From Scotland-THE debate about Scottish independence is about identity and how we measure the distinctiveness – or otherwise – of Scotland.
It's also about the things which are the staple diet of politics – economics, defence, education, health and more.
Inevitably this debate touches on and involves the life of churches. I believe that churches should be agnostic – indeed should be absolutely determined not to have a view – on issues of constitution, flags and governance. In the membership of our churches there will be people on either side of this debate. They are entitled to hold and to express their views without finding themselves any more or less respected as members of our churches.
There are deeper issues too. Churches believe that faith should colour and enrich the whole of life. So membership of a faith community should connect to deeper questions of identity and belonging in our society. You can see that in the names our churches – the church which I represent is the Scottish Episcopal Church; our national church is the Church of Scotland; and so on. We should feel good about that. Faith should not be privatised, compartmentalised and pietistic.
More here-
http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/agenda-independence-debate-gives-churches-a-chance-to-discuss-the-place-of-faith-in-society.21259652
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