The interaction of faith and the community is a fundamental of modern society. The first country to adopt Presbyterianism in its national church, Scotland adopted a system of church government, which is now in world-wide use. This book examines the development and current state of Scots law. Drawing on previous material as well as discussing current topical issues, this book makes some comparisons between Scotland and other legal and religious jurisdictions. The study first considers the Church of Scotland, its ’Disruption’ and statutorily recognised reconstitution and then the position of other denominations before assessing the interaction of religion and law and the impact of Human Rights and various discrimination laws within this distinctive Presbyterian country. This unique book will be of interest to both students and lecturers in constitutional and civil law, as well as historians and ecclesiastics.

In these studies, Alec Cheyne explores the history of the churches of Scotland since the Reformation.Professor Cheyne looks especially at the leaders: among them Robert Rollock, Robert Leighton, William Carstares, Thomas Chalmers, John Tulloch, John Caird, Henry Drummond, John Baillie and Donald Baillie. He illuminates just how much change and diversity in thought, worship, government and culture these four hundred years have witnessed in the churches - far greater than has traditionally been supposed. He also describes the importance of the constant interaction between ecclesiastical and academic affairs, and the very wide influence of the churches on Scottish life as a whole.A significant work of Scottish history and reference.