Exploring the Heritage of the Scottish Reformation

The Presbyterian Church USA draws largely from the heritage of the Scottish Reformation as shaped by the vision of George Wishart and later, John Knox and others. Illume invites you on a journey to explore the people, places and events of the Scottish Reformation. Gain an appreciation for the unique identity and heritage of Scottish Christianity, the thought that led to identification with and differentiation from reform movements in continental Europe and in England, and the events that led to the revolt of the Scottish Lords and tension between Mary Queen of Scots and the emerging religious covenant in Scotland.

Scotland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and evocative historical castles, abbeys, and villages that allow pilgrims to get a feel for the deep spirituality of the people and the evolution of that spirituality from earlier Celtic and Pictish traditions to Christians ones – at once influenced by Iona (Celtic) and by English (Roman) communities. Put together the places, people and moments that led to the establishment of the Church of Scotland and its subsequent theological, liturgical and institutional developments.

Enjoy the local traditions, festivals, art and architecture that make Scotland such a satisfying destination for those seeking to learn more about their heritage and broaden perspectives about other lands, peoples and practices.

Program Highlights

Early Events of the Reformation – St. Andrew’s

St. Andrew’s in an ideal place to begin exploring the history of Christianity in Scotland and the education of its clergy during the 15th and 16th centuries. Learn about the seminal events of the Scottish Reformation such as the taking of the Castle at St. Andrew’s and the historical role of the city in shaping a unique Scottish Christian identity. Visit nearby Glamis Castle (and Pictish stones in the vicinity) – site of some of the earliest conversions to Christianity. Visit Dunfermline Abbey to learn about early introduction of Roman Catholicism to Scotland.

John Knox’s Early Sermons – Perth & Edinburgh

In addition to Knox’s education and preaching at St. Andrew’s, he preached pivotal sermons at Perth and in Edinburgh (at St. Giles Cathedral) that gave a certain impetus to events. Visit Perth (and the Scone Palace) and St. Giles in Edinburgh to learn about the sermons and events that unfolded there. Visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to gain an appreciation for the tension between the leaders of the Reformation and Mary Queen of Scots.

Places of Great Historical Significance – Stirling & Glasgow

Visit sites where important historical events shaped the course of Scottish Reformation – such as the royal burgh of Stirling and its magnificent Castle, Greyfriar’s Church where the National Covenant was signed, and St. Mungo’s in Glasgow.

Optional Excursions Further Afield

Visit the Isle of Iona

Explore Celtic Christian heritage brought to Scotland by St. Columba with the establishment of the monastic community at Iona.

Visit the Border Region of Scotland

South of Edinburgh one finds a number of important religious sites – namely the abbeys of Melrose and Jedburgh (founded by St. Aidan from Lindisfarne). Visit the magnificent ruins of the Dryburgh Abbey nearby. Here one can explore the Celtic and later Roman Catholic influence on the emergence and development of Christianity in the region.

Visit Sites Associated with John Knox’s Ministry in England

Knox held pastorates in Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. These offer opportunities to explore the heritage of Lindisfarne (where St. Aidan and St. Cuthbert had established early communities). Further afield include a unique museum “Bede’s World,” the Abbey of Whitby (famous Synod resolving conflict between Celtic and Roman Christianity) and the great Cathedral of Durham (near Hadrian’s Wall).