Scottish sympathy

Most studies seem to suggest that Scots are more open to Europe and the ideals of the European union than people from other parts of the Uk, and it would be likely that Catholics would be the most positive group of all, being essentially an immigrant community with roots in Ireland (mainly) but also Italy, Poland and other European nations. Catholics in Scotland are generally sympathetic to Europe, to the idea of close cultural and economic relationships with other European countries and to the concept of Scotland and/or the United Kingdom being part of Europe in the broadest sense. Catholics in Scotland recognise and appreciate that the history and culture of Europe has been shaped in a very fundamental way by Catholic Christianity and for that reason they still sense a bond of faith with much of mainland Europe. Of course Rome, as the See of Peter and of his Successors the Bishops of Rome, will always be close to the hearts of Scottish Catholics. The Catholic Church in Scotland would always want to have its place in the dealings of the Eu with churches in member states and for that reason we would wish to maintain a voice in Comece. This is perhaps especially important in the years coming up in which there will be a referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future which would not only affect its relationship with England but also with the rest of the Eu. The Catholic Church in Europe has been well served by the decision to have a representation in Brussels through Comece, and that work of building bridges, establishing dialogue and hosting events and lectures is valued both by Bishops and by parliamentarians. Catholics in Scotland generally welcomed the closer political links with Europe which were established when the United Kingdom joined the European union and looked towards this union with optimism, However, as time has passed, in common with other Scots, perhaps under the influence of a somewhat Euro-sceptic press, they have grown uncertain about the European institutions having too much binding influence on local affairs; they see the European parliament and the bureaucracy of Brussels as remote and disconnected from Scotland; they do not understand why the European courts should have any binding force in Scotland, and they look with growing alarm at the economic difficulties of the Eurozone. In common with all Scots, Scottish Catholics, having once been open to a common currency with Europe, would perhaps now be more nervous of such a possibility. (*) bishop of Paisley (Glasgow)