Do you feel concerned by the rise in far-right protests, including those that discriminate against asylum seekers and refugees? The Methodist Church and the Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees have issued some helpful guidance for individuals and churches.
The Methodist Church in Scotland is an official supporter of ‘Scotland Deserves Better’ (SDB). Some individual Methodist Churches are also official supporters in their own right. SDB is not part of a political party and works for the end of poverty in Scotland. MSPs from various parties have joined. SDB wants to represent the Civil Society and Faith groups (churches).
SDB is organising a demonstration on the 25 October 2025. Individuals and groups are invited to gather in Edinburgh for the demonstration from 10am and the march will start at 11am. Two routes are planned, a longer and shorter one. Please see details about the march: https://www.scotland-demands-better.com/march-and-rally
You or your church don’t need to register but if you need updated information you can register for their newsletter: https://www.tfaforms.com/5177012 .
There is a fund to help the transport of groups to the event: https://www.scotland-demands-better.com/travel-bursary
If you would like to join in the church bloc of the march, please meet outside the Scottish Parliament at 10.30am to leave at 11.00am, at our pre-agreed location which you can find here: https://what3words.com/wiping.small.chief .
We encourage Methodist churches and members to join the demonstration and the movement as an expression of their faith and in seeking for a better, fairer, more just world. Some Methodist churches may choose to organise their own presence. Please contact Revd Laurent Vernet if you are interested in coordinating the Methodist response.
The Gathering, Christian Aid Scotland’s annual supporter event, returns on 24 February 2024 at 10.30am, online. We’ll be celebrating the difference we’ve made together over the last year and getting ready for Christian Aid Week 2026 and the year ahead.
The Scotland Synod has agreed that the Methodist Church in Scotland should become an official supporter of #ScotlandDemandsBetter.
For more information on this campaign, please look at the video below – or click on the button for access to the website.
Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it.
A letter to the Home Secretary
“The people we help and hear from every day are all impacted by politics of division rather than solutions. After years of these policies, the asylum system is at a breaking point, and our streets have become scenes of violence. We are asking you now to unite communities and invest in meaningful solutions to prevent further damage.”
Coordinated by Refugee Action, The Methodist Church is one of over 100 charities who have signed a letter to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to express deep concern at the Government’s direction on immigration and urged her to change course.
Esther Moodie at Scottish Faith Action for Refugees has compiled a list of practical guides for faith communities to support asylum seekers and refugees and to counter far-right protests.
The Centre for Responsible Debate is offering resources to religious groups, charities, think tanks, and voluntary organisations.
It has developed a “Charter for Responsible Debate,” which provides a framework for developing existing practices around guiding/managing difficult conversations.
There is also a suite of learning resources to support the ideas outlined in the Charter, which can be used in workshops.
Rooted for Men is an action-packed weekend away in the Scottish Highlands for men who want to get out into nature, unplug from busy lives and connect with other guys. We have something for everyone, from gorge-walking and coasteering, to hiking and mountain biking, to walks through the Caledonian pine forest on your way to the local café!
Rooted for Men is designed to inspire, challenge and energise men to live powerful and passionate lives for Christ within their family, workplace and church.
We need your help! We believe that there are guys out there who would love and value this weekend – we just need to reach them.
Please tell as many men as you can, reach out in your sphere of influence and encourage them to book on. You/they won’t regret it
Inspire your church to act for a just peace.
Christian Aid offers new films and resources.
