The Deputy First Minister of Scotland has told an Evangelical Alliance gathering that “Christians should have the confidence to get involved” in politics.
Kate Forbes is a member of the Free Church of Scotland.
The Evangelical Alliance has published a report on how Christianity is shaping Scotland’s future, entitled What Kind of a Nation?. It comes 10 years after the first report, which coincided with the Independence Referendum.
Forbes said: “We know the big changes that have been delivered over generations in this country because of the work of Christians in the country. And we have a choice right now as to whether that will continue to be the case. And I want to be part of it, and I hope you do too.”
She continued: “I often talk to people and there’s an element of fear, there’s an element of worry, there are questions of whether we should get involved or not, and my response is to have that confidence to get involved.
Forbes’ speech was undeterred by the way her political career has arguably suffered due to her faith. In 2023, she stepped aside from her bid to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader following backlash on her religious views on same-sex marriage and abortion.
The 2024 What Kind of Nation report says that the church will be an “ever-present” force for political good in Scotland, regardless of the state of independence.
“Scotland benefits deeply from both the outworkings of the Christian worldview, and practically by our members and friends living this out in communities across the nation every single day," it reads.
“We care deeply for the welfare of Scotland, its people, its culture and its environment.”