Andrew Durie facts for kids

Andrew Durie (died 1558) was an important church leader in Scotland. He served as the bishop of Galloway and also as the abbot of Melrose. He was the son of John Durie from Fife and the brother of George Durie, who was also a church leader.

Andrew Durie's Early Church Career

Becoming an Abbot at Melrose

Andrew Durie and his brother George began their church careers with help from their uncle, Archbishop James Beaton. In 1526, their uncle helped them become abbots. An abbot is the head of a monastery or abbey. Andrew Durie was chosen to lead Melrose Abbey.

This choice was not easy. King James V wanted someone else, John Maxwell, to be the abbot. The King even asked the pope to approve Maxwell. However, letters supporting Durie were sent to the pope.

Many people tried to stop Durie's appointment. King James V asked Cardinal Wolsey and King Henry VIII of England to help. The Scottish parliament also tried to cancel the letters supporting Durie. Despite these efforts, Andrew Durie became the abbot of Melrose.

Andrew Durie's Role as a Church Leader

Andrew Durie was known for his strong opinions. He was very traditional in his religious views. He did not like the new ideas of Protestantism that were spreading. He openly said that the "gospel" (meaning the new Protestant teachings) should not be preached in Scotland.

Andrew Durie Becomes Bishop of Galloway

Serving as Bishop

On July 2, 1541, Andrew Durie became an important judge. The next day, he was recommended to the pope to become the bishop of Galloway. A bishop is a senior leader in the Christian church. The king said that Durie should give up his role as abbot of Melrose to become a bishop. However, he was still called both bishop and abbot in 1556.

In 1550, he traveled to France with Mary of Guise, who was the queen-regent of Scotland. The queen-regent ruled Scotland for her young daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots.

His Final Years

Andrew Durie died in September 1558 in Edinburgh. His death happened during a time of unrest. Protestants in Edinburgh had caused a disturbance during a religious procession. He was succeeded as bishop by Alexander Gordon.