Archbishop Leo Cushley has addressed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, highlighting the importance of ecumenical friendship and cooperation between Christians in Scotland.
He praised the ongoing work of the Scottish Christian Forum and the Scottish Christian Leaders Forum, and thanked the Kirk for the practical support it provides in helping churches work together in mission and witness.
Archbishop Cushley said: “The Scottish Christian Leaders Forum is already a success… there is no lack of work and challenges and possibilities.”
He also described the Forum as “a remarkable achievement”, noting that there are few ecumenical initiatives elsewhere quite like it.
The Archbishop’s contribution reflects the warm and growing relationship between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Church of Scotland, especially since the signing of the historic Saint Margaret Declaration in 2022.
The declaration affirmed a shared commitment to friendship, prayer and cooperation in proclaiming the Gospel in Scotland.
Addressing Assembly commissioners, Archbishop Cushley thanked the Church of Scotland’s Ecumenical Relations Committee and Kirk staff for their “quiet, constant and very diligent work” in supporting dialogue and collaboration among Scotland’s churches.
He also highlighted how it may be the first time ever that two Catholic Archbishops – himself and William Nolan of Glasgow Archdiocese – have been present together at the General Assembly (see title image).
Main photo: Church of Scotland.
