A mixed bag of events: analysis of the Scottish referendum vote; strong interest in the seal of the confessional; and “really, really stupid” conduct in the Gloucester diocese

Scottish referendum vote

On Thursday we posted a summary of the material available on government sites relating to the Scottish referendum vote, and links to analyses on the UK Constitutional Law Association and the UCL Constitution Unit sites are included in “Quick Links” below. In the wake of the vote, however, a BBC/ICM poll [1] has shown that support for Welsh independence has fallen to its lowest recorded level: only 3% of those surveyed were in favour of Welsh independence, although support for increased power for the Welsh Assembly had risen to 49%.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

The 23 September announcement by Katherine Jefferts Schori that she will not stand for re-election as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States triggered reactions from sycophants and detractors alike. We are aware of the extensive and costly litigation that has accompanied her tenure of the post but on this side of the pond we are insufficiently close to events to tender any further comment. No doubt there will further analysis of her statement

“As bridges are built, more and more people can begin to cross the divides between us, and God’s dream begins to take flesh in a more just and peaceful world. Continue reading →