printed 11 December 2024
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The Church of Scotland and the Scottish Catholic Church have referred to as on MSPs to recommit to pitting weak teams in our society in opposition to one another and to offering free bus journey for asylum seekers.
Forward of the opposition’s finances debate within the Scottish Parliament immediately, there are each considerations that guarantees to asylum seekers are being sought to be rolled again and the winter gas cost is coming beneath scrutiny for older folks.
Scotland has a inhabitants of 5.5 million and a finances of round £64 billion for 2025-26 and MPs have to work collectively for the higher good to make sure that marginalized teams aren’t unfairly deprived.
The Church of Scotland and Justice and Peace Scotland (Scottish Catholic Justice and Peace Fee) are effectively conscious of the rising monetary pressures going through older folks as each church buildings present pastoral and materials assist to 1000’s of older folks of their communities.
On the identical time, congregations are welcoming new Scots, supporting fundamental wants, providing English language courses and offering area for themselves.
Our refugee members have instructed us how beneficial the coverage of free bus journey can be.
Emma Jackson, convenor of the Church of Scotland’s public life and social justice group, stated: “I might actually urge all our flesh pressers to make use of language that upholds human rights and human dignity for everybody in our society.
“The racist violence and riots we noticed over the summer time pitted communities in opposition to one another.
“Whereas our political leaders could strongly disagree on sure insurance policies, we need to use language of dignity, respect and compassion towards them.”
The Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church are dedicated to exhibiting solidarity with each member of our neighborhood, of all ages and backgrounds.
We name on MSPs to withstand makes an attempt to divide our society, and as an alternative present assist for individuals who have come to Scotland for refuge and a brand new begin.
Jill Kent, Chairperson, Justice and Peace Scotland stated: “As we try to appreciate social justice for all in our society, Justice and Peace Scotland reminds everybody of Christ’s educating to welcome the stranger and love our neighbor as ourselves.
“That is notably related as we strategy the Christmas season.
“The Holy Household itself was as soon as a refugee, and the passion and solidarity we are able to present in our political debate in the direction of those that discover themselves marginalized is as necessary as ever.
“On this season of fine needs for all folks, I hope that every one these discussions will likely be characterised by a spirit of kindness and generosity.”
Asylum seekers aren’t allowed to work whereas their claims are being assessed and sometimes earn as little as £8.86 per week, which means public transport is totally unaffordable.
A day ticket in Glasgow prices £5.60, with greater than half of individuals in search of shelter weekly allowances.
Entry to free bus journey will likely be positively life-changing and emotionally transformative for these in any other case caught in an insufficient and sluggish shelter system.
It can permit folks to entry locations of worship, make necessary appointments, attend language courses and keep related with buddies.
The coverage was debated within the Scottish Parliament in October 2023 and all events in Parliament made supportive statements.
This led to the announcement within the December 2023 Price range that the Scottish Parliament would dedicate £2 million to a pilot.
A small determine within the bigger finances, however massively encouraging for individuals who will profit from it.
In August 2024 the Scottish Authorities introduced that they’d cancel the pilot scheme.
It got here as an enormous shock because the pilot had been integrated into the federal government’s personal refugee technique and was notably embarrassing simply weeks after we noticed horrific right-wing riots escape throughout England and Northern Eire.
The Scottish Parliament debated the problem once more in October 2024 and overwhelmingly supported the coverage.
