Scottish Catholic Observer

As Scotland prepares for what forecasters are predicting to be an early deep freeze following unseasonably warm autumn weather, the parallels in the relationship between the Church and the Scottish Government could not be more striking.

Bishop Philip Tartaglia of Paisley has this week warned First Minister Alex Salmond of the looming ‘serious chill’ in relations between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Nationalists following government faux pas on anti-sectarian proposals and its deliberate bid to redefine marriage.

The bishop has also sent a pastoral letter to all of the parishes in his diocese urging both clergy and lay Catholics to actively oppose key government proposals on these issues, in the process eloquently providing them with the tools to do so.

The strength of Bishop Tartaglia’s challenge to the direction the Scottish Government is leading this country in highlights widely held concerns and acts as a timely reminder of just how far current legislative proposals have strayed from the actual problems we are facing and the values inherent in our traditionally Christian society.

It is important to remember the dangers of what can happen when people of Faith stand by and do nothing.