A courageous statement from Cardinal Keith O’Brien on the Megrahi release decision, and on America’s “culture of vengeance”
Human values are alive and well in Scotland. In an independent Scotland, we could express them more effectively by determining our own foreign policy and relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.
What is needed now is the voices of senior clerics in the other religious denominations in Scotland - the Church of Scotland, the Episcopalian Church and Judaism (we know where the Muslims stand) - to speak out with equal force and courage.
Surely the Church of Scotland can do it? It may be too much for the Episcopalians - the Tory Party and the Establishment at prayer. But can Scottish Judaism separate itself from Zionism and speak for humanity?
This call comes the day after a British doctor - Dr. Karen Woo - and nine others were brutally murdered by robbers in Afghanistan. The Taliban have claimed responsibility, and given as the reason that the humanitarian workers were on a Christian mission. This is a lie - ("Although we are a Christian-supported charity, we would absolutely not proselytize.") - they were trying to help the most vulnerable, and the Briton who died was a Humanist.
Religion - and Scotland - must rise above this awful tragedy and show that we are not like the Taliban, not like the murderers, and we must not descend into blame and calls for vengeance.
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Great post. I agree with every word.
ReplyDeleteThanks, tris
ReplyDeleteThese senators are sick wanting personel details.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/11/alex-salmond-lockerbie-medical
“Episcopalians - the Tory Party and the Establishment at prayer.” I think you are referring to the Church of England. The Episcopalians, while now affiliated to all the Anglican churches throughout the world have a quite different history from the Church of England. During the 18th Century, for example. it was persecuted and outlawed in Scotland. 26 Church of England bishops do have seats in the House of Lords thus the often repeated quote you use. Scottish Episcopal bishops do not.
ReplyDeleteOn Thursday 20 August 2009 Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church said “The decision to release Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi is a brave political choice taken in the face of strong pressure from outside Scotland. We respect and honour the courage which the Scottish Government has shown.
Thanks, markfairford. I was referring to the Episcopalians but my lumping them with the CofE, and failing to notice David Chillingworth's comment was both inaccurate and unfair. I apologise, and I will pull your comment out to the main blog to make sure this is noticed.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!