Bill laid to lift ban on Catholics in Kirk role
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Lady Eilish Angiolini KC
A new bill has been introduced in the House of Commons to lift the ban on Catholics serving as the King’s representative at the Church of Scotland’s annual general assembly.
Lady Eilish Angiolini KC, a practising Catholic and former lord advocate, has been appointed as the lord high commissioner for the 2025 general assembly. However, under 19th-century legislation, she is legally prohibited from holding the role.
The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill, proposed by Labour MP Pat McFadden, seeks to revoke that restriction and “make provision for persons of the Roman Catholic faith” to assume the position.
The general assembly, which has convened almost annually since the Scottish Reformation of 1560, is responsible for making laws and setting the agenda for the Church of Scotland. The lord high commissioner acts as the sovereign’s representative, delivering the event’s opening and closing speeches.
The role has traditionally been held by prominent figures in Scottish society, including King Charles in 2000. However, the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 continued to bar Catholics from the position.
If passed, the new bill will remove this restriction, allowing Catholics to serve as the sovereign’s representative at the Church of Scotland’s general assembly for the first time.
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