Thread 👉 1) Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Church of Scotland’s Faith Impact Forum, has released a statement following the tragic loss of life yesterday in the Channel. #channelcrossings
The appalling news about the catastrophic loss of life in the English Channel yesterday must be a warning call to all of us. The current approach has failed in every respect, on humanity, on morality and in achieving the stated objective of reducing irregular migrant journeys.
Urgent action is now needed to prevent the Channel from become a killing ground. Authorities must prioritise the preservation of human life and respect for human dignity.
The rapid establishment of safe passage, routes to allow people to bypass the people smugglers and avoid the treacherous and highly risky journey is now vital.
We join with Christians across the UK, Europe and around the world in their lament and prayers to remember those who have died on their journey from terror, war and poverty in the hope of seeking sanctuary.”
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Responding to reports that legal proceedings have been started against the Scottish Government over the closure of churches. “We do not think this is the right course to take when the country is under threat from COVID-19.
“We fully accept that the latest pandemic restrictions mean that we have to close churches again for the time being.
“The vast majority of our members understand and support these temporary restrictions.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that reopening churches will happen as soon as it can be done safely.
THREAD - commenting on the UK Government's decision to cut the foreign aid budget, Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum of the Church of Scotland, said: “The decision to slash the aid budget will do irreparable harm to our partners around the world,
who themselves are braced for the economic shock of the pandemic. Cutting this work is short-sighted and tarnishes the UK’s international reputation.
“In times of global need, it is those with the broadest shoulders that need to support others.
“International development is not about charity, it is essential to the delivery of the vision of a Global Britain as foreign aid supports UK priorities.
The Church of Scotland has released the following statement on the recent sectarian violence in Glasgow, and ahead of reports of a planned protest this weekend:
Rev Dr Richard Frazer, convener of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council, said:
“Following the sectarian violence we have seen on the streets of Glasgow in recent weeks, we recognise that the decision made by Glasgow City Council to ban further parades...
planned for this weekend was not based on religious discrimination nor a desire to oppress the protestant faith.
The City Council has a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all within the city and in doing this the Council needs to take into account the advice...