The Bible takes a very ‘high view’ of Government, as a God-ordained institution (Romans 13:1), and as Christians we are called to pray for our elected representatives (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

A core part of our work at CARE for Scotland is to meet with politicians.

Over the duration of the previous Session of the Scottish Parliament (2021-2026) we met with over 50 MSPs, the vast majority of which were one-on-one private meetings.

In doing so, we sought primarily to show them honour and to befriend them as individuals, rather than simply to lobby them.

We also took the opportunity to explain our various policy concerns to them, and to make a reasoned and measured case for better laws.

During the course of the current campaign, this part of our work is temporarily stalled pending the election of the new MSPs.

However, this election period does offer you, as a voter, the opportunity to speak to all your candidates – including those standing for re-election.

If an aspiring politician turns up at your door, or are manning a stall in your community, please seize the opportunity to ask them for their views on the likes of Assisted Suicide, Commercial Sexual Exploitation or Abortion.

But always do so with love and kindness – a currency that is very often in short supply in Scottish politics.