June 2014 Issue No 239 www.openhousescotland.co.uk £2.50

Sharing sacred texts: What kind of Scotland? The Vatican and the Scriptural Reading Referendum special American sisters part 2 Editorial Reconnecting with politics

The referendum on Scottish independence, whatever the partnership will continue after September, whatever the outcome, has created a remarkable opportunity for Scots outcome of the referendum, but that in an independent to think about issues like nationhood, sovereignty and Scotland the choice would lie with Scots. solidarity, and how they are reflected in our current As identities expand and contract with growing political system. As if to underline the point, the support for independence in Scotland and an European elections were held last month in the middle increasingly fractured UK within Europe, solidarity calls of the independence debate. At one level they were a us to think about how we relate to one another and to reminder that a consistent failure on the part of political the wider world. The referendum campaign has its share parties to engage voters, especially in areas of poverty of noisy political point scoring, but there has also been and deprivation, results in not just a low turnout, but much talk of values, a welcome counterpoint to the opens the way for smaller parties to step in. On another more calculated appeals to the politics of electability and level they posed some of the questions that will shape narrow interest that have shaped much of the political the outcome of September’s referendum. debate in recent times. One of the questions Europe raises is the issue of Our faith requires that we play an active part in nationhood. Most of us would define a nation as that which binds us in terms of a common story, a common political life and vote not just for our own benefit. The history, a common language. The United Kingdom is church is much more than a collection of individuals: we under pressure not just from Scottish nationalism, but live as part of a community whose life depends on our from the weakening of social bonds and growing contribution. The low turnout in recent elections does us disparity between rich and poor. Are we any longer a no credit. ‘family of nations’ that are in it together? The referendum debate could be the start of a more At the European level, the UK is in the process of sustained attempt to reconnect people with politics. It is trying to break its bonds with Europe while the EU to the SNP’s credit that it is taking the argument into struggles to draw them closer. The UK argues in terms of Scotland’s housing schemes. One of the most positive refusing to surrender sovereignty to the EU. The SNP outcomes of the referendum would be the reinvigoration acknowledges that the debate for looser forms of of politics itself, whichever way the vote goes.

Beautiful Sunday

Sunday morning, up with the lark / I think I’ll go for a Sunday. Twenty years ago Bishop Devine described Mass walk in the park attendance in Lanarkshire as being in ‘free fall ‘. This is Hey hey hey it’s a beautiful day. now prompting further change in Mass provision. There is something to be said for calling for a Lord’s California 1972 was different from Scotland where Day resistance society. Why should everyone have to swings in the park were still chained up on Sunday. The give in to the demands of the new busyness/business? only people walking were going to church. That’s what Should time not be allocated for family life? Credit to we were supposed to be doing on Sunday mornings. those churches that are creating time and space for Then we got what was called ‘the continental Sunday’ leisurely Sunday worship which includes recreational (or the Californian)! Now Sunday streets are the busiest opportunities. of the week. They are full of joggers and dog walkers. There is nothing to be said for spitting in the wind. There’s a stream of cars heading for shopping centres Reorganising the church to make it easier for more and sports facilities. Even the buses are busy enough. people to get to Mass is to forget the swings are no Not long ago children had to go to Mass because their parents made them. Now parents can’t get to Mass longer chained up. Speaking to Catholic Action (Italy) because their children won’t let them. Young people recently Pope Francis said the purpose of churches is not have too many other things to do. to get people in but to let Jesus out! Because people do The Catholic Church met this by changing the time of not come to Mass - is that a reason for closing a church? Mass. Vigil mass had been introduced for the biblical These are precious inheritances still with enormous reason that the Jewish Sabbath started at sunset. It potential for their communities. There are many ways in rapidly became popular with those who wanted a ‘free’ which they can still be signs of Catholic Action.

2 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 Contents Scriptural reasoning

MAGDALEN LAMBKIN

Page 3 Scriptural Reasoning Magdalen Lambkin Interfaith dialogue with Page 5 Referendum Special: The Kirk debates Jennifer Stark a difference Page 7 What kind of Scotland? John Dornan A worker with the project Interfaith Glasgow describes Page 8 The road to referendum how differences as well as commonalities between Ian O Bayne traditions can be explored openly and respectfully by Page 10 Theological reflection sharing sacred texts. William R McFadden Page 11 Letter from America Michael L O’Neill It’s pretty broadly accepted these days But it is also true that if all our Page 12 The American Sisters and that developing mutual understanding conversations are focused around the Vatican and positive relations between people commonalities, we may never properly Newman talk of different religions is a good idea. A appreciate just what it is that our Page 14 Pentecost reflection common criticism of interfaith neighbours believe and do that that is Noel Donnelly dialogue, however, is that it often different from our own tradition or amounts to little more than a superficial worldview. In which case, can we Page 15 The Gospel of Mercy exchange of generalities between really say that we understand them? Dermot Lamb well-intentioned, like-minded people. Scriptural Reasoning is a method of Page 17 Notebook It is true that interfaith dialogue is interfaith dialogue that aims to usually focused on common ground. facilitate a deeper dialogue where the Page 19 Letters There is a lot of talk about ‘shared differences as well as commonalities Living Spirit values,’ with people from different between traditions can be explored traditions agreeing that they each openly and respectfully. Although it Page 20 Reviews share a concern to protect the was developed in academic circles Books and film environment and the vulnerable in around the American Academy of Page 24 Moments in time society, for example. Given the popular Religion in the mid-nineteen-nineties, it perception that religious communities has in recent years been taken up by are all at loggerheads with one and local groups in the UK and the US and Thank you to all those who other, and, indeed, that religion is the its popularity is increasing. contributed to this edition of cause of more harm than good in Scriptural Reasoning brings together Open House. society, such conversations are clearly people for whom scripture plays an Open House, which was founded in needed. What’s more, discussing things important role in their lives in the close Dundee in 1990, is an independent we share can be much more conducive reading of their sacred texts. It feels journal of comment and debate on to building the trust, connections and similar to a Bible study group or a faith issues in Scotland. It is rooted in relationships that we so badly need in university seminar, the major difference the reforms of the Second Vatican our multi-faith, multi-cultural societies. being that a Scriptural Reasoning Council (1962-65) and committed to Discussing differences can be divisive group includes people from different the dialogue which began at the and dialogue can quickly turn to faith communities, usually Jews, Council - within the Catholic Church, hostile debate. If the first conversation Christians and Muslims. A small group in other churches, and with all those a Muslim and a Christian have will meet regularly, perhaps monthly, committed to issues of justice and together is over the nature of Jesus, for each time discussing short extracts peace. example, it may well be their last from each of their scriptures selected www.openhousescotland.co.uk conversation. As someone whose job it on a particular theme, such as is to bring people from different faith hospitality, fasting, or modesty. Each Cover photograph by Dominic and belief backgrounds together, I’ve text is introduced by a member of that Cullen learned how important it is to make a particular tradition who gives an good start. insight into its context and traditional

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 3 meanings, but all the participants then backgrounds. Most had never heard of they are ‘controlled’ by Shari’a law.1 If engage in its interpretation. The meeting Scriptural Reasoning before, but many Christians with such a negative view of is structured so that an equal amount of had been involved in other kinds of Muslims and vice-versa could be time is spent on each text. The aim is interfaith dialogue previously. The convinced to engage in Scriptural not for participants to agree on what the response to the practice was Reasoning with each other, there would texts are saying but to grow in their overwhelmingly positive. Some felt it be real potential for a change of understanding of each other. wasn’t too different from what they had perspective. In the UK the success of Scriptural experienced before. One person Perhaps McConnell’s views are so Reasoning is being driven by the commented that the quality of the entrenched that he could never be Cambridge Inter Faith Programme. dialogue is always dependent on the convinced to engage in interfaith They have brought the practice to a people involved. However for others this dialogue. But Scriptural Reasoning wide variety of settings, running was clearly a preferable format, allowing seems to be quite unique among dialogues in prisons and with teenagers, for, as one participant put it, a ‘more methods of interfaith dialogue in its with international religious leaders and purposeful, much richer’ dialogue. The ability to attract people from quite in local community settings. They have conservative, traditional, religious a dedicated website (www. backgrounds. It allows them to feel safe scripturalreasoning.org) with resources in a space where there is no expectation describing the practice and ‘text When participants are for them to find common ground with bundles’ with suggested texts from the limited to talking about short the others in the room, to agree, or to Jewish Christian and Muslim scriptures regard them as anything other than on a variety of themes and staff who extracts of scripture, they plain wrong in matters of theology. support groups in getting started. really have little option but Respect can develop out of the The Cambridge Inter Faith Programme recognition that your dialogue partners describes the aim of Scriptural to dig deep. are just as committed to their tradition Reasoning as ‘Not consensus but as you are and that their tradition is no understanding and friendship’. less complex, rational and perhaps even Participants may not accept one difference, I think, is that while an compelling. The success of Scriptural another’s texts as scripture, nor agree in-depth conversation is certainly Reasoning demonstrates that beliefs with each other’s reading of them. It is a possible within a looser, commonalities- don’t need to be shared in order for process where participants spend time based dialogue, Scriptural Reasoning friendships to develop, and that is surely with people of other religions, each demands it. a reassuring thought, given that sharing something they care deeply When participants are limited to religious divisions aren’t going to away about – these texts that are central to talking about short extracts of scripture, any time soon. their lives. This doesn’t generally lead to they really have little option but to dig In Glasgow our first introduction has agreement, but often they have found deep. They tend to feel challenged, in a led to a desire to set up a regular group, that it does lead to friendship. positive way, by questions from their perhaps two. So far those involved are dialogue partners that cause them to Interfaith Glasgow Christians, Muslims and Jews. But in think about their own tradition afresh. other places the practice has been I work for a project called Interfaith They also learn about how their expanded to other groups. A group in Glasgow where people from different dialogue partners engage with scripture. Birmingham has involved Sikhs, for faith and belief backgrounds come They might come to appreciate, for example, and members of the Church of together for friendship building, example, how important the Hadith are Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have dialogue and co-operation. We try to to Muslims reading the Qur’an, as well been engaged in the US. It remains to be offer different kinds of events, activities as the various commentaries which seen what will emerge in Glasgow. and types of dialogue to bring people relate the context in the life of the We’re pleased to have hit on something together around something that interests Prophet Muhammad within which those that is getting people excited and we or concerns them in recognition that not particular verses were revealed. Such hope many more will get involved. everybody wants to engage with others learning is particularly important given www.scripturalreasoning.org; for the same reason. So we’re always on the number of people today who have www.interfaithglasgow.org the look-out for different ideas, what has read (or heard about) parts of the worked in other places and what we Qur’an and, on the basis of a number of 1 http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/ think might appeal to people we haven’t isolated passages, deduced that Islam may/28 yet managed to engage. must be a violent religion. A prominent Magdalen is in the final stages of We invited Sarah Snyder from the Christian leader in Northern Ireland, completing her PhD in Inter-religious Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme to Pastor James McConnell, has recently Studies at the University of Glasgow. come and introduce the practice to a made the news because of his vehement She works as Development Officer for group of 19 curious Glaswegians from and public denunciation of Muslims as Interfaith Glasgow, which is a project of Muslim, Jewish and Christian ‘not to be trusted’ on the grounds that Interfaith Scotland.

4 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 Referendum Special: debate

JENNIFER STARK The Kirk debates

On Tuesday 18 May, in a packed chamber, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland held a debate on the coming independence referendum. An ecumenical outreach project leader reports.

In accordance with the being met, so mine will be Church’s decision to also’. remain impartial (but not Doug Gay opened his inactive) in the debate, it speech with a recognition of was decided in advance the churches’ continuing role that no vote would be in Scottish society: ‘more taken. Over the last year, Scots individually identified consultations have been in some way with the Kirk held across Scotland than any other organised entitled ‘Imagining group and churches have Scotland’s Future’, more than ten times as many organised by the Church members than all Scotland’s and Society Council. parties put together’. He was These have provided a at one with Douglas structure and resources for Referendum debate at the General Assembly 2014. Alexander in rejecting church or other groups to narrow nationalism – ‘Amen reflect on the values they to that’! - advocating liberal, wish to see in a post- civic, broad nationalism and the case that Westminster is broken, referendum Scotland (whatever the a warm, cooperative union with the why would we walk away from our outcome). I had earlier attended a rest of the UK as an equal in the neighbours and leave them to fix it? ‘fringe’ event launching ‘Our Vision’, family of nations. But while Are we really better than our the resulting publication. independence might be no Utopia, neighbours’, he asked, ‘in fighting for The speakers were Rev. Dr. Doug with risks and challenges, so too equality’? citing Wilberforce, the Gay, theologian, and Principal of would be a future in the UK. In a UK Pankhursts, Bevan and Attlee. He Trinity College, Glasgow; his referendum on EU membership, quoted Simon Schama: ‘our glory counterpart ‘Doug’, Labour MP Scotland could be forced into a over the centuries has been that we Douglas Alexander; Alison Elliott, decision they had not voted for. ‘I are all jumbled together in an Elder and former Moderator; and want to see a more equal Scotland, expansive, collective, unity’ and John Sturrock, QC. Douglas and one without weapons of mass asked for ‘a principled and pragmatic Alexander, opening, emphasised his destruction. Labour had 13 years to solidarity…. A covenant with my family connections with the Kirk, reform the House of Lords and the neighbour that I will put their needs including a relative’s membership of voting system and achieved neither. I first, knowing that in their needs the Committee of Temperance and do not believe that the UK as it Morals, a phrase that took us back stands is capable of making the to a different age. His speech took journey of reform it needs to make’. the biblical values of the two great While independence might Alison Elliott noted some hard commandments and reflected on the questions that both sides needed to ideal of neighbourliness. Devolution, be no Utopia, with risks answer. There was a strong desire for he said, had already rectified the and challenges, so too would ethical leadership from the democratic deficit suffered by government. And this, she said, is Scotland for so much of the 20th be a future in the UK. not like an election; we cannot century, and the debate must involve change our minds a few years on. more than accountancy. ‘Even if it is She asked, ‘what would

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 5 independence bring to our various Others questioned whether said that he shared the anger identities? And what constraints on Scotland was inherently more expressed about poverty, ‘I see it our freedom are we prepared to concerned with social justice than every week in my constituency’, but countenance in order to take our other countries, ‘we won’t necessarily that unity was strength in combating place in the present world?’ The get a Salmondesque government in injustice. On the question of identity, consultations had shown that for perpetuity …. Are we really going to ‘it was the beauty of our partnership many people, prosperity was not key. be the best small country in the that we can choose the order of our ‘We should be seeing the debate world’? Some spoke of the concern defining’. He acknowledged the need through the eyes of those who are for peace across borders: ‘People in for reform and said that vulnerable and poor’. the North of England and London constitutional change was coming, Themes need us, our impact, our voices. If no matter what the decision. It has been fascinating to compare Faslane moves [south], what have we Doug Gay said he was saddened by the debate with the account given in achieved for world peace’? There the bitterness aroused because of the April’s Open House of the Newman was concern about the harmful political competition of the debate. meeting on ‘Catholics, the Referendum and Afterwards’ - did ‘Ironically’, he said, ‘independence anyone reading this attend both? As would bring that to an end and themes slowly emerged in the debate, Speakers and questioners parties could work together for a better future’. But the democratic poverty and exclusion was one of the alike made little mention of strongest. Several spoke with passion deficit had not been overcome: of the impact that the recession and ‘prosperity’ issues, focusing Britain had a ‘broken electoral government policies had had: one on the challenges of poverty system,’ in which 50 or so marginal speaker noted that Britain’s richest and exclusion; specific issues seats decided the outcome of any 1% have as much wealth as the election, with huge numbers of poorest 55% put together. Stories such as currency and wasted votes. He referred finally to from food banks were highlighted; pensions were hardly an Easterhouse community worker, ‘the rich got tax cuts; the poor got mentioned. who is ‘Old Labour, but for benefit cuts’. On multiple identities, both ‘Dougs’ independence, believing that it is an affirmed their close family and opportunity to move towards a more personal ties with England, and one equal Scotland’. effects of some language used: ‘terms former Moderator said, ‘I struggle John Sturrock’s final reflection such as foreigner, separation, divorce with the idea that identity is ascribed commended the ‘respectful dialogue’ implies that we will no longer be to us at the national level. Am I that he thought had been achieved living next to England. …. going to have a different nationality and which he wanted to be a model Interdependence is not an argument from my children living in London?’ for the whole debate over the next And from another commissioner: for political union’. months, ‘process and language are as ‘the elephant in the room is Europe. Perhaps what was not said in this important as the outcome … the eyes We need – and indeed England needs debate was as interesting as what of the world are on us at this time’. – a stable Europe in which minorities was. While the debate was can move freely…’. He believed that interwoven with references to And above all, he said, ‘the day after the European Union was the more Christian values, only one reference the vote, there will be no us and important – one in which former was made to the ‘official’ place of them – only us’. religion, noting that secularist groups enemies now cooperate. The webcast of the debate can be An encouragingly post-sectarian would oppose any place for religion found at www.churchofscotland.org. glimpse was mention of the ‘uniting’ in the constitution of an independent uk/about_us/general_assembly/ Facebook page for Celtic and Scotland. Speakers and questioners general-assembly-2014 Rangers supporters of independence, alike made little mention of and our informant stated ‘I want to ‘prosperity’ issues, focusing on the unite with Catholics to look forward challenges of poverty and exclusion; Jennifer Stark is a former to an independent Scotland without specific issues such as currency and coordinator of Women’s Ordination sectarianism and which values pensions were hardly mentioned. Worldwide, and leader of an everyone on an equal footing’. Summing up, Douglas Alexander ecumenical outreach project in Leith.

6 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 Referendum conference

JOHN DORNAN What Kind of Scotland?

A former development education manager reports on a conference entitled The Referendum, Dialogue and Catholic Social Teaching held at the Conforti Institute, Coatbridge on 29th April.

This was a one-day conference for the parity of employment and social been working for it all along. There Catholics to explore the standing achieved by our North are areas of agreement with many consequences of the independence American and Australian cousins different groups where alliances are referendum in dialogue with the three or four generations ago. Much possible, even where we do not agree Social Teaching of the Church. The of this had been achieved as a result completely on all things. conference fitted well with the of the opportunities afforded by the The key concepts embedded in Institute’s mission statement: ‘The welfare state, widening educational Catholic Social Teaching - solidarity, Conforti Institute, rooted in a provision and expanded employment subsidiarity and the promotion of the commitment to make the world a in public services. common good – had to be presented single family, seeks to build Fr James Crampsey SJ took a very in ways that would energise our own communities of justice, equality, different approach, inviting the community, according to Fr John compassion and inclusion through gathering to reflect on extracts from Gannon. We had to recognise that integral human development and Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic the social dimension of Church interfaith and intercultural dialogue’. Exhortation and his interview with teaching was not an optional extra In an age when we too easily opt editors of Jesuit publications, as a and take the notion of lifelong for ready-made answers, conference means of considering how the learning seriously. contributors did not offer any. Church can engage with wider There was also a reminder that our Instead they left the gathering to society. A starting point might be to decision in September would have wrestle with some pertinent and adopt the principles of simplicity, repercussions for others beyond our difficult questions as well as the compassion and humility as the basis borders. Duncan MacLaren, former thought that, come September 19th, for all Catholics engaging in the Director of SCIAF (the Scottish we will still face the same challenges: world. Catholic International Aid Fund) and endemic poverty, poor health, finding As chief executive of Citizens former General Secretary of Caritas a consensus on shared values, human Advice Scotland, Margaret Lynch Internationalis, the global network of dignity and our expectations of was well placed to present the reality Catholic development agencies, ourselves, our communities and our of contemporary poverty in Scotland. reminded his audience of Pope government, whatever form that may Recognising the widespread cynicism Francis’ words that authentic faith take. about politicians and politics, she always involves a deep desire to From the opening presentation by argued for a debate about values and change the world. He offered Professor Tom Devine, we were human dignity, surely an arena where numerous examples of Church treated to a series of wide-ranging, the Church should have something teaching being used as a basis for erudite submissions, all very different positive to offer. humanitarian work with other faith in focus and style. An opportunity to engage with communities. Again he emphasised Professor Tom Devine’s tour de other sectors of society was offered the importance of education and force was delivered as always by Dave Moxham of the STUC, radical re-thinking of current without notes or the inevitable which is campaigning for a Living approaches to wealth and economic PowerPoint. In the lifetime of most Wage and a Living Income. It growth. of those present, the Scottish reminded me of the advice of South The event concluded with a Catholic community had largely African Dominican, Albert Nolan, discussion panel involving come through the era of who said years ago that just because representatives from the ‘Better discrimination and prejudice, become we had rediscovered justice, we Together’ and ‘Yes’ campaigns who more confident in itself and reached should not forget that others had rehearsed by now familiar arguments

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 7 The politics of independence about the security of membership of a IAN O BAYNE larger entity on one hand and the opportunity to focus more acutely on the issues of importance to Scotland and Scots. I am not sure that anyone present would The road to have altered their personal position as a result of what we heard. As members of a faith community which has survived and referendum continues to do so under myriad political dispositions, love of neighbour and service A long time campaigner and political activist recalls the of the common good are universal political twists and turns on the road to September’s obligations. The Conforti Institute is to be independence referendum. commended for bringing together such a strong programme of speakers. What I found most disappointing was that this should be one of relatively few initiatives Unusually for a Scottish Catholic Catholic ‘convert’, G.K. within the Catholic Church1 to address an of (19th-century) Irish descent Chesterton, also an equally event that will have implications for current from my Second World War- distinguished writer and an ‘old and future generations. While the concerns baby generation I was brought school pal’ of MacKenzie’s. of participants reflected specific concerns up to support the post-war Trojan horse strategy over the future of Catholic schools and cross-party Scottish Home Rule guarantees of religious freedom, it is campaign, mounted by the Unfortunately the Covenant regrettable that the Church did not see fit to Scottish Covenant Association. campaign was unable to follow up its early popularity by encourage and facilitate discussion in all Its 1949 petition, pledging persuading the mainstream parishes in parallel with the Church of signatories to ‘do everything in political parties to enact Home Scotland process, ‘Our Vision, Imagining (their) power’ to achieve ‘a Scottish Parliament for Scottish Rule legislation, while the SNP in Scotland’s Future’.2 Being neutral doesn’t Affairs’ attracted around two those days was a tiny fringe have to mean doing nothing. million signatures. group which was barely able to Materials provided on the day included a My father, the late John Bayne, afford to put up more than a report on the ACTS (Action of Churches a prominent lay Catholic and an couple of candidates at general Together) Conference on the Referendum advocate by profession, was elections. Accordingly some held in Edinburgh in March. What emerged himself a very active Covenant Covenant members adopted the there was a commitment to continue our member, serving in the early ‘Trojan horse’ strategy of joining journey towards unity, in whatever 1950s on the Association’s the established Westminster situation we find ourselves, and to continue National Executive alongside its parties in the ultimately forlorn to witness that our identity in Christ charismatic leader, John hope of influencing them to take the Home Rule issue seriously. transcends political difference. MacCormick. Twenty years For example, MacCormick Whatever the outcome, come September earlier, as student contemporaries at Glasgow University they had himself, although he had been an 19th we will still be called to live as faithful previously collaborated in the SNP founding father in the citizens, and that requires something more campaign to secure the 1931 inter-war years, joined the of us than a mark on a ballot paper. election of the English Catholic Liberal Party, attracted by its novelist, Compton MacKenzie as long-standing, if largely 1For support materials visit http://www.archdiocese- the university’s first Scottish theoretical commitment to edinburgh.com/index.php?option=com_content&vie so-called ‘federal Home Rule’, w=article&id=313&Itemid=125 Nationalist Rector. That campaign had been and was even selected as its 2 Download from http://www.churchofscotland.org. supported not just by the candidate in the 1948 Paisley uk/speak_out/politics_and_government/articles/ university’s Scottish Nationalist by-election - where he attracted a imagining_scotlands_future Association, founded by whopping 21,000 votes only to MacCormick in 1927, but also be defeated by his Labour John Dornan is a parishioner of Our Lady & St by its Distributist Club, founded opponent. Helen Parish in Cumbernauld and former Global by my father around 1930, and My father, on the other hand, Education Project Manager at the Conforti had the public approval of its became a Labour Party activist Institute. Honorary President, the English and even fought the 1955

8 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 General Election as a Labour Devolution referendum achieved on 30 March, 1989 when the candidate in the safe Tory seat of But the decade ended in humiliating Scottish Constitutional Convention Kinross & West Perthshire. failure with the disappointing result of met for the first time in the Assembly Unfortunately this was the same year the rigged devolution referendum in Hall of the Church of Scotland. The in which the Tories actually attracted a March, 1979 due to the notorious majority of the Scottish Labour MPs majority of the Scottish popular vote, ‘40% amendment’ requiring the - including the future Labour leader a feat which - contrary to popular approval of 40% of the total John Smith and the future First supposition - no other party has since electorate before the measure could be Minister, Donald Dewar - were present matched in a national election, and he enacted, followed by the loss of nine on that occasion, though, sadly, the was roundly defeated. However he did MPs and 29 deposits (including my SNP leadership boycotted the event have the moral satisfaction of own in Glasgow Kelvingrove) at the through fear of compromising its including in his election leaflet a ensuing General Election. fundamentalist commitment to ‘full’ personal pledge in support of a In consequence the 1980s and early Independence. Scottish Parliament - in line with 1990s were a relatively fallow period The proceedings were chaired by traditional Labour policy, going back for the National Movement. Canon Kenyon Wright of the Scottish to the days of Keir Hardie and the Mrs. Thatcher’s victory at the 1979 Episcopal Church who famously ‘Red Clydesiders’. Election notoriously ushered in an observed - with reference to the This unilateral initiative earned him a 18-year period of Tory rule, Convention’s constitutional objective: carpeting from Willie Marshall the consolidated through four successive ‘What if that other single voice we curmudgeonly Secretary of the Scottish General Elections from 1979 to 1992. know so well responds by saying, ‘We Council of the Labour Party. It was in In Scotland, Labour strengthened its say NO and we are the State’. Well, grip on the people’s electoral the process of ditching the old Home we say YES and we are the People!’ Rule dream of the founding fathers as affections, winning as many as 50 out The Constitutional Convention’s it was considered to be no longer of the 72 seats at the 1987 Election, devolution proposals - which by 1995 relevant in the age of the welfare state albeit on ‘only’ 42.4% of the vote. The had been finalised - formed the basis and centralised economic planning, as SNP, distracted by internal feuding of the 1998 ‘devolution settlement’ pioneered by the 1945 Attlee over devolution strategy and its enacted by the 1997 New Labour administration. ideological direction, failed to make government, following the publication Back in my own student days in the much of an impact - bar the odd in the previous year of Scottish 1960s, I too experimented with the by-election victory at Govan in 1988 Secretary, Donald Dewar’s White ‘Trojan horse’ Home Rule strategy, with the ex-Labour MP, Jim Sillars. Paper, ‘Scotland’s Parliament’ and its and briefly became a card-carrying In retrospect perhaps the most decisive endorsement by the Scottish member of first, the Scottish Liberal significant political event of that electorate in the September Party on the cusp of a minor miserable decade - at least from a referendum - which had the backing resurgence - with, for example, the Scottish perspective - was the launch not just of the Labour and Liberal youthful David Steel winning the 1965 at a meeting in Edinburgh attended by Roxburgh by-election - and later the around 400 people on 1st March, Democratic Parties but of the SNP led Labour Party. However, following 1980,the anniversary of the ‘rigged by Alex Salmond - despite the Winnie Ewing’s ground-breaking SNP referendum’, of the cross-party reservations of many of his senior victory at the 1967 Hamilton by- Campaign for a Scottish Assembly. party colleagues. election and my own growing National convention In his great speech at the formal inauguration of the new Scottish conviction, I found I could no longer With the political scientist (and recent Parliament in July, 1999 Dewar had justify this position. In the jargon of SNP recruit from Labour), Jack Brand sagely observed: ‘For me, for any Scot, the time I ‘swung’ to the SNP. in the Chair and in the presence of to-day is a proud moment: a new stage For the next three decades I became Labour MPs Denis Canavan, George on a journey begun long ago and an SNP activist, even contesting three Foulkes and John Home Robertson, successive General Elections as an SNP Ray Michie, Vice-Chair of the Scottish which has no end...’ He believed that parliamentary candidate between Liberals, and the SNP academics, Devolution should be regarded as ‘a October, 1974 and June,1983 - once, Isobel Lindsay and Neil MacCormick, process’, not a one-off event settled for twice, three times a loser! The 1970s a son also of the Covenant leader, the all time to come, and likewise his were a period of unprecedented SNP meeting unanimously agreed that the political rival, Salmond, came to success - with the election of seven new body should have the subsidiary regard the achievement of SNP MPs at the February, 1974 aim of creating ‘a National Independence as ‘a process’ not a election, rising to 11 MPs - as well as Convention ...to consider detailed one-off event. We have the 42 second places (including my own proposals for the constitution and unprecedented opportunity this second place in Rutherglen) - in powers of a Scottish Assembly’. September to take that process October. This latter objective was finally decisively forward with a YES vote.

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 9 Referendum: Theological reflection

WILLIAM MCFADDEN Called to be one?

A parish priest and former rector of Scotland’s national Catholic seminary asks if theological reflection can assist us in our decision making process on Scottish independence. He argues that the wisdom and expertise of the churches can enhance and enlighten the debate.

As a starting point, I would like to offer lead? To help us here we can perhaps poor, to those living in poverty and the contribution of St Ignatius of Loyola turn to another significant figure in the destitution in so many areas of the in his Spiritual Exercises, and in Church, this time to a far more recent global south. How can a Scotland of the particular, his gift to the Church of the prophet, Pope Francis. Since taking on future connect best with the deprived valuable role of discernment. If we as the role as Bishop of Rome, the pope has and the exploited of our world? What individuals, and united together as a consistently called for the Church to be a structures do we need, and what nation, were to use discernment in order church of the poor, and a church for the arrangements are we prepared to pay to seek the way ahead, then perhaps we poor. If we can agree that such for, in order that an agenda of social would come to a wiser and more leadership and prophetic teaching is justice and responsibility be best served? faith-filled decision. indeed a sign of the Spirit, and that in Will the deprived and the destitute be For Ignatius, true discernment requires discernment we are seeking the true cared for better in an independent an attitude of detachment, which is not a Spirit of God, then surely guidance like Scotland or in a Scotland which remains lack of interest, nor an unwillingness to this is something that we must listen to part of the United Kingdom? engage with the subject matter, but is as we weigh up our options. As members of the Church today, rather a positive state that seeks to In directing us to go beyond the safety perhaps it is our responsibility in the run recognise God’s will in any given of recognised boundaries, and in putting up to September 18th to offer a vision, situation. To be detached is to actively the poor at the centre of all pastoral and an ideal, where the voice of the victim is seek God’s will, neither preferring one missionary activity, the pope is inviting heard, and where little things, or the option to the other, but choosing to us to take on a mind-set where these trivial, are not allowed to distract from determine God’s desire, and to actively Gospel values take precedence. In the truly essential. It will also be our task choose what will lead to God’s discernment we try to recognise God’s post-referendum to ensure that both deepening life in us. Every time we pray direction for us, and so is it reasonable sides of the debate remain engaged with the Lord’s Prayer we ask that ‘God’s will to ask whether the Spirit might be one another. If in this we can encourage be done, on earth as in heaven’. If we are speaking through Pope Francis to invite engagement with serious theological to take seriously this petition, then we us in Scotland to choose to put the poor reflection on the fundamental issues need to ask ourselves how we can truly and the vulnerable at the centre as we around discernment and the preferential seek God’s will in determining the future make our political choices? option for the poor, then the input of our country. In other words, how To acknowledge such a possibility offered by the churches may well be a might Scotland better reflect the values would then of necessity affect how we valuable contribution in understanding of God’s Kingdom? Being prepared to be vote. The determining factors in helping our Scottish identity. detached from any previous leanings us to come to a decision one way or towards independence or union in order another would now be questions such as to truly listen to the voice of God is our ‘Where will the poor be better served?’ or This is a summary of the input presented task in discernment. Yet in order for a ‘What sacrifices are we individually and by William McFadden at a workshop led group or a community, or even a nation, collectively prepared to make to ensure jointly with Sheilagh Kesting at the Four to be discerning, it requires that each that the future of our nation is one that is Nations Conference organised by Action individual who is part of that body be not guided by individual selfish wants, for Churches Together in Scotland discerning individuals. No easy task, and but by a commitment to the greater (ACTS) in Edinburgh in March 2014. certainly not something we can presume needs of the most defenceless?’ The Conference looked at possible is happening at present in the Of course, in choosing an option for implications of the Referendum on the referendum debate. the poor in casting our referendum vote, future of Scotland. The workshop However, if we could dream that such our concern must not only be for the referred to here was called ‘Identity and a vision is possible, where might this poor and vulnerable of Scotland. We Identities: Called to be One? A conscious commitment to discernment have a responsibility also to the global Theological Reflection’.

10 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 Referendum: US perspective

MICHAEL L O’NEILL Letter from America

A Scot living in the USA offers a perspective on the Scottish referendum.

As far as I know, no member of the seen Braveheart, many Americans programme, Out of Ireland, which U.S. Congress or of the Obama couldn’t distinguish Scots and English. included a segment on Trump’s administration has gone on record Ireland and the Irish are much better acquisition of the Doonbeg golf course about the September Scottish known anywhere I’ve been in this in Co. Clare. For their penance, both Independence Referendum. Nor have country than either the Scots or the countries’ politicians should be they expressed any concern about its English. For the most part they do not required to read David Cay Johnston’s potential effect on Trident and U.S. distinguish Northern Ireland as part of Free Lunch: how the wealthiest Navy operations. Are they being the UK. Americans enrich themselves at diplomatic or do they think the result government expense (and stick you won’t make any difference? with the bill). Last year ended with the Republicans I seriously doubt you are going The most famous American in Congress closing down the economist of the 20th century, and government for two weeks (not to be independent anytime more importantly the most relevant to including their own pay of course!) in soon of Uncle Sam’s financial current historical experience, John a bizarre attempt to repeal the Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006), born Affordable Care Act that Obama had and economic coattails. in Ontario, Canada of Scottish signed into law on March 14, 2010. At ancestry, lived long enough to witness the same time they threatened not to a succession of examples of two central pay the nation’s debt obligations. This The 2008 financial system implosion tenets that, he argued, applied across year they failed again, in the 50th and here contaminated the previously time and cultures: that money and finance inevitably suffer from cycles of 51st such attempt, in their continuing much-hyped global economy, speculative expansion followed by waste of what is already the least demonstrating, as if any proof were collapse; and that it is a fallacy to amount of time Congress has been in needed, that ‘the Washington imagine that the possession and/or session in recent history. This fits in consensus’, also known as ‘the market’, management of great sums of money with their whole anti-government does not stay in ‘Vegas’. Scotland could implies a supernormal intelligence. crusade, which is not only bizarre but be ‘independent’ tomorrow. I seriously Forty years ago I was ‘inoculated’ by phony, since they don’t mind throwing doubt you are going to be independent listening to people like Galbraith and money at wars and the whole military anytime soon, if ever, of Uncle Sam’s Paul Samuelson, and their mentor John industrial complex or giving tax credits financial and economic coattails. Maynard Keynes. I was Donald Trump, who made his name and other subsidies to their plutocratic equally fortunate, on the advice of during the 2012 election season here and oligarchic patrons. The coming of Fr. Anthony Ross OP, to read the by joining the ranks of the Republican the first ‘black president’ has driven the Englishman T.C. Smout’s A History presidential candidates’ circle of Republican Party crazy. I don’t think of the Scottish People 1560-1830 and you need to worry about them paying ‘birthers’ - those ‘appealing to their A Century of the Scottish People much attention to your referendum base’ (with ‘base’ in this context a 1830-1950. ‘It’s the economy, stoopid’ vote. racist tautology) by encouraging the famously helped to elect Bill Clinton. Most Americans, in my experience, notion of Obama’s presidential The present condition of the global make no distinction between Britain illegitimacy, claiming that he was not political economy may determine the and England, a fact encouraged by born in the USA (well, Hawaii!). The outcome of the referendum. Is it BBC America, which always has the present Scottish government has not possible to escape the Anglo-American latest on the royals but rarely anything exactly covered itself in glory by Empire? Or in the old Scots saying: is it from Scotland, Wales or Northern sponsoring ‘The Donald’s’ golf better the devil you know than the Ireland. Only on Al Jazeera America acquisition on the north-east coast. I devil you don’t? have I seen a 10-minute feature story now see he has acquired Turnberry. on the referendum. Ireland is in the same boat, as I saw in See also letters and book reviews for My impression is that if they haven’t the most recent New York-based TV more on the referendum.

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 11 The American sisters and the Vatican

GLASGOW NEWMAN TALK A clash of ecclesiologies

Psychologist and Notre Dame Sister Dr Mary Ross gives an update on the dispute between the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the women religious in the USA.

A year ago, Sister Mary Ross spoke She said the LCWR’s initial decisions taken in a ‘non-Christian at a Glasgow Newman Society response to the CDF’s assessment manner’ and called for a new meeting about the gulf that had was to say little and reflect on the attitude of co-operation between the opened up between the Congregation situation with prayer, contemplation Vatican and Catholic sisters around for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) and creative non-violence. They the world. and the US Leadership Conference of issued a statement saying that they Pope Francis also addressed the Women Religious (LCWR), who were deeply disappointed in the CDF CICLSAL assembly, the first pope to represent more than 80% of the report but would engage in respectful do so since Paul VI over 30 years USA’s 57,000 religious sisters (Open conversation with them; but if they ago. He spoke of poverty: it is House 228). Following a three year felt they were being forced to learned, he said, by ‘touching the investigation of the LCWR, the CDF compromise the integrity of their flesh of the poor Christ in the issued a doctrinal assessment in April mission they would reconsider the humble, the poor, the sick and in 2012 which called the group to dialogue. children’. A month later, talking to a account for promoting ‘radical In April last year, Archbishop group of nuns and priests from Latin feminist themes’, encouraging models Müller, Prefect of the CDF, met the America, he was widely reported as of leadership that privileged dialogue LCWR executive and told them he saying they will make mistakes, but over clear exercise of authority and had met Pope Francis, who had ‘this will pass. Perhaps even a letter emphasising social justice rather than reaffirmed the assessment and of the Congregation for the Doctrine support for the church’s teaching on programme of reform. The LCWR of the faith will arrive for you, telling homosexuality and abortion. The described their meeting with you that you said such or such a sisters say the charges are inaccurate Archbishop Müller as open and thing…. But do not worry. Explain and their comments have been taken frank, but many commentators what you have to explain but move out of context and misquoted. Three expressed disappointment about the forward’. bishops were appointed to work with pope’s comments. Others speculated Larger concerns the LCWR to oversee their about how much the pope was told. In July the LCWR published a paper reformation. Francis’ way of doing things on what they are learning from their Sister Mary highlighted LCWR’s differently, Mary said, in reaching experience with the CDF. The issue is mission: to promote a developing out and embracing people like lepers not just about the LCWR they argue, understanding and living of religious affirmed the sisters’ work. but about much larger concerns such life by helping their members work Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Prefect as the ecclesial role of women more collaboratively; by fostering of the Congregation for Consecrated religious; the role of women in dialogue among religious Life and Societies of Apostolic Life general within the church; the role congregations within the church and (CICLSAL), told the congregation’s and place of the voice of the laity; wider society; and by strengthening 850 strong assembly that the CDF’s the full implementation of the relationships with groups concerned decision to place the LCWR under Second Vatican Council; with the needs of society in order to the control of the three bishops was understandings of authority, faithful maximise the sisters’ potential for made without consultation with his dissent, and obedience; and the need effecting change. office. He spoke with regret of for spaces where honest, probing

12 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 body of work seems to cast the entire supported by LCWR, organised a body of respected and credible work bus trip across nine American states We are coming to the in its shadow’. to highlight the needs of the poor realisation that what They added that their meeting with and disenfranchised. The ‘Nuns on the CDF should be viewed within the we are doing now and the bus’ tour, which drew criticism context of the LCWR’s entire visit to how we are doing it from the American bishops for its the Vatican. There they had may, in fact, be the witnessed ‘a culture of encounter political stance on issues like most important work marked by genuine interaction and ‘Obamacare’, attracted huge support. that we do. mutual respect’. They added: Its leader, Sister Simone Campbell, We also experienced the Church has written A Nun on the Bus: how Universal as we learned about the all of us can create hope, change and many international meetings the community, published by Harper Holy Father had convened and is questions about faith and belief can Collins in April 2014. planning to convene, addressing be raised and discussed. The global issues like the economy, statement concluded: environment, family life, hunger, We are coming to the realisation poverty, war, violence, human that what we are doing now and trafficking, and the desire to engage how we are doing it may, in fact, be all people – the young the old, the the most important work that we do. rich, the poor in communion, Can we model a way forward not working together for the good of only for the Church but for society at the planet. large that embodies authentic They said they did not recognise non-violence? Can we, by what we themselves in the CDF’s doctrinal do and how we do it, allow ourselves assessment and that their attempts to to become a vehicle of grace for the clarify misperceptions had led to renewal of the Church? deeper misunderstandings. Yet they There was further controversy were heartened by the attempt of the following the annual meeting of the CDF and LCWR to ‘find a way LCWR presidency in Rome this year through’ that honours the integrity when they were criticised by and mission of both offices. They said Archbishop Müller for giving their The Conrad N Hilton Foundation Passion for all that the church can 2014 Outstanding Leadership Award has given a $2.3 million grant to the be deepens our commitment to stay to the feminist theologian at the table and talk through US newspaper the National Catholic Sr Elizabeth Johnson, whose book, differences. We want to be part of Reporter (NCR) to create a website Quest for the Living God, had been the universal Church rooted in the which highlights the work of criticised by US bishops. Archbishop Gospel, a Church that hears the cry religious sisters around the world. Müller said he wanted the bishops of the poor and is united in its who had been appointed to work Mary said the issues raised concern response. At the same time, we with the sisters to have ‘an active us all. Jesus unburdened people and cannot call for peace-making in role’ in discussions about those they so should we. The action of the Syria, the Middle East, in South choose to honour. bishops in censoring the LCWR has Sudan, unless we too sit at tables In response, the sisters noted that with people who hold varying views highlighted the work done by women Elizabeth Johnson had served the and work patiently and consistently religious, which, she argues, points universal church on a pontifical for a genuine meeting of minds and the way for all the laity in living out commission and was a consultant to hearts. the gospel and sharing what we have. the American Bishops’ Conference on the issues of ecology, science and Growing support She encouraged people to follow faith. They said they found it Meanwhile, Mary reported, support the issues on the websites of the distressing that ‘one aspect in one for the sisters has grown. Network, a LCWR (www.lcwr.org) and NCR book of a distinguished theologian’s social justice lobby in Washington (www.ncronline.org).

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 13 Pentecost reflection

NOEL DONNELLY Paracletes for today

A scripture scholar and consultant in adult faith development in the Archdiocese of Glasgow reflects on the meaning of Paraclete. It is, he suggests, one of those church-speak words that we can use superficially without much understanding of its depth of meaning.

A ‘paraclete’ is someone who is everything, and remind you of all Father’. (1 John 2:1). This is truly called to stand beside you, to plead that I have said to you’. (Jn. 14:17). amazing, that the Paraclete is on the for you like a defence lawyer, Translators struggle with the Greek side of sinners, getting into the arguing your case. The word word that John uses in chapters 14, witness box and arguing in our ‘Paraclete’ comes from the Greek 15 and 16. Some English-language defence! Is it going too far to suggest words: para, meaning alongside; and bibles translate the word paracletos that this Paraclete is even making kletos from kalein, to call out. So a as ‘Comforter’ (King James Version). excuses for our sin in our weakness, paraclete is someone who is called to Other translations have ‘Counsellor’ if we but believe in the word and stand by you, to act as an advocate (New International Version), or person of Jesus? for you to defend, support and ‘Friend’ (New International Revised Especially in our time of Ascension- comfort you when you really need it. Version) or ‘Helper’ (New Pentecost we might like to recall Every time we sing the Salve Regina Authorised Version) or even as how Jesus ascends to send us the we call Mary our paraclete. That ‘Companion’ (MacDonald Idiomatic promised Paraclete, who each day may seem a bit excessive and maybe Translation). The Jerusalem Bible in can be ‘called alongside’ us to it sounds better if, instead of the our present Lectionary translates provide guidance, consolation and Greek-based word, we use the Latin paracletos by the Greek-sounding support. This is obviously the Divine form and sing ‘Advocata Nostra’. ‘Paraclete’ (which can sweep past Paraclete. Let’s explore this a bit. How can our heads as listeners!), while the But what about ‘paraclete’ with a Mary be a paraclete? Indeed can we New Revised Version uses the small ‘p’? We call on Mary, who be paracletes? Latin-derived ‘Advocate’. This last stood alongside her crucified son, to The ‘Paraclete’ (with a capital P) is one means the same as the Greek stand by us too as our paraclete, our the one whom Jesus promised to para-cletos but uses the Latin roots: Advocata Nostra. And are not we, in send from the Father. Although Jesus ad (towards) and vocatus (called); our turn, called to be advocates or himself is paraclete, the first defender again it means someone who is paracletes, to stand alongside our of his disciples, yet in his farewell called towards us to support us… sermon, at the Last Supper, he says, and to support the Truth of Jesus; sisters and brothers who are in need ‘I will not leave you orphaned’ (or ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I of support, comfort, counselling and ‘comfortless’ as the King James Bible will send to you from the Father, the friendship? translates Jn. 14:18). He promises to Spirit of Truth who comes from the I suggest that a mother or father leave with them another paraclete: Father, he will testify on my behalf’ can be a paraclete for a child who ‘If you love me, you will keep my (Jn. 15:26). needs help or comfort. A big brother commandments. And I will ask the It is encouraging to remind or sister can be a paraclete for a Father, and he will give you another ourselves of the promise of Jesus, bullied youngster. A justice-worker Paraclete, to be with you forever’. that, even though we are sinners, we can be a paraclete for the world’s (Jn 14:16). This Paraclete will be our have someone who will plead our poor and oppressed. A parishioner ongoing support and teacher after cause for us: ‘My little children, I am of a bereaved person is called to be a Jesus’ Ascension: ‘The Paraclete, the writing these things to you so that paraclete, just like the paraclete- Holy Spirit, whom the Father will you may not sin. But if anyone does woman, the Advocata Nostra, send in my name, will teach you sin, we have an Advocate with the standing by her son at the Cross.

14 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 Prison visiting

DERMOT LAMB Gospel of Mercy

In April’s Open House, readers were challenged by the reviewer of the film Starred Up to think about prison visitation as a way of bringing the gospel of mercy to those who need to hear it. A prison visitor shares his experience.

Are you caring, enthusiastic, open deprivation, homelessness, and then passing through various minded? Do you have courage, unemployment and substance abuse security checks including on a believe people can change, treat have been contributing factors. The regular basis being checked out by others with respect, enjoy working Mental Health Foundation estimates the sniffer dog and two pat down with people? Then you are the sort that 70% of the prison population searches. Most visitors are women: of person described in the current has two or more mental health mothers, grannies, girlfriends, some Scottish Prison Service recruitment disorders. Many have numeracy and with children and babies, all looking advert for posts as prison officers. literacy problems and most prisoners their best, making an effort to look Interestingly you are also the type of have below average IQs. good for their men. Many are on person who would make a prison Bob was taken into care as a five first name and friendly terms with visitor. year old eventually spending 20 the prison staff, but on a recent visit Over the past year I have been years in a care facility before when we lost 15 minutes of the visiting two prisoners. Bob is one of becoming a failed graduate of the visiting hour due to lack of staff, the prisoners in the 700 capacity care in the community policy, either there were very unhappy visitors and Lowmoss, serving seven years for a through lack of support, or lack of some very pointed comments. Bob number of petty and persistent ability to co-operate. His life of and I chat for an hour generally offences and failing to keep the crime was a succession of petty and about what has been happening to conditions of his most recent parole. persistent crimes leading to longer him since we last met and we have a As a member of Human Writes I am sentences; his last period of parole coffee from the ‘canteen’. also a penfriend with Charles who lasted only a week. I exchange letters with Charles on a has been on death row in San Charles is the product of a monthly basis and we discuss Quentin for the past eighteen years, dysfunctional family, where violence current events, how things are going one of 750 other condemned men. and alcohol abuse were major with my family, what is going on The average waiting time for factors, a family that some would with his appeal and generally how conviction to execution is 25 years. describe as ‘white trash’. He also he is feeling. At 71 years old his The USA ranks number one as the went through various care homes, health isn’t good. He has a regular country with the highest percentage foster families and eventually routine and when I suggested that of prisoners per one hundred juvenile prison. He graduated from his life was similar to a Carthusian thousand population with 716; small scale theft into armed robbery. monk he was able to make the England and Wales rank 101st (146 He had already spent 18 years for a connection. He works continuously per 100,000) and Scotland 103rd. number of armed robberies before on his appeal. If he lives long enough Sweden by comparison ranks 179th being found guilty of shooting dead then his conviction could be (69). two bar staff for which he received quashed, or a retrial ordered, the At first it might seem unlikely that the death penalty, a conviction he is sentence changed to a whole life Bob and Charles have much in trying to overturn through the term or the death sentence upheld. common apart from the fact that appeal system. All this activity seems to give him a they are both prisoners, and yet they A visit to Bob entails booking a focus. He meets the prison chaplain share a great deal. Many prisoners time with the prison and then on but would not consider himself a have backgrounds where abuse, arrival producing photographic ID religious person, yet.

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 15 There is pressure in California to abolish capital punishment, mainly on financial grounds IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY CENTRE since it costs the state ‘A Welcoming Space in the Heart of the City’ $200million a year to service the appeal system for death row 2013 - 2014 Programme inmates. Opinion here in the UK is moving to a get tough DROP-IN EVENTS: Except July & August policy, longer sentences, whole Taizé Prayer Evenings: 3rd Monday of the month, 7.30-8.30pm life terms and the penal system Tuesday Lunchtimes-Eat, Pray, Breathe: Every Tuesday, 1-1.30pm. Carers Support Group: Last Tuesday of the month, 1.30-4pm is used by politicians to show First Friday Retreat Mornings: 1st Friday of the month, 10am-1pm that they are hard on crime and criminals. In the USA many OTHER EVENTS states still have the death ‘Conversations in Faith’: Supporting Interreligious Dialogue: In an attempt to foster understanding and respect among people of faith, as a contribution towards world peace and to creating an international penalty and because of the community of faith, Isabel Smyth SND, on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference for Interreligious Dialogue and problems of executing prisoners in partnership with the Ignatian Spirituality Centre, will facilitate a series of conversations with people by lethal injection some are from the major faith traditions: returning to the electric chair or June 11th – Sikhism led by Mrs Ravinder Kaur Nijjar firing squad. In the letter to the ‘The Literature of Love’ – Closing Day of ISC Programme Year 2013-14, Saturday, 14th June 10.30am- Hebrews Paul writes ‘Regard 4.30pm. This day, led by David Lonsdale, will explore Ignatian Spirituality and its echoes in literature of prisoners as if you were in both past and present. Booking Essential as light lunch provided. prison with them’. Part of Jesus ****** mission was to set the prisoners RETREATS free. What freedom does my Two Residential Individually Guided Silent Retreats in the Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne, Co Antrim : The ISC and the Epiphany Group are delighted to join this joint venture with the team of Drumalis, a monthly visit to Bob and letter beautiful Centre in Larne Co Antrim (www.drumalis.co.uk). Please contact Drumalis for bookings. to Charles bring them? I think 1) 6 Day Retreat - Saturday 28th June to Saturday, 5th July 2014 it may be as simple as having a 2) 3 Day Retreat - Saturday 28th June to Wednesday, 2nd July 2014 caring and friendly face to see The Bield at Blackruthven, Tibbermore, Perthshire, 14th-17th October 2014. A silent mid-week or hear, a connection to life individually guided retreat, led by a team from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre, in the beautiful Perthshire outside the prison walls, a non autumn time. Retreatants have access to The Bield’s excellent facilities which include a chapel, art room, judgemental friend. swimming pool, labyrinth and extensive grounds. Accommodation is in single rooms (max 9 retreatants). My views on prisoners are like Please book via the Ignatian Spirituality Centre for this retreat. those of Pope Francis who says COURSES – 2014 - 2015 ****** his care, concern and prayers Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living: this course looks at different ways of praying and becoming for those in prison flow from a aware of everyday life as full of resources to strengthen ourselves and others in our relationship with God. recognition that he is human The course includes experience of different methods of prayer e.g. with Scripture (imaginative like they are. ‘Thinking about contemplation, Lectio Divina), daily prayer, pictures, icons, nature, the universe, personal life, story this is good for me, when we mantras, etc. Different traditions of Christian prayer/spirituality e.g. Celtic, Ignatian, Franciscan – no have the same weakness, why expertise required. did they fall and I didn’t’. Spiritual Conversation: this course is complete in itself. It is intended to enhance listening skill and Willliam Stringfellow, writing awareness of God’s presence in the many contacts and conversations we have in our day to day lives. It is about America, (and it could based in the Ignatian tradition, drawing its inspiration from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. apply to the UK equally) says As a broad-based course it is expected that participants will find different uses for what they learn. ‘America is a demonic Please browse our website, www.iscglasgow.co.uk, which has more information on the events, principality, in which death is course and retreats. For bookings or a copy of the programme contact:. the reigning idol’ and resistance to the power of death is the The Administrative Secretary, Ignatian Spirituality Centre, only way to live humanly. 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE • Tel : 0141 354 0077 • Fax : 0141 331 4588 So the challenge remains: e-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.iscglasgow.co.uk

I was in prison and you …... Registered Charity SCO 40490 & 230165 did what?

16 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 particularly addressed young people. place around artificial and dangerous NOTEBOOK It is intended to recognise and borders where agriculturalists have promote the active faith commitment always clashed with herders. Thirdly Dien Bien Phu of students their final year of they disproportionately affect women Among this year’s military secondary school. and girls who command fewer commemorations it is worth This year over 1000 young people headlines in Africa. And finally, when remembering the fall, 60 years ago, of received awards. The ceremony was they do happen, what you need most of all is a determined nun. the French fortress of Dien Bien Phu attended by the youngsters, their to the Vietcong after a two month families and teachers, and siege in May 1954. The scale of the presentations were made by the All change at the Glasgow defeat by a peasant army marked Scottish bishops and others, including Newman the Moderator of the General effectively the end of European Many who remember Catholic colonisation. In Vietnam the Assembly of the Church of Scotland, The Reverend John Chalmers, and Glasgow in the 1960s will recall the Americans stepped into the breach importance of the Newman Roseanna Cunningham MSP. Short and fought the Vietcong for another Association – particularly in those video clips in which the young people 20 years. In the Cold War the heady days following Vatican II – described the project and tasks they Catholic Church had been identified with its crowded meetings and a had undertaken emphasised the as an ally against Communism. At succession of interesting and often positive effects which working Dien Bien Phu Catholic parish youth controversial speakers. From its peak toward the award had made in their groups fought alongside the Foreign at that time, the Newman went into personal lives and faith journeys. Legion and were treated brutally after what was – despite varying fortunes A new award, the Pope Francis it. In Vietnam today Catholics are - an overall decline. Faith Award, for children in the last still suffering the consequences. The reasons for that decline would two years of primary schooling, has Within ten years of Dien Bien Phu the repay serious study. Many of the also been instituted by the Bishops of Second Vatican Council was to younger and more active members Scotland. respond to the demand of French moved away, while others began to bishops to indigenise colonial concentrate more on family life and churches. Resistance to this was led The nuns’ story careers. Undoubtedly, too, there was by Holy Ghost Superior General The kidnapping of hundreds of great disillusionment as many of the Marcel Lefebre, formerly archbishop schoolgirls by Boko Haram near the hopes raised by the Council of Dakar in Senegal. Nigeria - Cameroon border is far were disappointed. By the year 2000 from unique. In 2003 Granta membership was low and meetings Date for your diary magazine’s summer issue called were rarely held. ‘Missing’ led with the story of the At that point, Gerry Carruthers, The historian John Durkan will be kidnapping of 139 schoolgirls from St who was lecturing at Strathclyde honoured in a public lecture later this Mary’s College, Aboke by the Lord’s University, and Gilbert Markus, the year, the centenary of his birth. The St Resistance Army near the Uganda - chaplain there, became concerned by Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Sudan border in 1996. what they saw as a lack of Teacher Education and the Newman On that occasion the Deputy Head, opportunities in Glasgow for serious Society have arranged the lecture for Comboni Sister Rachele Fassera, discussion of religious matters. After 27th October, with the venue still to followed the kidnappers into the contacting existing members who had be confirmed. The lecture, which will jungle and after tense and protracted kept the Glasgow Newman be given by Professor Tom Devine, negotiations obtained the release of intact, they decided to revive the will be entitled Scotland before the 109 girls. Of the 30 who were kept organisation. With Gerry as Reformation and the Origins of the for sexual purposes all but five Chairman and Dan Baird, a retired Scottish Enlightenment. eventually made it home. The head teacher, as Secretary they held girl who stayed behind to try and their first meeting in February 2000. Caritas awards protect the others was brutally In the 14 years since then, the This year’s Caritas award ceremony murdered. Glasgow Newman has held regular was held at the Clyde Auditorium in This sensational story, apparently to meetings and encouraged debate on a Glasgow on 31st May. The award be turned into a film starring Uma range of topics. Until recently, the was established by the bishops of Thurman, reminds us firstly these meetings were held in Turnbull Hall, Scotland in 2011, as a way of keeping events are not about Muslims. The the Catholic Chaplaincy at the alive the legacy of Pope Benedict’s LRA claimed to be fundamentalist University of Glasgow. Now they visit to Scotland in 2010 in which he Christians. Secondly they often take take place in the Ogilvie Centre

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 17 beside St Aloysius’ Church, which has while retired hospital doctor Arthur Maryvale courses proved a more popular and accessible McLay is now Secretary. Thinking of further study? The Maryvale venue. Fortunately, there are many more Institute in Birmingham offer distance The national Newman Association opportunities now in Glasgow for the learning courses in Catholic Faith. Award recommends that offi ce-holders in discussion of religious topics than there courses include a Certifi cate in local circles are changed frequently, a were 14 years ago. Nevertheless, the Catechesis, the Catechism of the Catholic recommendation that has proved Newman, with a growing membership Church, and New Testament Studies. easier to note than to implement. and sizeable audiences, successfully There are degree courses in Philosophy However, at this year’s AGM, Gerry carries out the organisation’s aim and the Catholic Tradition, and Catholic and Dan decided to step aside. of ‘Promoting open discussion and Applied Theology. Patricia Baird, a retired newspaper greater understanding in today’s Church’ For the full prospectus see www. executive, is the new Chairperson, and still has a place and an importance. Maryvale.ac.uk.

THE GIFT OF COMMUNITY ‘And when you give a feast, invite people who are poor…’ A day of celebration and refl ection with members of L’Arche in Scotland, open to all Saturday 21st June, 10.15 for 10.30 to 3.30 at the Lauriston Centre, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ

L’Arche is making new friends - and celebrating its 50th jubilee year of building community (with 140 communities in 40 countries) and the creation of a new house in Edinburgh (initiated and partly funded by the David Gemmell Living Memorial Fund) Entrance by donation, with a bring-and-share lunch - advance notice appreciated, via [email protected] – or just come on the day. With thanks to the Lauriston Jesuit Centre for their support: a faith that does justice L’Arche is registered as a charity in Scotland, No. SCO38493

18 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 LETTERS LIVING SPIRIT The Editor of Open House Jesus, in whom the fullness of email : [email protected] God dwells, has become our All correspondence, including email, must give full postal address and telephone number home. By making his home in us he allows us to make our home in him. By entering into the intimacy of our innermost self have a veto on an over-easy entry of a Better together he offers us the opportunity to Scotland separating from the UK). I feel I had to share some reflections enter into his own intimacy with God. . … This is the on the referendum on independence (I It is not for nothing that the main mystery of the incarnation. It is beautifully expressed prefer to use the word separation) polls are showing the ‘no’ campaign during the Eucharist when the priest pours a little after reading the article in April’s well ahead. Some 70% of women are water into wine, saying, ‘By the mingling of this water Open House on the debate at the saying ‘no’ – not good news for Dr and wine may we come to share in the divinity of him Glasgow Newman lecture (also the Whiteford and her article ‘Women who humbled himself to share in our humanity. … article by Dr Eilidh Whiteford SNP and Independence’. On top of this it Prayer is the most concrete way to make our home MP for Banff and Buchan). seems that the golden oldies by a good in God. This is beautifully described and faithfully First of all I would like to deal with practiced in the hesychastic tradition of the Eastern majorty are voting ‘no’, many with some of the comments by Sister Isabel Orthodox Church. The Greek word ‘heyschia’ means family members down south. Smyth SND. I have a deep respect for rest and heyschatic prayer leads us to rest in God. Isabel having attended lectures by her I believe we are better together in the Therefore it is also called the prayer of the heart. I on interfaith matters but I’m afraid UK. mention the hesychastic tradition here because it she is wrong when speaking on the Andy Glen offers a unique discipline to help us seek our home economy (‘governed by the head’) where Jesus has built his, in our own hearts with regard to the referendum, AIRDRIE especially on the issue of currency Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Way of the Heart, Darton, union of a separated (foreign country) Longman & Todd 1981 Scotland sharing the pound with a Surviving without clergy rump UK . Silent Presence She says she has found ‘no answers’ Fr Willy Slavin in his article ‘The I thought that God and the practicalities she believed challenge of mission’ which appeared Had come to me. would only be resolved at the time of in April’s Open House suggests that That after the wild delights a post referendum settlement. Yes, she the Church would be able to survive And the suffering and the joys is right in this as regards the SNP’s without clergy and consequently And the pain and the hopelessness position on saying the main political without the Eucharist but still Of the years- parties are only ‘bluffing’ in saying continue to be missionary. That God they wouldn’t allow an independent Had come to me. He cites Mother Teresa and her Scotland into a currency union with That after adventure and achievement, them. All this gets merged into a co-founding Missionaries of Charity Pain, despair and death, ‘Scotch mist’ as the SNP have no plan as ‘perhaps the single most effective God B such as a Scottish currency or gospel witnesses in our lifetime’. He Had come to me. entering the Euro monetary union. writes that the young women who Yes-with relief and mild surprise Apart from the main parties, the First had the courage to join her at the I met my God again Minster of Wales said he would veto beginning had been her students And then I saw, any such move as this would put Oh, fool, I saw! Wales at a disadvantage. whose ancestors had lived in areas That God had suffered Thus from the unionist parties the where for generations there had been The pain and hopelessness, matter has been spelled out loud and no clergy to serve them. Had shared the achievements and the joy, clear. This economic situation is by far I would like to mention that the That God, the main issue in this debate and not truly remarkable work carried out by to be taken lightly, such as saying all All enveloping, these Missionaries of Charity All compassion, the party leaders are bluffing. Such emanates from a truly deep spiritual utter nonsense, as their credibility Had been there in the silence would be at stake. The issue was life. Mother Teresa always insisted All the time. again reinforced by the Chancellor that she was not a social worker. The Edwina Gateley: Psalms of a Laywoman, Claretian (5th May) before the Scottish Affairs Sisters spent some five hours each day Publications, 1981 Committee. To ask people to separate in prayer. This included the from the UK not knowing what the celebration of the Eucharist and time Let anyone who is thirsty come to me! Let anyone currency is going to be is plain stupid spent in adoration of the Blessed who believes in me come and drink! As the scripture says, ‘From his heart shall flow streams of living (as is telling them Scotland would Sacrament. Without priests, none of automatically be in the European water’. John 7:37-38 this would be possible. Union as a separate country without any new negotiations, especially as Mary Kobylarska O’Sullivan The month of June is set aside by the Catholic Church other countries, such as Spain, would DUNDEE as a time to consider the loving Heart of Jesus.

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 19 Hearn, ‘a basic part of how Parliament has fared on those issues BOOKS relatively stable democracies of interest to Christians who want legitimate and re-legitimate their faith to inform not just their Honey from the Lion: themselves’. own morality but the way society is Christianity and the Ethics of While many of us find obviously shaped to put the common good and Nationalism the nationalism of the Nazis or the preferential option for the poor Rev. Dr Doug Gay morally dubious imperial British to the forefront. For the author, nationalism repugnant, Gay’s thesis, (SCM Press, 2013). generally, the Scottish Parliament culled from a glittering array of passes the litmus test. As for This is a fine theologians, sociologists and independence which he supports, he and timely political thinkers, is that it is normal calls for ‘the ways of the humble work by and, quoting Martha Nussbaum, state’ and helpfully provides a list of Church of claims that to be a world citizen, you what that would entail, including a Scotland don’t need to give up a local identity. society with less income inequality, minister and On the contrary, so long as that local one which treats everyone with lecturer in identity is shaped by the long list of dignity and worth and where virtues mentioned above, follows the practical decision making is governed by criteria of what constitutes a good theology at subsidiarity and high levels of society and aims for human the University political participation – as the flourishing, while respecting the of Glasgow, referendum debate is prefiguring. other and shedding all notions of Doug Gay who He cites the importance of political superiority, then it is acceptable. Gay took on a debate for the ‘Yes’ camp theologians in subjecting the claims goes further in saying that, following against Douglas Alexander MP for of nationalism (identity, territory, Augustinian civic nationalism, the the ‘Noes’ at the Kirk’s General jurisdiction) quite rightly to a only nationalism a Christian can Assembly recently. The rather hermeneutic of suspicion. It is a pity justifiably support must renounce abstruse title of the book refers to that this seems to be the only serious imperialism (domination of others), the passage in Judges (chapter 14) essentialism (a biological nationalism book to deal with the subject of where Samson wants to take a based on blood) and absolutism Scottish nationalism and our identity Philistine woman as his wife, meets a (thus putting God and love into the as a people looked at through the lion, kills it and its corpse acts as a picture). Gay says that these prism of faith since William Storrar’s beehive. He then scrapes out the renunciations 1990 seminal work, Scottish honey and eats it and shares it with Identity: a Christian Vision. ‘represent a breaking of his parents. He then sets a riddle for The contribution of Catholic Social nationalism and with that they also the Philistines – ‘out of the eater Teaching is recognised by Gay as ‘a signal a breaking of the power of the came something to eat, out of the state, by which I mean a marking of profoundly important resource for strong came something sweet’. how power must give way to virtue’. all the churches’ but, understandably For Gay, this story, described by enough, is only afforded a few the New Jerome Biblical The second part of the book deals pages. Greater use of Catholic Social Commentary as a ‘shaggy dog story’, with the history of the movement for Teaching would enhance the is a metaphor for the ‘central autonomy/independence and referendum debate and provide Scots question of political theology and reminds us of the important role all of all faith traditions with a moral political ethics – the relationship the mainstream churches played in framework for viewing the new between power and virtue’ (p. xii). the establishment of the Scottish society we want from either The metaphor is played out – not Constitutional Convention – a role independence or an enhanced entirely successfully in my view – that seems to be lacking in the devolution settlement. throughout the book. Gay finally present debate pre-referendum. The describes Scottish nationalism Church of Scotland held a debate on The Christian community in which, he claims, is ‘internationalist, independence at its General Scotland owes a debt of gratitude to cosmopolitan, hospitable…..anti- Assembly but there seems to be an Doug Gay for providing us with a racist, civic, democratic and liberal’ unfortunate silence from the other text to ponder prayerfully before the (p. 142) as ‘sweet nationalism’ churches. greatest constitutional decision for whose raison d’être is not an Gay gives a good analysis of how, our nation in over 300 years. ideology but is, quoting Jonathan since its reconvening, the Scottish Duncan MacLaren

20 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 The Dunblane Cathedral Cradle of Art for seven years gaining a year as the anniversary of the start of Roll and Art of Helen Lamb diploma in 1913. After the First World the First World War. Dunblane War she taught for 31 years at St. Cathedral commissioned Helen Lamb Available from Dunblane Cathedral Columba’s School in Kilmacolm. to design a Roll of Honour for those Society of Friends, Dunblane Museum, Several generations of pupils benefitted from the congregation who The Cross, Dunblane FK15 0AD or by from her dedicated teaching. volunteered to serve. It soon sadly email [email protected] While enjoying a long productive and became a War Memorial. In total she was to produce nine Rolls covering Price £10 varied life as an artist, it was in manuscript illustrating she found her both World Wars. The changes are Who is Helen true vocation and where her legacy lives duly identified and explanations Lamb I hear you on to this day although, up to now, offered. Space is also given to Rolls ask? The name will rarely recognised far less studied. The commissioned by other churches not be instantly book is richly illustrated with at least ranging from the dominant city centre recognisable to one reproduction on almost every page, Church of St Cuthbert’s in Edinburgh many but her some adorned with no less than six. to the small town of Cellardyke in Fife highly distinctive Divided into nine chapters, each and the village of Kilmun on the shore and prolific work covers a specific aspect of Helen of the Holy Loch in Argyll. will have been seen Lamb’s work. One chapter offers an Helen Lamb’s contribution to the by many and is still widely on display. explanation of how the manuscripts Church of Scotland extended to Loyal Valerie Inglis, Dunblane resident and were put together specifically the Addresses to the members from the retired academic, has written a lettering and choice of colours. The General Assembly, exhibition pieces, masterly biography of this highly wide ranging symbols are all designs from reproduction as cards and talented artist whose unique style explained meticulously informing the certificates for members of deserves contemporary recognition and expert and lay reader alike. various organisations. to be appreciated in all its rich Another chapter is devoted to what is Valerie deserves to be warmly colourful diversity. The book is also a arguably her most outstanding work, thanked for bringing the life and art of result of a lengthy research process ‘The St. Columba’s Roll of Winners of Helen Lamb to the attention of a new dedicated to unearthing the Art Prize’. In addition to the 27 audience. Her style blending Celtic and collating as much of Helen Lamb’s named centrepieces, there are a range tradition of art and calligraphy with work as possible. of Celtic symbols, a series of contemporary 20th century influences This was a complex and time fine miniatures on the top illuminating has long fallen out of favour but surely consuming task but one undertaken the life of St. Columba and drawings of given her impact on Scottish society as with exceptional enthusiasm and girls of varied ages well as her massive contribution to her resilience assisted by drawing on her representing different aspects of Art. beloved church she more than deserves historian husband’s well established Valerie concludes this chapter by this belated recognition. Studying the skills. The Dunblane link is significant arguing this particular work book and marvelling at its well-chosen because Helen Lamb, although born in demonstrates her artistic ability to illustrations will amply reward any Prestwick in 1893, lived most of her reproduce the skill and detail of Celtic reader irrespective of his or her life in Dunblane until her death in design at its very best. background. 1981. She studied at Glasgow School We are all now very conscious of this Dan Gunn

Lost Interiors: The Furnishings This is a very welcome re-issue of a awakening, McRoberts revealed to us of Scottish Churches in the Late very important series of lectures the colour, the spectacle and the sheer delivered in 1969-70 by the eminent brilliance of the early Medieval Middle Ages. The Rhind priest and church historian Dr David church in Scotland, much of which Lectures McRoberts. The lectures are well had been stripped and stripped again 1969-70. informed and contextualised in an in a prolonged fit of Presbyterian introduction by Stephen Mark purification which left us in a state of David McRoberts Holmes. McRoberts is, quite rightly, ‘simplicity’ that we thereafter and Stephen Mark something of a hero of the post- adopted as a virtuous characteristic Holmes. Beveridge and Turnbull national of ‘Scottishness’. Unfortunately, this Edinburgh: re-assessment, re-awakening even, of tended to chime with revalorised Aquhorties Press, Scottish cultural history. At this early notions of cultural significance, 2012. £20.00. point in the country’s cultural re- flattening the low and high variations

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 21 into one folk-regional ‘other’. The marauding clans or border raiders isolated oases of spiritual same tendency has left us a legacy of than with culture’ and then sets contemplation. artful rubble in our historic buildings about challenging this with a McRoberts’ guided tour through the and self-conscious homeliness in our gorgeously furnished world of medieval church places the objects in art and music. Ironically some of the chalices, candlestick holders, their spatial and cultural context with spare beauty of post-Vatican II ‘Eucharists’ (monstrances), altar elegant and clear descriptions. The Modernism arises from this adopted crosses, bishops’ rings, vestments, lost medieval world was complex, breviaries and so on. The surviving tendency. McRoberts reminds us highly-refined and nuanced by objects receptacles of these fixtures, fittings powerfully that it was not ever thus in space and in use. The author’s and furniture - the Scottish medieval in Scotland. understanding of this world and his churches - are largely now empty In 1970, Medieval Scotland would ability to explain it in non-technical shells, silent ghosts of their former language was a rare gift. The Lost have been thought of as continuing selves without the ‘tabor and Interiors lectures changed completely until 1560. We now see that the trumpets, banners and bagpipes’ of our way of thinking about medieval Renaissance had, in fact arrived more holy festivals. Taken together with than half a century before, the beautifully-made accoutrements Scotland and the re-issued book is an elaborating an already rich culture of of worship we can, with McRoberts’ important and very welcome worshipfulness. McRoberts quotes an help, imagine the visual joy of reminder of how far we have unnamed contemporary historian’s inhabiting such a place travelled in the direction of a full view of Scotland as ‘a poor country as a medieval church and we can re-assessment and new appreciation inhabited by people more concerned also understand better their role as of Scottish medieval churches. with guarding their homes against ‘community centres’ rather than Ranald MacInnes

Pilgrimage: A spiritual and Croagh Patrick and stayed in Lough like Lourdes, Medjugorge, cultural journey Derg in Ireland and travelled to Czestochowa and Taize. He ends Norway where the Way of St Olaf with the cross border St Cuthbert’s Ian Bradley, Lion, 2009. £20 has been revived. He sees the origin Way from Melrose to Lindisfarne. of pilgrimage in the natural As a follow up to May’s leading This pilgrimage might offer a way of wandering of the human soul which article on reconciliation to those who express finds expression in all religions from pilgrim different nationalisms in September. experience, Jewish psalms, Hindu mela, Muslim Scottish haj and, of course, Chaucer’s Willy Slavin Canterbury Tales. theologian Ian He thinks modern protest marches Bradley’s have much in common with ancient Pilgrimage pilgrimages and would like churches can be Reviewers to be left open for those passing by. recommended He quotes Kierkegaard: ‘Every day I Norman Barry is the pen name of as a gift or for well known and long time reviewer walk myself into a state of wellbeing your own coffee table. He has been of Open House. and walk away every illness. I have at the forefront in helping to restore walked myself into my best thoughts Daniel Gunn recently retired as the walk in late May to St Andrews and I know of no thought so Head of Operations for the Scottish from several towns in Scotland. He burdensome that one cannot walk Prison Service. He is an elder of the Church of Scotland and lives in claims that before the Reformation it away from it. If one just keeps on Dunblane. was third in importance after Rome walking one will be alright’. and Santiago de Compostella. Open House readers might check Ranald MacInnes is Head of Some of this may have been early the website of the Scottish Pilgrim Heritage West at Historic Scotland. He is a member of St Peter’s Parish tourism. It was sabotaged by the Routes Forum which is in Council in Partick. Reformation which spiritualised consultation with the Scottish pilgrimage, as in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Government and Scottish Natural Duncan MacLaren is an Adjunct Progress. As a Presbyterian Bradley Heritage alongside Scotways, Professor of the Australian Catholic University. has walked to Iona and Whithorn, Sustrans and Scottish Canals. visited Walsingham in England, gone Bradley’s book also has useful tips Willy Slavin is a retired parish priest. to Holywell in Wales, climbed about the newer places of pilgrimage

22 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 under construction. The long FILM distance trains are already state of the art. Yet on the other side of the A Touch of Sin (2014) tracks the vast majority still struggle Screenwriter/Director: Jia Zhangke to put food on the table. A Touch of Sin describes violence Starring: Jiang Wu, Luo Lanshan, Li in contemporary China through four Meng. newspaper reports which the director feels deserve a wider ‘Made in China’ usually indicates a audience. There is an ex-coalminer bargain for the consumer. This film outraged by those who have profited suggests it may be an occasion of sin. by the introduction of capitalism. Mao-tse-tung became Mao Zedong, There is a sauna receptionist Peking became Beijing but China importuned by a wealthy client and remained China. This film reveals the a boy from the countryside who country as a vast building site, can’t earn enough in a city sweat something confirmed by the rapidly shop. The fourth is a gun aficionado increasing number of tourists. who travels around taking revenge Apparently there are over 30 airports on ‘gangsters’ whether they are petty thieves or the newly wealthy. Very people, even those that claim to be different from the students who are paid to learn English and who attend revolutionary. Country folk visiting the our universities although it seems all shrine of the Great Helmsman still have Chinese now dress ‘European style’. worn faces and poor teeth. Anyone familiar with how Quentin There is a reflection at the end about Tarantino gets blood to spatter will be sin and scenes of village theatre about able to cope with the violence. The judgement. There are references to worst scene is a peasant lashing a horse Buddhism and even a picture of the which is too starved to pull the cart. Virgin and Child. Post Auschwitz This is the key to the film. Factory Catholics had enough theology to conditions are aseptic but the workers are treated like animals. Did you know, wonder whether what they were saying someone asks, that animals can commit in Confession meant anything in a suicide? world touched by such great sin. Philip A Touch of Sin received last year’s Larkin once said he would like to visit Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film China if he could come back the same Festival but couldn’t be nominated for day. Soon this will be possible and an Oscar since it has been censored by people will be able to judge for the Chinese authorities. Their themselves whether the label ‘Made in Jia Zhangke picked up the Award behaviour is enough to make one China’ is touched by sin. for Best Screenplay at the believe that all governments are at Cannes Film Festival. heart conspiracies against ordinary Norman Barry

Taking a break Open House takes a break in July and will be back in August. Please send your contributions, letters, comments for the August edition by Friday 25th July to [email protected] or by post to 66 Cardross Rd, Dumbarton G82 4JQ.

June 2014 OPEN HOUSE 23 Moments in time OPEN HOUSE We travel from The path takes along the foot of a Board members: Glasgow by line of low cliffs, clothed in bushes Florence Boyle (Treasurer); train to the and small trees just coming into leaf. Ian Fraser; Elizabeth Kearney; Jim McManus (Chair); magnificent Primroses and the yellow patches of Jennifer Stark; Michael Turnbull. station at celandine make a colourful display. Wemyss bay, A few gannets are flying past and Editorial advisory group: Linden Bicket; Charles Gay; Honor built in 1903 at eider and shelducks are swimming Hania; Lynn Jolly; the heyday of the Clyde steamer in the sea. traffic; then we sail on the ferry to Willy Slavin. We have just passed a distinctive Rothesay, the majestic capital of the Editor: Mary Cullen rock formation, known as the [email protected] Isle of Bute. From there we catch the Hawk’s Nib, when Bill spots a seal, Arts editor: Lynn Jolly bus to the south of the island, the but is it a seal, no it is in fact an [email protected] road hugging the coast before going otter, diving frequently and soon inland past Mountstewart House to Open House is published ten times disappearing along the coast. a year. We welcome letters and the somewhat decayed resort of contributions, which should be Excited at this rare sight, we Kilchattan Bay, which consists of a sent to the editor by the last row of Victorian villas facing the continue round a rocky headland, Friday of the month before bay. The landscape here changes then climb to the top of the cliffs, publication. Articles should be no abruptly from the rolling green now facing south towards Arran more than 1200 words long, and farmland of central Bute to an area whose mountains are swathed in reviews no more than 800 words. Letters and articles may be edited or cloud. Looking down to the sea, far of barren rugged hills. held over for future editions. We intend to walk to the isolated below, we see another otter with The opinions and ideas expressed ruins of St Blane’s Chapel, rejoining two smaller ones; this must be a by all our contributors are their the bus route at the Kingarth Inn. At mother with cubs. They soon vanish own and not accepted as those of first we follow the coast along a from sight but they leave behind the Open House. narrow path, the first part of the special memory of an encounter All correspondence about the West Island Way which runs thirty with these amazing creatures. content of Open House to the editor: miles to the north of the island. The Mary Cullen, 66 Cardross Rd, coast is rocky and across the sea lies Tim Rhead Dumbarton G82 4JQ the island of little Cumbrae with a Tim Rhead is a pastoral assistant in tel: 07909 594797 lighthouse on the opposite coast. the Episcopal Church. www.openhousescotland.co.uk SUBSCRIBE!

I wish to subscribe to Open House and enclose a cheque for £25. Additional donations are welcome.

Name ……………………………………………………………………...…...…...…...…...….....……………………..

Address ………………………………………………………………………...…...…...…...…...…...…...……………..

……………………………………...... ……….. Postcode …………………………………….....………

Tel …………………………………………… email …....…...... ……………………………………

Please send this form with a cheque made payable to Open House to: Mary Cullen, 66 Cardross Road, Dumbarton G82 4JQ. Thank you. Printing: Let’s Talk Print, Macadam Pl., Dundee. Tel: 01382 823000. Email: [email protected] Design: Iain MacPherson Design. Tel: 0141 639 8922. 24 OPEN HOUSE June 2014 Email: [email protected]