The Scottish Free Church has issued a statement condemning what it called an “anti-Christian baying mob” for targeting Kate Forbes, the Scottish finance secretary, over her religious beliefs.
Forbes, who is a member of the Free Church of Scotland, faced criticism on social media after giving a speech on her high hopes to winning as First Minister. Some commentators accused her of mixing religion and politics and called for her resignation.
The moderator designate of the Free Church of Scotland, Rev. Iver Martin, in a statement to Premier, rejuvenated the church’s criticism of “anti-christian intolerance” towards Kate Forbes. He said, “You have a real danger here of excluding people who have enormous talent and ability and who could play a vital role in public life.” He added: “They’ll be scared off because of the fact that their personal religious views are not acceptable to a baying mob. And that’s what it is. “
Earlier during the week, Ms Forbes had lost several supporters of high profile as a result of a statement she made about her voting against same-sex marriage, and also her disagreement with child birth outside marriage.
In response, the Scottish Free Church issued a statement saying; “Kate Forbes is standing on the basis of her policies – the fact that she is being criticised for her Christian convictions shows a level of bigotry that has no place in a pluralistic and diverse society.”
The statement went on to say that Forbes had the right to express her faith in public and that any attempt to silence her was an attack on freedom of speech.
Forbes has not commented on the controversy, but her colleagues in the Scottish government have expressed their support for her.
She is the one the unionist establishment fears the most.
Because she’s competent, intelligent, honourable, principled and brutally honest.
That’s why they’re desperate to stop her in her tracks.@_KateForbes is the leader Scotland needs right now! pic.twitter.com/hE2Ofd3dti
— The Dundonian (@The_Dundonian) February 23, 2023
The Scottish Free Church, which split from the Church of Scotland in the 19th century, has around 10,000 members across Scotland. It is known for its conservative views on social issues and its opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion.
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