University challenged to seek justice in address
By Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
Photo courtesy of Aedan Brennan
The University celebrated the 527th anniversary of its founding on 13 February, holding a Founder’s Day Service in King’s College Chapel.
University faculty, administration, and other notable persons proceeded into the Chapel before taking their seats.
The university’s Chapel Choir was also in attendance, performing a selection of hymns and anthems for the gathered audience.
The address was given by Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness. Lord Wallace is a member of the House of Lords and the current Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. In his comments, Lord Wallace reflected fondly on his time at the University’s 500th anniversary celebration in 1995.
His address focused on the biblical call to do justice and love one’s neighbour. Wallace highlighted several issues of injustice which must be rectified, namely the unequal distribution of vaccines in the wake of the COVID pandemic; and the growing climate crisis around the world. On the growing problem of climate change, Wallace commented, ‘the implications of this interdependence [between humans and the natural world], [is that] if we damage creation, we damage ourselves.’
Acknowledging the limitations of legislation action in combating injustice, Wallace commented that while laws don’t necessarily change hearts, people must pursue the ‘boundless loving depth of God’s justice,’ setting aside pride and prejudice to address the injustices of the world. The call to love one’s neighbour is only magnified, Wallace said, in ‘a globalised world [where] our neighbour can be 1000s of miles away..’
Wallace quoted the academic Cornel West, who famously commented, ‘justice is what love looks like in public.’ Wallace concluded by urging the University to take the lead on combating injustice through education and advocacy.
After the service, the congregation gathered in Elphinstone Hall for a reception, where Principal George Boyne gave a speech, thanking the Moderator for his address and donors for their support.
Boyne commented that the University will continue to ‘grow and flourish,’...
seeking to fulfil their mission of being ‘open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others.’
