Bishop warns Catholics may lose faith in SNP

[ian1964 10,416]

By Tom Peterkin

Scottish Political Editor

"ill-advised"

THE Bishop of Paisley has warned Alex Salmond that his attempts to deal with sectarianism could lead to him losing the confidence of the Catholic Church.

In a strongly worded letter to the First Minister, Bishop Philip Tartaglia has expressed his dismay at the SNP government and called for controversial antibigotry legislation to be delayed, claiming it is a "distraction" from the real nature of sectarianism in Scotland.

 

Bishop Tartaglia called Mr Salmond's efforts "ill-advised," and expressed concern over the First Minister's stance on gay marriage.

 

In a move that suggests the relationship between the Scottish Government and the Church is deteriorating, Bishop Tartaglia said there was a "growing apprehension and disappointment" among Catholics over the position adopted by the SNP on controversial issues.

 

Bishop Tartaglia's letter, which has been seen by The Scotsman,argues Mr Salmond's Offensive Behaviour at Football Bill is being brought forward with "indecent" haste and without knowledge of the full extent of the problem.

 

His dissatisfaction with the bill comes at a time when the Catholic Church is becoming increasingly concerned about the Scottish Government's decision to hold a consultation on same-sex marriages.

 

The consultation has yet to be finished. But, in the past, Mr Salmond has said his personal view is that he is in favour of gay marriage. In his letter, Bishop Tartaglia said: "The bishops did previously try to alert you to our serious misgivings about plans to dismantle the definition of marriage in Scotland. Your apparent commitment to such a course, will, I fear, bring about a serious chill to relations between the Scottish Government and the Catholic Bishops' Conference."

 

Bishop Tartaglia was writing on his own behalf, but his views are shared by many other influential figures in the Catholic Church in Scotland. The tone of the letter will be worrying for the SNP, given that much of the party's success in breaking through in the west of Scotland at the May election is thought to have been down to winning over many Catholic voters.

 

Last night, Scottish Catholic Observer editor Liz Leydon said: "The strength of Bishop Tartaglia's challenge â?¦ acts as a timely reminder of just how far current legislative proposals have strayed from the values inherent in our traditionally Christian society."

 

Although he recognised that the anti-sectarian bill had been introduced with "good intentions", Bishop Tartaglia said he could no longer support the legislation that was introduced following ugly scenes at Old Firm matches last season.

 

"It seems that a consensus is developing, supported by much expert opinion, that this proposed legislation is problematic," the Bishop wrote. "I am concerned that the bill's introduction has served as a distraction from the real nature of sectarianism in Scotland."

 

The Church's concerns come amid growing signs that opposition politicians at Holyrood believe the SNP's proposals are becoming increasingly confused and could criminalise ordinary fans. The bill would see those convicted face up to five years in jail for bigoted behaviour, such as singing or chanting that could incite trouble, at matches or online. The bill's critics have argued that existing legislation - properly enforced - is strong enough to deal with trouble-makers.

 

There has also been confusion over what exactly constitutes an offensive chant or song at a football match. That confusion was not helped when community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham suggested that making the sign of the cross or singing God Save the Queen could be interpreted as a sectarian offence under certain circumstances.

 

Bishop Tartaglia wrote that she spoke "loosely and unhelpfully about the use of the sign of the cross".

 

Bishop Tartaglia argued that sectarian criminality in Scotland was predominantly acts of hostility and intolerance towards Catholics. He claimed this was borne out by the most recent official figures, though he said these were not up to date.

 

The bishop called for the most recent statistics on sectarian offences to be published, so that the new legislation would be based on the most-accurate data. "To pass this bill into law without first revealing the true picture of sectarianism in Scotland is ill-advised," he argued.

 

"I hope you will delay the passage of the bill to permit a thorough examination of the available data. Concern for just and wise law-making and for the historic and universally accepted meaning of marriage are both matters of concern to the Catholic Church. With regard to these matters, I sense there is a growing apprehension and disappointment on the part of many in the Catholic community at the direction your government is taking."

 

He added: "I would be very sorry, if you began to lose the confidence of the Catholic community."

 

Mr Salmond's spokesman said the First Minister would be happy to meet with the bishop to discuss the points he had made. The spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is conducting a consultation on same-sex marriage - and no decisions have been arrived at. There are clearly different views and an honest disagreement on this particular issue, and the Catholic Church and other organisations have every right to express their position.

 

"On the bill to combat sectarianism, the work to publish the analysis of religious aggravation charges for the most recent year, 2010-11, has been underway for some time, and will be published next month as pledged, which we are sure will be welcomed by all those with an interest and concern in this important area.

 

"The First Minister will be delighted to have a meeting with Bishop Tartaglia and his colleagues, and we are confident that we can allay concerns about the bill by taking the opportunity to discuss the Lord Advocate's draft guidelines, and by making clear that there is no intention to restrict freedom of speech in terms of the communications offence within the bill."

 

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/glasgow/Bishop-warns-Catholics-may-lose.6847856.jp?articlepage=2

[Super_Ally 0]

Fuck the catholic church.

[Juancornetto 1]

As if the Catholic Church has ever had any respect for Nation or Nationality. Their self righteousness is staggering. Fuck them indeed.

[craig 5,199]

Funny how the Catholic Church went quiet when this proposed legislation looked like it was very predominantly targetting Rangers supporters... but as soon as it appears that the Tims will be called up in it too that, lo and behold, the CC are up front and centre once again.

[Guest Dutchy]

Nobody can stop anyone voicing there 'oppostion' to any laws that may come into effect by any parliment in Britain, but it's transpired that the Bish now has a private meeting with the first minister on this matter.

 

Oh to be a fly on the wall in that one!!!

[GovanAllan 0]

Funny how the Catholic Church went quiet when this proposed legislation looked like it was very predominantly targetting Rangers supporters... but as soon as it appears that the Tims will be called up in it too that, lo and behold, the CC are up front and centre once again.

 

Exactly that Craig. As long as the government is doing what their told everything is great. Have said before the CC has way too much power in this country.

[Bluedell 5,329]

Although he recognised that the anti-sectarian bill had been introduced with "good intentions", Bishop Tartaglia said he could no longer support the legislation that was introduced following ugly scenes at Old Firm matches last season.

 

"It seems that a consensus is developing, supported by much expert opinion, that this proposed legislation is problematic," the Bishop wrote. "I am concerned that the bill's introduction has served as a distraction from the real nature of sectarianism in Scotland."

 

Interpretation - He is concerned that his flock will be charged for calling people "hun" and for singing IRA songs when every rational person knows that it's only RCs that suffer sectarianism.

 

[GovanAllan 0]

What did they really think was going to happen when they opened this can of worms. Do they feel so untouchable that it didn't even cross their minds that the light would shine on them too.

 

I blame the schools and that's another part of the problem.

[Guest Dutchy]

Also, it would appear to be a direct threat to an elected government. If they want to dictate policy, they should stand in the next election, instead of snipping from the sidelines. He's not been choosen by the catholic community, he's been put there by Rome, and only claim to represent all catholics.

 

It's called democracy and I hope Salmond can remind the bish of this during their meeting.

[GovanAllan 0]

If this fat clown ever manages to push through independence can you imagine the power the CC will have then, doesn't bare thinking about.