Bank of Scotland Faces Backlash from Scotland's Churches Over Business Deal with Pat Robertson

Strategic Insights -

The ecumenical body Action for Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) is urging its member churches to withdraw their accounts from the Bank of Scotland due to its business venture with Pat Robertson, a right-wing evangelical leader with a history of bigotry. The move comes as Edinburgh city council is set to censure the bank over the same issue. ACTS represents nearly 1.5 million church members across Scotland, including all major denominations. The banks of several major churches, including the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, are also under scrutiny.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bank of Scotland faces potential financial ramifications after Action for Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) recommended that its members withdraw their accounts due to its business deal with Pat Robertson.
  • The deal has sparked opposition from churches and the Edinburgh city council, which is expected to pass a motion censuring the bank.
  • ACTS represents 1.5 million church members, including all major denominations in Scotland, and includes representatives from 11 churches.
  • The bank has maintained its position, stating that its arrangement with Dr. Robertson was necessary for remaining competitive.
  • The Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, and the United Free Church of Scotland have acknowledged that some of their parishes and churches have accounts with the Bank of Scotland, but no decisions have been made regarding these accounts.

Statistics:

  • ACTS represents 1.5 million church members in Scotland.
  • The bank is expected to face potential financial consequences due to censure from churches and the Edinburgh city council.
  • The Church of Scotland has a general assembly in May, where a decision on taking action against the bank will be made.
  • The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland has a meeting of its bishops in Glasgow, where the question of reconsidering their relationship with the Bank Scotland may be raised.

Sources:

  • Scotland on Sunday
  • Edinburgh Evening News
  • Press Association
  • Church of Scotland
  • Roman Catholic Church in Scotland
  • United Free Church of Scotland
  • Action for Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS)