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The Scottish Episcopal Church is a Province of the world-wide Anglican Communion and a sister Church of the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, and the Church in Wales. The General Synod (three Houses: Bishops, Clergy, and Laity) is responsible for ordering the life of the Province as a whole. It is presided over by the Primus who is elected by his fellow Bishops to be 'first among equals'. Our Province is the only one not to have an Archbishop: in this we follow our own ancient custom. Each Diocese has its own Synod presided over by the Bishop. There are seven Dioceses in our Church: Aberdeen and Orkney, Argyll & the Isles, Brechin, Edinburgh & the Borders, Glasgow & Galloway, Moray / Ross & Caithness, and our own United Diocese of St.Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane. Our Bishop is the Right Reverend David Chillingworth, and his Cathedral is in Perth. Congregations are grouped together in Regional Chapters. Chapter Meetings composed of the clergy and elected laity are held regularly and are open to all. Each Congregation (or Charge) is governed by an elected Vestry chaired by the Rector. In ordering its life at all levels, our Church tries to ensure that young people also have a voice. |
