The URC’s National Synod of Scotland has found inspiration within the symbolism of Scottish government.
My visit to the National Synod of Scotland a few weeks ago was a wonderful opportunity to connect with good friends and make many new ones. Thank you for your welcome. It was so good to share with you in your synod meeting and then in worship at Barrhead with all of you from the Glasgow Southside Cluster of churches. Given that my dear mother, Jannett, was a Glaswegian I had a lovely sense of homecoming.
I also had the chance to learn of your synod theme, rooted in a very powerful Scottish story.
Scotland’s 4 Words of Hope project has run up to and beyond the Scottish parliamentary elections in May, 2026. It gathers people around the refusal to simply stand by in a world in which so much seems to be snatching hope away. From the rise of authoritarianism, the conflicts that rage, the mental health and climate crises, the worries and contradictions of AI and the toxic landscape our phones can create as lies and abuse tumble across our screens, hope can seem elusive. But there are four words that offer a better future and fuel a deeper hope. Without these four words, and all they stand for, the Scottish Parliament cannot conduct any business.
Why? Simply because these four words are inscribed upon the ceremonial Mace, which must be laid whenever the Parliament sits. The 4 Words of Hope project seeks to bring these words into the heart of Scottish public life and debate; offering them as guiding stars. And the words ring with a beautiful hope:
integrity—compassion—justice—wisdom
As the project’s publicity affirms: “These words have consequences in the real world.” Amen to that. The call and invitation these four words evoke is to be, daily and always, drawn towards goodness and the creation of community and nation that affirm the dignity of everyone and the gifts and arts of building towards a future worthy of us all.
The vision, and the power of these words, is very rich for us theologically. We might connect it to many biblical texts and lessons Jesus shares. Here’s one: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Image: the “4 words” inscribed in gold on the Mace of the Scottish Parliament