The debate surrounding the independence referendum has been disappointing and based on political point-scoring, a senior Church of Scotland official has said.
The Rev Sally Foster-Fulton made the criticism as the Kirk's General Assembly backed a report calling on the Scottish Government to publish any draft constitution for an independent Scotland before the vote is held. The report also suggested that, in the event of a Yes vote, the monarch should have a Scottish coronation or investiture to "symbolise their role as queen or king of Scots".
The General Assembly, the ruling body of the Kirk, agreed in 2011 to remain neutral on the subject of independence. But commissioners discussed the potential implications for the Church at an annual gathering in Edinburgh yesterday.
Ms Foster-Fulton, convener of the Kirk's Church and Society Council, told the Assembly: "So far, the level of debate has been disappointing. The Church can help change the atmosphere by providing that safe space for people to unpack their ideas without fear of being sidelined or shouted down."
She said the people of Scotland needed more information to reach their decision. "This report proposes that any draft constitution be in front of the Scottish people before the referendum," she said.
The Scottish Government has set out plans for a written constitution to be drawn up by the first independent parliament and the public in 2016.
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