Scottish Churches sign landmark declaration to deepen relationship

The Primus and Moderator signing the declaration at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh. (Photo: Andrew O'Brien)

A historic declaration has been signed by the Church of Scotland and Scottish Episcopal Church to formalise a closer relationship between the two.

The Saint Andrew Declaration was signed by Episcopal Primus Mark Strange and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly, Lord Wallace, at a special service in Edinburgh on St Andrew's Day. 

The declaration, approved by both Churches' legislative bodies earlier this year, outlines a series of acknowledgments and commitments between the two intended to deepen their relationship. 

It will also see the Churches explore new ways of working together to serve the people of Scotland.

Bishop Strange said: "In many places in rural Scotland there is now only one church building. It might be Episcopalian or it might be Presbyterian, yet there will be people of both churches in the community.

"If this Declaration gives people the confidence to share, and to allow the church to be open and present to each other, then what a wonderful place we have reached.

"I look forward to seeing where we can now go from here, together."

Lord Wallace said: "I am delighted to be able to sign the Declaration on St Andrew's Day in person alongside our friends in the Scottish Episcopal Church as we celebrate the close-working relationship between our two churches.

"We look forward in faithfulness to continuing to strengthen the ties, which already have deep foundations, and exploring our common calling further."

News
250 doctors and nurses in Wales urge Senedd to vote against assisted suicide
250 doctors and nurses in Wales urge Senedd to vote against assisted suicide

While the Welsh Parliament cannot stop the bill, they may be able to make Westminster think twice.

Coalition of 13 aid agencies urge UK action as Sudan war reaches 1,000-day mark
Coalition of 13 aid agencies urge UK action as Sudan war reaches 1,000-day mark

Humanitarian organisations have renewed calls for urgent UK government intervention as the conflict in Sudan passes 1,000 days, warning that the country is now facing the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Fulani herdsmen kill 13 Christians in central Nigeria
Fulani herdsmen kill 13 Christians in central Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen arrived at midnight on Monday and shot four Christians who had been asleep in their homes.

Franklin Graham asks for prayers for US amid ICE tensions
Franklin Graham asks for prayers for US amid ICE tensions

The Rev Franklin Graham is calling on Americans to join him in a “time of prayer and repentance” this week, warning that “our nation is in trouble” amid a volatile political climate.