Church of Scotland backs Government’s fracking ban

Church leaders said the vast majority of congregations they spoke to opposed the controversial practice. They’ve now called for more opportunities to exploit greener energy sources, like wind.

Adrian Shaw, the Church of Scotland’s Climate Change Officer told Premier the Church is against fracking “primarily because of a need to build a low carbon economy”.

He added: “Continuing dependence on fossil fuels, coal and gas delays a low carbon economy.”

He also said the Church believes in the potential of Scotland to fully green.

“The opportunity now is how we make the most of this wet and windy climate,” he said.

“Our resources for wind power and hydro power and tidal power are enormous here.”

The moratorium on fracking has been in place since January 2015 and the government’s decision follows extensive consultation and consideration of reports on its potential impact.

A public consultation on the issue received more than 60,000 responses, 99 per cent of which were opposed to fracking.

A decision by the Scottish Government to ban fracking has been welcomed by the Church of Scotland.