News / SIC attempts to curb religious input
SHETLAND Islands Council has appointed three representatives from religious organisations to its education committee but is asking them not to take up the post.
The decision can be regarded as a major success for councillor Jonathan Wills whose attempts to block such appointments at the previous council fell repeatedly on deaf ears.
On Wednesday, his motion was seconded by Drew Ratter and adopted unanimously.
Dr Wills described the law that required the local authority to appoint religious representatives to an elected body as “medieval” and proposed to meet with religious leaders in a forum rather than in a council committee.
He said: “I think this would be good for the religious communities in Shetland. It would also be good for the council to hear their views.
“This is not against any of the people involved or against religion, but in favour of democracy,” he said.
He was supported by political leader Gary Robinson who described the requirement as “archaic” and revealed that he was in discussions with fellow conveners in the Highlands and Islands about how to pursue this on the political level.
It is now up to the Reverend Tom Macintyre of the Church of Scotland, Radina MacKay of the Shetland Inter Faith Group, and Martin Tregonning of the Shetland Churches Trust whether they want to attend the next meeting of the education and families committee after the summer recess.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
