Christian over-representation in Time for Reflection
Christianity has been considerably over-represented in Time for Reflection. According to 2001 census data Christians should have had 65 per cent of the appearances in the 14 year period from 1999. In fact they have had 76 per cent – an over-representation of 17 per cent.
If more recent data is used from 2011 Census Christians should have had 54 per cent of places, reflecting the falling adherence among Scots to this religion. By this measure Christians have been over-represented by 41 per cent.
The Church of Scotland by conceding places to other Christian denominations and other faiths, was under-represented by 24 per cent according to 2001 census criteria but was proportionately represented by 2011 census criteria with about 32 per cent of appearances during the first three four year Parliaments from 1999 to 2011.
If more recent data is used from 2011 Census Christians should have had 54 per cent of places, reflecting the falling adherence among Scots to this religion. By this measure Christians have been over-represented by 41 per cent.
The Church of Scotland by conceding places to other Christian denominations and other faiths, was under-represented by 24 per cent according to 2001 census criteria but was proportionately represented by 2011 census criteria with about 32 per cent of appearances during the first three four year Parliaments from 1999 to 2011.
The Roman Catholic Church was over-represented by both measures. It had 89 appearances during the first three Parliaments whereas statistically it should have had, with 16 per cent of the population in each census, about 74 - an over-representation of 20 per cent.
These two churches were key actors in the campaign for a Scottish Parliament and they got their rewards by shaping Time for Reflection and having major roles in it. This illustrates their closeness to power in the devolved system of government. They are regarded as 'strategic partners' by the Scottish Government (a quote by a Scottish Government civil servant) although the 2011 Census survey data suggest that they have the adherence only of respectively 32 and 16 per cent of the Scottish population.
These two churches were key actors in the campaign for a Scottish Parliament and they got their rewards by shaping Time for Reflection and having major roles in it. This illustrates their closeness to power in the devolved system of government. They are regarded as 'strategic partners' by the Scottish Government (a quote by a Scottish Government civil servant) although the 2011 Census survey data suggest that they have the adherence only of respectively 32 and 16 per cent of the Scottish population.
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