Church of Scotland

The Church of Scotland is the national church of Scotland, established by law.  It is Presbyterian. The Presbyterian Church of Scotland is  distinguished from the Anglican Church in a number of ways. It does not have bishops or archbishops; nor is the British monarch its head. The leading minister is called the Moderator, who is the chair of the General Assembly for one year. Ministers of the Kirk, as it is called, may be called Rectors.

The established kirk has suffered schism (breaks), and this has given rise to the "Wee Frees": the Free Church of Scotland, and (a further schism) the Free Church of Scotland (continuing) (the Wee Wee Frees); and the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (also, confusingly, called the Wee Wee Frees). 

The Scottish Presbyterian church was formed when it broke away from Rome in 1560. Its theology (beliefs) were based on the ideas of John Knox, a disciple of John Calvin. The free kirks tend to take the Bible more literally. 

About 10% of the people in Scotland are members of this church, but when asked in a census, 47% of people said this was their religion.

In 2023 there were around 4500 churches in Scotland, but fewer people going to services, so there were plans to save money by closing many of them.

God's Invitation
In 1992, the Kirk's ruling body (the General Assembly) approved the following simple summary of its beliefs.

God's Invitation 

God made the world
	and all its creatures
	with men and women made in His image.

By breaking His laws people have broken contact with God,
	and damaged His good world.
	This we see and sense in the world and in ourselves.

The Bible tells us the Good News that God still loves us
	and has shown His love uniquely in His Son, Jesus Christ.
	He lived among us
	and died on the cross to save us from our sin.
	But God raised Him from the dead! 

In His love, this living Jesus invites us
	to turn from our sins
	and enter by faith into a restored relationship with God
	Who gives true life before and beyond death.

Then, with the power of the Holy Spirit remaking us like Jesus,
	we – with all Christians –
	worship God,
	enjoy His friendship
	and are available for Him to use
	in sharing and showing
	His love, justice, and peace
	locally and globally
	until Jesus returns!

In Jesus’ name
	we gladly share with you God's message for all people –
	You matter to God!   

References

Category:Presbyterianism
Category:2nd-millennium establishments in Scotland
Category:1560s establishments in Europe
Category:16th century in Scotland