It is with great sadness that the College of Bishops today announces the death of the Right Reverend Dr Keith Riglin, Bishop of Argyll & The Isles. Bishop Keith died peacefully with family at his side today (24 September) at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley following a short illness.… read more >>
The provincial Standing Committee announced via an email to General Synod Members this morning that the date of General Synod 2024 has been changed, and will now take place on 13-15 June, instead of 6-8 June as originally planned. According to the email the decision has “become necessary because of… read more >>
The Provincial Environment Group (PEG) is seeking ten volunteer congregations to take part in a series of Net Zero Workshops starting this autumn. The workshops will focus on energy use in SEC buildings, an important part of net zero that also affects congregational finances. The workshops are based on the HeatHack… read more >>
The Rev Dr Jenny Holden has been accepted as one of the 2023 intake of Trinity Leadership Fellows at Trinity Wall Street, described as a diverse cohort of emerging leaders spanning various faith traditions and vocations. Dr Holden, who recently took up a new position as Adviser for Christian Life… read more >>
To celebrate the beginning of the Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October 2023), the Provincial Environment Group (PEG) is pleased to announce the release of the updated Net Zero Toolkit. This online resource has been completely redesigned to complement the ten core objectives identified in the Scottish Episcopal Church’s… read more >>
Following the success of the 2021 conference, “Gender and Liturgy in Conversation”, the “Responding to the Sacred” group of Scottish Episcopalians is preparing for its second conference this September, titled “Responding to the Sacred: Inclusive Liturgies/Porous Walls – New Conversations”. Organised in collaboration with the Liturgy Committee, the event aims… read more >>
Following the recent appointment of the Rev Dr Michael Hull as the new Principal of the Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI), a vacancy has arisen for the position of Director of Studies. The Director of Studies is entrusted with the significant duty of overseeing all elements of SEI’s dispersed, part-residential, formation-led… read more >>
The Scottish Episcopal Church has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to addressing climate change by appointing Paul Williams as its Net Zero Delivery Director. The announcement was made during the General Synod in June, and Paul has now started in his new position, leading the implementation of… read more >>
The Summer 2023 edition of the Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal is now available, featuring the theme of ‘Christianity and Zionism. Journal editor the Rev Dr Michael Hull, SEI Principal, says: “Few contemporary issues of justice and human rights pose such direct challenges to Christian theology as the Zionist settler¬–colonial project in Palestine, and… read more >>
The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church today (5 July) contributed to a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for Their Majesties the King and Queen on the occasion of the Presentation of the Royal Honours of Scotland. The service, which took place at 2.15pm at St Giles’ in Edinburgh,… read more >>
A stained-glass design of the Provincial Environment Group logo has been unveiled, colourfully illustrating the ten core objectives laid out in the Net Zero Action Plan. The original PEG logo was designed by Group member Robert Woodford in 2022, who described it as “bringing a holistic approach across committees and… read more >>
The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church is among leaders from Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths who have joined forces to voice their opposition to the Illegal Migration Bill at the start of Refugee Week. The Primus, Bishop Mark Strange, is the opening contributor to a video message co-ordinated by… read more >>
The Provincial Youth Pilgrimage to Iona in October 2023 is open for bookings. Here, Provincial Youth Co-ordinator Claire Benton-Evans asks if there is a young person connected to your church who would benefit from the experience of pilgrimage and retreat in a beautiful place? When I tell someone that I… read more >>
The final day of Synod provided an opportunity to highlight the activities and celebrate the achievements of young people in the church – as well as acknowledge the workers and volunteers who are dedicated to ministry with children and young people. Claire Benton-Evans, the Provincial Youth Coordinator, introduced three young… read more >>
Changes to the way that a new bishop is elected in the Scottish Episcopal Church were debated on day two of General Synod 2023, with members asked to decide on a second reading of a revised Canon 4. Two years ago, Synod opted to pursue a revision of the existing… read more >>
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland celebrated the joy of working together with the Scottish Episcopal Church in a historic address to the General Synod in Edinburgh on Friday. In the first-ever speech to General Synod by a serving Moderator, the Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton… read more >>
The action plan to meet the Scottish Episcopal Church’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030 was approved at the conclusion of the opening day of General Synod 2023. Three years ago, Synod had recognised that urgent action was required in relation to the global climate emergency and that… read more >>
The road to Net Zero and the custodianship of Creation was at the heart of the opening address from the Primus as the 2023 General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church opened in Edinburgh this morning. Synod members have gathered at St Paul’s & St George’s Episcopal Church for the… read more >>
The Rev Markus Dünzkofer, Rector of St John’s, Princes Street, Edinburgh, addressed the Scottish Parliament this week during Time for Reflection, highlighting the roles of church and state, as well as imposter syndrome in clerical and elected offices. Rev Markus told MSPs of Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “vision for the… read more >>
The General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church will meet at St Paul’s & St George’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh, from Thursday 8 June to Saturday 10 June 2023. The agenda and papers have now been sent to members and published here on the Scottish Episcopal Church website, detailing the business… read more >>
The Church in Society Committee of the Scottish Episcopal Church has relaunched its grant funding scheme to support projects which work to enable life in all its fullness for children, young people and their families. The Enable Grant, which was previously known as the Child Poverty Grant, can be used… read more >>
After the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey , the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, looked back on a celebration that had been “more overwhelming than I had even imagined.” The Primus was honoured to present the Sovereign’s Sceptre with… read more >>
On the eve of the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey tomorrow, the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, looks ahead to the spectacle that will unfold and reflects on a couple of busy days in London in the build-up to the crowning of King Charles III… read more >>
The winner of the 2023 Alastair Haggart Bursary is the Very Rev Sarah Murray, Provost of Inverness Cathedral, Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness. The Bursary Committee unanimously selected Sarah’s proposal – a sabbatical to explore ministry and spirituality in cathedrals – from a strong field of applications, commending it… read more >>
The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church has been asked to fulfil a key ceremonial duty at the Coronation Service of The King and Queen Consort next week. The Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness, and Primus, will present the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross to the… read more >>
There will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service today at 3pm (Sunday 23 April 2023). Emergency Alerts is a UK government service that will warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby, such as an extreme weather event. In an emergency, mobile phones… read more >>
An Easter message from Bishop Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. As we sang the hymn Christ Be Our Light during the Chrism Mass on Maundy Thursday, I was caught by the words as they seemed to mirror the theme I had preached on at the service. I… read more >>
The Rev Diana Hall of St Anne’s in Dunbar was one of the contributors in a special Easter Sunday edition of BBC One Scotland’s Reflections at the Quay. Rev Hall appeared alongside RC Archbishop William Nolan, the Very Rev Lorna Hood, former Moderator of the Church of Scotland, and Rev… read more >>
The Rev Heller González, rector of St Augustine’s Dumbarton, addressed the Scottish Parliament this week during Time for Reflection, highlighting the effects of the cost of living crisis in his local area. Rev González told MSPs of the frightening experience of having to flee his homeland of Cuba into the… read more >>
The next Principal of the Scottish Episcopal Institute will be the Rev Dr Michael Hull. Dr Hull will start in his new role at the beginning of July upon the retirement of the current Principal, the Rev Canon Dr Anne Tomlinson. The SEI Principal is responsible for strategic leadership in… read more >>
The Oscars awards ceremony and World Book Day featured in two recent Thought For the Day broadcasts from Scottish Episcopalian clergy on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme. After the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, where “bright lights, tinsel and glitter” dominate the annual showbusiness gathering, Bishop David Chillingworth… read more >>
The second consultation webinar on the draft Net Zero Action Plan (2023-2030) has now taken place, following the release of the plan on 15 February 2023. The draft plan is available for review and comment as part of the ongoing consultation process, and feedback is invited to help the province… read more >>
In response to the publication this week of the Illegal Migration Bill, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church has joined calls for the UK Government to think again over its “cruel and shameful response to people urgently seeking sanctuary and hope”. The Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray,… read more >>
Fr Philip Blackledge asked the question ‘What does having faith mean?’ as he gave Thought For The Day on BBC Radio Scotland this week. The issue of whether someone can be a politician and have faith has been the subject of intense debate since the candidates for the leadership of the… read more >>
The latest edition of Inspires Online, the monthly magazine of the Scottish Episcopal Church, reports on the Scottish Episcopal Church’s involvement in the recent 18th session of the Anglican Consultative Council. The Rev Lee Johnston, Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway, and Alistair Dinnie, a member of St John’s, Princes Street,… read more >>
Today (24 February), one year on from the first day of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, reflects on a year of war and speaks, as in 2022, of the need for prayer for those most affected by the… read more >>
The Very Rev Dr Elizabeth Thomson, Provost of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, leads a Celebration of the Eucharist for Ash Wednesday. The service will begin at 7.30, and you can download the order of service here: https://bit.ly/SEC2023Feb22 Music during the service is led by Stuart Muir, Pastoral Musician at the… read more >>
The Provincial Environment Group is excited to announce that the draft of the Net Zero Action Plan (2023-2030) is now available for review and comment as part of the ongoing consultation process. Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 is our collective goal, and your input is crucial in helping… read more >>
The launch of the consultation for the forthcoming Net Zero Action Plan (2023-2030) has taken place and the new draft plan can be accessed here. The consultation process is designed to help shape the future of our church’s environmental sustainability plans. The launch event, hosted by Bishop Ian Paton and consultant… read more >>
Three members of the Scottish Episcopal Church are on their way to Ghana to take part in the 18th session of the Anglican Consultative Council, a week-long gathering which starts on 12 February. The Rev Lee Johnston, Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway, and Alistair Dinnie, a member of St John’s,… read more >>
The Lord’s Prayer, says the African theologian Tertullian (155–220), is the ‘epitome of the Gospel’. Pious Christians recite the Lord’s Prayer daily, if not thrice daily. It was given to us by the Lord Jesus himself at the direct request of his disciples (Matthew 6.9–13 and Luke 11.2–4). Teach us… read more >>
The Rev Martyn Trembath, Rector of Holy Trinity, Ayr, leads a Celebration of the Eucharist. The preacher is Gordon McCulloch. The order of service follows the 1982 Scottish Liturgy which can be downloaded here: https://www.scotland.anglican.org/who-we-are/publications/liturgies/scottish-liturgy-1982-alternative-eucharistic-prayers/ You can join the service from 11am at: Facebook Youtube As part of our ongoing… read more >>
Launch event: 11.30am-12.30pm, Wednesday 15 February 2023 The launch of the consultation for the forthcoming Net Zero Action Plan (2023-2030) is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our church’s environmental sustainability plans. This live stream event, hosted by Bishop Ian Paton and consultant Robert Woodford, will provide… read more >>
On Burns Night, a Scottish Episcopal Church helped to turn a cost of living crisis ‘cook club’ initiative into a Burns Night celebration for the vulnerable in the community. The Musselburgh Cook Club, a joint venture of Musselburgh Churches Together, hosted a Burns Night celebration in St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church hall. Members of… read more >>
The Very Rev Sarah Murray, Provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness, leads a Celebration of the Eucharist for the 3rd Sunday of Pentecost. Download the order of service here: https://bit.ly/SEC2023Jan29 You can join the service from 11am at: Facebook Youtube As part of our ongoing commitment to producing online worship… read more >>
The Alastair Haggart Bursary Award Committee has decided to extend the deadline for applications for the 2023 Award until Palm Sunday. The Bursary is awarded annually in memory of the Rt Rev Alastair Haggart, pictured, who served as Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church from 1977 until 1985. The eponymous… read more >>
The Very Rev Graham Taylor leads a Celebration of the Eucharist from St John’s, Perth. Download the order of service here: https://bit.ly/SEC2023Jan22 The readers are Irene Rose and Judy Norwell, and the intercessor is Ranald Noel-Paton. You can join the service from 11am at: Facebook Youtube As part of our ongoing… read more >>
The Rev Canon Kenneth Gibson, Rector of St Mary Magdalene’s, Dundee, leads a Celebration of the Eucharist for the Second Sunday of Epiphany. The service will follow the 1970 Scottish Liturgy which can be downloaded here. You can join the service from 11am at: Facebook Youtube Auto generated captions are… read more >>
The winter edition of the Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal has the Bible and Mission as its theme, but it begins with a tribute to Professor Emerita Ann Lomas Loades CBE, a frequent contributor to this Journal, who died in December. Writes the Rev Dr Michael Hull, editor of the Journal:… read more >>
The Rev Canon Dr Marion Chatterley, Vice-Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, leads a Celebration of the Eucharist. You can download the order of service here: https://bit.ly/SEC2023Jan8 Music in the service is sung by the Chapter House singers. You can join the service from 11am at: Facebook Youtube Automatic subtitling… read more >>