The Synod theme for 2026 will be introduced at the Synod Meeting on 14th March in person at Grahamston United Church, Falkirk, and online via Zoom and livestreamed on the Synod website.
Scotland’s 4 words of Hope is a project of the International Future’s Forum which seeks to promote integrity, compassion, justice and wisdom in public life. One of the projects founders, Frank Strang writes,
‘The Scottish Parliament’s ceremonial Mace, without which no business can be conducted, is inscribed with these words: integrity, compassion, justice and wisdom.
Scotland’s 4 Words of Hope aims to promote these words - and what they could mean in practice – in the run up to, and following, the Scottish parliamentary elections in May 2026. By doing so, it aims to underpin the quality of debate and decisions, thereby doing its bit to give hope and help restore trust in public life in Scotland.’
The values of integrity, compassion, justice and wisdom are firmly grounded in our Christian faith. As we seek to be disciples today and live the marks of mission which include transforming the unjust structures of society, we continue to have a role to play in public life in our nation and local communities.
We shall hear more from Frank at Synod and begin reflecting on what these values mean for us individually and collectively across the Synod, particularly in relation to public life.
Last year we reflected on ‘Living the Hope within, and Scotland’s 4 words of Hope allows us to build upon that. Last year many of us gathered in Perth for a Synod day. In 2026 the Synod Team will be offering three mini-Synod days using this year’s theme as a framework for our time together.
The days will be held on the following days and locations. Publicity and Registration information will be available later this month.
Saturday 23rd May Rutherglen URC
Saturday 30th May Dunfermline URC
Saturday 8th August Nairn URC
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