Church of Scotland to debate Scottish independence

Church of Scotland 2013 General Assembly. Picture: Jane Barlow

More than 800 commissioners attending the Kirk gathering will have the chance to contribute their views during the debate on the afternoon of May 20.

Church officials said it will be a “respectful dialogue”, with those at the gathering hearing from key speakers for and against independence before contributions are taken from the floor.

Among those taking part in the debate will be former General Assembly moderator Alison Elliot and shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander.

Voters in Scotland will be asked the Yes/No question “Should Scotland be an independent country?” when they go to the polls on September 18.

The Church of Scotland said it is committed to a position of neutrality on the referendum, but that it recognises its ministers and members have “much to contribute” to the discussion.

The session will provide a platform for this debate, but will not result in any outcome which would compromise the Church’s impartial stance, Kirk officials said.

The annual gathering in Edinburgh will hear from four speakers before the session is opened for contributions.

The Rev Dr Doug Gay of Glasgow University will speak for the Yes campaign, while Mr Alexander will set out the case for the other side.

Ms Elliot will pose some of the questions facing undecided voters, and John Sturrock QC will sum up the debate.

The discussion will be chaired by moderator designate the Rev John Chalmers.

He said: “While much of the discussion around the referendum has been combative, the Church recognises the need for respectful dialogue that harbours trust and respect.

“Whatever our choice on the 18th of September our discussions and actions now must be ones that we can all live with in the future.

“Within this dialogue I hope that the role of Christian faith in informing our choices can be shared.

“While it is important to note the objective of the debate is not to take votes or make decisions it will, I hope, provide some profound contributions on how we as Christians can make sense of Scotland’s future.”

The General Assembly meets for a week every year in May. It has the authority to make laws determining how the Church operates and can also act as the Kirk’s highest court.

This year’s Assembly, at the Mound in Edinburgh, opens on May 17 and closes on May 23.