Theme: Justice and Mercy

The theme for 2008 was Justice and Mercy and the keynote speaker was Robin Oake, former Chief Constable of the Isle of Man His address was entitled Forgiveness.

Mr Robin Oake KStJ QPM LL.B FCTM

The 2008 National Prayer Breakfast was held in the Inchyra Grange Hotel, Polmont on 4th June. Some 250 people gathered from all across Scotland. Our host was Mr Alex Fergusson MSP, the Presiding Officer at the Scottish Parliament. Mr Andrew Welsh MSP chaired the event which had as its theme, “Justice & Mercy” and was addressed by our Guest Speaker, Mr Robin Oake, former Chief Constable for the Isle of Man. He spoke very challengingly on Forgiveness, relating his own and his wife’s experience when they were faced with the loss of their only son, Steve (also a police officer), as a result of a terrorist attack in Manchester. The full text of the address is available in the pdf download.

Prayers were led by Pastor Karl Martin, Morningside Baptist Church, Edinburgh; Mr Hugh Hunter, the Council Leader in South Ayrshire; Miss Elaine Duncan, Scottish Bible Society; Mr Ian Gordon Bethany Christian Trust and Mr Andrew Bathgate, Scripture Union Scotland. The Prayer for the Nation was led by Mrs Jean Black, Director of Pray Scotland. Scripture Readings were given by Miss Annabel Goldie, MSP, and Mr Cameron Rose, Edinburgh City Council. A musical interlude was provided by Mr Ian White of Perth. The closing benediction was given by Rt Rev Philip Tartaglia, Roman Catholic Bishop of Paisley.

The Breakfast was followed by a most informative and challenging Seminar on Justice & Mercy, led by Mr David Strang (Chief Constable Lothian & Borders Police) and Mr Colin McKerragher (Chief Constable Grampian Police). This was well attended with excellent audience participation in the open discussion.