Kirk row over pact with Church of England

The Most Rev David Chillingworth said the Church of England does not have any jurisdiction in Scotland
The Most Rev David Chillingworth said the Church of England does not have any jurisdiction in Scotland
CHRIS DOBSON

The Kirk has provoked a row after announcing plans to work more closely with the Church of England in a pact that would allow both to effectively share ministers.

The Columba Declaration, announced last month, aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries after the independence vote and general election and before an EU referendum.

The pact would allow members and clergy to worship and exercise ministry in each other’s churches. However, the Scottish Episcopal Church has criticised the proposals, saying the move would cause its members “deep hurt”.

The Most Rev David Chillingworth, primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, announced his opposition to the pact in blog posts, warning that it could lead to the Church of England meddling in Scottish religious affairs.

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