Kate Forbes Urges Christians to Step Up: ‘Have the Confidence to Get Involved in Politics’
“I often talk to people, and there’s an element of fear, there’s an element of worry,” she acknowledged. “There are questions of whether we should get involved or not, and my response is to have that confidence to get involved.”
At a pivotal moment for Scotland’s future, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has called on Christians to rise above fear and engage confidently in the political arena. Speaking to an Evangelical Alliance gathering, Forbes emphasized the vital role that Christians have historically played in shaping the nation and urged them to continue influencing Scotland’s direction.
Forbes, a member of the Free Church of Scotland, delivered her remarks in the context of the Evangelical Alliance’s newly published report, What Kind of a Nation?, which explores the impact of Christianity on Scotland’s future. The report, released a decade after a similar one marked the 2014 Independence Referendum, paints a vision of Scotland where faith continues to guide political and social change.
“For generations, Christians have brought about some of the most significant changes in this country,” Forbes said. “And we have a choice right now as to whether that will continue to be the case. I want to be part of that, and I hope you do too.”
Her words come from a place of personal experience. Forbes’ political journey has been deeply intertwined with her faith, a fact that has both bolstered her appeal among many voters and sparked controversy in more secular circles. In 2023, she stepped back from the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), following public backlash over her religious beliefs on same-sex marriage and abortion. Despite this, Forbes remains resolute, urging her fellow Christians to not let fear hold them back.
“I often talk to people, and there’s an element of fear, there’s an element of worry,” she acknowledged. “There are questions of whether we should get involved or not, and my response is to have that confidence to get involved.”
The What Kind of a Nation? report reaffirms the enduring influence of Christianity in Scotland’s political landscape. It calls for Christians to be an “ever-present” force for good, regardless of Scotland’s evolving stance on independence. “Scotland benefits deeply from both the outworkings of the Christian worldview and practically by our members and friends living this out in communities across the nation every single day,” the report reads. It emphasizes the church’s commitment to the welfare of the nation, its people, its culture, and its environment.
Forbes’ speech resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing the notion that faith and politics need not be mutually exclusive. Her message is clear: in times of change, Christians should feel empowered to shape the moral and social fabric of Scotland, just as they have done in the past.
As the political landscape in Scotland continues to shift, particularly with discussions of independence and social reform, the role of faith communities like the Evangelical Alliance will be more crucial than ever. Forbes’ rallying cry for Christian engagement speaks to a broader movement within the country—one that is eager to blend faith, values, and politics for the betterment of all.
In a nation that prides itself on diversity of thought, Forbes’ steadfast belief in the power of faith-driven political involvement offers a compelling reminder that the voice of the Christian community, when grounded in service and love, can help shape a brighter future for Scotland.
