Western Isles Free Church Presbytery Communications Committee -Tesco Opening
It is with immense disappointment that we note the Stornoway branch of the British supermarket giant, Tesco, are considering opening their doors seven-days-a-week.
Since opening the store in 2008, we are extremely grateful that Tesco has respected our community and our island culture. Everyone has benefitted from Tesco’s presence in our community. Many have valued their service, as well as the additional option for ‘click & collect’ and home delivery.
However, despite the many positives, we believe that this is a negative step, and one that would have a detrimental impact upon our unique and quiet Sunday. Conversely, the biblical view of the Christian Sabbath is not negative but positive, having many spiritual, physical, social and mental benefits. We believe that if Tesco wish to go ahead and open on Sunday it will undermine these valued benefits. Ultimately it will impact our community, and we risk losing our cherished way of life which has been a big part of our island identity. We believe that Tesco needs to take this into consideration, especially as they have a responsibility to care for their employees and their families.
Following days of communication and consultation, both in the media and on social media, there have been many people, near and far, religious and irreligious, who have spoken positively about our quiet Sunday tradition. A tradition which, although founded upon biblical teaching, is experienced and enjoyed by many across our islands. This was certainly evidenced by a healthy discussion and debate on ‘The Jeremy Vine Show’ on Radio 2 earlier this week.
As a Presbytery of congregations in the Western Isles, we would urge Tesco to partner with us by protecting our precious heritage and reconsider their proposal to open their store on the Lord’s Day. We would also encourage everyone in our congregations to make this a matter of prayer.
Communications Committee
Western Isles Presbytery
Free Church of Scotland
