John Brown's valid objections await a response from the author

Wherever the Church has attempted to ride the tiger of popular nationalism, including Ireland, she has lived to regret it. Will the bishops never learn from history?

Have to be Anon. Why I believe in a United Kingdom under which we are free. The SNP and the RCC have played quick and loose which people here in Scotland. Anti English, anti Westminster, anti Tory, anti Labour, anti Lib Dem sentiments abound. I am English and married to a Scot. I have been baited by SNP work colleagues and in laws. Would I feel valued in this divided country that the SNP seems to think would be a united Nirvana? No!

The truth of the SNP is spend for themselves. Their lauded benefit support package is more paid civil servants and no help to those in need. Oh yes do not help or encourage locals into work just invite in more immigrant workers.

Rack up a large debt with no means of paying to bankrupt honest workers but blacken anyone who points out the issues.

Would I be asked for an article? Probably not so glad I am out of the RCC and may what one day back in 'God's own country'. At least we disagreed but try and work together. With the single party state for the last 9 years and where are the improvements, I fear that the ruling National Party of Scotland is next .... and then what!

7. "The Church has not encouraged questioning of the wisdom of dividing an economically viable country made up of four national territories, and whether the same standard of life can be maintained in a post-British Scotland where a tiny tax base will sustain an extensive public sector."
The Bishops Conference has been clear as to its role: "While each of us alone will decide whom to vote for, the teachings of the Church can offer us a guide as we attempt to reach an informed judgement that advances the common good."
8. The Pastoral letter referred to stressed, firstly, the following: "Life: The dignity and value of every human being should be at the heart of politics. The sanctity of human life, protected from its beginning to its natural end, is not a single issue. It is the fundamental issue."
9. Mr Gallagher's description of the Church as having a "managerial role" in Catholic schools highlights ignorance as to the manner of provision of RC education in Scotland.
10. "Archbishop Tartaglia’s growing support for the SNP may yet leave the Church exposed and vulnerable if Scotland becomes a major political headache that acquires global significance." - As has been demonstrated in the above, there is no evidential basis for the premise on which this point is based.

1. "The historically-minded Salmond is mindful of the Church’s role as an emblem of past independence." - Source?
2. Perhaps Mr Gallagher's article would have a little more credibility (although - even then - it would have very little) if he could spell the former First Minister's name correctly.
3. The "stellar praise" referred to is the following: "There is a feeling around that we are in a special moment when we can shape a new Scotland. Our new First Minister, who is happily with us here this afternoon, has proposed a more consensual form of government, less partisan, less party-political, and less adversarial. I think everyone would welcome that … We are all equal in Scotland … all free to express our views and follow our consciences."
Given the notably non-partisan nature of these comments, the criticism made by Mr Gallagher seems unfounded.
4. "Clearly unsympathetic towards Catholic employees in the NHS." - Source?
5. "Archbishop Tartaglia appears to be on the same political journey as the numerous Catholics who have swelled the ranks of the SNP in recent years." - An assertion without factual basis.
6. "Priests in his archdiocese have struggled to separate their pro-independence sympathies from discharging their religious duties." - Source?