The UK Government is taking steps to overturn a centuries-old legal restriction that has prevented Roman Catholics from holding the prestigious role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. A new bill introduced today aims to remove this barrier, paving the way for Lady Elish Angiolini to make history in 2025.
A Role Rooted in Tradition
The Lord High Commissioner serves as the Sovereign’s representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a position steeped in historical and religious significance. Each May, the Assembly convenes in Edinburgh to discuss church governance, make laws, and set the direction for Scotland’s national church. The Lord High Commissioner attends these proceedings, delivering opening and closing addresses while also carrying out various ceremonial and official duties on behalf of The King.
Despite the importance of the role, Roman Catholics have been legally barred from holding the position due to legislation dating back to the 19th century, primarily the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829. Other individuals, regardless of faith or lack thereof, have been eligible, making this restriction a unique legal relic of Britain’s complex religious history.
A Legislative Shift
The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill, introduced by the UK Government on Thursday, is a narrowly focused piece of legislation designed to remove this restriction. Ministers have emphasized that this is not a broad religious reform but rather a practical adjustment to outdated legal constraints. The bill is expected to pass smoothly through Parliament, given its limited scope and clear objective.
Government officials have described the move as a modernizing step, one that reflects the inclusive values of contemporary Britain. While the Church of Scotland remains a distinct entity from the UK state, there has been growing recognition of the need to ensure historic roles within the church reflect present-day principles of equality and religious tolerance.
Lady Elish Angiolini: A Historic Appointment
Lady Elish Angiolini, a prominent figure in law and academia, has been nominated as the Lord High Commissioner for 2025. If the bill passes as expected, she will be the first Roman Catholic to hold this office, marking a significant milestone in British and Scottish religious history.
Angiolini’s credentials are extensive. She has served as both Lord Advocate of Scotland and Principal of St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Her legal expertise and commitment to justice have earned her widespread respect across political and religious lines. Her appointment is seen as a gesture of unity between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland, building on recent interfaith efforts such as the St Margaret Declaration of 2022.
A Moment of Religious Unity
The significance of this legislative change extends beyond the appointment itself. The move has been welcomed as a step toward greater collaboration between Scotland’s two largest Christian traditions. Relations between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church have evolved considerably over the past century, with increasing efforts to foster dialogue and understanding.
The St Margaret Declaration, signed in 2022, reaffirmed a spirit of goodwill between the two churches, emphasizing common values and shared commitments to Scottish society. Allowing a Roman Catholic to serve as the Lord High Commissioner aligns with these principles, sending a message of inclusion and cooperation.
The Road Ahead
While the bill is unlikely to face serious opposition, it represents a meaningful change in Britain’s religious and legal landscape. The repeal of outdated restrictions acknowledges the evolving role of religion in public life and highlights a broader commitment to religious equality.
For many, the upcoming appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini will be more than a procedural change—it will symbolize Scotland’s continued progress toward inclusivity and mutual respect among its religious communities. With the bill set to pass, 2025 will likely see a landmark moment in Scottish church history, as a role once defined by exclusion becomes a testament to unity.
