Voting Green in this Thursday’s election for the Scottish parliament is a vote to end Catholic education in the nation, according to the Church’s education chief in Scotland.
Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, said that the Green party policy would bring an end to state-funded Catholic education in Scotland.
Although the policy was left out of the Green manifesto, McGrath accused the Green party of intolerance towards faith schools. “They don’t want Catholic schools and it’s important the electorate know that voting Green means you’re voting to end Catholic schools,” he said.
He added: “I would be interested to know what the thinking behind that policy is. It doesn’t seem to be about tolerating other people’s wishes, or allowing parental choices, but instead imposing a one size fits all system contrary to all developments in education all over the world.”
In a reference to the party not including the policy in their manifesto he said: “They’re trying to cover their tracks. They should be brave enough to stand behind their policy. They should be transparent about their desire to end Catholic schools.”
A spokesman for the Greens said: “The Scottish Greens’ policy remains to move toward an non-denominational education system in Scotland. The focus of this is not to close down schools but for greater integration.”
Having been unable to sell in churches for well over a year due to the pandemic, we are now inviting readers to support the Herald by investing in our future. We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values.
Please join us on our 130 year mission by supporting us. We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching. For more information from our chairman on contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund, click here
Make a Donation
Donors giving £500 or more will automatically become sponsor patrons of the Herald. This includes two complimentary print/digital gift subscriptions, invitations to Patron events, pilgrimages and dinners, and 6 gift subscriptions sent to priests, seminaries, Catholic schools, religious care homes and prison and university chaplaincies. Click here for more information on becoming a Patron Sponsor. Click here for more information about contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund