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Sonntag, 11. Mai 2014

Scottish independence: Kirk offers post-vote 'healing' service

Scottish independence: Kirk offers post-vote 'healing' service

The saltire and the Union Jack The Kirk said the vote could set communities against each other
Leaders from all sides of the referendum campaign have been invited to a Church of Scotland reconciliation service three days after the vote.
The service, at Edinburgh's St Giles' Cathedral on 21 September, will focus on healing divisions and building the future together, the church said.
Moderator Designate Rev John Chalmers said there was a danger the referendum would set people against each other.
The Church said it hoped similar services would be held across Scotland.
It said its service would highlight the need to put differences aside and begin working with each other, whatever the outcome of the vote on 18 September.
Social cohesion
Rev Chalmers said: "Once the referendum vote has taken place, we shall have neither utopia nor unity.
"In the coming months there is a danger the referendum will set people against each other, in their own community, their own street - even their own family.
"It will be important for each side of this campaign to be magnanimous whatever the outcome and the Church of Scotland, as a national church, is well placed to bring people back together in a spirit of reconciliation.
"Politicians represent the people, and it is my hope that by joining together in worship after the referendum they will send the clearest possible message that everyone has a role to play in building Scotland's future."
A spokesman for Yes Scotland said whatever the outcome of the vote, it would be incumbent on people on both sides of the debate to co-operate for the benefit of the country.
"When we receive the invitation from the Church of Scotland we will be pleased to accept," he added.
A Better Together spokesman said: "Regardless of which way we vote as individuals, nobody should doubt the good faith of anybody in this debate.
"We all love Scotland and want to see the best future for our country, but we can respectfully disagree about how we achieve that."
Rev Chalmers takes up office as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on 17 May.

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