Scotland: An open letter to the government from the leaders of the Christian churches. Risk of poverty, interfering with the prices of basic necessities

The three most important Scottish Christian churches, in a joint statement, are appealing to the British and Scottish governments to “put aside political differences” and to intervene together, to “seek an effective solution” to those caused by the escalation. for the crisis. living. “There will be a significant increase in energy bills in April and inflation will drive up the prices of all essential commodities, including food,” wrote Bishop Hugh Gilbert, president of the Scottish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and Lord Wallace, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Reverend Mark Strange, Bishop in charge of the Scottish Episcopal Church. “It is growth that will primarily affect low-income families and push many people into poverty, making, for many, difficult choices whether to eat or turn up the heat”. Three Scottish Christian leaders wrote, “We call on the British and Scottish governments to join in our efforts in a spirit of compassion and pragmatism to find an effective solution to this dire situation, which is getting worse by the day.” Accompanying the communiqué are three examples of community initiatives run or supported by local churches. These are loan counseling centres, food banks and initiatives to guarantee hot meals during school holidays to children from the poorest families.