Throughout his year in office, the Moderator, Rev Callum Macleod, has engaged with Party Leaders across the political spectrum to discuss the role of faith in public life. He visited the Scottish Parliament and held meetings with the John Swinney (Leader of the SNP and First Minister), Anas Sarwar (Leader of Scottish Labour), Russell Findlay (Leader of the Scottish Conservatives), Alex Cole-Hamilton (Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats), and Ash Regan (Alba Party). Rev. Stephen Allison, the Public Engagement Coordinator, accompanied him in his visits.
The visits served as an opportunity to offer encouragement, share the Church’s perspective on key issues, and pray with and for those serving in politics. Discussions were wide-ranging, touching on areas such as poverty and social care, education, the importance of freedom of religion and conscience, and ethical issues such as assisted suicide.
Rev Callum Macleod said: “It was a privilege to take part in the programme of meetings with Party Leaders. The discussions were friendly, frank, and fruitful. Many of our concerns were shared by the Party Leaders. Our views on ethical issues and our concerns regarding freedom of expression of religious belief were sympathetically received. It was also encouraging to note that all the Leaders acknowledged the need to have the faith communities more involved in the political process.”
In a time of political division and growing secularism, the Free Church continues to uphold the importance of Christian witness in public life—not as a means of gaining influence, but as a faithful response to the call of Christ to be salt and light in the world.