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Moderator: Scotland must stamp out sectarianism

THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland today demanded that sectarianism be stamped out in Scotland. Right Reverend Bill Hewitt told a group of schoolchildren from West Lothian that the country must become more tolerant and inclusive, or society would suffer.

Drawing on his recent trip to Belfast, he explained how a young man was brutally murdered after an Old Firm match because of bigoted factions in the local area.

Youngsters from seven schools in Armadale met with the Moderator this morning at the Church of Scotland's headquarters in George Street, Edinburgh, to discuss how faith prejudices divide communities.

They had all been involved with an anti-sectarianism project which aims to tackle the problem amongst young people.

Mr Hewitt urged them to put their differences aside, and said he believed that the pupils, from non-denominational and Roman Catholic schools, had much more in common than they imagined.

The Moderator said: "The Church of Scotland supports any effort to stamp out sectarianism.

"Communities are coming closer together but there is still some way to go.

"Young people have a very important role to play if we are to achieve a vision of a more tolerant and inclusive Scotland".

A report to the General Assembly in 2002 said that the Kirk must "tackle the demon in society".

Ends.

Note to News Desks

For more information, or to request to speak to the Moderator, please contact Gordon Bell on 0131 240 2204 or email gbell@cofscotland.org.uk

nr/46/06/2009

Wednesday 17, June 2009

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