The vibrancy of ministry within the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) was demonstrated with the hosting of 25 new or recent clergy, Lay Readers and Church Army personnel at General Synod Office for the annual Provincial Welcome Day.

Attendees came from all around the country to meet up in Edinburgh – from Brora in the north to Lockerbie in the south, and from Aberdeen in the east to Stornoway in the west – for what was the biggest gathering since Welcome Day was first established.

After opening worship was led by Rev Canon Anne Tomlinson, Principal of the Scottish Episcopal Institute, guests were welcomed by the Most Rev Dr Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness, who provided a perspective of the past and the present by highlighting the direct connection between the church’s roots in Scotland from the start of Christianity to its mission here today in 2020.

The morning session concluded with John Stuart, Secretary General of the SEC, giving an overview of the Province and workings of the General Synod, Provincial boards and committees, and Canonical framework.

In the afternoon, guests enjoyed sessions on the SEC Liturgies, led by Rt Rev Ian Paton, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, and on Continuing Ministerial Development, led by Rev Dr Michael Hull, Director of Studies at the Scottish Episcopal Institute.

The day’s activities concluded with group discussions and then a question and answer session with staff of the General Synod Office, before closing worship was led by the Rev Dr Michael Hull.

We wish all those serving within our Province blessings on their various ministries among us in the years to come.