LET'S TRUST THE VOTERS

Scotland's leading Catholic, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, made headlines by saying that he would be happy if Scots backed political separation from the rest of the UK. Here, in his own words, he explains his point of view (from the Daily Record.)

WITH one small act the late John Paul II united the Scottish nation, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

It was the 1982 Papal visit and Pope JP II descended from his plane.

Reaching the tarmac he simply knelt down and kissed the ground.

With one subtle but historical kiss he reminded the world that Scotland is a nation among nations.

This memory has never left me and has had a profound effect on how I view our country.

It is not my place to get too involved in the politics of independence. However I am happy that, if it is the wish of the people, Scotland becomes an independent country.

In my travels I have had much experience of small countries and Ihave seen what benefits independence can bring.

We need only look across the Irish Sea to feel the vibrancy of the Celtic Tiger. The recent flourishing of Ireland is also matched by the confidence and success of the various Scandinavian states.

In my experience there is an increasing move towards independence in Scotland. The people and the Members of the Scottish Parliament have increased control but not all the power they would wish for. I have just been involved in a protest against nuclear weapons, many of which are based here. I am constantly asked: "Why are we not able to say what we want in Scotland?"

Among many other things, that makes me think independence is coming, perhaps not in the next few years, but within the seeable future. One has to trace back 700 years to learn of the support of the Catholic Church for Scottish autonomy.

It was then that Pope John XXII accepted the sentiments within the Declaration of Arbroath and acknowledged the independence of our Church and our country.

One of the 'honours of Scotland' preserved in Edinburgh Castle is the 'Sword of State' presented by Pope Julius II some 500 years ago - this presentation being a recognition of Scotland as an independent country.

And post-Reformation, the independence of the Catholic Church in Scotland has been recognised throughout the world since the Restoration of the Hierarchy, our Conference of Scottish Bishops, in 1878.

I myself have just returned from Russia and a meeting of 34 heads of Bishops' Conferences in Europe.

I would also say, with respect, that the Catholic leadership in England is often perceived as part of the Establishment, whereas we are not.

In fact I think I can go further by saying we do not particularly want to be. We value our independence, which gives us the freedom to take (if needs be) a legitimate 'swipe' at the establishment.

Two obvious recent examples are the Act of Settlement and Trident.

Recently I was delighted to get a letter from Cardinal Martino, the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

He wrote praising the Scottish Church's position on Trident and stated we clearly reflected the teaching of the Church.

Scotland's bishops set a lead on this issue previously in 1982.

I would like to think also that the Long Walk for Peace from Faslane to the Scottish Parliament, led by the Moderator, with Archbishop Conti and myself also taking part with many other people of goodwill, in some ways reflected the magnificent Make Poverty History Campaign of 2005.

Then on July 2, Scotland's voice was again heard loudly and clearly from 250,000 people. Our responsibility is to be a voice for the voiceless both here in Scotland and abroad.

This responsibility is at the local parish level when we give direct help to those people who have been harmed by the ruthlessness of modern-day society.

It is also on a national level when bishops have to give a courageous lead against the creeping forces of atheistic secularismwhich is consuming and trying to destroy our Christian society.

The Church traditionally has a deep fondness for Scotland.

She recognises the distinct heritage of the nation. The country has a long and noble story to tell, a proud national narrative.

After 300 years of union the Scottish identity is alive and well.

The people are aware they are an equal partner within it. It is up to the democratic will of the people whether they decide to remain within the union or to make their country a state.

Think again of that greeting from Pope John Paul II on his arrival from England - I cannot think of a greater endorsement of nationhood than that simple act at Edinburgh Airport.