Scottish presbyterianism

Presbyterianism is a form of Protestant Christianity overseen by elected elders known as presbyters, rather than by bishops or popes. Governace by the presbyters is generally delivered by a hierarchy of four courts: parochial, local, regional, and national.^[1]

The Scottish Reformation of the mid-16th century culminated in the establishment of the Protestant Church of Scotland, commonly known as the Kirk, when in 1560 the Scottish Parliament passed three Acts abolishing the old Catholic faith and rejecting papal authority in the country.^[2]

John Knox (c. 1514 – 1572), a prominent leader of the Scottish Reformation, has been credited with establishing the democratic, presbyterian form of government subsequently adopted by the Church of Scotland, along with its austere, largely Calvinistic, moral tone.^[3]

The Church of Scotland today is governed by three main courts:^[4]

• The kirk session, serving a local community. It is made up of the minister and elders^[a]Elders are individuals elected either by their congregation or a kirk session, regular attenders at worship who are “seen to be a person who walks with God”.^[5] of an individual parish or congregation.^[6]
• The presbytery session, overseeing congregations within its area, largely made up of elders from the various communities within the area.^[7]
• The General Assembly, the highest decision-making authority, an annual event comprising about 500 ministers, deacons and elders. Its remit is “to hear reports from the councils and committees, make laws and set the agenda for the national Church”.^[8]