Scotland Deserves Better – more information for 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.

#ScotlandDemandsBetter

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.

Visit #ScotlandDemandsBetter website

Government Must End Scapegoating of Migrants

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.

Read the letter

Supporting asylum seekers and refugees/ countering far-right protests

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.

Charter for Responsible Debate

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.