Scotland’s shame does not hide our pride and joy, our youth

March 25 | comments icon 0 COMMENTS print icon print

Scotland’s shame does not hide our pride and joy, our youth

Reports of continued anti-Catholic chanting at last weekend’s football match between Celtic and Rangers—in spite of the recent government led anti-sectarianism summit and a renewed call from Church leaders for better behaviour—is proof positive that a new approach to tackling the problem is urgently required.

While reports of violence and death in Libya and continued loss and danger in Japan put Scotland’s problems sharply into perspective, our track record on sectarianism makes it very difficult for our nation to take the moral high ground on international affairs, and Christian persecution abroad, when it appears we cannot put our own house in order.

Voters will be going to the polls on May 5 to elect a Scottish Government. Cardinal Keith O’Brien, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, this week led the call from Church leaders for the electorate to put the needs of their community first when voting.

It wasn’t someone else they were speaking to, it was you. Voters can find information online to help inform that decision at the pools at Catholic voters guide at http://www.catholicvotersguide.org and Churches vote http://www.churchesvote.org.

As the future of our society, and Scotland’s place in the global community, is at stake, it is important to be informed and make our voices heard on all the issues, including sectarianism.

With so much harrowing news from throughout the world, it is of great comfort to see the efforts of young Catholics in Scotland to make a contribution and engage in events and issues of interest and concern.

The delegates at last weekend’s fourth Annual International Pro-Life Youth Conference not only seized the opportunity to become better informed on the topic, they also—by taking part in considerable numbers—let society know in no uncertain terms, that young Catholics care about life from conception through to death.

And it is also very encouraging to see young Catholics from throughout Scotland’s dioceses prepare to travel and take part in World Youth Day in Madrid in August. The hard work being done now by staff and volunteers at diocesan level will ensure that Scotland is represented in Madrid and that our young pilgrims do not miss out on this marvellous opportunity to demonstrate and grow in their Faith.

Remembering the younger members of our congregations in our prayers during Lent is one way we can all support their efforts. Becoming directly involved in supporting their projects at community, diocesan and national level is another.