The Scottish Episcopal Church has agreed to an official 'Declaration of Friendship' with the Catholic Church.

The declaration will need to be presented at General Synod, but marks a significant step in ecumenical relations in the country.

It builds on the spirit of unity expressed in the 2022 'St Margaret Declaration' between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church which emphasised its shared Christian beliefs, mutual respect, and a desire to move beyond historical divisions.

It was officially signed at Dunfermline Abbey on St Margaret’s Day, with key religious leaders and Princess Anne present.

The new declaration aims to affirm the shared faith and values of both traditions while promoting greater dialogue, cooperation, and witness in Scottish society.

If approved by the General Synod, it represents a bold step toward healing old divisions.

Historic tensions between Scottish Episcopalians and Catholics stem from the Reformation and were deepened by political and cultural divides. Though formal hostility has lessened, sectarianism lingers in modern Scotland—sometimes flaring in football rivalries, especially between Celtic and Rangers fans, where religious identity has fuelled occasional violence and social division.