Sign of the Cross

This post today will be more informative than a commentary. I just find this story so interesting. In a way, I'm posting this story as a social expereiment. I can't wait to hear the comments and responses.

The concept of Church and State has been, and will continue to be an intensly divisive topic in our society. I must say however, I've never seen the line drawn quite like this.
It's no secret that racism is alive and well around the world.
It's surely no suprise that Europe really struggles with racism. Soccer matches have at times become the vehicle for racist fans to toss banana's at black soccer players. Religious tension has reared its ugly head as well.

The classic rivalry in Scottish Football, called the "Old Firm Game", between cross town rivals Celtic and Rangers, was the stage for what has become such a bazzar story. I'll let Joan McAlpine who writes for The Herald in Glasgow tell you the story:

Artur Boruc was born in the very year Solidarity took Polish workers on to the streets of Gdansk, so changing the course of European history. His parents no doubt told him what life was like before his birth in 1980, when puppet governments following Moscow's command tried to impose official atheism on the deeply religious country. Catholic priests were gagged, senior clergy placed under house arrest, convents raided and church magazines banned. But no-one was ever cautioned for making the sign of the cross.

We can only imagine what the ageing Lech Walesa will think of the news - surely playing big in Poland - that the young Celtic goalkeeper has been reprimanded apparently for blessing himself at an Old Firm game in February. The Crown Office now says the player was censured for other provocative gestures towards the crowd. But several days into the row, that sounds like a limp attempt at belated damage limitation. Comments by the player's agent suggest that the player believes he was cautioned over his blessing.

The message has already gone around the world: Scotland stamps on religious freedom. Footballers blessed themselves in both hope and trepidation each night during the World Cup finals. For many, it is as much an instinctive, superstitious sign as an expression of profound religious belief. It is all rather perplexing for those uninitiated in the ways of Scotland's west...

We know China persecutes adherents of Falun Gong, while Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan have a poor record of tolerance towards non-muslim minorities. But Scotland? Have we really changed so little since the days of John Knox?- Joan McAlpine

For me, the interesting aspect of this story, is how introspective the coverage from so many of the writers covering the story. It almost seems as if they can't believe that's where they are. They're asking the question, "How did this happen to Scotland?" I don't know what their answer to that question should be, but I know when they find their answer, it's gonna be interesting.

Rosie Kane's comments from the Sunday Mail are just really good.

"From the U.S. to the Far East, bulletins reported how a Catholic footballer was accused of a crime for making the sign of the cross. And every time the story is retold it is explained how sectarian hatred is a scar on Scottish society. The image of Scotland being beamed around the globe is not one we can take any pride in. First Minister Jack McConnell once said that sectarianism was Scotland's "secret shame".

Well, whether you think Boruc is guilty of a crime or not, it is a secret no more. The whole world thinks we are a narrow-minded petty little nation. It is ironic this should happen as Rangers and Celtic make huge strides to get rid of the bigots.
And it shows an appalling lack of common sense and sensitivity by police and prosecutors. Did they really think for a minute that publicly humiliating Boruc was going to help either club's cause?"

Talk amongst yourselves. Discuss. Very interesting.