Mid Argyll Scottish Episcopal Churches
Scottish Episcopal Church
Christ Church, Lochgilphead >
St Columba's, Kilmartin >
St Margaret's, Arran
All Saints, Inveraray >
Getting married in church
The Scottish Episcopal Church has its roots in the earliest days of the Christian Church in Scotland. Its succession of Bishops descends from the most ancient Celtic roots, the age of Columba, Moluag, Brendan and Molaise. Today the Province has seven Bishops in seven dioceses, our own being the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles. When the Reformation swept the Churches in the 16th century, the Episcopalian wing in Scotland continued to value the traditions of holiness and reverence inherited from the past of the universal Church, as distinct from the more radical Presbyterian party. Until 1693 the two styles managed partially to co-exist, with Episcopalianism dominating the Gaelic and Doric speaking areas, and the Presbyterians the South. However, the loyalty of the Episcopal Church to the Jacobite cause led to its suppression after 1745, its life continuing in quiet and in difficulty until the 19th century.
As a result of its illegal status, in the later 18th century, the Scottish Episcopal Church gave birth to the Anglican Communion by consecrating Bp Seabury as founder of the Episcopal Church of the then rebellious USA. The Anglican Communion stretches across the world, with our closest neighbours in the Churches of England, Ireland, and the Church in Wales. Through the Porvoo Agreement we are also in full communion with the Nordic Lutheran Churches.
Through the Aberdeen Doctors of the 17th and 18th centuries the Church became imbued with a spirituality touched by the Orthodox Church of the East. This profound sense of sacramental life calls us through beauty and liturgy into the mystery of God, to be partakers of the divine nature.
Beloved, what we shall be has not yet been revealed,
but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him,
because we shall see him as he is. (I John 3. 2)
The vulnerable and those in need are of particular concern to us. Representatives of our churches are always willing to visit people at home or in hospital, to offer a listening ear, or, where appropriate, practical help and support. Justice, peace, and the care of the environment are areas in which our members are actively involved. As a church we support a variety of mission and development projects at home and overseas.
Visit the SEC website at www.scotland.anglican.org