and of hope.

We pray for one another, for folk we see as friends, rivals, colleagues and opponents, aware of the pressures and the failings and the possibilities we share.

Amen."