Introduction
Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland is a mainstream Protestant Christian church, but like all churches it has developed its own authentic and individual character.
Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh ©
The history of Christianity in Scotland goes back to 400 CE, although the institution itself did not become the established Church of Scotland until 1560, following the Reformation, and the work of John Knox and others.
Despite schisms that led to the formation of the Free Church of Scotland, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland, loyalty to the Church has remained strong.
In 2000 Church membership was estimated at 607,714. This figure only represents those officially listed as members. The number of people who consider themselves part of the Church in a more informal way is significantly higher.