What happens at Time for Reflection and how are the speakers chosen?
Time for Reflection, at which a speaker addresses the meeting of the Parliament for up to four minutes, is normally held in the Chamber as the first item of business each week (usually on Wednesday afternoon). Invitations to speak are issued by the Presiding Officer on advice from the Parliamentary Bureau. The pattern of speakers reflects the balance of faiths in Scotland, based on the Census. Over the course of a year, the aim is to ensure that those invited are representative of the religious beliefs of the people of Scotland, with a number of slots reserved for individuals who do not represent any particular faith. Nominations for contributors are usually proposed to the Presiding Officer by MSPs or by the religions or faiths directly, but it is also possible for individuals to write to the Presiding Officer with a nomination. The Parliamentary Bureau has issued guidance notes for those invited to lead Time for Reflection.
