History of Christianity in Scotland - Contemporary Christianity

Contemporary Christianity

In the 20th century, existing Christian denominations were joined by other organisations, including the Brethren and Pentecostal churches. Although some denominations thrived, after World War II there was a steady overall decline in church attendance and resulting church closures for most denominations. In the 2001 census 42.4 per cent of the population identified with the Church of Scotland, 15.9 per cent with Catholicism and 6.8 with other forms of Christianity, making up roughly 65 per cent of the population (compared with 72 per cent for the UK as a whole). 5.5 per cent did not state a religion. There were 27.5 per cent who stated that they had no religion (which compares with 15.5 per cent in the UK overall). Other more recent studies suggest that those not identifying with a denomination or who see themselves as non-religious may be much higher at between 42 and 56 per cent, depending on the form of question asked.

The Church of Scotland, also known as The Kirk, is recognised in law (by the Church of Scotland Act 1921) as the national church of Scotland, but is not an established church and is independent of state control in matters spiritual. The Church of Scotland is a Reformed church, with a Presbyterian system of ecclesiastical polity as determined in 1690. Prior to this date, Episcopalian and Presbyterian parties vied for control of the church (see Bishop's Wars). Throughout the 18th century, the Church of Scotland maintained its reformed theology and kept a tight control over the morality of much of the population. The Kirk had a significant influence on the cultural development of Scotland in early modern times. The monarch (currently Queen Elizabeth II) is an ordinary member of the Church of Scotland, and is represented at the General Assembly by their Lord High Commissioner.

The second largest church in Scotland in terms of membership is the Roman Catholic Church which continued its revival for much of the 20th century, during which significant numbers of Catholics from Italy and Poland also migrated to Scotland. Some parts of Scotland (particularly the West Central Belt around Glasgow) have experienced problems caused by sectarianism, particularly football rivalry between the traditionally Roman Catholic team, Celtic, and the traditionally Protestant team, Rangers.

Other denominations in Scotland include the Jehovah's Witnesses, Methodists, the Congregationalists, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.