Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton | Church of Scotland | Read original source
The new Convener of one of the most influential Church of Scotland councils has said she wants to see churches, communities and politicians start talking about the things that are important to Scotland and its future.
Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, Convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland, wants to see a conversation take place by everyone with a stake in Scotland’s future, after looking at the findings of an Ipsos Mori opinion poll commissioned by the Future of Scotland Campaign.
Reverend Foster-Fulton said: “Forget about mechanics of a particular referendum and instead focus on what peoples hopes and dreams, visions and aspirations for our common life together in years to come.”
Ninety-four percent of respondents said it was essential or very important that Scotland is a safe place where law and order are upheld. Almost 90 percent said it was essential or very important that Scotland is financially successful and businesses are encouraged. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said it was essential or very important that Scotland be a caring place where the disadvantaged would be looked after.
A secure Scotland with protected borders and respected on the world stage is amongst those criteria thought to be least essential.
Mrs Fulton said: “What, then do these things tell us? Firstly, that these things are important to us regardless of the outcome of the referendum. Secondly, that peace, prosperity and compassion are, in this poll, the important things that matter. Thirdly, border protection and a powerful nation are not part of the aspirations of the overwhelming majority. This is surely reflected in many parts of Scottish public life speaking up for asylum seekers and against Trident replacement.
“If we can get our Churches, our communities and our politicians talking about these values and visions, then this debate about the referendum need not just be about where the power lies, but it should be a conversation about the very soul of the Scottish nation.”
