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Scotland's churches take part in 'National Conversation'

Eleven Christian church leaders and representatives accepted the Scottish Government's invitation to meet at Holyrood on Thursday (19 June) as part of the "National Conversation" on choosing Scotland's future. After a day of reflection, the following statement was agreed:

"We recognise that the Church is on a journey as well as our nation; all of us are going to struggle to get to where we need to be. But for the Church, as well as for our nation and our communities, we aspire towards these Christian values characterising our common life in Scotland:

• A nation that is shaped by the principles of love for God and for all human beings;
  
  
• A nation that promotes dignity and justice for all;
  
  
• A nation that promotes faithfulness in personal and community relationships;
  
  
• A nation that demonstrates compassion and care for the weak and the marginalised;
  
  
• A society in which the voices of all can be heard;
  
  
• A people who are less concerned with their own welfare and more concerned for the well-being of others;
  
  
• A nation that strives for excellence and in which all can experience life in all its fullness;
  
  
• A nation that welcomes the unique contribution of those who are making the new Scotland;
  
  
• A state that promotes the well-being of all its citizens without exceeding its authority.

For us, these values are rooted in Jesus and have distinctively shaped Scotland's story as it has developed over the years; where they are lived and practised, we find they resonate with people of other faiths and of none.

Having shared together in a day of reflection as part of the national conversation on Scotland's future, we will therefore encourage all who are part of our churches to get involved in the conversations about our constitutional future, seeing these aspirations and hopes as the context for the debate."

After the meeting, Cardinal Keith O'Brien said: "I appreciated the on-going conversation with many church leaders, bringing us all closer together as we work for Scotland's future."

Rev Ian Galloway, convener of the Church of Scotland's Church & Society Council, added "Scotland's future needs to emerge around values that inspire and challenge all of its people. We have a great country and terrific people who deserve the best form of government to meet their aspirations to play a big part in making the world a better place - perhaps especially for those whose voices are seldom heard".

Pamala McDougall, from the Religious Society of Friends, spoke of how, as a representative of one of the smaller churches, it had been good to meet in such a constructive and fruitful way: "We are encouraged in involving our own communities to contribute to the future shape of our nation through the national conversation".

Br Stephen Smyth who, as General Secretary of Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), convened the meeting, said "ACTS is please to have helped facilitate this significant encounter of church leaders / representatives sharing together on matters of such importance to our churches, faith communities and wider civic society".

Ends

Note to News Desks:

Participants :

Associated Presbyterian Church Rev Archie McPhail, Clerk of Presbytery

Baptist Union of Scotland Rev Bill Slack, Director General

Congregational Federation Rev Malcolm Muir, Chair, Cong. Federation Scotland

Church of Scotland Rev Ian Galloway, Convener, Church & Society Council

Methodist Church Dr Bill Reid, Connexional Officer

Religious Society of Friends Pamala McDougall, Ecumenical Friend

Roman Catholic Church His Eminence Keith Patrick O’Brien, Cardinal

Salvation Army Major Robert McIntyre, Scotland Secretary

Scottish Episcopal Church Most Rev Idris Jones, Primus

United Free Church Dr D Macdonald, Moderator of the General Assembly

United Reformed Church Rev John Humphreys, Moderator of the Synod of Scotland

Unable to attend due to illness :

Free Church of Scotland Rev David Robertson, Editor ‘Monthly Record’

nr/50/06/08

Friday, 20 June 2008

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