On Thursday 24th June, 2004, Chris Ballance MSP led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the World Peace Prayer Society and its work in Scotland. As the organisation’s name implies, the World Peace Prayer Society is a global organisation, but its European Headquarters are in Scotland, Dumfriesshire to be precise.

"We have received messages from a range of people - from a Queen's counsel who is now working on mediation to the moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The urge for peace is one of the great human instincts, but one that we hear less about than others" Read a full transcript of the debate here View the debate again online here Although the parliamentary debate is now over, our online deliberations continue. In particular, let us and others know what you though of what MSPs said in the chamber and what needs to happen now. Chris Ballance, an MSP for the South of Scotland, and other MSPs will be monitoring you posts.

Chris Ballance's Motion

That the Parliament commends the work of the World Peace Prayer Society at its European headquarters in Dumfriesshire, particularly in peace education in schools; recognises the valuable contribution that principles of non-violence and co-operation can make to society and supports the development of skills in conflict resolution, and believes that the Scottish Executive should therefore consider a cross-sectoral review of various peace initiatives, not just in education, but in justice, health and other

Chris Ballance MSP

areas, liaising with COSLA, NHS boards, religious groups, voluntary organisations and other relevant bodies in order to bring forward an integrated strategy for encouraging the peaceful resolution of disputes in all fields and promoting education for peace.

Motion supported by: