Associated Presbyterian Churches: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
imported>AnomieBOT
Rescuing orphaned refs ("wrfnet.org" from rev 1295611769)
 
Accuracy and impartiality.
 
Line 22: Line 22:
{{Portal|Reformed Christianity}}
{{Portal|Reformed Christianity}}
== History ==
== History ==
The division occurred because of a continuing difference over [[Freedom of thought|liberty of conscience]] (as defined in the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]]), which came to a head over the attendance of [[James Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern|Lord Mackay of Clashfern]] at a [[Requiem Mass]] which formed part of the [[funeral]] of a colleague, former [[Lord Justice Clerk]] [[John Wheatley, Baron Wheatley|Lord Wheatley]]. As Mackay was [[Lord Advocate]] for [[Scotland]], it was expected that he attend the funeral of a deceased member of the judiciary; Wheatley was also a friend of Mackay. However, Mackay was also an elder in the Edinburgh congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church, and some within the leadership of the denomination (but not within the Edinburgh congregation) found his attendance intolerable, as it regards the [[Catholic Church]] as spurious and the Mass as idolatrous. As a result, Mackay was suspended from office as an elder. In addition, the Rev. Alexander Murray (Lairg) was suspended on the same day as Lord Mackay for asking a Catholic priest to say a prayer at a meeting.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=1989-06-29 |title=Church appeals to rebels to quit manses |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11920821.church-appeals-to-rebels-to-quit-manses/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref>
The division occurred because of a continuing difference over [[Freedom of thought|liberty of conscience]] (as defined in the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]]), which came to a head over the attendance of [[James Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern|Lord Mackay of Clashfern]] at a [[Requiem Mass]] which formed part of the [[funeral]] of a colleague, former [[Lord Justice Clerk]] [[John Wheatley, Baron Wheatley|Lord Wheatley]]. As Mackay was [[Lord Advocate]] for [[Scotland]], it was expected that he attend the funeral of a deceased member of the judiciary; Wheatley was also a friend of Mackay. However, Mackay was also an elder in the Edinburgh congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church, and some within the leadership of the denomination (but not within the Edinburgh congregation) found his attendance intolerable, as it regards the [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic Church]] as spurious and the Mass as idolatrous. As a result, Mackay was suspended from office as an elder. In addition, the Rev. Alexander Murray (Lairg) was suspended on the same day as Lord Mackay for asking a Roman Catholic priest to say a prayer at a meeting.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=1989-06-29 |title=Church appeals to rebels to quit manses |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11920821.church-appeals-to-rebels-to-quit-manses/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref>


Some in the church disagreed with this punishment and a split ensued on 25th May 1989, not only over the Mackay affair (and Alexander Murray) but also the ongoing issue of freedom of conscience.<ref name=":2" /> Those who formed the APC believed that liberty of conscience was not being given sufficient place in the Free Presbyterian Church, and that the disciplinary action taken by the Free Presbyterian authorities against Lord Mackay was inappropriate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apchurches.org/about/|title=History « AP Church|work=apchurches.org|date=24 August 2014 }}</ref>
Some in the church disagreed with this punishment and a split ensued on 25th May 1989, not only over the Mackay affair (and Alexander Murray) but also the ongoing issue of freedom of conscience.<ref name=":2" /> Those who formed the APC believed that liberty of conscience was not being given sufficient place in the Free Presbyterian Church, and that the disciplinary action taken by the Free Presbyterian authorities against Lord Mackay was inappropriate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apchurches.org/about/|title=History « AP Church|work=apchurches.org|date=24 August 2014 }}</ref>
Line 28: Line 28:
They also asserted that the Free Presbyterian Church failed to put into practice the Westminster Confession of Faith's teaching on Communion of the Saints. "The APC seeks to re-assert this communion as expressed in the ''Westminster Confession of Faith'' itself." The APC made various unsuccessful attempts at encouraging unity among similar churches in Scotland ([[Free Church of Scotland (since 1900)|Free Church of Scotland]], [[International Presbyterian Church]], [[Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)|Free Church (Continuing)]], [[Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland|Reformed Presbyterian Church]]). Since 1989, the majority of its congregations have merged with Free Church of Scotland congregations.  
They also asserted that the Free Presbyterian Church failed to put into practice the Westminster Confession of Faith's teaching on Communion of the Saints. "The APC seeks to re-assert this communion as expressed in the ''Westminster Confession of Faith'' itself." The APC made various unsuccessful attempts at encouraging unity among similar churches in Scotland ([[Free Church of Scotland (since 1900)|Free Church of Scotland]], [[International Presbyterian Church]], [[Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)|Free Church (Continuing)]], [[Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland|Reformed Presbyterian Church]]). Since 1989, the majority of its congregations have merged with Free Church of Scotland congregations.  


In the months and years after the split, there were legal issues, as the departing ministers often were still residing in the manse, and using the Free Presbyterian buildings for worship, as often the vast majority of the original congregation departed the denomination alongside their minister.<ref name=":4" />  
In the months and years after the split, there were legal issues, as the departing ministers often were still residing in the manse, and using disputed buildings for worship, as often the majority of the original congregation departed the denomination alongside their minister.<ref name=":4" />  


Rev. Alexander Murray was the inaugural moderator of the Associated Presbyterian Church.<ref name=":4" />  
Rev. Alexander Murray was the inaugural moderator of the Associated Presbyterian Church.<ref name=":4" />  


=== Founding Ministers ===
=== Founding Ministers ===
Around 13 serving ministers left the Free Presbyterian Church to form the APC denomination, as well as three others who were retired or suspended ministers. These ministers include:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=1989-05-27 |title=Ministers break away from kirk as Mackay quits |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11915802.ministers-break-away-from-kirk-as-mackay-quits/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1989-05-30 |title=Veteran takes list of rebel ministers to 14 |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11917609.veteran-takes-list-of-rebel-ministers-to-14/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=1989-05-26 |title=A verdict that divides brothers and their Church |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11918172.a-verdict-that-divides-brothers-and-their-church/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" />
Around 13 serving ministers left the Free Presbyterian Church to form the APC denomination, as well as two others who were retired and Alexander Murray who had been suspended. These ministers include:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=1989-05-27 |title=Ministers break away from kirk as Mackay quits |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11915802.ministers-break-away-from-kirk-as-mackay-quits/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1989-05-30 |title=Veteran takes list of rebel ministers to 14 |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11917609.veteran-takes-list-of-rebel-ministers-to-14/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=1989-05-26 |title=A verdict that divides brothers and their Church |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11918172.a-verdict-that-divides-brothers-and-their-church/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" />


* Rev. Douglas Beattie (Vancouver)<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-06-12 |title=Deceased Ministers and Probationers |url=https://www.fpchurch.org.uk/history/deceased-ministers/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Rev. Douglas Beattie (Vancouver)<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-06-12 |title=Deceased Ministers and Probationers |url=https://www.fpchurch.org.uk/history/deceased-ministers/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland |language=en-US}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 07:45, 21 June 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox Christian denomination

File:Churches of Scotland timeline.svg
Timeline showing the evolution of the churches of Scotland from 1560

Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists

The Associated Presbyterian Churches (APC) is a Presbyterian church, with congregations in Scotland, and formerly in Canada and New Zealand. It was formed in 1989 as a result of division in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Script error: No such module "Portal".

History

The division occurred because of a continuing difference over liberty of conscience (as defined in the Westminster Confession of Faith), which came to a head over the attendance of Lord Mackay of Clashfern at a Requiem Mass which formed part of the funeral of a colleague, former Lord Justice Clerk Lord Wheatley. As Mackay was Lord Advocate for Scotland, it was expected that he attend the funeral of a deceased member of the judiciary; Wheatley was also a friend of Mackay. However, Mackay was also an elder in the Edinburgh congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church, and some within the leadership of the denomination (but not within the Edinburgh congregation) found his attendance intolerable, as it regards the Roman Catholic Church as spurious and the Mass as idolatrous. As a result, Mackay was suspended from office as an elder. In addition, the Rev. Alexander Murray (Lairg) was suspended on the same day as Lord Mackay for asking a Roman Catholic priest to say a prayer at a meeting.[1]

Some in the church disagreed with this punishment and a split ensued on 25th May 1989, not only over the Mackay affair (and Alexander Murray) but also the ongoing issue of freedom of conscience.[2] Those who formed the APC believed that liberty of conscience was not being given sufficient place in the Free Presbyterian Church, and that the disciplinary action taken by the Free Presbyterian authorities against Lord Mackay was inappropriate.[3]

They also asserted that the Free Presbyterian Church failed to put into practice the Westminster Confession of Faith's teaching on Communion of the Saints. "The APC seeks to re-assert this communion as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith itself." The APC made various unsuccessful attempts at encouraging unity among similar churches in Scotland (Free Church of Scotland, International Presbyterian Church, Free Church (Continuing), Reformed Presbyterian Church). Since 1989, the majority of its congregations have merged with Free Church of Scotland congregations.

In the months and years after the split, there were legal issues, as the departing ministers often were still residing in the manse, and using disputed buildings for worship, as often the majority of the original congregation departed the denomination alongside their minister.[1]

Rev. Alexander Murray was the inaugural moderator of the Associated Presbyterian Church.[1]

Founding Ministers

Around 13 serving ministers left the Free Presbyterian Church to form the APC denomination, as well as two others who were retired and Alexander Murray who had been suspended. These ministers include:[4][5][2][1]

  • Rev. Douglas Beattie (Vancouver)[4][6]
  • Rev. Donald Macaskill (Dundee)[4][5][2]
  • Rev. George Macaskill (Dumbarton)[4][5][2]
  • Rev. Donald A. Macdonald (retired)[6]
  • Rev. Angus F. MacKay (retired)[5]
  • Rev. Hamish Mackinnon (Oban)[4][5][2]
  • Rev. Archie MacPhail (Lochinver)[2]
  • Rev. Malcolm (or Calum)[1] MacInnes (Toronto)[4][5][2]
  • Rev. Angus Morrison (Edinburgh)[4][5]
  • Rev. Alexander Murray (Lairg)[1][6] [Had been recently suspended by the FPC, so had to be reinstated by the APC].[4][5]
  • Rev. P. Lloyd Roberts (Applecross)[5]
  • Rev. John Walter Ross (Lochcarron)[2][1][6]
  • Rev. John Ross (Tain)[2][5]
  • Rev. Robert Ross Sinclair (Wick)[5][2][6]
  • Rev. Fraser Tallach (Kinlochbervie)[5][2]
  • Rev. John A. Tallach (Aberdeen)[4][5][2]

Doctrine

The Associated Churches website states: "We believe that it is correct to allow Christians to make their own decisions on matters that are not fundamental to the faith."

The church's beliefs "are stated in a confession that is catholic, Reformed, and biblical, and which states the historic convictions of the Church of Scotland"[7] the Westminster Confession of Faith.[8]

Churches

Church Location Minister Web Founded
Dundee Presbyterian Church Dundee Philip Ross Church website, Dundee Presbyterian Church
Kingsview Christian Centre, Inverness Inverness, Highland John Ferguson Kingsview Christian Centre, Inverness
Harris APC Seilebost, Na h-Eileanan Siar Jonathan Baxter Harris Associated Presbyterian Church
Kinlochbervie Kinlochbervie, Highland Donald Macaskill (Interim Moderator) Kinlochbervie Associated Presbyterian Church
Oban APC Oban, Argyll and Bute Vacant Oban Associated Presbyterian Church
Stornoway APC Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar Jonathan Baxter Stornoway & Harris Associated Presbyterian Church website, Stornoway Associated Presbyterian Church 1989

International organisations

The Associated Presbyterian Churches is a member of the World Reformed Fellowship.[9]

External links

References

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b c d e f g h i Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Template:World Reformed Fellowship Template:Scottish religion Template:Christianity in the United Kingdom Template:Authority control


Template:Scotland-reli-stub Template:Asbox Template:Presbyterianism-stub

Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=Associated_Presbyterian_Churches&oldid=2050196"