This section of our guide focuses on faith, religion, and spirituality in Arbroath, Scotland.
Faith, religion, and spirituality are terms often used interchangeably, yet they hold distinct meanings.
Faith is an individual experience, usually characterized by trust and confidence in a higher power or the principles of a belief system. It is an intrinsic part of one's identity and can exist independently of organized religion. In the Christian religion, however, faith is considered essential to salvation.
Religion refers to an organized system of beliefs, practices, and rituals centered around the worship of a higher power or deity. It often involves a community of believers who share common doctrines and engage in collective worship and moral guidance. Common religions include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.
Spirituality is a broader concept encompassing a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. It can involve religious beliefs, although it is not confined to them. Spirituality often focuses on personal growth, inner peace, and the search for meaning in life.
Arbroath, a historic town on the east coast of Scotland, has a rich religious heritage. The most notable religious site in Arbroath is Arbroath Abbey, founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for Tironensian Benedictine monks from Kelso Abbey. The abbey was dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket and became a significant religious centre in medieval Scotland. Arbroath Abbey played a crucial role in Scottish history, particularly with the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, asserting Scotland's independence from England.
The abbey's influence waned after the Scottish Reformation in 1560, which led to the dissolution of many monastic institutions. Despite this, the abbey remains a symbol of Arbroath's religious and historical significance, and its ruins may be visited today.
While religion, in general, has declined considerably in recent years throughout Scotland, Arbroath is home to several notable places of worship.
Although situated outside of Arbroath, in the nearby village of St. Vigeans, St. Vigeans Church was gifted to Arbroath Abbey in the 13th century. Still in use as a parish church within the Church of Scotland, St. Vigeans is situated on a prominent mound, emphasizing its striking appearance.
Old Parish Church, in Arbroath, was initially built in 1590, although it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries. It was united with the nearby Abbey Church in 1990, forming the Old & Abbey Parish Church, also affiliated with the Church of Scotland.
Another Church of Scotland parish in Arbroath is St. Andrews Church. Its building was constructed in the late 1880s.
Although the Church of Scotland is the dominant Christian denomination in Arbroath, the Roman Catholic Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and several other Christian denominations are active within the town, along with the Arbroath Islamic Community Centre.
Appropriate topics for this category of our directory are websites representing ministries and places of worship in Arbroath, Scotland, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect.
Recommended Resources
Arbroath and District Church of Scotland - St. Vigeans
Formed in 2024 from nine local congregations, St. Vigeans Church is a parish congregation of the Church of Scotland serving the ancient village of St. Vigeans on the outskirts of Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. The church was rebuilt in the 12th century, with some alterations in the 15th century and a major restoration in 1871. Worship schedules, live-streaming, and archives are available, along with a calendar of events, its community outreach activities, and contact data.
https://arbroathdistrictcofs.org.uk/
Arbroath Islamic Community Centre
Located on Hayshead Road in Arbroath, Scotland, the Arbroath Islamic Community Centre is a focal point for Muslims and individuals from all walks of life. The website outlines its history and its future plans, including establishing the first Masjid in Arbroath and the broader Angus County. Prayer times are published on the website, along with its address, telephone number, email address, and an online enquiry form that can be used to request additional information.
https://arbroathicc.com/
Situated on West Abbey Street in Arbroath, Scotland, Arbroath Old and Abbey Church is a Church of Scotland congregation that offers a blend of contemporary and traditional worship styles. Regular services are held at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. A profile of the congregation is set forth, along with a description of the church, activity schedules, and an overview of its policies on weddings, baptisms, and funerals, its programmes for children and families. and contact data.
https://old-and-abbey-church.org.uk/
LCA is part of an international network of churches stemming from the World of Life Centre in Drayton Valley, Canada. The congregation in Arbroath, Scotland, started in 2010. A profile and brief history of the church are provided, along with an introduction and schedule of services, a calendar of events, its ministry support teams, address, a map showing its location, telephone numbers, an email address, an online contact form, announcements, and an informational blog.
https://www.lifechurcharbroath.com/
Affiliated with the Scottish Episcopal Church, St. Mary's church building was built between 1852 and 1854 and includes a sizeable oblong nave and north aisle with chancel and side chapel, a tower with a lucarnes spire at the north-west of the nave, and stained glass windows. The church's history is set forth, along with a gallery of photographs, worship schedules, announcements, a calendar of events, a telephone number, an email address, and an online contact form.
https://stmarythevirginarbroath.org.uk/
