Devolution @25

A one-day conference that looks back at 25 years of the churches’ work in parliamentary and political engagement, and imagines the future of religion and politics in Scotland. This event will take place in the Assembly Hall, Mound Place.

This one-day conference, organised by the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office and the Centre for Theology and Public Life (School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh), will provide a unique chance for those interested and involved in Christian engagement with Scottish politics to look back over 25 years of working with the Scottish Parliament, and to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of this work both now and for the future.

Prior to devolution in 1999, Churches in Scotland played an important role in the discussions around constitutional reform. When the Scotland Act 1998 declared, “There shall be a Scottish Parliament,” it marked the beginning of a new era in Scottish politics and the Churches wanted to continue their commitment to the common good in the public square.

The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office was set up to build a fruitful relationship between the Churches in Scotland and the new Parliament, and to help them relate and respond effectively in the political process.

Now, twenty-five years later, expert speakers from churches and from the School of Divinity will reflect on this vision through a programme of talks and panel discussions. Together we’ll explore questions such as…

• What were the hopes and opportunities offered by devolution? Has the Scottish Parliament lived up to these hopes?
• What were the challenges that devolution presented? What are the challenges facing churches in politics today?
• What might the future look like for religious communities and politics in Scotland?

Followed by an ecumenical service of thanksgiving and recommitment and concluded with a networking reception. Refreshments will be provided.

Speakers include:

• The Right Honourable, The Lord Wallace of Tankerness – Former Deputy First Minister (Keynote)
• Revd Dr Graham Blount, SCPO Officer (1999–2008)
• Dr Alison Elliot, Former Associate Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues
• Professor Mona Siddiqui, University of Edinburgh

Please direct registration queries to divinity.news@ed.ac.uk. Please direct event queries to ctpi@ed.ac.uk.