2008 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 and a pdf download of it is available. Download Address, pdf 1.32MB
Mr Robin Oake KStJ QPM LL.B FCTM
2008 National Prayer Breakfast Report.
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.
The 2009 Breakfast will be held on Wednesday 27th May. Our theme will be appropriate to the current financial crises, with our Guest Speaker, Mr Andy Brookes, from the City of London financial world, addressing the subject of "Faith & Finance". As is customary, the Breakfast will be followed by a Seminar on the same theme. Early booking is advised.