News by email Donate

Suggestions

Canon-Kenyon-Wright-main_article_image.jpg
Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
UK News

First Minister leads tributes to devolution campaigner Canon Kenyon Wright

Canon Wright, who chaired the Scottish constitutional convention between 1989 and 1999 and belonged to the consultative sterring group on the Scottish Parliament, died peacefully at home on Wednesday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I am deeply saddened by the death of Canon Kenyon Wright and my thoughts are with his family.

"He is a great loss to Scotland's political, civic and religious communities. His input to the creation of the Scottish Parliament cannot be overstated.

"His chairmanship of the Scottish constitutional convention, which led to the creation of the Scottish Parliament, was testament to his strength of character, tenacity and charisma."

Canon Wright continued to be a voice in Scottish politics, raising concerns about increasing centralisation and a restriction of local council powers ten years ago, and he also backed a Yes vote in the independence referendum in 2014.

The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, told Premier: "Part of what he offered to the devolution journey at that point, and what was particularly respected, was perhaps not neutrality - because he was passionately in favour of devolution - but, he offered a non-tribal approach.

"He was there as a person who could listen to all the views which were in the mix and try and help the political community in Scotland, at that time, to find a way forward together."

Former-first minister Alex Salmond said: "Canon Kenyon Wright was one of the great spirits of the movement of self-government.

"His role in the Scottish constitutional convention showed a patience, commitment and determination of extraordinary dimensions.

"In more recent times, his willingness to embrace the independence cause demonstrated that his belief in Scotland transcended any political party or particular position - his guiding light was the right of self-determination of the people of Scotland.

A funeral for family members will be held next week, while a memorial service is being planned over the coming months.

Click hear to listen to Bishop David speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

Video Has not been found

 
Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

Connect

Donate

Donate