Sunday 24 March 2019   The Catholic Church has questioned the use of specific aggravations in the prosecution of hate crimes in Scotland. In a submission to the Scottish Government’s consultation on hate crimes, the church has raised concerns about the growing use of specific aggravations in law, which risk creating a growing “hierarchy of protected characteristics”.   In an endorsement of the right to freedom of expression, the church submission warns that in a climate of heightened sensitivity, the definition of ‘hate’ has become contentious and open to misuse. The submission states: “care must be taken to allow room for debate and a robust exchange of views, ensuring tha...

Tuesday 15 January 2019   A Scottish Bishop has called on Scots to visit the Holy Land in order to help beleaguered Christian communities there who are dependent on pilgrims and tourism. Bishop William Nolan, the Bishop of Galloway is currently visiting the Holy Land as part of an international delegation in support of Christians in Israel and Palestine.   The “Holy Land Coordination” delegation is made up of Bishops from across Europe, North America and South Africa, who have made an annual pastoral visit to Israel and Palestine for the past 20 years.    Speaking from City of Haifa, Bishop Nolan said:   “In many parts of the Holy Land the indigenous Christian populations...

20 December 2018   On the 30th anniversary of the Lockerbie Air Disaster, Holy Trinity RC Church, Lockerbie will be open tomorrow (Friday 21 December) from 10am to allow visitors to call in for quiet reflection, to light a memorial candle or to have a chat and a cup of tea. The day will end with the celebration of Holy Mass at 7pm led by Bishop William Nolan with Canon Pat Keegans the former Parish Priest as guest preacher together with Fr Jim Hayes the current Parish Priest.   Bishop of Galloway, Bishop William Nolan said;   “Although 30 years have passed since the tragic events of 21 December 1988, the memories of the community of Lockerbie have not faded or diminished. The ch...