Faith in Scotland’s Constitutional Future

Faith in Scotland’s Constitutional Future is an ecumenical, non-partisan and politically neutral research project exploring how folk in churches relate faith to constitutional questions in Scotland.

The aim of the project is to bring together those on all sides of the independence debate, including those who are undecided, to listen and respond to a range of arguments and perspectives.

This project is organised by the School of Critical Studies / Theology & Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow, supported by the Paristamen Charity.

Led by Professor Heather Walton and the Rev Dr Doug Gay, and supported by the project’s researcher Rev Matthew Ross, the project will oversee research throughout Scotland, exploring how church members and adherents apply faith-based arguments to Scotland’s continued belonging to the UK or its becoming an independent country. 

Professor Walton said:

“The direction of Scotland’s constitutional future will affect every aspect of our common life. I am excited that this conference offers the opportunity for Christians to reflect together in an informed and faith-full way on the challenges and choices ahead.”

The Rev Dr Doug Gay, Senior Lecturer, Theology & Religious Studies, based in the School of Critical Studies at the University of Glasgow, said: 

“There are high levels of interest today in the place of faith in public life in Scotland. We are delighted to received funding from Paristamen to explore these issues with folk in the pews and to deepen our understanding of how people relate their faith to their thinking about constitutional options.”

Professor Gareth Morgan, Chair of Trustees of The Paristamen Charity, added:

“Paristamen has funded a number of projects to encourage debate and exploration of sensitive or controversial issues, usually from a Christian perspective. We were delighted to receive an extremely strong proposal for this project from the University of Glasgow and we look forward to working with their team.”

As part of this project, a one-day conference was held at Partick Trinity Church in Glasgow on Saturday 7th October 2023.

For more information, please contact the Reverend Dr Doug Gay, Senior Lecturer, Theology & Religious Studies, School of Critical Studies, University of Glasgow (see the University of Glasgow website).

Weblinks

University of Glasgow https://www.gla.ac.uk

School of Critical Studies https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/

Theology & Religious Studies https://www.gla.ac.uk/subjects/theology/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/806924194406329

The Paristamen Charity http://paristamen.org.uk

_{University of Glasgow, Scottish registered charity number SC004401}