Scottish Church Society
Encyclopedia
The Scottish Church Society is a Church of Scotland
society founded in 1892.
Although always a minority within the Church of Scotland, the Society has at times proved influential. It grew out of the Church Service Society (founded 1865), but the Scottish Church Society does not confine itself to interest in liturgies or form. The Society advocates a High Church
or Scoto-Catholic theological approach within Presbyterianism
, which emphasises the Divine nature and calling of the Church.
The Society was active in seeking and achieving Article 1 of the Articles Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland
, defining the Trinitarian nature of the Christian Faith and the "catholicity" of the Church. Because of its adherence to Presbyterianism
and the Reformation
"Scoto-Catholicism" is quite distinct from both Anglo-Catholicism
and Catholics in Communion with Rome.
A notable congregation for its historic connections with the Society and with Scoto-Catholicism is Govan Old Parish Church
, Glasgow
.
Twelve former Presidents of the Society have served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
. The current President is the Reverend Tom A. Davidson Kelly, formerly minister of Govan Old Parish Church), who succeeded the Reverend Douglas Lamb (formerly of St Margaret's Parish Church, Dalry, Ayrshire). The current Secretary is the Reverend Gerald Jones (minister of Kirkmichael linked with Straiton
St Cuthbert's, in Ayrshire).
Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland, known informally by its Scots language name, the Kirk, is a Presbyterian church, decisively shaped by the Scottish Reformation....
society founded in 1892.
Although always a minority within the Church of Scotland, the Society has at times proved influential. It grew out of the Church Service Society (founded 1865), but the Scottish Church Society does not confine itself to interest in liturgies or form. The Society advocates a High Church
High church
The term "High Church" refers to beliefs and practices of ecclesiology, liturgy and theology, generally with an emphasis on formality, and resistance to "modernization." Although used in connection with various Christian traditions, the term has traditionally been principally associated with the...
or Scoto-Catholic theological approach within Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism refers to a number of Christian churches adhering to the Calvinist theological tradition within Protestantism, which are organized according to a characteristic Presbyterian polity. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures,...
, which emphasises the Divine nature and calling of the Church.
The Society was active in seeking and achieving Article 1 of the Articles Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland
Articles Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland
The Articles Declaratory of the Constitution of the Church of Scotland – often known as the Declaratory Articles - were drawn up early in the 20th century to facilitate the union of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland...
, defining the Trinitarian nature of the Christian Faith and the "catholicity" of the Church. Because of its adherence to Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism refers to a number of Christian churches adhering to the Calvinist theological tradition within Protestantism, which are organized according to a characteristic Presbyterian polity. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures,...
and the Reformation
Scottish Reformation
The Scottish Reformation was Scotland's formal break with the Papacy in 1560, and the events surrounding this. It was part of the wider European Protestant Reformation; and in Scotland's case culminated ecclesiastically in the re-establishment of the church along Reformed lines, and politically in...
"Scoto-Catholicism" is quite distinct from both Anglo-Catholicism
Anglo-Catholicism
The terms Anglo-Catholic and Anglo-Catholicism describe people, beliefs and practices within Anglicanism that affirm the Catholic, rather than Protestant, heritage and identity of the Anglican churches....
and Catholics in Communion with Rome.
A notable congregation for its historic connections with the Society and with Scoto-Catholicism is Govan Old Parish Church
Govan Old Parish Church
Govan Old Parish Church was a parish church in the Church of Scotland, serving Govan in Glasgow. It was also known as "St Constantine's". Since 2007, the congregation has become part of Govan and Linthouse Parish. Govan Old Church is no longer used for regular Sunday services, but the building...
, Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
.
Twelve former Presidents of the Society have served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Moderator of the General Assembly of Church of Scotland is a Minister, Elder or Deacon of the Church of Scotland chosen to "moderate" the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which is held for a week in Edinburgh every May....
. The current President is the Reverend Tom A. Davidson Kelly, formerly minister of Govan Old Parish Church), who succeeded the Reverend Douglas Lamb (formerly of St Margaret's Parish Church, Dalry, Ayrshire). The current Secretary is the Reverend Gerald Jones (minister of Kirkmichael linked with Straiton
Straiton
Straiton is a village on the River Girvan in South Ayrshire in Scotland, mainly built in the 18th century, but with some recent housing.It was the main location for the film The Match, where two rival pubs played an annual football match as a challenge...
St Cuthbert's, in Ayrshire).
See also
- Ronald Selby WrightRonald Selby WrightRonald William Vernon Selby Wright CVO TD JP FRSE FSAScot was a Church of Scotland minister....
- a former President of the Society - Mercersburg TheologyMercersburg TheologyMercersburg Theology was a German-American theological movement that began in the mid-19th century. It draws its name from Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, home of Marshall College from 1836 until its merger with Franklin College in 1853, and also home to the seminary of the Reformed Church in the...
- another Reformed theological High Church movement