Ministers and elders of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) in the Outer Hebrides met on Tuesday evening “out of concern for the threat to the sanctity of the Lord's Day” by the intended opening on that day of the Tesco supermarket in Stornoway.
In a statement the denomination said Tesco’s decision to ditch their longstanding Sunday closure practice for Lewis and trade on every day of the week would be a “violation of the wider community’s conviction that this day has been appointed by God as a day of rest and worship for all.
“Our island communities have benefited enormously from that reality for generations.”
The statement adds: “This proposed opening has not arisen from any desire within the island of Lewis.
“Tesco mainland management, who seem to know nothing of our unique way of life, have
decided for purely commercial purposes and financial gain, to impose seven-day trading
on our people.
“This is a detrimental move that will fundamentally alter the dynamic, not merely of life in the town of Stornoway, but also of island life.”
In addition, Tesco management have offered people a “sop by suggesting that the store
will not open until 12 noon on the Sabbath. That is a meaningless gesture, as our
precious Sabbath is a twenty-four-hour day.
“Therefore, we plead with the management of Tesco to change course in this matter or risk losing many more of its customer base.”
Tesco urged to withdraw from ‘imposing seven-day trading’ on Lewis community
23 October 2024
