THE MODERN SCOT

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 18, 21 July 1934, Page 5

THE MODERN SCOT

TOUCHED BY CHANGE

MARRIAGE AND. KIRK

Accprding^to published reports, tho Churchof Scotland is alarmed at the grave decline'of religious attachment in Scotland. In. the report of the Committee on Church and Nation tho results arc disclosed of a statistical inquiry into the religioSis situation in Scotland and the Scottish: Churches/ Council, which undertook the task, propose that the General Assembly should "consider most earnestly what steps can be taken, to remedy a situation so fraught with danger to Scotland:" '

The conclusions.reached by the council from the statistics that have been compiled are:.— ;

The population in Scotland is. every year becoming less Scottish in blood, tradition, and religious attachment. The balance of population in Scotland as between its urban and rural elements is unhealthy and needs to .be corrected. There are1 over l,100,Q0O: adults in Scotland who have no religious affiliation. .

And there' are about 150,000 children of school age who are not connected with Church or Sunday school. The council invites the churches to "consider whether the necessity of preserving tho numerical predominance of the Scottish race in Scotland, is not a distinct call to the churches to be faithful in proclaiming the. teaching of the Scriptures that marriage and parenthood are an ordinance of God for the normal man and'wonian." '

The report states that it is deplorable that more than one-third of the population have no regular church connection.- Of the total adult population in 1931 of 3,098,814 thoso without religious or church affiliation numbered 1,112,459, which was* almost 47,000 more than in 1921. ... '

The continued increase in the Roman Catholic community is declared to be a matter for concern. ... -

"This community totalled in ISSI 130,000, or 4i per cent. of < the population, and in 1931 645,000, or 13£ per cent. Since only 10 per cent, of this community is of Scottish blood this large increase is to be explained by tho immigration of Eoman Catholics from, Ireland'and by their large birth-rate.',' In Irish immigration and Scottish emigration it is stated that there is sufficient explanation for the increase in the Roman Catholic community.

The committee welcomes the .proposals in the Betting and Lotteries Bill, but expresses regret at-the proposed legislation of lotteries at bazaars.