Carol Wilde, Scotland’s Communication Director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the Scottish Parliament in their ‘Time for Reflection’ on Tuesday, 7 February 2023.
In her presentation, Carol recognised the “geopolitical challenges worldwide to challenges here within our communities and our homes and in the lives of our neighbours and friends.”
She encouraged Parliament to follow the examples of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, to “stretch out our hands and meaningfully touch the lives of others.”
Carol acknowledged, “feeling overwhelmed is commonplace today . . . Jesus invites us to be willing to bear one another’s burdens that they may be light.”
She adds, “Helping someone with their burden requires sacrifice and a liberal dose of love unfeigned. In seeking to lift the burden of another, we can offer support, understanding, practical aid, but most of all kindness.” Carol advises listeners “to step forward, reach out and help.”
Reflecting on her experience before Parliament, Carol said, “It was a great privilege to represent the Church whilst delivering ‘Time for Reflection’ at Scottish Parliament. This moment of reflection, prior to Parliamentary debate, serves to inspire those who lead our country to remember their responsibility towards their constituents. To be able to remind them of Jesus Christ’s loving example in our scriptures and our covenants to follow in His steps was a great honour. The message to reach out our hand in kindness and love is a message for all of humanity.”
Carol was nominated for this ‘Time for Reflection’ honour by Stephen Kerr MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.