The Church of Scotland has urged people on both sides of the independence debate to treat each other with respect and dignity.
The Right Rev John Chalmers, moderator of the General Assembly, said he was “disturbed by apparent increased aggression and bitterness” as the referendum date approaches.
He spoke out on the eve of a Kirk-organised debate titled Respectful Dialogue at St George’s Tron in Glasgow.
Finance Secretary John Swinney and the Advocate General for Scotland Lord Wallace of Tankerness, a former deputy first minister and Orkney MSP, will outline the case for and against independence.
The debate, which will be chaired by Mr Chalmers, will be shown on screens in St Magnus Cathedral at Kirkwall in Orkney, Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen and Crown Church in Inverness.
The moderator said: “I have faith that despite divergent views most Scots are behaving courteously during the run-up to the referendum.
“However, it has become clear that some are not. I fear that something ugly may be beginning to permeate the independence debate.
“I am delighted to be hosting a dialogue which is highly unlikely to feature aggression or smirking.
“The participants will be asked to listen to each other with respect.
“Like most I am repelled by the name-calling and rancour we have seen in recent weeks. We need to behave as though we are paving the way for working together whatever the outcome.”
The Kirk is holding a service of reconciliation at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on September 21.
It will highlight the need to put differences aside and work with each other, whatever the outcome of the referendum.
The Evangelical Alliance and Free Church of Scotland have urged First Minister Alex Salmond and Better Together leader Alistair Darling to join Christians to pray for the future of Scotland on the eve of the historic vote.