Scottish Catholics and Episcopalians sign declaration of friendship

The Scottish Episcopal Church and the Catholic Church in Scotland have signed what has been described as a “historic friendship agreement” in a bid to enhance cooperation and understanding.

The Scottish Episcopal Church emerged from the Reformation within the sixteenth century, but unlike the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, retained Catholic trappings, resembling a hierarchical structure with bishops and the same liturgy.

Historically there was some suspicion and even violence between the denominations, with Catholics viewing Episcopalians as schismatics and Episcopalians wishing to distance themselves from the authority of Rome.

Relations improved significantly within the twentieth century and each have engaged in joint initiatives, social justice efforts and interfaith programmes.

Now they’ve signed the Saint Ninian Declaration in memory of the fifth century missionary to Scotland.

The signing was marked by a ceremony through which representatives of the 2 Churches walked between their respective cathedrals. The document of friendship was signed at each St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral and St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Archbishop Leo Cushley, signing on behalf of the Catholic Church, said, “This declaration is just not just for us, but for the people of Scotland whom we’re called to serve.

“By deepening the friendship, we strengthen our common witness to the Gospel in a world that longs for hope and reconciliation. True friendship doesn’t demand uniformity, but grows through honesty, trust, and love.

“As we sign this declaration, we’re saying to our people: allow us to walk together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Let our unity in Christ be an indication of God’s love for all. May this moment encourage us to look outward, shoulder to shoulder, as friends and partners in mission.”

While not signatories to the agreement, representatives of the Church of Scotland met the declaration party as an additional sign of ecumenical friendship.

The Most Rev Mark Strange signed on behalf of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

He commented, “We sign this declaration on the feast day of St Ninian remembering the saint who first carried the Gospel to this land.

“Through this act we within the Scottish Episcopal and Roman Catholic Churches are committing to walk forward together as friends, on the identical journey of religion that Ninian began over a thousand years ago. 

“It gives us a possibility to concentrate on what we share, and to trust that Christ calls us all to listen, to learn, and to serve this land as descendants of Ninian, side by side.”

The agreement conceded that while differences remain between the denominations, they wished to “encourage amity, respect and charity amongst those that belong to our churches”, and to walk together on their path with God and to witness the Gospel to the people of Scotland together.