Lorraine Currie addresses the Scottish Parliament

Today our Chief Executive Officer, Lorraine Currie, addressed the Scottish Parliament in their "time for reflection". Lorraine shared a message about the need for hope during these difficult times. Read her full address below.

"Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament, thank you for the opportunity to address you this afternoon. 

"For many of us, the story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most memorable parables in the Gospels.  

"When a traveller was beaten, robbed and left by the roadside, he waited a long time for anyone to help. Many saw him, but hurried past, unwilling to interrupt their journey. He suffered alone. Yet the Good Samaritan chose differently. Instead of walking by, the Good Samaritan drew close, cared for his wounds, lifted the stranger onto his own animal, and stayed with him through the night.  

"The Samaritan teaches us that true love is practical — it is time freely given & plans set aside. It is not enough to look and feel pity; love requires that we stop, draw close, and act. Charity, compassion, love and solidarity are all different faces of the same eternal spirit, that moves us to action. 

"60 years ago this year, this same spirit gave birth to SCIAF’s practical action, in a classroom in Rutherglen. For the past 60 years, SCIAF has lifted millions of people out of poverty. It has provided life-saving aid to people, such as those in Gaza and campaigned to change the systems that keep people poor.  

"The incredible generosity of people in Scotland, through SCIAF and our partners, stands today as a beacon of hope that A Better World is Possible. A reminder to everyone, including our leaders, that it is compassion, charity, love and solidarity which still define our humanity. 

"The lesson of the Good Samaritan is also a call to leaders to act with courage and compassion, even when the politics of division and selfishness try to consume us. Our world faces many trials: climate change, conflict, hunger, the crisis of global debt, and deepening division at home and abroad. Yet these challenges cannot be met with further division and conflict. 

"The Good Samaritan reminds us that everyone is our neighbour. When a society grows used to ignoring the poorest abroad, it soon risks turning its back on the most vulnerable at home.  Showing love for others enriches everyone, disregard for others diminishes all of us. 

"My hope for this chamber, and for all of us, is that we take the Samaritan’s path."