Scottish Catholic Observer

A Scottish Government report into sectarianism has ruled conclusively that Catholic schools in Scotland do not fuel bigotry; there is a ‘discursive deficit’ in Scotland’s approach to religious intolerance and the Act of Settlement continues to fuel the problem.

The Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland, headed by Dr Duncan Morrow, began work two years ago and its final report confirms what the Catholic community knows, ‘sectarianism would not be eradicated by closing schools.’

It goes on to say that, while the group had heard some arguments that separate Catholics school contributed to sectarianism, it believes it is time to ‘shift the focus from the structure of education to the quality of what happens for young people’.

Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, said the report’s findings were welcome.

“Knowing that Catholic schools are inclusive communities which welcome people of all faith and none, I am pleased that the Advisory Group has concluded that sectarianism in Scotland cannot be attributed to schools,” Mr McGrath said.

The report also calls on all churches to call on local co-operation as well as ‘symbolic gestures’ of friendship to ‘affirm cooperation where it exists, and encourage it where it has yet to emerge’ as ‘too often people have a view of others’ faith that is founded on inaccuracy and ancient prejudice.’

Peter Kearney, director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office, welcomed that analysis saying ‘while the report of the Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland will have to be studied in detail, it has helpfully acknowledged a “discursive deficit” in Scotland’s approach to religious intolerance.’

“Dr Duncan Morrow’s acknowledgement that ‘there is no consistent historical narrative about the development, nature and extent of the phenomenon’ is telling and challenging,” he said.

Professor Sir Tom Devine also felt the report lacked a historian’s insight into the huge significance of recent momentous changes in Scottish society. “This report confirms previous studies which have all demonstrated that the malign aspects of the old sectarianism which did indeed affect the life chances of many people of Irish Catholic descent—have disappeared for the most part,” he said. “However, not surprisingly deep-rooted attitudes which have come down through families for generations take much longer to wither and die even when their immediate causes no longer exist.”

The report also found that the continuing bar on a Catholic monarch was fuelling sectarianism in Scotland.

Changes to the succession laws in 2011 did not go as far as lifting the ban on Catholics ascending to the throne, which dates back to the early 18th century.

The Scottish Government said the work of the advisory group would shape its agenda on tackling sectarianism.

—[email protected]

—Additional reporting by Daniel Harkins

—This story ran in full in the December 6 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.