THE Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) welcomes the Church of Scotland's call for an independence debate that focuses on social justice.
Like the Kirk, the HSS is neutral in that debate, but while we agree on much, there are issues of social justice where we differ, and as most Scots no longer look to the churches for moral guidance, there are major issues of social justice where those voices should be heard.
We heard them recently, when the Scottish Parliament passed the Marriage and Civil Partnerships (Scotland) Bill, which was supported by the HSS, but opposed by the Kirk and other churches.
And we hear them now, when 69% of Scots support the principle of assisted suicide, as proposed by MSP Margo MacDonald in the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill.
The HSS will always be willing to work with the Church of Scotland where its vision of social justice matches ours.
An example was our recent joint statement on changing religious observance in schools to Time for Reflection.
Regardless of the actual outcome of the referendum, let us use it to focus minds and put forward ideas that really do make Scotland a more equal, tolerant and open society.
Tim Maguire,
Humanist Society Scotland,
272 Bath Street,
Glasgow.
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