---
title: Scottish Parliament elections and the role of the church
date: 2026-04-15T10:24:00+01:00
author: Zanna Meynell
canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/scottish-parliament-elections-and-the-role-of-the-church"
section: Pages
---
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## Scottish Parliament elections and the role of the church

### Watch Cross Section here

 

 

 ](#%0A%09%09%09)

 

 

 

 

  This special Cross Section episode focuses on the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections on 7 May. Lynne Paterson and Chris Ringland from the Evangelical Alliance Scotland team join Zanna as they discuss their vision for Scotland, the current church and cultural context, and the political landscape. Lynne describes spiritual openness, Church of Scotland closures and mergers, and growing ethnic and cultural diversity alongside Scotland’s distinct national identity and left-leaning political culture.

Chris explains the Scottish Government’s devolved responsibilities, the role of MSPs and the additional member voting system. They highlight major election issues including the cost of living, health and social care, the economy, immigration, housing and ongoing division over independence, as well as Scotland’s high drug- and alcohol-related death rates.

They encourage prayerful voting, attending hustings and praying for leaders and the vulnerable.

Check out our [election page](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/advocacy/may-2026-elections) for more information and to sign up for the prayer event.

 

 

  #### Chapters:

 

  00:00 Welcome   
 00:44 Vision for Scotland  
02:39 Church and culture snapshot  
06:05 How Holyrood works  
 09:28 Key issues and divides  
11:20 Election stakes  
18:10 How Christians can engage  
23:01 Final prayers and close