BY Ian Dunn | February 20 | 
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Pope, Moderator see Scotland shine
Pope Francis has praised Scotland as an ‘outstanding’ example of religious ‘understanding and co-operation’ in stark contrast with the beheading of 21 Christians by Islamic terrorists in Libya.
The Holy Father was speaking after meeting with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend John Chalmers at the Vatican, on Monday and praised his guest’s homeland saying ‘Scotland’s rich cultural and historical traditions have been shaped by outstanding saintly witnesses to Christ from various confessions.’
“The present state of ecumenical relations in Scotland clearly shows that what we, as Christians, hold in common is greater than all that divides us,” the Pope said. “On this basis the Lord is calling us to seek ever more effective ways to overcome old prejudices and to find new forms of understanding and cooperation.” The Pope went on to say he was heartened to see the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church can in ‘many cases speak with one voice on issues which deeply affect the lives of all Christians.’
He contrasted this with his feelings of profound sorrow ‘about the execution of those 21 or 22 Coptic Christians.’ Islamist militants claiming loyalty to ISIS released a video appearing to show the beheading of 21 Christians who were kidnapped a few weeks ago.
“Their only words were: ‘Jesus, help me!’” The Pope said. “They were killed simply for the fact that they were Christians.”
Speaking after his audience with the Pope, Mr Chalmers said he shared the Pope’s concerns that the two men spoke about ‘our joint belief in the power of cooperation against a background of challenge and increasing radicalisation in the world.’
“We agreed to work for peace through our common faith,” he added.
The Moderator also extended an invitation to the Pontiff during the private audience, saying that people of faith in Scotland would welcome him with open arms if he was able to make a pastoral visit.
“It was immediately apparent I was in the presence of a man of prayer and a humble human being,” he said. “I expressed a hope that a pastoral visit by His Holiness to Scotland would be appreciated by all faiths.”
— Read the full version of this story in the February 20 edition of the SCO in parishes from Friday.
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