AN ALLOA minister delivered an “unbelievably deep, thoughtful and reflective” speech to MSPs in Holyrood last week.

Whatever their differences may be, the Rev Sang Y Cha called on parliamentarians to provide moral leadership in what he called “a period of uncertainty and geopolitical change”.

Formerly a Holywood agent, Rev Cha appeared at the Scottish Parliament during Time for Reflection last Tuesday, May 8, and was welcomed to the chamber by MSP Alexander Stewart.

He gave a picturesque account of how he sees Clackmannanshire, highlighting both the good and the bad.

The reverend, who leads the congregation at St Mungo's Parish Church, told the chamber: “Each day I see the people of the smallest county trying to transpose its challenges into something good.

“And St Mungo’s and indeed the Church of Scotland have been and continue to be an important part of that narrative and conversation.

“I say this often, but I cannot say it often enough: We may be the smallest county, but we are a pretty good one too.”

Addressing the politicians, he added: “My friends, my betters, at this time the people of Scotland are looking to you for moral leadership in this period of uncertainty and geopolitical change.

“It is often said that politics is a blood sport. It is my prayer that no matter what our political differences, that we do not lose the civility in the nature of our public discourse.”

He went on to recount how he went to visit a one-day old baby and his parents several years ago to illustrate a point: “As I held this child I was reminded of what President Clinton once said.

“It dawned on me that coursing through his blood, my blood, [is] DNA – the stuff of life - [which] is 99.999 per cent identical.

“It’s a reminder that what we share in common is so much more than the sum of our collective differences.

“Perhaps, it is a matter of blood.”

Ending on a positive note, he concluded: “I am certain that we, together, as an ancient and great nation will rise once more to face the challenges that confront us as a people in this hour, for the glory of God and for the glory of Scotland.”

Following the speech, Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart said: “The Rev Cha delivered an unbelievably deep, thoughtful and reflective speech which was built entirely from his time in and excellent service to Alloa and the Wee County.”