Reports today from a former Scottish
Roman Catholic bishop confirm, what has been clearly apparent in recent weeks -
that the church hierarchy in Scotland has consistently blocked inquiries into
sexual and related abuses in the church.
But there
are also deep concerns as to why these matters have only recently been reported
by the Scottish press. Much of the Scottish press held the Roman Catholic
Church in awe and was reluctant to publicise negative news about the Church for
fear of being considered sectarian.
It took the
London press to break the near blanket self-censorship of criticism of the
Church by the Scottish press and media.
Congratulations
to the Observer for breaking the story and for continuing coverage, and to the
Scottish press for being brave and following its lead.
Valid public
criticism of the Church must not be confused with religious hatred.
Too often
the Scottish press has simply regurgitated to Scottish readers the handouts
from the Church's previously powerful press office.
There thus
are justifiable fears over the possible power of the Roman Catholic Church in a
nominally independent Scotland should Scottish voters decide to back this
course in next year's referendum.
The Roman
Catholic Church in Scotland under the leadership of now disgraced and exiled
Cardinal Keith O'Brien has been a clear supporter of devolution and Scottish
independence since it expects, in an independent Scotland, to be a big fish in
a small pond..
