The SCPO was created by Scotland's churches in 1999 to help them
build fruitful relationships with the Scottish Parliament and
Executive (now Government). In 2005 our remit was
expanded to support the churches engagement with the UK Parliament
and Government.
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 and developed
since then.
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
- Contribute the range and depth of their experience, and their
faith reflection on that experience, 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.