Scottish bishop on independence referendum: "everyone highly nervous" in Scotland

(Vatican Radio)  The  people of Scotland are voting  in an historic referendum on independence which has put their nation in the global spotlight as never before.  So what are the feelings amongst its people as it prepares for this crucial vote in which the “Yes” and “No” camps are running neck and neck?  To find out more about those feelings and the issues at stake, Susy Hodges spoke to Scottish Bishop John Keenan of Paisley.

 

Listen to the full interview with Scottish Bishop John Keenen of Paisley:

 

Bishop Keenan said as the vote draws ever closer, “everyone is highly nervous” in Scotland as they prepare to cast their ballot on whether to choose independence or remain part of the United Kingdom.  At the same time, he said the fact that this referendum has thrust Scotland into the global spotlight as never before, is a source of “national pride” for its people. 

Saying he was personally “surprised”  by the closeness” of the race between the opposing “Yes” and “No” camps, Bishop  Keenan expressed gratitude that the differences of opinion between the two camps “never became a source of violence” although he acknowledged the divisive nature of the independence issue, even within families, and agreed that the country is split right down the middle on this.     

Turning to the issue of religion, Bishop Keenen said this has not been a part of the campaign debates.  In this respect, he noted how a 600-page draft constitution for Scotland drawn up by the pro-independence camp had “hardly any mention of religion” in it.  The bishop said this was “felt to be unfortunate  … and a source of disappointment for the Christian churches.”