Scottish Episcopal Church

23/10/2026

The Scottish Episcopal Church was represented by the Primus, the Most Rev Mark Strange, and Church Relations Officer Miriam Weibye at the Porvoo Primates’ Meeting, held at Lambeth Palace from 6–8 October. The gathering brought together the Presiding Bishops of the Communion and members of the Porvoo Contact Group, on which Miriam sits as the SEC representative, to explore “Being the Church in Turbulent Times”.

The meeting took place during the Porvoo Communion’s 30th anniversary year as representatives of Anglican and Lutheran churches considered Christian witness in public life, responses to Christian nationalism, and closer relationships with Anglican and Lutheran churches in North America.

Reflecting on the contribution of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Hon and Most Rev Sarah Mullally, the communiqué issued following the conclusion of the meeting states: “She reminded participants that the Porvoo Communion is more than a pragmatic or institutional arrangement: it is a gift of reconciled diversity, grounded in a shared sacramental life.”

You can read the communiqué from the meeting, and Archbishop Sarah's speech via our website here: https://www.scotland.anglican.org/porvoo-primates-meeting-takes-place-at-lambeth-palace/

Photos: Lambeth Palace

23/10/2026

A selection of photos from the Hope for Creation conference which took place on 20-21 October in Stirling. You can read a report of the conference at our website here: https://www.scotland.anglican.org/hope-for-creation-conference-takes-place-in-stirling/

23/10/2026

The Rev Aaron Moffat-Jackman, Rector of St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, Bridge of Allan and St Modoc's Church Doune, regularly presents Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2. He reflected last week on Stevie Wonder's Talking Book, the album that has been the soundtrack to many moments in his life. As he marked the first anniversary of his father's death, Rev Aaron shared how the album connects memories of family, loss and faith, and how music can help us to see God's presence in daily life.

He reflects: "As a Christian, I believe that God is present in the ordinary things of my life: in love, in beauty, in memory, even in grief. And sometimes, music helps me notice that.

"Talking Book reminds me of my dad, my wife, the life I’ve lived, and the God I believe is mysteriously present in all of it. Stevie Wonder can’t see the world in the way I do. But somehow, through his music, he helps me see something beautiful that I can’t quite put into words.”

You can listen to the full broadcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0pgb5qq

22/10/2026

The Hope for Creation Conference concluded yesterday (21 October), having brought together theologians, scientists and sustainability experts from across the Church and environmental sector to explore how faith communities can respond to the climate crisis.

You can read a report from the two-day conference in Stirling at our website here:

The Hope for Creation conference, held at Stirling Court Hotel on 20–21 October, brought together theologians, scientists and experts in sustainability, with contributors from across the Church and the environmental sector. Organised by the Scottish Episcopal Church’s Net Zero Team and sponsored...

21/10/2026

Iona, we love you! Young people from across the Province spent an unforgettable week on the beautiful island of Iona. Two Youth Pilgrimages - one for teenagers and one for young adults - got there and back safely in spite of storms. They spent time together exploring, praying, talking, worshipping and walking. It was a great opportunity to connect with each other and enjoy time out with God on this peaceful island. Thank you to everyone who participated, the families that supported us and the youth leaders who guided these pilgrimages. Special thanks go to those who offered wonderful hospitality: the good people of St John's Cathedral, Oban, and above all the staff of Bishop's House, Iona, who provided daily feasts and a very warm welcome for the pilgrims.

19/10/2026

Young people from across the Scottish Episcopal Church gathered last week for the Provincial Youth Pilgrimage to Iona, spending time together in prayer, worship, and fellowship. The pilgrimage was offered to two age groups, with young people aged 12-18 attending from 10-14 October and those aged 18-25 joining from 14-17 October.

Led by Provincial Youth leadership team, pilgrims travelled via Oban and Mull to reach Iona where, throughout the week, they were based at Bishop’s House, sharing meals, daily worship and conversations about faith.

The weather brought an unexpected challenge during the younger group’s stay as a particularly stormy Wednesday meant that outdoor activities had to be curtailed, with the group spending much of the day sheltering together in the hostel. Despite this there were plenty of opportunities to visit Iona Abbey, join the Iona Community for worship, and explore the island’s remarkable landscape and Christian heritage, as well as Iona’s natural beauty and unique environment.

17/10/2026

Exciting news from St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, as they announce their service on Christmas morning will be broadcast live on BBC One.

They write that: "We would love to welcome as many people as we can to this very special service; you can reserve a place (and make an optional donation) at https://www.cathedral.net/event-details-registration/christmas-day-eucharist-2026

Big news: we are extremely excited that the BBC One Christmas Day Service this year will be broadcast live from St Mary's Cathedral!

We would love to welcome as many people as we can to this very special service; you can reserve a place (and make an optional donation) at www.cathedral.net/event-details-registration/christmas-day-eucharist-2026.

Please note that this service begins at 10am, with final entry at 9:30am (earlier than our usual time).

12/10/2026

There is still time to sign up for the Hope for Creation conference taking place next week (20-21 October).

With not long to go before the Conference, the Net Zero team are inviting all attendees to sign-up for their preferred breakout sessions here: https://netzerochurch.scot/hope-for-creation-breakout-session-sign-up

The breakout sessions will offer practical advice, expert insight and real-world examples to help churches care for their buildings and communities in a sustainable way. Topics include securing funding, planning successful heritage and net zero projects, exploring community energy opportunities, and learning from churches that have already delivered innovative initiatives. Participants will hear from funders, sustainability specialists and church representatives, gaining practical knowledge, inspiration and opportunities to share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

To register for the conference, which will take place at the Stirling Court Hotel, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hope-for-creation-tickets-1990087987743

With not long to go before our Hope for Creation Conference, we are inviting all attendees to sign-up for their preferred breakout sessions.

08/10/2026

A major project at St Mark's, Portobello has been shortlisted for a national award organised by the National Churches Trust. The 6-month project was completed in June 2025 and cost over £900,000.

The major work on the 200-year-old church at the heart of Portobello, included extensive conservation of the roof, ceiling and historic stained-glass windows. Inside, there has been a transformation with the reordering of the front of the church, adding a second toilet and enhanced kitchen facilities, new flooring, lighting and decoration.

The project is one of six finalists in The President’s Award, which celebrates the best new church building, including re-ordering, extensions or alterations to existing church buildings. The other Scottish finalist in this category is in Aberdeen.

The citation from the National Churches Trust said ‘St Mark’s, Portobello, has been thoughtfully renewed to meet the needs of a modern congregation while respecting nearly 200 years of history. Combining essential fabric repairs with internal alterations and upgraded facilities, the project has improved accessibility, sustainability and flexibility for worship and community activities. Carefully integrated contemporary design sits alongside the historic architecture, ensuring the church remains a welcoming and well-used community asset while supporting its long-term environmental ambitions and future sustainability.’

The project was made possible through the design team at Taft Architects and Lee Boyd Architects, HM Raitt, and the many funding partners including Historic Environment Scotland, The Heritage Lottery Fund, National Churches Trust, the Scottish Episcopal Church, Benefact Trust, Wolfson Trust, Baird Trust, Beatrice Laing Trust, Congregational and General Fund, Garfield Weston, FCC Communities Trust as well as smaller community groups and individuals.

The Rector of St Mark’s, Rev Canon Sophia Marriage said: “The vision of the church was to create a space that was flexible, welcoming and fully accessible for a wide range of congregational and community activities. The work has met all our criteria and exceeded our hopes and expectations, making St Mark’s a central space for Portobello and greatly enhancing our worship as well as our social events. It is a great legacy as the church celebrates its 200th anniversary this year to ensure that it continues to serve the people of Portobello for the next generation.”

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 4th November.

06/10/2026

A new opportunity to contribute to the life and work of the Anglican Communion has recently been published.

The Inter-Anglican Finance and Administration Committee (IAFAC) is seeking a new Chair.

IAFAC is a committee of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) which supports the Standing Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities for the stewardship of the financial resources, assets, and administrative affairs of the Anglican Communion Office and associated charitable entities.

This volunteer role works closely with the ACC, the Anglican Communion Office and its associated entities to support the financial sustainability and mission of the Anglican Communion.

The committee is looking for someone with experience in financial oversight, resource stewardship, strategic planning, risk management and good governance, and who is committed to supporting the work of the Anglican Communion worldwide.

Further information, including the role description, is available here:https://www.scotland.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Chair-of-Inter-Anglican-Finance-and-Administration-Job-Description.pdf