I wonder what you make of the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd? If your awareness of what happens in is limited to social media clips from different debates, what’s shown on the news and maybe, if you’re more into it, First Minister’s Questions every week. If that’s how you interact and view what happens in Parliament, I’d not be at all surprised if you have a negative view of the place. Social media inevitably captures the most sensationalist clips, without any real context on them.

Add in the growing list of scandals and suspensions due to improper behaviour, and it’s little surprise many have a dim view of what goes on.

Yet beyond this media image, there is so much that happens that we do not see, and not all of it is unrighteous!

There are genuinely important debates of substance on vital pieces of legislation. There is the work of improving Bills as they progress through the parliamentary process. There is the work of committees, which offer detailed scrutiny and highlight problems within our communities.

Parliament is a place where good is done. Take for example the influence of Christians in committees (where most parliamentary work is done) and different Cross Party Groups (e.g. Freedom of Religion and Belief). But Parliament is also a place where bad ideas can be diluted or even stopped. For example, in 2026, MSPs rejected an assisted suicide bill; and in 2024, MSs voted against the principle of assisted suicide after a moving and excellent debate.

My point here is that what happens in Parliament is of huge significance for our lives, our fellow churchgoers’ lives and the lives of our neighbours and family as well.

And it is because of this reality that I’m so grateful that in Holyrood/the Senedd there are born-again followers of Jesus who are working diligently to serve well in their respective roles. I cannot imagine Parliament without this vital witness.

Jesus told his disciples that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This is part of our calling to go into every sector of society. We need Christians in business, sport, drama, the arts, academia and so on. And, given the sheer importance of what it does, we need Christian parliamentarians as well!

In the Bible we see clear examples of God’s people being raised to positions of public significance and influence. Think of Joseph, Queen Esther, and Daniel. Or think of John the Baptist speaking truth to King Herod, or Paul before King Agrippa.

Part of our work at CARE is supporting Christian parliamentarians. I’ve observed two distinct ways they prove their incredible value.

Firstly, Christian parliamentarians are often willing to raise issues no-one else wants to touch. Down in Westminster, for example, attempts to clarify that sex-selective abortion is wrong were led by a Christian MP. Or what about the first ever legislative attempt to ban prostitution adverts? It was led by a Christian Peer in the House of Lords.

Secondly, Christian parliamentarians are able to bring the Biblical worldview into every debate they speak at. They bring the great truths of God’s plan for human flourishing to the committees they sit on, to the questions they ask, and to the conversations they have with colleagues and constituents.

MSPs/MSs have an incredible platform and Christian MSPs/MSs can bring the flavour of Christ to help season the world around them in a unique and invaluable way.

This is not to say that non-Christian parliamentarians cannot do good. Of course, by God’s common grace they can and do! But knowing that there are fellow followers of Jesus seeking to uphold God’s truth in the corridors of power gives me confidence and hope.

So yes, we need Christian parliamentarians. They help make the work that goes on inside parliament more beautiful. One of my prayers this election time is that God might raise up more Christians to take their place in Holyrood/the Senedd.