Introduction
The Scottish Episcopal Church is diverse in its tradition, outlook and culture. Such diversity enriches the Church and is expressed in warm relationships of mutual respect for one another.
Firmly rooted in the life of Scotland and part of its rich history, the Scottish Episcopal Church is also deeply committed to its membership of the world-wide Anglican Communion, which is a family of over 70 million Christians in more than 160 countries.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is known as a Province of the Anglican Communion. Within the Province there are seven areas (known as Dioceses) which cover mainland Scotland and the Islands. Each Diocese is overseen by a Bishop. The Dioceses are: Aberdeen & Orkney; Argyll & The Isles; Brechin; Edinburgh; Glasgow& Galloway; Moray, Ross & Caithness and St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane.
There are over 350 Scottish Episcopal Churches across Scotland which offer a range of liturgicalworship and music.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is governed by a representative body knows as the General Synod(comprising of a representation of clergy and lay people from each of the seven dioceses. The General Synod meets once a year for three days to discuss and vote on a range of matters and issues and to determine policy and priority for the work of the Church throughout the year.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is diverse in its tradition, outlook and culture. Such diversity enriches the Church and is expressed in warm relationships of mutual respect for one another.
Firmly rooted in the life of Scotland and part of its rich history, the Scottish Episcopal Church is also deeply committed to its membership of the world-wide Anglican Communion, which is a family of over 70 million Christians in more than 160 countries.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is known as a Province of the Anglican Communion. Within the Province there are seven areas (known as Dioceses) which cover mainland Scotland and the Islands. Each Diocese is overseen by a Bishop. The Dioceses are: Aberdeen & Orkney; Argyll & The Isles; Brechin; Edinburgh; Glasgow& Galloway; Moray, Ross & Caithness and St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane.
There are over 350 Scottish Episcopal Churches across Scotland which offer a range of liturgicalworship and music.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is governed by a representative body knows as the General Synod(comprising of a representation of clergy and lay people from each of the seven dioceses. The General Synod meets once a year for three days to discuss and vote on a range of matters and issues and to determine policy and priority for the work of the Church throughout the year.
What does it mean to be a Scottish Episcopalian? People sometimes speak of ‘discovering’ the Scottish Episcopal Church – as if they have happened upon a treasure. That may be because as a church it is small in size if not in ambition.
And it may be because what makes us special isn’t immediately ‘in your face’. It is subtle and nuanced, and all the more special for that.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is a deeply Scottish Church whose history is interwoven with the whole story of Christianity in Scotland – back to the Celtic Saints like Ninian and Columba and through the Scottish Reformation and all the turbulence which followed.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is passionate about its membership of the Anglican Communionand has a global vision of its place in the world church.
In character, the SEC is diverse. The church celebrates diversity and values dialogue alongside dogma.
Much of the worship of the church is sacramental in character – its patterns of worship are full of drama and colour which links together the experiential with the intellectual.
The Scottish Episcopal Church likes to think of itself as a thinking church and values a high standard of preaching. Alongside that thoughtfulness goes a deep commitment to spirituality and prayer.
In its governance, the Scottish Episcopal Church is collegial and democratic rather than centralised and directive. It delights in its non-established status.
It is deeply committed to civic society and public discourse but wants nothing to do with establishment. It is more a community of disciples than an institution with membership.
The SEC today pursues its calling to mission and ministry in the very secular and increasingly diverse context of Scotland and the rest of the world.
The seven bishops see themselves as ‘leaders of mission’ and the church attempts to draw into its life people who are beginning to travel a journey of spirituality.
When people gather for worship they are praising God and celebrating his love for each and every one of us. Worship is the public prayer of the Church. In the tradition of the Scottish Episcopal Church, much of our worship follows a common framework or ‘liturgy’. In this way words become familiar, and part of who we are.
Some public prayer may be highly structured, on other occasions it might be more informal. Some styles of worship may seem quite ornate, others very simple. Some church communities may use contemporary songs, others traditional hymns and choirs.
In each, though, there is a common bond, a united fellowship of people coming together to praise and to listen to God. When we worship God knows we are not perfect but God does offer us total forgiveness. Also, when we are sad or feeling lost, the words used in worship can offer comfort and reassurance.
And it may be because what makes us special isn’t immediately ‘in your face’. It is subtle and nuanced, and all the more special for that.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is a deeply Scottish Church whose history is interwoven with the whole story of Christianity in Scotland – back to the Celtic Saints like Ninian and Columba and through the Scottish Reformation and all the turbulence which followed.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is passionate about its membership of the Anglican Communionand has a global vision of its place in the world church.
In character, the SEC is diverse. The church celebrates diversity and values dialogue alongside dogma.
Much of the worship of the church is sacramental in character – its patterns of worship are full of drama and colour which links together the experiential with the intellectual.
The Scottish Episcopal Church likes to think of itself as a thinking church and values a high standard of preaching. Alongside that thoughtfulness goes a deep commitment to spirituality and prayer.
In its governance, the Scottish Episcopal Church is collegial and democratic rather than centralised and directive. It delights in its non-established status.
It is deeply committed to civic society and public discourse but wants nothing to do with establishment. It is more a community of disciples than an institution with membership.
The SEC today pursues its calling to mission and ministry in the very secular and increasingly diverse context of Scotland and the rest of the world.
The seven bishops see themselves as ‘leaders of mission’ and the church attempts to draw into its life people who are beginning to travel a journey of spirituality.
When people gather for worship they are praising God and celebrating his love for each and every one of us. Worship is the public prayer of the Church. In the tradition of the Scottish Episcopal Church, much of our worship follows a common framework or ‘liturgy’. In this way words become familiar, and part of who we are.
Some public prayer may be highly structured, on other occasions it might be more informal. Some styles of worship may seem quite ornate, others very simple. Some church communities may use contemporary songs, others traditional hymns and choirs.
In each, though, there is a common bond, a united fellowship of people coming together to praise and to listen to God. When we worship God knows we are not perfect but God does offer us total forgiveness. Also, when we are sad or feeling lost, the words used in worship can offer comfort and reassurance.