Free Church of Scotland facts for kids
The Free Church of Scotland is the name for several groups of Christian churches in Scotland. These churches are part of the Presbyterian family, which means they are led by groups of elders, not by single leaders like Popes or bishops. Their ideas come from a famous Scottish reformer named John Knox.
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What is the Free Church of Scotland?
The Free Church of Scotland groups are Christian churches that separated from the main, official Church of Scotland. They all believe in the Bible as their guide. However, they understand some parts of the Bible differently from the main Church of Scotland. Generally, the Free Churches read the Bible in a very direct and literal way.
Why did these churches form?
These churches formed because of disagreements with the main Church of Scotland. Over time, different groups felt that the official church was moving away from what they believed was the true path. They decided to "break away" and form their own churches where they could follow their beliefs more closely. The biggest split happened in 1843.
What do they believe?
Like many Christian churches, the Free Churches base their beliefs on the Bible. A key difference for many Free Churches is how literally they interpret the Bible. They often believe that the Bible should be understood exactly as it is written. They also believe that churches should be free from control by the government or other outside groups.
Many Free Churches
Over the years, several different Free Churches have formed in Scotland. They all share the idea of being "free" from the main Church of Scotland, but they have their own unique histories and sometimes small differences in belief. Here are some of the main ones:
- Free Church of Scotland (1843–1900): This was the first large group to break away in 1843. Many of its members later rejoined the main Church of Scotland in 1900.
- Free Church of Scotland (since 1900): This group continued after the 1900 reunion. It is often called the Wee Frees.
- Free Church of Scotland (Continuing): This church started in 2000. It sees itself as the true continuation of the original Free Church of Scotland.
- United Free Church of Scotland: This church was formed in 1900 from two earlier groups: the United Presbyterian Church and the Free Church of Scotland (from 1843).
- United Presbyterian Church of Scotland (1847–1900): This group, known as the U.P., was made up of even older, smaller churches that had separated earlier.
- Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland: Formed in 1893, this group is sometimes called the Wee Wee Frees. They are known for having strong leaders called Elders.
- Associated Presbyterian Churches: This church broke away from the Wee Wee Frees in 1989.
