Church of England and Scotland Unite in Historic Decision

 

The Church of Scotland will unite with the Church of England after a historic vote passed this week at the Scottish Church’s general assembly.

 

According to ChristianToday.com, the Columba Declaration officially unites the two churches, despite some differences. For example, the Church of Scotland allows ministers who are in same-sex marriages and the Church of England does not.

 

"We won't always necessarily find ourselves walking in step with one another, something I've been particularly conscious of, as, like you, we have been considering the issues around same-sex marriages, and following your earlier debate on ministers in same-sex marriages," said Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury.

 

"But what we believe we are providing in this report is a sound framework for us to affirm and build on the agreement we have, for the sake of our common witness to Christ."

 

Welby said the common issues between the churches are “witness and testimony in the face of the challenges the country is facing.”

 

Initially, the announcement of the partnership between the Church of England and the Church of Scotland came as a shock to the Church of England partner in Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church. However, the Church of England apologized.

 

"It was a bit difficult when our sister begins to take an interest in our best friend especially when our best friend showed interest back," said Mark Strange, the Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness in the SEC.