In God we trust

Anyone who claims that [secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council] Rev Ewan Aitken cannot, or does not, differentiate between the policy of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and that of the Labour Party has little or no knowledge of Ewan.

Douglas Hamilton’s assertion (Letters, 21 September) that there is a cosy relationship between the Church and the Labour Party is also simply not true. Church members are active in all Scotland’s mainstream parties, and this is reflected in the membership of the Church and Society Council, although I suspect the majority – including its convener – have no party affiliation.

I have never, in many years of significant involvement, encountered a policy being developed, a decision made by the General Assembly or subsequently presented by office-holders in the Church on a party-political basis. It is, frankly, a ludicrous suggestion. It is faith in God focused by the teaching of Jesus and embodied in the life of the Church that is our inspiration.

As for Mr Hamilton’s statement that I, by implication, and others are no longer Christian, I would like to invite him to come and discuss that with members of the congregation of Gorbals, where I am parish minister and who have at least met me.

Robert Anderson is proof that there is a range of opinion on many matters within the membership of the Church. However, Ewan Aitken’s position on faith schools, and not Dr Anderson’s, reflects the policy of the General Assembly. On that I do – officially – speak for the Church of Scotland.

(Rev) Ian Galloway

The Church of Scotland

George Street

Edinburgh