Compare traditions
Church of England vs Church of Scotland: How They Differ
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Quick answer
The Church of England is Anglican and episcopal — led by bishops, with the monarch as Supreme Governor. The Church of Scotland, the Kirk, is Presbyterian: governed by courts of ministers and elders, with no bishops. Both are Protestant national churches, but the Kirk is not established in the same way, and the monarch is a member rather than its governor.
On this page
Church of England and Church of Scotland at a glance
| Topic | Church of England | Church of Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Tradition | Anglican. | Presbyterian, in the Reformed tradition of John Knox and John Calvin. |
| Government | Bishops and dioceses, under the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. | Kirk sessions, presbyteries and the annual General Assembly, chaired by a Moderator chosen for one year. |
| Relationship to the state | Established by law. The monarch is Supreme Governor and senior bishops sit in the House of Lords. | A national church, independent in spiritual matters under the Church of Scotland Act 1921. The monarch is a member, not the head. |
| Worship | Set liturgy from Common Worship or the Book of Common Prayer. | Simpler Reformed worship centred on the sermon, with guidance from the Book of Common Order. |
| Communion | Weekly in many parishes. | Traditionally less frequent, from several times a year to monthly, depending on the congregation. |
| Women’s ministry | Women priests since 1994 and bishops since 2015. | Women elders since 1966 and ministers since 1968. |
Is there a Church of England in Scotland?
Not as such. The Anglican church in Scotland is the Scottish Episcopal Church, a separate member of the worldwide Anglican Communion with its own bishops. If you are used to Church of England worship, a Scottish Episcopal church will feel familiar; a Church of Scotland parish will feel more like a Reformed or Free Church service.
What is the monarch’s role in each church?
In England the monarch is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and formally appoints its bishops on the advice of the Prime Minister. In Scotland the monarch promises to maintain the Church of Scotland and attends as a member; at the General Assembly the Crown is represented by the Lord High Commissioner, who sits as an observer rather than a leader.
What will a Sunday service feel like?
A Church of England Eucharist follows a printed or projected liturgy with responses, often with robed clergy and choir. A Church of Scotland service usually has hymns or psalms, Bible readings, prayers and a substantial sermon, led by a minister with less set congregational response. Both welcome visitors without booking.
Find a church near you
The best way to understand the difference is to visit. Browse Church of England and Church of Scotland churches by town, or search by postcode for the closest congregations.
Common questions
Is the Church of Scotland Protestant?
Yes. It is a Presbyterian church in the Reformed Protestant tradition, shaped by the Scottish Reformation of 1560.
Does the Church of Scotland have bishops?
No. Authority lies with courts of ministers and elders: kirk sessions locally, presbyteries regionally and the General Assembly nationally.
Can I take Communion in the Church of Scotland if I am Anglican?
Communion in the Church of Scotland is generally open to baptised Christians who love the Lord; the minister will usually explain the practice before Communion is served.