More than two thirds of Scotland’s active Christian community say their faith influenced their vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014.

It’s now 10 years since the vote was cast with Scotland voting to stay within the United Kingdom. A decade on, 85% of active church members say their faith continues to influence their views on Scotland’s future and on their political beliefs.

The new research was conducted by a University of Glasgow team and funded by Paristamen and focused on faith communities to offer insight into how respectful, faith-informed discussions can model better conversations on constitutional issues for the broader Scottish society.

The project has uncovered valuable perspectives on how faith informs political conversations within the Christian community in Scotland regarding the country’s constitutional options for the future and the vast majority have admitted their faith has an impact on their political beliefs.

Nine out of 10 respondents say their faith is important or very important to them with 67% admitting it influenced their views on the 2014 referendum, and 85% say it would continue to influence their views on Scotland’s future.

It didn’t lend itself massively in favour or against independence, though, with roughly equal support for both sides of the debate.

Kate Forbes is open about her faithKate Forbes is open about her faith (Image: PA)

Importantly, for most participants, independence or union is seen as a means to shape the society they envision for Scotland's future, rather than an absolute goal.

Rev Dr Doug Gay, Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow and lead academic, said: “Ten years after the 2014 referendum, constitutional questions continue to provoke strong feelings among Scots, including within Christian communities. Our research shows that for churchgoers, faith plays a crucial role in shaping political views on Scotland's future.

“People who share a rich vision of the common good may be able to model ways of thinking and talking about highly contested issues, which can offset polarisation and division.”

The projected fostered respectful listening and questioning with events held in 12 locations across Scotland. Those included Inverness, Aberdeen, Galashiels, Edinburgh Southwest, St Andrews, Elgin, Prestwick, Lanark, Oban, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Edinburgh Central with each of them being well attended across the board.

They included presentations from Christian public figures in Scottish politics representing both pro-union and pro-independence views.

It included deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who has been the subject of controversy surrounding her religious views and how it impacts her political beliefs.

Others involved were Scottish Conservative leadership candidate Murdo Fraser, Reverend Dr Maggie McTernan and Stephen Noon – the former chief strategist for Yes Scotland.

Read More: 

The research suggests further theological reflection is needed on applying faith ideas to constitutional choices. It was also found by the project team that hosting events across Scotland’s diverse geography was extremely valuable and allowed local concerns to inform national conversations.

The report states that even within a small country such as Scotland, many people feel their place is often forgotten or not listened to at all.

It highlighted key recommendations which include commissioning a Scotland-wide survey on Christian traditions and constitutional attitudes, developing faith focused Discernment in Common materials for constitutional questions, targeting younger church members with tailored events and publicity and allowing more time to explore the Discernment in Common method's potential

Rev Dr Gay, who is a Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow, hopes that the report can now show how faith communities have the potential to contribute in political discourse and believes they can play a big role in deciding Scotland’s future.

He continued: “This research underscores faith communities' potential to contribute to constructive public discourse on Scotland's future. While 'discernment in common' has roots in one Christian tradition, it offers ecumenical promise and could be adapted to secular contexts. We hope for better conversations as we journey together into Scotland's shared future.”