Free Church of Scotland Moderator Rev Alasdair Macleod addressed the Scottish Parliament today during the ‘Time for Reflection.’
A transcript of his address can be found below plus a link to the recorded message.
Time for Reflection, The Scottish Parliament, 24th February 2026
In a recently published book entitled ‘What has Christianity ever done for Scotland?’[1], the author reminds modern, secular Scotland that our education and legal systems, healthcare, human rights and arts have been shaped by those who had a living relationship with Jesus Christ. For instance, James Young Simpson, the pioneer of anaesthesia, was asked by a reporter in his day, ‘what was your greatest discovery?’ Likely expecting an answer about his life’s work, he replied, ‘That there is a Saviour’.
What is it about Jesus Christ that draws the deepest devotion? There is no questioning his unique impact. Over two billion people today, from remote rural tribal groups to the most technically advanced nations on earth, claim a live connection to him. From today’s world of elite sport to historical figures like Napoleon, who contrasted the empires of Alexander the Great, Caesar, and Charlemagne, ‘On what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon sheer force. Jesus Christ alone founded His empire upon love, and at this hour millions of men will die for Him.[2]
Jesus’ unique impact is matched by his unique insight. Much to the frustration of both traditionalists and radicals of his day, Jesus made clear that humanity’s problem was not out there but in here, not external but internal, not simply nurture but nature. Jesus said ‘For from within, out of our hearts’[3] spews everything that spoils. Therefore, a sole focus on externals – all of which have their place: economics, education, environmental – that ignores the internal and the eternal, won’t prosper. Like the prophet who reminded the people of his day, ‘you have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You earn wages, they don’t last[4]. No wonder these words were bookended by ‘Give careful thought to your ways’[5].
I love my country. With all our quirks! 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[6], put them into practice.
[1] James-Griffiths, P (2026) What has Christianity ever done for Scotland? Tain, Scotland. Christian Focus Publications.
[2] Abbott, J.S (1855) The History of Napoleon Bonaparte
[3] Mark Ch7 v21
[4] Haggai Ch1 v5
[5] Haggai Ch1 v4,6
[6] Matthew Ch7 v 24
You can view the address on the Scottish Parliament’s website by clicking this link.
Over the past three months, Rev. Alasdair Macleod has met Ash Regan (Independent), Murdo Fraser (Conservative), Anas Sarwar (Labour leader) and First Minister, John Swinney. Alasdair has been accompanied by Rev. Stephen Allison, Public Engagement Co-ordinator, on these visits.