Church of Scotland

The Church of Scotland (CofS sometimes known as the Kirk) is the national church of Scotland. It is a Presbyterian Church, decisively shaped by the Scottish Reformation.

Position in Scottish Society

The Church of Scotland has around 1,400 active ministers, 1,200 congregations, and its membership at approximately 600,000 comprises about 12% of the population of Scotland. However, in the 2001 national census, 42% of Scots identified themselves as ?Church of Scotland? by religion.

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Although it is the national church, the Kirk is not a "state church", and in this, and other, regards is dissimilar to the Church of England (the established church in England). Under its constitution, which is recognised by acts of Parliament, the Kirk enjoys complete independence from the state in spiritual matters. It is thus both established and free.

Related Topics:
State church - Church of England

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The British monarch (when in Scotland) is simply a member of the Church (she is not, as in England, its "Supreme Governor"). The monarch?s coronation oath includes a promise to defend the security of the Church of Scotland. She is formally represented at the annual General Assembly by a Lord High Commissioner (unless she chooses to attend in person). The role is purely formal.

Related Topics:
''Supreme Governor'' - Lord High Commissioner

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The Church of Scotland is committed to its ?distinctive call and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry?. (Article 3 of its Articles Declaratory). In practice this means that the Kirk maintains a presence in every community in Scotland ? and exists to serve not only its members but all Scots (the majority of funerals in Scotland are taken by its ministers). It also means that the Kirk redistributes resources from wealthy congregations to ensure its continued presence in other parts of Scotland.

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The Church played a leading role in the provision of universal education in Scotland, largely due to its desire that all people should be able to read the Scripture. However, today it does not operate schools - these having been entrusted into the care of the state in the later half of the 19th century.

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The Church of Scotland?s Social Care Council (also known as "CrossReach") is the largest provider of social care in Scotland today, running projects for various disadvantages and vulnerable groups including care for the elderly, help with alcoholism, drug and mental health problems and assistance for the homeless.

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The national Church has never shied from involvement in Scottish politics. In 1919, the General Assembly created a Church and Nation Committee, which in 2005 became the Church and Society Council. The Church of Scotland was (and is) a firm opponent of nuclear weaponry. Supporting devolution, it was one of the parties involved in the Scottish Constitutional Convention, which resulted in the setting up of the Scottish parliament in 1997. Indeed, from 1999-2004 the Parliament met in the Kirk's Assembly Halls in Edinburgh, whilst its own building was being constructed.

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