Dave Thompson MSP

Following from a motion lodged by Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for the Highlands & Islands, the bicentenary of the Scottish Bible Society (SBS) will be commemorated tomorrow (Wed 23/9) in a Member's Debate in the Scottish Parliament.

Directly following tomorrow's debate Mr Thompson will also host an expansive celebration in the Parliament's Garden Lobby marking 200 years of work by the SBS, with speakers including the Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson and a performance of The Walk by Andrew Harrison.

Commenting, Dave said: "For the past 200 years the Scottish Bible Society has innovatively taken the bible into the world and expanded its reach and understanding across all continents.  It's a pleasure to celebrate this milestone with them.

"The bible's message of peace, hope, love and transformation has relevance in all aspects of national life, including family, work, health, education and elsewhere and I applaud the SBS for promoting its use.

"The SBS also contributes a great deal in the form of charitable healthcare and support to societies across the world that would not have such provisions otherwise.  This year for example, the SBS of Brazil will be converting a bus into an on-the-spot medical and dental treatment centre that will also provide a sheltered scripture learning space fostering community inclusion and belonging.

Notes:

Copy of motion to be debated:
S3M-04453# Dave Thompson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): Bicentenary of the Scottish Bible Society — That the Parliament notes that 2009 is the bicentenary of the Scottish Bible Society (SBS); applauds the work of the SBS over the past 200 years in taking the bible into the world, including Scotland, and in promoting its use in all aspects of national life, including family, work, church, health, education and elsewhere; commends the innovative and creative ways that the SBS has developed to deliver the bible’s message of peace, hope, love and transformation to societies that would otherwise lack access; highlights the contribution that the bible has made and will continue to make to countries throughout the world, including Scotland, as a sure foundation on which to build a strong and sustainable society, and wishes the SBS success in partnering with the Bible Society of Brazil to convert a bus for the north east of the country to provide on-the-spot medical and dental treatment as well as a sheltered scripture-learning space, which will help to foster community inclusion and belonging.

Supported by: John Lamont, Stuart McMillan, Karen Gillon, Dr Alasdair Allan, Nigel Don, Murdo Fraser, Brian Adam, Andrew Welsh, Karen Whitefield, Gil Paterson

The Member's Debate will take place after decision time on Wednesday 23 September, directly followed by the Garden Lobby reception from 6pm.