The Summer 2020 issue of the Scottish Episcopal Journal is now online. The new edition, entitled Church, Ministry and Coronavirus, was conceived as the nation entered lockdown and churches had to close their doors to protect the vulnerable from infection transmission. Here, the editorial board explains the Journal’s objectives: The impact on our lives is… Continue reading Summer edition of SEI Journal looks at ‘Church, Ministry and Coronavirus’

St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh is delighted to announce that it will be re-opening its doors on Wednesday 24 June at 10.30am, for private prayer. The Cathedral, whose three spires look over the west end of Edinburgh, is usually open daily, as a place of prayer and refuge. Ruth Davidson, the local MSP for… Continue reading Cathedral re-opens doors for private prayer

In the light of the First Minister’s announcement on 18 June 2020 regarding entry into Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Route Map, some revisions have been made to the pastoral guidance from the College of Bishops  and the guidance regarding the reopening of church buildings from the Advisory Group issued last week (12 June).… Continue reading Revised Guidance for Phase 2 of emerging from lockdown

The Scottish Episcopal Church again comes together with churches across Scotland this weekend to encourage Christians to join together in prayer at 7pm on Sunday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A letter calling for prayer has been co-signed by 14 Christian churches and organisations. Many of those joining together in prayer, which appears below… Continue reading A joint prayer on Sunday for challenging times

The College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church has joined with nine other churches in welcoming the announcement of Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Route Map through and out of the coronavirus crisis. Phase 2 allows for the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, including the ability to re-open places of worship for private… Continue reading Bishops join other churches in welcoming Phase 2

Lis Burke, Diocesan Warden of Lay Readers for the Diocese of St. Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, leads a Service of the Word on Thursday 18 June. The service will begin at 6.30pm. Lis is joined digitally by members of the Diocese. The readers are Lesley Whitwood (Lay Reader at the Highland Perthshire Charges), and Laurene Mackenzie… Continue reading Lis Burke leads Service of the Word

Bishop Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, has issued a statement on behalf of the College of Bishops following the announcement by the Scottish Government of further measures to ease lockdown restrictions. The statement says: “Today the First Minister of Scotland has announced moving the communities of Scotland into Phase 2 of the… Continue reading Start date confirmed for Phase 2 Guidance

“It is said that during lockdown we are all paying closer attention to our world than we did before,” writes Bishop Anne Dyer in her latest column in the Press & Journal. “With most of us staying at home, and those that are going out to work experiencing a quieter world, we can notice things… Continue reading ‘Support those who have suffered in silence’

The College of Bishops and its Advisory Group have issued guidance to the Scottish Episcopal Church on how to prepare for the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions as we approach Phase 2 of the Scottish Government route map through and out of the coronavirus crisis. Three documents are being made available: Emerging from Lockdown: Phase… Continue reading Guidance for Scottish Episcopal Church released in preparation for Phase 2 of easing lockdown

Coping with a feeling of powerlessness during the COVID-19 pandemic is at the heart of this week’s joint prayer offered by churches across Scotland. A letter encouraging Christians to join together in prayer at 7pm on Sunday has been co-signed by 14 churches and faith organisations across the country, including the Scottish Episcopal Church. Many of… Continue reading Joint prayer offers hope during feelings of powerlessness