How do we engage with public affairs in Scotland?
Now that the third session of the Scottish Parliament has just started, the Evangelical Alliance Scotland is passionate about engaging with MSPs and civil servants.
Evangelical Christian involvement within politics and public affairs brings up bad connotations for many individuals. In the past some evangelicals have cast judgement before showing love, proscribed truth without grace, and preached about what Christians are against and not also what we are for. But I believe there is an important political role for every Christian who is longing to see the transformation of society. In love, Christians must speak out with grace and truth into every issue of our society. We must believe that Jesus requires us to ‘go into all the world, and preach the good news’ (Matthew 16.15), not simply geographically but also culturally. This therefore means speaking up about issues such as homelessness in our cities and towns, child poverty and racial inequality. We can only do this by knowing the issues, understanding the problem and prayerfully considering how these things can change.
Writing to your MSP
What to write about
There are many issues which cause concern, some of them affect us directly in our own localities, while others may not affect us directly but impact upon society as a whole. Your MSPs want to hear your views on a whole range of issues. Both what is happening in the Scottish Parliament but also in your constituency.
If you see something that is unjust, if the Government is doing something that you agree with, or disagree with, and you feel strongly about it why not write to your MSP and tell them. They can only represent you if they know what you think.
How to write
It can be a daunting prospect contacting your MSP, to make it as easy as possible we have drawn up some guidelines that you may find useful. If you want to clarify the name or address of your MSP click here. Alternatively you can contact our Public Policy Officer, Alistair at a.stevenson@eauk.org. He will be very happy to response to any questions you may have concerning the Scottish Parliament or public affairs in Scotland
- Find out all you can about the issue, then write your own response.
- Give personal examples and how you feel about the issue.
- Duplicate letters are easy to disregard, but a personal, well thought out response is more difficult to ignore.
- Be courteous and respectful at all times. Obviously harsh and abrasive letters do not have the same affect as humble and respectful responses.
- Keep up to date with the issue. A Bill has to go through several stages before it becomes law.
There are many opportunities to amend and improve legislation. So you can write at different stages of the progress of the Bill to support and encourage your MSP to act. We can assist you in this, simply contact Alistair at a.stevenson@eauk.org or ring the office on 0141 332 8700 and we can give you up to date information about how far the Bill has progressed.
How to address your letters
Remember, you can write to your constituency MSP and your 7 local regional MSPs. Send letters to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP or e-mail them at firstname.surname.msp@scottish.parliament.uk You can also write to your MSP at their constituency address, which you should be able to find in your local phone book.
Letters should begin Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Name, and sign them "yours sincerely".
