Welcome to the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office

Welcome to the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office Web Site.

The SCPO was created by Scotland's churches to help them build fruitful relationships with the Scottish Parliament and Executive.

The Office produces a monthly UPDATE full of information about what's happening in the Parliament and regular BRIEFINGS on Parliamentary issues. We also publish INTERVIEWS with MPs and MSPs.

Email failure

(last updated 2 July 2009) We are currently experiencing difficulties with our email and will not have received anything sent since Monday 29 June. If you require to contact SCPO, please phone us on 0131 558 8137. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

What's New:

June 2009 SCPO Update

Interview with Robin Harper MSP (published June 2009)

Welfare Reform Briefing Paper (published May 2009)

TO SEE OUR GUIDE TO LOBBYING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT - click here

TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE "NATIONAL CONVERSATION" on SCOTLAND'S FUTURE - click here

On behalf of the Joint Faiths Advisory Board on Criminal Justice, we are also making available copies of their newly updated publication on opportunities for volunteering in the criminal justice system "WHAT CAN I DO?". These can be ordered through SCPO or downloaded HERE.

Email SCPO

Parliamentary Officer:

Chloe Clemmons
Phone:
0131 558 8137

Composite Logo for Scottish Churches Industrial Mission WHAT IS THE SCPO?

In a distinctive way, the churches are part of Scottish civic life; together, they played a significant part in the movement which created the Scottish Parliament. And their commitment to the well-being of the nation and its people has continued in the new political scene.

The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office enables them to:-

Engage effectively in the new political process,

Translate their commitment to the welfare of Scotland into Parliamentary debate, and

Contribute the range and depth of their experience, and their faith reflection on that, to the decision-making process.

Churches are active in every kind of community in Scotland, in ways ranging from personal caring and support, to a wide variety of local and national projects. As churches care and listen, they learn. And they have a strong record of building on that, through tough thinking and faithful reflection. At times, they have a prophetic word of challenge to bring; at times, they have insights to contribute; always, they share concerns for the people of Scotland.

This is done through updates and briefings to Parliamentarians and to the churches, and by bringing people together for dialogue. Often, this is done in partnership with others in Scottish civil society.

The SCPO involves most of Scotland's churches, starting with the members of ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland) and now also including the Baptist Union, the APC, and the Free Church of Scotland - all committed to working together on this. Other faith communities and groups also use the services of the Office.

If you would like to receive SCPO briefings, to come to meetings bringing church people and Parliamentarians together, or to get advice about a Parliamentary issue that concerns you, please contact the Office.

If you feel you could help the work of the Office in any way - by giving your time as an occasional helper with events, by offering your expertise in a particular area, or by sharing in prayer support, please get in touch.

The SCPO serves Scotland's Churches

(administered by The Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity No SC011353)