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Good morning It was at the Church of Scotland General Assembly in 2010, that an American guest Ken Cloke, a skilled mediator told a rather acrimonious and divided Assembly, “there is no us and them, only us”. That phrase has resonated within me over the last few weeks as we in Scotland participate in the lead up to the Referendum. Tomorrow we vote – Yes or No? A simple question with enduring and far-reaching consequences. The question has polarized families, divided communities, and even alienated folks within our churches – Many see it almost as a Kairos moment –a prophetic word for our time –an opportunity to determine our future, for a fairer, more just society. Others speak of unity and harmony, a united force for good in a world of tension and division. In a recently televised debate two ardent campaigners on opposite sides of the argument agreed they desired the same values, of justice and fairness but disagreed on how it could be achieved. Terrorist murders and threats, in other parts of the world, over the last few weeks make us very grateful that we live in a democracy, able to express without fear and recrimination our beliefs and visions whether yes or no. The eyes of the world will be upon us, not only tomorrow, but in the days ahead. Recently the thoughts of many have turned to what happens afterwards - when the votes are counted and the decision announced. And those asking that question are not seeking clarification on currency or controlling our own finances but how we come together once again as a nation. Polarised debate must give way to constructive dialogue and perhaps the biggest challenge of all, how we deal with our differences. That is both a concern and surely a hope that unites all. Can we do it? I look no further than the disciples of Jesus; a group of disparate, argumentative and fickle individuals. We have Matthew a tax gatherer, who worked for the Roman army of occupation and alongside him Simon the Zealot sworn to obliterate them by whatever means possible. They were divided in their politics and divided on how Jesus could achieve his mission. Yet with God’s guidance and a common purpose they took his message of love to the ends of the earth. May we also find a new common purpose beyond the vote.