There is no place in Scotland for 'Dark Ages' religious beliefs

In 2024, it’s good to know that almost all of us believe in evolution. But there are some dangerous, prehistoric views that still prevail in some communities.

Today’s Daily Record tells of a church that chooses to tell its congregation that women should be subservient to men. That it’s a woman’s role to support her man and do his bidding – all in the name of God.

The Rosyth Baptist Church and its pastor, Chris Demetriou, will state they are compelled to teach the word of the Lord, as dictated by the Old Testament.

Taking the literal word of the Old Testament would have us believe that the world was literally created in seven days. Modern society would fall apart if the literalists won the day.

We must, as a civilised democracy, accept that cultures and religions may move glacially slowly. We must respect that people hold different beliefs. Some may find it harder to adapt to changing times than others.

Rosyth Baptist Church Rev Chris Demetriou with his wife Julie

But putting a lower status for women at the heart of teachings is something that is destructive and damaging to the life chances of any female who might enter such a congregation.

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Such thinking will only ensure that sexist and misogynistic views endure. And this flies in the face of current efforts by Humza Yousaf to stamp such prejudice out.

A modern Scotland has no place for the preaching of material that effectively puts women below men. It’s Dark Ages thinking that cannot be justified.

No more delays

Former patients of disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel have every right to be angry. Too many people have been left with permanent disabilities as a result of his botched surgeries.

The Scottish Government has promised a public inquiry into what went on. But six months later, no inquiry chairperson has been appointed – meaning a frustrating wait for answers.

Dozens of Eljamel’s former patients will now gather outside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday to call for the inquiry process to be speeded up.

They want Neil Gray, the recently appointed Health Secretary, to take control of the situation. Victims have waited long enough for the inquiry to start.

Many were injured more than a decade ago and still don’t have answers. Patients deserve to know why this disgraced surgeon was allowed to continue to work by NHS Tayside for so long.

Neil Gray must appoint someone to lead this inquiry and fast.

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