Support equality

In the midst of current debate surrounding the Equality Bill (your report, 3 February), the Church of Scotland has consistently supported the principles of equality and the celebration of diversity. We know that a more equal society is a better place for all its citizens.

We understand that one person's equality is another person's discrimination. We believe that facing that challenge and being willing to change is how a society becomes more just. That is why, for example, we have strongly supported the development of a socioeconomic equality duty on public services which forms part of this bill.

We feel it is time to affirm our position at the Church of Scotland. Equality always has to be a major consideration, whatever our starting point.

Where there is a clash of opinions, it is our view that it is better to stay in the debate and struggle for the way forward rather than simply to say no to everything because there is one aspect on which we feel we disagree.

RT REV BILL HEWITT

George Street

Edinburgh