Dave Thompson MSP

A new cross-denominational group of Christians advocating a Yes vote in this year’s referendum has been officially launched. Christians for Independence consists of individuals from across a spectrum of churches and political parties. The organization was unveiled at a morning event at Edinburgh’s Storytelling Centre on Monday, February 24, 2014.

The launch also saw the announcement of new initiative to engage with Scotland’s churches in the run-up to September’s ballot. The “Faith in Scotland’ s Future” project will see Christians for Independence hold a series of public meetings across Scotland. The aim of each event will be to listen to the hopes, fears and queries of the churches on the issue of independence.

The launch event was addressed by Dave Thompson MSP, Convener of Christians for Independence, and the former Labour MP Dennis Canavan, Chairman of the Yes Scotland Advisory Board.

It also witnessed a rendition of the hymn “Amazing Grace” by award winning clàrsach player, Eilidh Munro, and a performance by veteran actor John Shedden in the guise of 6th century missionary Saint Columba.

Addressing the gathering Dave Thompson MSP, Convener of Christians for Independence, said: “Christians play a hugely significant and overwhelmingly positive role in contemporary Scotland. Over 50% of Scots describe themselves as Christian. It’s also estimated that over 12 times as many people went to church this weekend than went to Scottish Premiership football.

“In many of our more deprived areas, it is the churches that provide essential care for the most vulnerable. In every locality, it is often church members who are the most active participants within grassroots civil society:
credit unions, housing associations, food banks, youth groups, community councils etc.

“It is therefore imperative that anybody seeking to propose a new constitutional settlement for Scotland engages in a serious and respectful way with our churches.

“That is why I am delighted to announce that Christians for Independence is this morning unveiling a new initiative entitled “Faith in Scotland’s Future”. The project will be aimed at listening to Scotland’s churches in the run-up to September’s referendum. We want to hear the hopes, fears and queries that Scotland’s Christians have about independence.

“It is the firm proposition of Christians for Independence that a vote for self-governance in September’s referendum gives Scottish Christians the best platform upon which to work collaboratively with others in building a more socially just society at home and abroad. That job begins today.

Dennis Canavan, Chairman of the Yes Scotland Advisory Board told the group: “Yes Scotland is a broad campaign, embracing people of different cultures and different faiths. We warmly welcome the launch of Christians for Independence.

“Christians have traditionally campaigned for justice and peace, values which are shared by many other people in Yes Scotland. An independent Scotland will mean ridding Scotland of nuclear weapons and helping to build a caring, sharing society with greater standards of social justice.