THE Church of Scotland has warned Theresa May not to block a second referendum on Scottish independence.
The Reverend Dr Richard Frazer, convener of the Kirk's Church and Society Council, also called for cool heads during the campaign.
Although he said the Church of Scotland would be neutral, Frazer insisted “it would be wrong” if permission to hold a referendum was “withheld” by Westminster following MSPs backing the First Minister’s request for a Section 30 order.
Frazer added: “There are justifiable concerns that the debate could be bitter and divisive and divert attention away from the hugely complex negotiations which are taking place as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
“While these risks are real, there is nothing inevitable about this debate being divisive and acrimonious. All those who take part in this debate about Scotland’s future – and the UK’s future as well – must be committed to holding a positive and informative debate.
“The Church of Scotland will contribute to this debate in creative and inclusive ways. It will also seek to call to account those who exaggerate their claims or who move from committed debate to inappropriate ways of treating one another.”
Last year, the Kirk was firmly on the Remain side of the EU referendum. In 2014, it took no official position on independence.
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