This section of our guide covers four separate but historically related denominations: the Free Church of Scotland (1843-1900), the United Free Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland (since 1900), and the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing).
The Free Church of Scotland was formed during the Disruption of 1843, a significant split from the established Church of Scotland. The Disruption occurred due to disagreements over the relationship between the Church and the state, particularly issues related to the right of a congregation to call its ministers. The Free Church of Scotland emphasized its independence from state control and a commitment to a more evangelical and conservative theology. However, in 1900, the majority of the Free Church of Scotland merged with the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland to form the United Free Church of Scotland, while those who remained became known as the Free Church of Scotland (1843-1900).
The United Free Church of Scotland was created in 1900 through the union of the Free Church of Scotland and the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, as stated above. The merger aimed to strengthen the Presbyterian witness in Scotland. The United Free Church continues to emphasize Presbyterian governance and evangelical theology. However, not all congregations and ministers agreed to join the union.
After the union, 27 ministers and about 100 congregations chose not to enter the United Free Church of Scotland. These dissenting congregations, in a display of resilience and determination, continued as the Free Church of Scotland, which has maintained its commitment to a more conservative theological stance and independence from state interference.
The Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) represents the continuation of the original Free Church of Scotland. It is a distinct denomination that emphasizes traditional Reformed theology and a commitment to Presbyterian principles. While smaller, it continues to exist alongside the larger Church of Scotland and other Presbyterian bodies.
In short, the Free Church of Scotland (1843-1900) led to the United Free Church of Scotland, but some congregations remained separate as the Free Church of Scotland (since 1900), and a further division resulted in the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). Each of these denominations has its unique history and theological perspectives.
The Disruption of 1843, which started it all, was a schism in which 450 evangelical ministers broke away from the Church of Scotland to form the Free Church of Scotland. The central conflict was whether the Church of Scotland or the British Government had the power to control clerical positions and benefits.
The Church of Scotland was recognized by Acts of the Parliament as the national church of the Scottish people. The Church of Scotland had always claimed the right to independent jurisdiction over its affairs. To some extent, this right was recognized by the Claim of Right of 1689, which was ratified by the Act of Union in 1707.
The issue of the right of patronage, in which the patron of a parish had the authority to appoint a minister of their choosing, sparked debate and contention. Some argued that this practice encroached upon the Church's spiritual autonomy, while others considered it a state prerogative.
 
 
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Edinburgh Theological Seminary
Originally known as the Free Church College, Edinburgh Theological Seminary is connected to the Free Church of Scotland, tracing its origins to the foundation of New College, Edinburgh, at the time of the Disruption of 1843. When the United Free Church was formed, it was granted the New College buildings, and the Church of Scotland (Continuing) moved to new premises in 1907. The school offers a Bachelor of Theology and a variety of Master of Theology programs.
https://ets.ac.uk/
Free Church Continuing Seminary
The Seminary of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) is situated at Westhill Church in Westhill, Inverness, Scotland. It offers diploma courses to train men for the Gospel ministry and certificate courses teaching the Reformed faith. Although its lectures are primarily carried out online, the seminary's principal purpose is to train students for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). Private students are also welcome. Its lecturers are introduced.
https://www.freechurchseminary.com/
In 1843, the Free Church of Scotland was formed when about a third of the ministers in the Church of Scotland resigned, an event known as the Disruption. In 1900, most of the Free Church joined with the Presbyterian Church to form the United Free Church. However, a minority did not enter that union and continued as the Free Church of Scotland. Its history and core beliefs are noted, and a list of member churches is noted on the site, along with various resources and guidance.
https://freechurch.org/
Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)
The history of this Church is published on the denominational website, which includes various doctrinal and other statements and declarations, as well as its governance, congregations, presbyteries, synods, missions, ministers, and the General Assembly. The website also includes committee reports, reports to the General Assembly, a calendar of events, various educational materials, magazines, articles, sermon audio from member congregations, and links to informational sources.
https://www.freechurchcontinuing.org/
Presbytery of the United States Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)
The Presbytery of the United States is part of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), a Scottish Presbyterian denomination formed in 2000. It claims to be the true continuation of the original Free Church of Scotland. The Presbytery aims to establish new congregations across the United States, following the principles of the Scottish Reformation. Its congregations, identity, ministries, and upcoming events are set forth, and informational texts are included.
https://www.westminsterconfession.org/
United Free Church of Scotland
The Reformed Church in Scotland began in 1560, becoming the national church in 1567. The Disruption led to a breakaway in 1843, forming the Free Church of Scotland. In 1900, the Free Church united with the United Presbyterian Church to become the United Free Church. A minority did not enter that union and continues today as the Free Church of Scotland. In 1929, the UFC united with the Church of Scotland, and those who did not enter that union continue today as the United Free Church of Scotland.
https://www.ufcos.org.uk/